Legislative Representation in Sacramento, California

P2026-08
SOUTH COAST AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
FOR LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATION IN
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA
P2026-08
South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) requests proposals for the
following purpose according to terms and conditions attached. In the preparation of this
Request for Proposals (RFP) the words "Proposer," "Contractor," "Consultant," "Bidder" and
"Firm" are used interchangeably.
PURPOSE
South Coast AQMD requires representation in Sacramento, California, to ensure that air quality
legislation and other related issues are monitored and that South Coast AQMD viewpoints are
presented in an effective, timely, and persuasive manner during the legislative and policy-
making process.
The purpose of this RFP is to contract with outside representative(s) knowledgeable in air
quality-related issues to provide assistance with and representation of South Coast AQMD
policy positions and funding needs before the California State Legislature, Governor's Office,
and state agencies. The consultant(s) selected pursuant to this RFP will be reimbursed on a
monthly basis for services rendered at an agreed upon flat monthly fee and for actual costs
incurred for out-of-pocket expenses. The consultant may make use of the services of
subcontractors, on an as-needed basis. A list of names of subcontractors along with their
qualifications and the total hours of services expected shall be submitted with responses to this
RFP. All subcontractors are subject to approval by South Coast AQMD, and pre-approval is
required before commencing any work.
The selected firm(s) will be expected to provide a variety of services, to be outlined in the work
statement, and consistent with South Coast AQMD Governing Board ("Board") directions. The
contract term will be for a period of two (2) years, and funding for the initial year shall be up to
a maximum of $465,000. The contract may include an option for one, two-year renewal,
contingent on satisfactory performance and approval of subsequent budgets, upon approval of
the Board.
INDEX - The following are contained in this RFP:
Section I Background/Information
Section II Contact Person
Section III Schedule of Events
Section IV Participation in the Procurement Process
Section V Statement of Work/Schedule of Deliverables
Section VI Required Qualifications
Section VII Proposal Submittal Requirements
Section VIII Proposal Submission
Section IX Proposal Evaluation/Contractor Selection Criteria
Section X Funding
Section XI Sample Contract
Attachment A - Participation in the Procurement Process
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Attachment B - Certifications and Representations
Attachment C - Guiding Principles for 2026
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SECTION I: BACKGROUND/INFORMATION
South Coast AQMD is the air pollution control agency for all of Orange County and
the urban portions of Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties, the
smoggiest region of the U.S. As a regulatory agency, South Coast AQMD is
committed to protecting the health of residents of the four-county area from the
harmful effects of air pollution, while remaining sensitive to businesses and the
economic vitality of the region.
Legislative representation for South Coast AQMD in Sacramento is critical to
advancing the Board's policies and priorities through direct engagement with the
Legislature, Governor's Office, agencies, and other stakeholders. South Coast
AQMD's legislative representatives engage in ongoing communication with Capitol
offices to build and maintain relationships and effectively represent the agency's
interests. This legislative presence includes delivering technical information,
providing assistance, and otherwise serving as a resource to legislators and the
Governor's Office regarding air quality matters; acting as a liaison between South
Coast AQMD and legislators and the Governor's Office regarding the Board's policy
and funding priorities; seeking funding and program support for technology
advancement and emission reduction projects and incentive programs; and
advocating for South Coast AQMD's positions on air quality-related legislation. These
efforts also include fostering support for South Coast AQMD's federal initiatives which
have synergy at the state level.
A challenging political and economic environment is expected to continue to affect
legislative, funding, and policy issues. South Coast AQMD is expected to continue to
navigate issues framed by affordability concerns, a tight state budget, high fuel and
energy costs, increased scrutiny of zero-emission mandates, efforts to prescribe or
repeal local rules and regulations, ongoing issues on energization, deployment of
infrastructure and clean technologies, data centers, and other. These challenges will
be compounded by continued turnover in the Legislature, requiring renewed
outreach and education to newly elected members and staff who may be less
familiar with South Coast AQMD's mission, authority, and regional air quality needs.
As a result, maintaining a strong, consistent, and strategic presence in Sacramento
will be critical to advancing South Coast AQMD's policy and funding priorities.
Legislative representation for South Coast AQMD in 2027 may include advancing the
following policy and funding priorities:
* Protect and expand funding by maintaining existing resources, such as
Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, and identifying new, sustainable revenue
streams to support programs that achieve state and federal air quality standards,
implement the Community Air Protection Program (AB 617), and reduce toxic air
contaminants to protect public health.
* Preserve South Coast AQMD authority to raise revenue and impose fees as
needed and to implement the Board's clean air policies and programs, including
those required by state and federal Clean Air Act laws, to support Air Quality
Management Plans, State Implementation Plans and Letters of Commitment with
U.S. EPA and CARB. Additionally, oppose unfunded state mandates.
* Advance clean transportation and goods movement policies by supporting funding
and programs that accelerate deployment of the cleanest technologies available
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with a priority on zero-emission where commercially viable for medium- and heavy-
duty trucks, locomotives, oceangoing vessels, aircraft, and off-road equipment.
* Advocate for policies and funding to address energization challenges such as
interconnection, grid capacity, infrastructure upgrades, permitting hurdles, and
reliability.
* Support and advocate for legislative and administrative policies and funding that:
1) promote and sustain environmental justice initiatives which reduce localized
health risks resulting from criteria pollutant and toxic air contaminant emissions;
2) prioritize equitable access to zero-emission or cleanest available technologies
for over-burdened communities; 3) enhance community participation in decision-
making; and 4) provide the resources necessary to fully implement local air
districts' responsibilities and initiatives created through the AB 617 Community Air
Protection Program, including implementing CARB's blueprint to expand the
program to address communities that have been consistently nominated.
* Support legislative policies and administrative actions that promote job retention
and creation, workforce training for zero-emission technologies, as well as
economic growth, while working toward attainment of clean air standards; and that
support and assist the regulated community in complying with rules and
regulations in the most efficient and cost-effective manner. Work to ensure job
and economic benefits are equitably accessible to environmental justice
communities.
* Support and advocate for legislative and administrative policies, programs, and
funding that reduce and/or mitigate air quality-related public health impacts within
the South Coast region caused by wildfires, dust/sandstorms, odors, or other
events.
* Support and seek legislative and administrative policies, programs, funding and/or
actions that ensure that South Coast AQMD can meet its administrative and
operational needs, including, but not limited to, those related to human resources
and pensions.
* Additional issues of potential interest include data centers, CEQA reform, and
other.
The legislative priorities for South Coast AQMD for 2027 will be further refined and
presented to the Board's Legislative Committee and the full Board for approval later
in the year, as determined by the course of events in 2026.
SECTION II: CONTACT PERSON:
Questions regarding the content or intent of this RFP or on procedural matters should
be addressed to:
Philip Crabbe III, Legislative Public Affairs & Media
South Coast AQMD
21865 Copley Drive
Diamond Bar, CA 91765-4178
(909) 396-2632
SECTION III: SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
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Date Event
May 1, 2026 RFP Released
June 5, 2026 Proposals Due to South Coast
AQMD - No Later Than 1:00 pm
June 8-June 19, 2026 Proposal Evaluations
August 14, 2026 Interviews, if required
September 4, 2026 Governing Board Approval
December 31, 2026 Anticipated Contract Execution
SECTION IV: PARTICIPATION IN THE PROCUREMENT PROCESS
It is the policy of South Coast AQMD to ensure that all businesses including minority
business enterprises, women business enterprises, disabled veteran business
enterprises and small businesses have a fair and equitable opportunity to compete for
and participate in South Coast AQMD contracts. Attachment A to this RFP contains
definitions and further information.
SECTION V: STATEMENT OF WORK/SCHEDULE OF DELIVERABLES
A. Statement of Work
Under the direction of the Executive Officer or Deputy Executive Officer of
Legislative, Public Affairs and Media, and in coordination with South Coast AQMD
legislative staff, the consultant(s) shall gather information, provide advice and
assistance, and/or advocate positions on legislation in Sacramento as it directly
pertains to the ability of the South Coast AQMD to carry out its statutory
responsibilities. The selected Consultant(s) will perform the services listed below
on legislative/regulatory matters; however, the responsibilities of the selected
Consultant(s) under the contract pursuant to this RFP are not necessarily limited
to items listed since there may be other legislative needs that may arise during
the course of the legislative process.
1. Based on Governing Board Approved State Legislative Guiding Principles,
prepare a written strategic and tactical implementation plan for 2027;
2. Drafting, and/or assisting South Coast AQMD staff, consultants, or other parties
in drafting, legislation and other policies and procedures as requested by South
Coast AQMD and coordinating or assisting in their introduction in the California
Legislature;
3. Reviewing, identifying, tracking, and monitoring both the actions of the
administration and related state agencies as well as the California Legislature for
legislation and other proposals potentially affecting air quality and South Coast
AQMD's operations, authority, and funding;
4. Advocating, as directed by South Coast AQMD, on all identified and/or drafted
legislation and administrative and other proposals, providing testimony at
committee and other special hearings, and providing written communications to
legislators, key administrative officials, and other staff regarding South Coast
AQMD priorities;
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5. Negotiating bill language, policies, or other state agency provisions related to air
quality issues;
6. Assist in the integration of South Coast AQMD's state legislative agenda with its
federal legislative agenda and local efforts;
7. Planning for and handling unforeseen emergency situations involving legislative
or administrative items, at the direction of South Coast AQMD;
8. Producing materials for strategic distribution or inclusion in Legislative
Committee/Board proceedings;
9. Providing regular reports on the status of all legislative and administrative
activities in which interest is expressed by South Coast AQMD or that affect South
Coast AQMD;
10. Identifying the administration's upcoming environmental legislative agenda and
providing work plans, analysis, and consultation on strategies to align efforts to
secure support for South Coast AQMD proposals;
11. Securing support for South Coast AQMD's mission and policy priorities by the
decision-makers in the legislative and administrative bodies of the State of
California, including the Governor's Office;
12. Gathering information on and scheduling appointments on behalf of South Coast
AQMD with key legislators and administration members and appointees;
13. Attending and participating in meetings with legislative representatives and
administration members and appointees to solely discuss the interests and goals
of South Coast AQMD;
14. Preparing all reports and filings in the matter and form required of South Coast
AQMD pursuant to the Political Reform Act of 1974 as amended and assisting
South Coast AQMD in filing such reports. The contractor will promptly furnish to
South Coast AQMD a copy of all reports filed with any governmental agency
concerning its lobbying activities on behalf of South Coast AQMD.
*A copy of the 2026 South Coast AQMD Governing Board's State Legislative Guiding
Principles is herein incorporated as reference as Attachment C.
B. Schedule of Deliverables
1. Preparation of a Strategic Plan for the upcoming legislative year by no later than
January 15, 2027, maximizing South Coast AQMD Board and staff participation
and involvement in the legislative process;
2. Written drafts of legislative/administrative proposals as requested by South Coast
AQMD. Such drafts are to be submitted for review by South Coast AQMD prior
to being released;
3. Written updates of administrative actions pertaining to air quality-related issues
or South Coast AQMD's programs. Such reports are to summarize each
proposal/action and its potential impacts, recommend a South Coast AQMD
position as appropriate, and identify any upcoming meetings or hearings to
discuss the proposal;
4. Participation in the monthly South Coast AQMD Legislative Committee meetings,
upon South Coast AQMD staff request, to provide updates and presentations on
relevant legislative and administrative issues and legislation recommended for
South Coast AQMD positions;
5. Written communications to legislators and key administrative officials conveying
South Coast AQMD positions on various bills and administrative actions.
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6. Following adjournment of the legislative session, a year-end report delineating
and summarizing the final status/disposition of relevant legislative and
administrative actions;
7. Legislative/administrative activities reports and legislative program planning
documents and calendars as requested;
8. May include a "Capitol Briefing" or "Clean Air Legislative Action Day" or similar
event(s) during the contract period to help establish an ongoing South Coast
AQMD presence in the Capitol to garner support for the agency's mission and
policy priorities and maintain the agency's presence as a resource to the
Legislature and the Governor's Office;
9. A weekly written report covering pertinent legislative activities during the
legislative session, written quarterly reports, a year-end report, and a year-end
presentation delineating and summarizing relevant administrative and legislative
actions;
10. A monthly written report to accompany invoice outlining contractor's specific
activities;
11. A monthly written report to be submitted for Legislative Committee, summarizing
relevant legislative and administrative items and developments;
12. A signed confidentiality agreement; and
13. Maintaining permanent records from which the correctness of all written records
and filings can be verified. These records are to be open to inspection by South
Coast AQMD or its representatives during normal business hours.
SECTION VI: REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
A. Persons or firms proposing to bid on this proposal must be qualified and
experienced in representing and advising governmental agencies and must submit
qualifications demonstrating this ability in cases involving as many as possible of
the following areas: administrative law, legislative policymaking and procedure,
South Coast AQMD Rules and Regulations, air quality law, and other
environmental issues.
B. Proposer must submit the following:
1. Resumes or similar statement of qualifications of person or persons who may
be designated as lead consultant(s) for legislative and administrative
advocacy.
2. List of representative clients.
3. Summary of proposer's general qualifications to meet required qualifications
and fulfill statement of work, including additional Firm personnel and
resources.
SECTION VII: PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS
Submitted proposals must follow the format outlined below and all requested
information must be supplied. Failure to submit proposals in the required format will
result in elimination from proposal evaluation. South Coast AQMD may modify the
RFP or issue supplementary information or guidelines during the proposal preparation
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period prior to the due date. Please check our website for updates
(http://www.aqmd.gov/grants-bids). The cost for developing the proposal is the
responsibility of the Contractor and shall not be chargeable to South Coast AQMD.
Each proposal must be submitted in three separate volumes:
Volume I - Technical Proposal
Volume II - Cost Proposal
Volume III - Certifications and Representations included in Attachment B to this
RFP, must be completed and executed by an authorized official of the
Contractor.
A separate cover letter including the name, address, and telephone number of the
contractor, and signed by the person or persons authorized to represent the Firm
should accompany the proposal submission. Firm contact information as follows
should also be included in the cover letter:
1. Address and telephone number of office in, or nearest to, Diamond Bar, California.
2. Name and title of Firm's representative designated as contact.
A separate Table of Contents should be provided for Volumes I and II.
VOLUME I - TECHNICAL PROPOSAL
DO NOT INCLUDE ANY COST INFORMATION IN THE TECHNICAL VOLUME
Summary (Section A) - State overall approach to meeting the objectives and satisfying
the scope of work to be performed, the sequence of activities, and a description of
methodology or techniques to be used.
Program Schedule (Section B) - Provide projected milestones or benchmarks for
completing the project (to include reports) within the total time allowed.
Project Organization (Section C) - Describe the proposed management structure,
program monitoring procedures, and organization of the proposed team. Provide a
statement detailing your approach to the project, specifically address the Firm's ability
and willingness to commit and maintain staffing to successfully complete the project
on the proposed schedule.
Qualifications (Section D) - Describe the technical capabilities of the Firm. Provide
references of other similar studies or projects performed during the last five years
demonstrating ability to successfully complete the work. Include contact name, title,
and telephone number for any references listed. Provide a statement of your Firm's
background and related experience in performing similar services for other
governmental organizations.
Assigned Personnel (Section E) - Provide the following information about the staff to
be assigned to this project:
1. List all key personnel assigned to the project by level, name, and location. Provide
a resume or similar statement describing the background, qualifications and
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experience of the lead person and all persons assigned to the project. The
substitute of project manager or lead personnel will not be permitted without prior
written approval of South Coast AQMD.
2. Provide a spreadsheet of the labor hours proposed for each labor category at the
task level.
3. Provide a statement indicating whether or not 90% of the work will be performed
within the geographical boundaries of South Coast AQMD.
4. Provide a statement of education and training programs provided to, or required
of, the staff identified for participation in the project, particularly with reference to
management consulting, governmental practices and procedures, and technical
matters.
5. Provide a summary of your Firm's general qualifications to meet required
qualifications and fulfill statement of work, including additional Firm personnel and
resources beyond those who may be assigned to the project.
Subcontractors (Section F) - This project may require expertise in multiple technical
areas. List any subcontractors that will be used, identifying functions to be performed
by them, their related
qualifications and experience and the total number of hours or percentage of time they
will spend on the project.
Conflict of Interest (Section G) - Address possible conflicts of interest with other clients
affected by actions performed by the Firm on behalf of South Coast AQMD. South
Coast AQMD recognizes that prospective Contractors may be performing similar
projects for other clients. Include a complete list of such clients for the past three (3)
years with the type of work performed and the total number of years performing such
tasks for each client. Although the Proposer will not be automatically disqualified by
reason of work performed for such clients, South Coast AQMD reserves the right to
consider the nature and extent of such work in evaluating the proposal.
Additional Data (Section H) - Provide other essential data that may assist in the
evaluation of this proposal.
VOLUME II - COST PROPOSAL
Name and Address - The Cost Proposal must list the name and complete address of
the Proposer in the upper left-hand corner.
Cost Proposal - South Coast AQMD anticipates awarding a fixed price contract. Cost
information must be provided as listed below:
1. Detail must be provided by the following categories:
A. Labor - The Cost Proposal must list the fully-burdened hourly rates and the
total number of hours estimated for each level of professional and
administrative staff to be used to perform the tasks required by this RFP. Costs
should be estimated for each of the components of the work plan.
B. Subcontractor Costs - List subcontractor costs and identify subcontractors by
name. Itemize subcontractor charges per hour or per day.
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C. Travel Costs - Indicate amount of travel cost and basis of estimate to include
trip destination, purpose of trip, length of trip, airline fare or mileage expense,
per diem costs, lodging and car rental.
D. Other Direct Costs -This category may include such items as postage and
mailing expense, printing and reproduction costs, etc. Provide a basis of
estimate for these costs.
2. It is the policy of the South Coast AQMD to receive at least as favorable pricing,
warranties, conditions, benefits and terms as other customers or clients making
similar purchases or receiving similar services. South Coast AQMD will give
preference, where appropriate, to vendors who certify that they will provide "most
favored customer" status to the South Coast AQMD. To receive preference points,
Proposer shall certify that South Coast AQMD is receiving "most favored
customer" pricing in the Business Status Certifications page of Volume III,
Attachment B - Certifications and Representations.
VOLUME III - CERTIFICATIONS AND REPRESENTATIONS
(see Attachment B to this RFP)
SECTION VIII: PROPOSAL SUBMISSION
All proposals must be submitted according to specifications set forth in the section
above, and this section. Failure to adhere to these specifications may be cause for
rejection of the proposal.
Signature - All proposals must be signed by an authorized representative of the
Proposer.
Due Date - All proposals are due no later than 1:00 p.m., June 5, 2026, and should
be directed to:
Procurement Unit
South Coast Air Quality
Management District 21865 Copley
Drive
Diamond Bar, CA 91765-
4178 (909) 396-3520
Submittal - Submit eight (8) complete copies of the proposal in a sealed envelope,
plainly marked in the upper left-hand corner with the name and address of the Proposer
and the words "Request for Proposals P2026-08."
Late bids/proposals will not be accepted under any circumstances.
Grounds for Rejection - A proposal may be immediately rejected if:
It is not prepared in the format described, or
It is signed by an individual not authorized to represent the Firm.
Modification or Withdrawal - Once submitted, proposals cannot be altered without the
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