Subject:
title
State and Federal Legislative Advocacy
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Statement of Issue:
Following an extensive Request for Proposals (RFP) process, staff identified two consultants, Kahn, Soares & Conway LLP and Stapleton & Associates to provide State and Federal legislative advocacy services, respectively. Staff seeks additional input from the Intergovernmental Relations Committee, prior to placing both contracts on the August 18, 2026, City Council agenda for further consideration.
Financial Impact:
Funds are budgeted in the FY26-27 Operating Budget under business unit 10030101.69365. Funds for future years will be included in their respective years’ budgets.
Recommended Action:
recommendation
Based on the RFP process as defined by the City’s purchasing policies and the panel’s rankings, staff proposes to recommend to the City Council to approve a 3-year professional services agreement for state legislative advocacy services with Kahn, Soares & Conway LLP and a 3-year professional services agreement for federal legislative advocacy services with Stapleton & Associates. Provide feedback to staff.
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Alternative Action(s):
Do not approve the recommended action and direct staff accordingly.
Analysis:
The City of Huntington Beach issued an RFP on May 21, 2026, for well-qualified firms to provide state and federal legislative advocacy services in support of the City Council’s policies and priorities. Firms were asked to submit proposals for either or both the Federal and State legislative advocacy services.
The RFP asked firms to detail their qualifications and their proposed approach to the scope of work, which includes work with the City to establish legislative priorities, advocate on the City’s behalf to federal and state legislative bodies and agencies, conduct legislative research and analysis, support the City in Washington, D.C. and/or Sacramento, and support the City’s financial outlook by advocating for federal appropriations and grant funding.
The RFP specified that responses must include:
1. Cover Letter
2. Firm Qualifications
3. Understanding of and Proposed Approach to the RFP Scope of Work
4. References
5. Pricing Proposal
Additionally, the RFP identified specific criteria that would be used in the evaluation process:
1. Qualifications and experience of the individuals assigned to the contract.
2. Qualifications and experience of the responding firm.
3. Experience and track record conducting similar work for similar cities.
4. Understanding and approach to the proposed scope of work in Huntington Beach.
5. Proposed Fees.
The RFP closed on June 18, 2026, and the city received five proposals. Proposals were independently evaluated by a panel of three staff members using the specific criteria listed in the RFP. A weighted scale up to 1500 points was allocated across six criteria in compliance with the RFP. Each panelist independently reviewed and scored the proposals per the City’s purchasing procurement policies, and the ranking is as follows:
|
Proposer |
Scope of Work |
Cost per Year |
Total Points |
|
Kahn, Soares & Conway LLP |
State |
$90,000 |
1380 |
|
Stapleton & Associates |
Federal |
$78,000 |
1240 |
|
The CrisCom Company |
State and Federal |
$120,000 |
1130 |
|
PACE LLP |
Federal |
$108,000 |
1090 |
|
Nestpoint Associates |
Federal |
$360,000 |
870 |
Based on the RFP process as defined by the City’s purchasing policies and the panel’s rankings, staff proposes to recommend to the City Council to approve a 3-year professional services agreement for state legislative advocacy services with Kahn, Soares and Conway LLP and a 3-year professional services agreement for federal legislative advocacy services with Stapleton & Associates. Sufficient funds to cover the cost of each agreement are budgeted for the FY2026-27 Operating Budget under business unit 10030101.69365.
Environmental Status:
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5), administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment do not constitute a project.
Strategic Plan Goal:
Non Applicable - Administrative Item
Attachment(s):
1. 2026 State and Federal Legislative Advocacy Services RFP