PUR 27-002 STATE LEGISLATIVE CONSULTING AND ADVOCACY SERVICES

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
PUR 27-002
STATE LEGISLATIVE CONSULTING AND ADVOCACY
SERVICES
PROPOSALS WILL BE RECEIVED UNTIL THE HOUR OF 2:00 PM,
THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2026; ELECTRONICALLY AT
CITY.CLERK@STOCKTONCA.GOV

PUR 27-002
STATE LEGISLATIVE CONSULTING AND ADVOCACY SERVICES
DUE AUGUST 13, 2026
RFP INFORMATION
Contact Jason Farrow
Email Address stocktonbids@stocktonca.gov
Due Date for Questions and July 31, 2026;
Clarifications 2:00 PM PST
Due Date for Response to August 6, 2026;
Questions/Clarifications 5:00 PM PST
RFP Submittal city.clerk@stocktonca.gov or
Electronic Mail or on a USB Office of the City Clerk, City Hall
Flash drive 501 W Weber Ave, Building 1, Floor 1,
Stockton, California 95203
RFP Submittal Due Date & Thursday, August 13, 2026;
Time 2:00 PM PST
Short-List Interviews - TBD Anticipated August 31, 2026
Notification of Intent to Award Anticipated September 21, 2026
Anticipated Date for Council Anticipated November 10, 2026
Approval
Dates and times may be modified as deemed necessary by the City. Any schedule changes will
be communicated through the City's Bid Flash Platform. Respondents are responsible for
regularly monitoring Bid Flash for any adjustments and updates.
IMPORTANT!!!
The City is not responsible for misdelivered proposals, and the proposer is strictly liable
for its chosen method of delivery. It is the proposer's sole responsibility to make sure
that proposals arrive at the proper location. Any proposal that does not actually arrive in
the City Clerk's Office or email by the RFP due date and time will be rejected as non-
responsive, even if properly addressed or delivered to another City Department.

PUR 27-002
STATE LEGISLATIVE CONSULTING AND ADVOCACY SERVICES
DUE AUGUST 13, 2026
NOTICE INVITING PROPOSALS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed proposals are invited by the City of Stockton,
California, for PUR 27-002 State Legislative Consulting and Advocacy Services in
strict accordance with the specifications.
The City of Stockton, herein after referred to as the "City", is requesting proposals from
businesses or individuals, herein after referred to as "Proponent" or "Proposer", to
provide state legislative consulting and advocacy services to the City. The City is
seeking a qualified professional firm to provide State Legislative Consulting and
Advocacy Services that represent and promote the City's interests before the California
Legislature and state agencies.
Proposal specifications and forms can be obtained from the City of Stockton's website
at: www.stocktonca.gov/adminbid. Proposals must be marked "PUR 27-002 AUGUST
13, 2026" and emailed to city.clerk@stocktonca.gov or delivered (mail or in person) on
a USB flash drive to the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 501 W Weber Ave, Building 1,
Floor 1, Stockton, CA 95203, up to but not later than 2:00 pm (PST) on Thursday,
August 13, 2026. Proponents will only be identified as responding to the RFP; no
proposals will be opened or read aloud. Each Proponent must be licensed in
accordance with applicable California State Law.
The City reserves the right to reject any/or all proposals received and re-advertise.
Information on Proposal Process/Clarification/Technical Data
Jason Farrow, Procurement Division
(209) 937-8357
e-mail: stocktonbids@stocktonca.gov
DISCLAIMER: The City does not assume any liability or responsibility for
errors/omissions in any document transmitted electronically.
Dated: JULY 23, 2026
KATHERINE ROLAND, CMC, CPMC, CITY CLERK
CITY OF STOCKTON

PUR 27-002
STATE LEGISLATIVE CONSULTING AND ADVOCACY SERVICES
DUE AUGUST 13, 2026
Table of Contents
1.0 ISSUING BODY .......................................................................................................... 1
2.0 BACKGROUND/SUMMARY ....................................................................................... 1
3.0 SCOPE OF SERVICES ............................................................................................... 1
3.1 PROPONENT'S RESPONSIBILITIES ......................................................................... 1
3.2 DELIVERABLES ......................................................................................................... 3
3.3 ACCEPTANCE/COMPLETION CRITERA ................................................................... 3
4.0 PROJECT SCHEDULE OF EVENTS ......................................................................... 3
5.0 SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS .................................................................................. 3
5.1 PROPOSAL GUIDELINES, CONTENT, AND FORMAT ............................................. 3
6.0 SELECTION CRITERIA & EVALUATION ................................................................... 4
7.0 CITY REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................... 8
7.1 CITY RESPONSIBILITIES ........................................................................................... 8
7.2 LOCAL BUSINESS PREFERENCE ............................................................................ 8
7.3 LOCAL EMPLOYMENT-PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACTORS (NOT APPLICABLE) 8
7.4 MANDATORY/OPTIONAL PRE-SUBMITTAL MEETING (NOT APPLICABLE) ......... 8
7.5 TERM .......................................................................................................................... 9
7.6 OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES .......................................................................... 9
7.7 INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS .................................................................................. 9
7.8 APPLICABLE LAW ..................................................................................................... 9
7.9 METHOD OF PAYMENT ............................................................................................10
7.10 NOTICE TO OUT OF STATE BUSINESS ..................................................................10
7.11 CONFIDENTIALITY ....................................................................................................10
7.12 PROTEST POLICY .....................................................................................................11
8.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS, TERMS & CONDITIONS ...........................................12
8.1 CONSEQUENCE OF PROPOSAL SUBMISSION ......................................................12
8.2 ACCEPTANCE OR REJECTION OF PROPOSAL .....................................................12
8.3 RIGHT TO CHANGE OR AMEND REQUEST ............................................................13
8.4 CANCELLATION........................................................................................................13
8.5 EXAMINATION OF PROPOSAL MATERIALS ..........................................................13
8.6 ADDENDA AND INTERPRETATION .........................................................................13
8.7 DISQUALIFICATION ..................................................................................................14
8.8 CONDITIONS IF WORK IS SUBCONTRACTED........................................................14
8.9 LICENSING REQUIREMENTS ...................................................................................14

PUR 27-002
STATE LEGISLATIVE CONSULTING AND ADVOCACY SERVICES
DUE AUGUST 13, 2026
8.10 PREVAILING WAGE (NOT APPLICABLE) ................................................................15
8.11 INDEMNITY AND HOLD HARMLESS ........................................................................15
8.12 COMPETITIVE PRICING ............................................................................................16
8.13 AVAILABLE FUNDING ..............................................................................................16
8.14 TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE ........................................................................16
8.15 AUDITING CHARGES AND SERVICES ....................................................................16
8.16 CHANGES ..................................................................................................................16
8.17 AWARD ......................................................................................................................16
9.0 PROJECT SUBMITTAL CHECKLIST ................................................................................18
10.0 REQUIRED PROPOSAL DOCUMENTS...........................................................................19
ATTACHMENT A - PROPONENT CONTACT INFORMATION ............................................19
ATTACHMENT B- PROPONENT'S COVENANT .................................................................20
ATTACHMENT C - NON-COLLUSION AFFIDAVIT ..............................................................21
ATTACHMENT D - AGENCY REFERENCE FORM .............................................................23
ATTACHMENT E - CERTIFICATION OF FINANCIAL CONDITION ....................................24
ATTACHMENT F - PRICE PROPOSAL ...............................................................................25
ATTACHMENT G - SUBCONTRACTOR LIST (NOT APPLICBLE) ......................................26
ATTACHMENT H - EXCEPTIONS ........................................................................................27
ATTACHMENT I - CERTIFICATE OF NONDISCRIMINATION .............................................28
ATTACHMENT J - CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURE - AB334 ...............................29
11.0 PROPOSAL EXHIBITS ..............................................................................................30
11.1 EXHIBIT 1 - INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS ............................................................30
11.2 EXHIBIT 2 - SAMPLE CONTRACT ...........................................................................31

PUR 27-002
STATE LEGISLATIVE CONSULTING AND ADVOCACY SERVICES
DUE AUGUST 13, 2026
1.0 ISSUING BODY
This Request for Proposal ("RFP") is being issued by the City of Stockton, City
Manager's Office, for State Legislative Consulting and Advocacy Services.
2.0 BACKGROUND/SUMMARY
The City of Stockton is California's 11th largest city, with a population of over 320,000
residents. Founded in 1849 and incorporated in 1850, Stockton is a charter city with a
City Council-Manager form of government. As a full-service municipality with over 1,400
employees and an adopted 2026-2027 annual budget of $1.05 Billion, the city delivers
services through 11 departments and supporting divisions.
Over the last decades, Stockton has evolved from a community recognized nationally
for crime and economic instability to a city of diversity, business opportunity and growth.
Originating as a community with rich agricultural roots, Stockton has grown as an urban
destination with a robust arts and culture scene, eclectic dining options, shopping,
sports, recreation, and family activities. Residents enjoy many attributes, including its
central location between the California coast and national forests, as well as proximity to
California's state capital and Silicon Valley.
Residents and businesses are representatives of the City's cultural and economic
diversity. Stockton has experienced many challenges throughout its long history yet has
continued to create and persevere with resilience. The City is committed to growing the
local economy through regional and statewide investment, leveraging the industrial and
logistic infrastructure, and building a 21st century workforce.
3.0 SCOPE OF SERVICES
3.1 PROPONENT'S RESPONSIBILITIES
I. Legislative Program Consultation
* Advise the City in the development of an annual state legislative program and a
recommended government relations strategy, outlining the City's top program
priorities, objectives and strategies.
* Provide recommendations for legislative priorities based on opportunities and
challenges, in order to advance the City's priorities and protect its interests.
* Advise the City in the identification of an annual state funding strategy and list of
funding priorities.
II. Legislative Advocacy and Communication
* Establish a strong identity and active presence in Sacramento on behalf of
representing the City. The effort should be reinforced by day-to-day involvement
in political, legislative and regulatory action on behalf of the City.
* Review legislation under consideration, proposed and adopted administrative
rules and regulations, and other Sacramento developments for any items that
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PUR 27-002
STATE LEGISLATIVE CONSULTING AND ADVOCACY SERVICES
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may impact the City's policies, programs, or initiatives, and recommend actions
or positions to be taken.
* Serve as a reliable and consistent conduit of information to and from the
California State Legislature and/or its delegation. Facilitate communication with
legislative and other governmental officials to raise awareness and
consciousness of issues relating to the City of Stockton and improve direct
communication of City officials with Senate and Assembly leadership.
* Transmit the City's position on key Senate and Assembly actions through
discussions or prepared letters of support and opposition for Legislature
members, committees, agencies, and other key stakeholders; disseminate letters
of support and opposition.
* Contact state agencies on the City's behalf when applications are under
consideration and take other steps to facilitate favorable consideration of
applications. Facilitate communication and necessary meetings, as needed with
State delegation, identified agency and administrative officials.
* Provide weekly reports on key issues and legislative activity, and upon request,
provide written status reports on projects and activities. Provide periodic written
reports outlining progress toward the established legislative priorities and other
emerging activities, developments, and opportunities.
* Through annual on-site visits to Stockton: Support the presentation of the annual
legislative program to City Council, enhance understanding of operational and
policy issues and confer with leadership regarding the legislative program.
III. Funding Assistance and Advocacy
The City seeks a firm with broad experience in securing state funding within the
landscape of varied budgetary, legislative and regulatory issues. Specific funding
and policy areas of interest to the City include:
A. Transportation and infrastructure
B. Water, wastewater and storm water management infrastructure
C. Economic development
D. Public safety hiring and technology infrastructure
E. Urban parks and urban greening development
F. Environmental sustainability
G. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program
* Coordinate and execute the City's state funding strategy and pursue listed
funding priorities.
* Pursue funding through the state budgeting process, state agency budgeting
process, state agency grant funding programs and other public sector sources for
the development, enhancement, and/or expansion of projects and programs for
the City.
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PUR 27-002
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* Advise and assist in the preparation of state budget appropriations requests and
submit on behalf of the City in accordance with required deadlines.
* Identify potential funding aligned with the City's mission and values, and advise
the City on other funding activities and opportunities determined to be of
significance to the City.
* Register on behalf of the City with necessary state offices and agencies, and
comply with all reporting requirements mandated by the Lobbying Disclosure Act,
and any other legal requirements.
3.2 DELIVERABLES
Major deliverables for this project include:
* Advocate in Sacramento, CA to accurately and persuasively present the position
of the City.
* Establish relationships with key legislators and staff.
* Provide early intelligence on emerging issues of potential impact.
* Share knowledge of trade-offs impacting legislative framing and funding.
* Target funding allocations and grant applications.
* Achieve the priority state legislative objectives of the City as established in each
annual program.
Additional deliverables include:
* Monthly Invoices
* Quarterly filing fees with FPPC
* Annual Legislative Advocacy Program content
3.3 ACCEPTANCE/COMPLETION CRITERA
The Consultant must provide bi-weekly legislative reports, bill status updates, and
monthly invoices. These will serve as criteria items of acceptance.
4.0 PROJECT SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
The dates indicated within this RFP are the anticipated milestones for this project. All
dates are subject to change at the City's discretion. All changes to this schedule will be
posted on the City's Bid Flash platform.
5.0 SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS
5.1 PROPOSAL GUIDELINES, CONTENT, AND FORMAT
The City of Stockton uses a qualifications-based selection process in obtaining these
services. In order for the City to properly evaluate the Proponents' qualifications to
perform this work, the proposals shall include, as a minimum, the following information:
A. Evidence of the Proponent's ability to be responsive to this project in regard to
timeliness and expertise, including the availability of staff proposed to be assigned.
B. The Proponents are encouraged to expand on the Scope of Work to demonstrate
their expertise. Evaluation of the proposals will be based on qualifications, the
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experience of staff proposed to be assigned to the project, references, and the
thoroughness of the Proponent's response to the Scope of Services.
C. Such additional information that the Proponent may feel would be pertinent to
assist the City of Stockton in making its final decision.
D. Please submit an electronic version of the proposal and cost proposal to
city.clerk@stocktonca.gov, or it can be hand-delivered or mailed (USB flash drive
required) to the City Clerk's Office, 501 W Weber Ave, Building 1, Floor 1,
Stockton, CA 95202.
1. The required proposal documents are to be submitted:
i. Cover Letter and Executive Summary
ii. Full response to the Scope of Services as defined in this solicitation
iii. Attachment A - Proponent Contact Information
iv. Attachment B - Proponent Covenant
v. Attachment C - Non-Collusion Affidavit (Notary is required)
vi. Attachment D - Agency Reference List
vii. Attachment E - Certification of Financial Condition
viii. Attachment G - Subcontractor List (NOT APPLICABLE)
ix. Attachment H - Exception Form
x. Attachment I - Nondiscrimination Form
xi. Attachment J - Conflict of Interest Disclosure - AB334 Form
xii. All Addenda's signed by vendor (if applicable)
2. The required cost proposal documents are to be submitted:
i. Cover Letter
ii. Attachment F - Price Proposal
E. Material and data not specifically requested for consideration, but which the
Proponent wishes to submit, must not appear with the Proposal but may appear
only in an "Additional Data" section. This specifically refers to the following types
of data: Generalized narrative of supplementary information and supplementary
graphic material.
F. All proposals must be signed with the full name of the Proponent, if an individual;
by an authorized general partner, if a partnership; or by an authorized officer, if a
corporation.
G. When proposals are signed by an agent other than an officer of a corporation or a
member of a general partnership, the power of attorney authorizing the signature
must be submitted with the proposal.
H. The original proposal shall be signed. Modification to a proposal after the
proposal submittal deadline will not be accepted by the City.
6.0 SELECTION CRITERIA & EVALUATION
The City is interested in selecting a qualified proposer capable of providing the scope of
work described in this solicitation and the resulting awarded contract. A key component
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of a successful proponent will be the ability to meet the City's performance goals while
minimizing costs.
The Evaluation Panel will consist of City of Stockton staff. Following review of the
proposals, the Panel may invite one or more Proponents to make an oral presentation.
During these presentations, the Proponent will be allowed to present such information as
may be appropriate, so that the Panel can effectively and objectively analyze all materials
and documentation submitted as part of the proposals.
Each proponent must be represented by an individual who will serve as the prime contact
to the City and to any other individuals the firm may select. The highest-rated proposal(s)
will then be further reviewed through financial analysis and reference checks.
Proposals shall be evaluated according to demonstrated understanding of required tasks,
technical approach to specified operations, qualifications of staff, the company's
experience, demonstrated knowledge of best practices for the identified scope, financial
business strength, and fee schedule proposal. Proper format and demonstrated
experience will merit consideration.
To that end, each proposal will be evaluated based on, but not limited to, the following
criteria, listed in relative order of importance:
Qualifications and Experience 35%
Method of Approach and Strategic Fit 20%
Quality and Clarity of Proposal 20%
Past Performance and References 15%
Price Proposal (Completed and Signed Under Separate Cover) 10%
Interviews/Presentations TBD
COVER LETTER:
Submit a letter on your company letterhead that addresses the proposal and its format.
The letter should be signed by an officer of the business authorized to bind the business
to all comments made in the proposal, and shall include the name, address, phone
number, and e-mail address of the person(s) who will be authorized to represent your
business.
In no more than three (3) pages, the Cover Letter and Executive Summary shall include:
1. The names of the key members of the Proponent team.
2. The mailing address, telephone number, and the name of the main point of
contact for the Proponent team.
3. A summary of the company's experience and qualifications, as it relates to
the Scope of Service of this solicitation and the significant advantages to
selecting the Proponent.
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