Lobbying RFP Issued By Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority

RITBA is seeking Request for Proposals (RFP) from qualified firms to provide professional Government Relations (Lobbying) services for one three (3) year term, commencing when RITBA has a need for specific services.

Background:

The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA) manages the Newport Pell, Jamestown Verrazzano, Mount Hope and Sakonnet River Bridges, along with ten (10) small bridges and a section of Route 138 which runs from North Kingstown and continues through Jamestown. RITBA is a quasi-public corporation having a distinct legal existence from the state of Rhode Island. The powers of RITBA are vested in a five (5) member Board of Directors, which is authorized, pursuant to its enabling act and bylaws, to undertake the planning, development, management and operation of the assets for which it is responsible

Scope of Work:

The selected Consultant: 

A. Is required to have a strong identity and presence in the State of Rhode Island, with a strong familiarity with the Rhode Island federal delegation and federal governmental affairs;

B. Will monitor and provide regular reports on current legislation, the state and federal budget processes, and events at the state and federal levels that may directly or indirectly impact RITBA; C. Will work with RITBA in coordination of a legislative/regulatory program, which includes the development of legislative/regulatory positions and platforms, as well as drafting proposed legislation when appropriate;

D. Will obtain and monitor all bills that may have an impact on RITBA;

E. Will provide strategic counsel for the resolution of issues, and identify impacts that proposed resolutions may have on the operation and funding of RITBA;

F. Will remain in frequent contact with members of the Rhode Island General Assembly, Congress and staff, as well as state and federal committee and agency staff, on matters concerning RITBA and future appropriations or grants impacting RITBA; 

G. Will keep policy makers aware of the potential effect of legislation and regulations relative to RITBA’s interests at all state and federal levels of government;

H. Will closely monitor the activities and proposals of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and take appropriate action as directed by RITBA;

M. Will perform other tasks related to advocacy or lobbying at the state and federal level on behalf of RITBA as requested;

N. Will assist RITBA to develop, implement, and encourage economic and job development;

O. Provide direct, preferably written, communication with the Board of Directors and/or Executive Director on legislative or regulatory issues related to or of interest to RITBA; written summary of legislative communications shall be reported to the Executive Director on a regular basis, preferably monthly; all oral and written correspondence will be maintained as strictly confidential unless otherwise advised by RITBA. Services required of the consultant shall be personally provided by the principals of the consultant as identified in the response that shall be specified between the Consultant or Consultant’s Firm and RITBA. Any reports, information, data, statistics, procedures, studies, or other form of communication or information provided by the consultant shall be the exclusive property of RITBA. Consultant or Consultant’s Firm shall provide all equipment, personnel and expert subconsultants needed to fulfill the requirements for representing RITBA. RITBA reserves the right to not award a contract for any work herein; issuance of this RFP solicitation does not guarantee any subsequent award. Furthermore, RITBA reserves the right to hire any additional subject matter experts as needed for specialty items. Selected Government Relations firms are expected to execute RITBA’s form Letter of Engagement attached hereto as Exhibit A. RITBA reserves the right to add terms specific to the engagement. unless otherwise advised by RITBA. Services required of the consultant shall be personally provided by the principals of the consultant as identified in the response that shall be specified between the Consultant or Consultant’s Firm and RITBA. Any reports, information, data, statistics, procedures, studies, or other form of communication or information provided by the consultant shall be the exclusive property of RITBA. Consultant or Consultant’s Firm shall provide all equipment, personnel and expert subconsultants needed to fulfill the requirements for representing RITBA. RITBA reserves the right to not award a contract for any work herein; issuance of this RFP solicitation does not guarantee any subsequent award. Furthermore, RITBA reserves the right to hire any additional subject matter experts as needed for specialty items. Selected Government Relations firms are expected to execute RITBA’s form Letter of Engagement attached hereto as Exhibit A. RITBA reserves the right to add terms specific to the engagement.

Request for Proposals Requirements RITBA requires that the Firms keep the proposal to no more than fifteen (15) double sided 8 ½ x 11 pages, no less than size 12 font, excluding: • Cover Letter (one page, single sided)

• Table-of-Contents 

• Dividers 

• Executive Summary (one page, double sided) 

• Resume(s) (one page, double sided) 

• Professional References RITBA will not accept videos, simulations, or other electronic presentations for this submittal. However, such electronic information may be presented during an interview process for the shortlisted Firms. Firms shall submit one (1) electronic (thumb/flash drive only accepted) and four (4) printed copies of the proposal to: Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority Office of the Executive Director P.O. Box 437 1 East Shore Road Jamestown, Rhode Island 02835-0437

Due Date:

January 5 

Address:

Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority Office of the Executive Director P.O. Box 437 1 East Shore Road Jamestown, Rhode Island 02835-0437

APCO Worldwide and MWW PR are agencies to consider.