Federal Lobbying and Government Affairs Services

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Federal Lobbying and Government Affairs Services
REQUEST NUMBER: 2626
DUE DATE: November 6, 2026
DUE TIME: 2:00 pm (local)

October 20, 2026
Contents
INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................................................... 2
SOLICITATION AND PROJECT SCHEDULE........................................................................................................... 2
WORK SCOPE ......................................................................................................................................................... 2
Project Overview ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Scope of Services ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS ......................................................................................... 4
SUBMISSION FORMAT.......................................................................................................................................... 4
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL SUBMISSION ............................................................................................................. 5
TERMS AND CONDITIONS ................................................................................................................................... 7
REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION ........................................................................................................................... 8
MICHIGAN FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT .................................................................................................. 9
EVALUATION AND AWARD NOTIFICATION ...................................................................................................... 9
RFP #2626: Federal Lobbying and Government Affairs Services 1

October 20, 2026
INTRODUCTION
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority (GFIAA) is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP) to seek
proposals from qualified Federal Lobbyist firms (Respondent) to provide Lobbying Services on behalf of the
Authority to support continued growth and federal engagement.
The selected Respondent will act as a representative of the Authority at the federal level, providing lobbying
services with the highest level of professionalism and integrity. This includes, but is not limited to, identifying
key issues, developing strategies, drafting materials, and engaging with lawmakers and government agencies
on behalf of the Authority.
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport is the second busiest airport in Michigan, serving over 4 million
business and leisure travelers annually with nonstop and connecting flights. The Ford Airport is managed and
operated by the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority.
SOLICITATION AND PROJECT SCHEDULE
ACTIVITY DATE
RFP Issue Date October 16, 2026
Question Deadline October 27, 2026
Submission Due Date November 6, 2026 at 2 pm
Contract Start Date January 1, 2027
The Authority intends to award an agreement effective January 1, 2027. The term of this Agreement will be two
(2) years, ending on December 31, 2028. The term may be extended by the Authority for two (2) additional two
(2) year terms.
GFIAA reserves the right to modify the deadline set forth in the above table in its sole discretion. Any such
modifications will be stated in an addendum.
WORK SCOPE
Project Overview
GFIAA seeks the services of a qualified Federal Lobbyist firm to provide federal lobbying and government
affairs services to advance the Authority's priorities and support continued growth and federal engagement.
Services shall include, but are not limited to, legislative advocacy, governmental relations, federal funding and
grant opportunities, regulatory advocacy, issue monitoring, strategic communications, and representation
before federal decision-makers and agencies.
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The selected Respondent will serve as a strategic advisor and advocate for GFIAA at the federal level and shall
work collaboratively with Authority leadership to identify issues, develop advocacy strategies, advance federal
priorities, and communicate relevant legislative and governmental developments.
Scope of Services
The selected Respondent shall provide the following services:
1. Legislative Advocacy and Monitoring
o Identify, monitor, track, and report on federal legislation, regulations, policies, and other
governmental actions that may affect GFIAA.
o Analyze proposed legislation, regulations, and policy developments and advise the Authority
regarding potential impacts to its operations, programs, finances, infrastructure, and strategic
priorities.
o Develop and recommend legislative and advocacy strategies to advance GFIAA's interests and
influence legislative and policy outcomes.
o Provide regular legislative and governmental affairs updates, including monthly, quarterly, and
annual activity reports, as appropriate.
o Maintain an understanding of the Authority's programs, finances, operations, and priorities
sufficient to effectively advocate on its behalf.
2. Grant and Funding Opportunity Support
o Identify federal appropriations, grants, funding programs, and other federal opportunities relevant
to GFIAA, including opportunities related to aviation infrastructure, environmental initiatives, and
airport operations.
o Provide timely notification of applicable funding opportunities, legislative developments, and
changes to federal funding programs.
o Support the Authority's efforts to pursue federal funding opportunities through legislative
advocacy, governmental engagement, and strategic recommendations.
o Assist the Authority in identifying opportunities to strengthen and advance its federal funding
priorities.
3. Relationship Development:
o Develop and maintain effective working relationships with key federal decision-makers,
Congressional members, executive agencies, and their respective staff.
o Foster opportunities for engagement between GFIAA leadership and federal governmental
stakeholders on matters relevant to the Authority's legislative agenda and priorities.
o Facilitate periodic meetings, briefings, and other engagements with appropriate Congressional and
executive branch officials and staff.
o Represent GFIAA, as requested, at federal hearings, briefings, meetings, and other governmental
affairs events.
o Provide guidance to Authority leadership regarding appropriate governmental engagement and
relationship-building opportunities.
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October 20, 2026
4. Strategic Communications:
o Draft or assist in the development of official correspondence, including letters of support, legislative
testimony, briefing materials, talking points, and other advocacy materials.
o Develop communication strategies and materials designed to advance GFIAA's federal priorities.
o Assist the Authority in developing and refining its legislative agenda and strategic advocacy
priorities.
o Provide recommendations regarding messaging and communication approaches for federal
legislative and governmental affairs matters.
5. Compliance and Ethical Standards:
o Maintain all registrations and reporting required under applicable federal lobbying laws and
regulations, including the Lobbying Disclosure Act.
o Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, ethics requirements, and
lobbying disclosure requirements.
o Maintain appropriate records and documentation related to lobbying activities and required
disclosures.
o Immediately notify GFIAA of any matter that may affect the Contractor's ability to comply with
applicable lobbying, ethics, or conflict-of-interest requirements.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
1. Be a registered lobbyist for Federal legislative affairs services and maintain such registration throughout
the term of the contract.
2. Have a minimum of three (3) years of experience providing federal legislative affairs, lobbying, or
governmental affairs services.
SUBMISSION FORMAT
Submissions should include and will be evaluated on the elements outlined below:
1. Executive Summary - One (1) page maximum
Summarize the Respondent's strong points and how experience, particularly with similar
responsibilities, will benefit the stakeholders.
2. Business Organization - One (1) page maximum
State the full name and address of the organization and, if applicable, the branch office, consultants,
or other subordinate elements that will provide or assist in providing the service. Include phone
number(s), email address(s) and Respondent's website address.
3. Project Understanding & Recommendation - Twelve (12) pages maximum
State in concise terms the Respondent's understanding of the major issues of this request. Describe
specifically the Respondent's intended process and responsibilities. Identify important steps that will be
taken to meet the GFIAA's expectations and identify deliverables.
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4. Project Staffing - Four (4) pages maximum
Provide a chart with the staff you are committing to the solicitation. Show lines of authority and
communication, and provide a brief role description with responsibilities for each person as they
relate to the solicitation as well as each staff member's key credentials
5. References - One (1) page maximum
Provide a minimum of three (3) relevant references, preferably for projects of similar scope and
complexity. Include the names of the projects, location, completion date, project cost, and specific
challenges; identify project team members and references for each project including telephone
numbers and email addresses.
6. Fee Proposal - Two (2) pages maximum
Respondent shall include a proposed Fee Schedule for the initial two (2) year agreement and the
potential two (2) additional two (2) year terms. Please include the hourly rates for each person(s)
assigned to provide such services. Retainer fees for ongoing representation must be clearly stated. The
terms of the resulting Agreement will be subject to negotiations between GFIAA and the successful
Respondent.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL SUBMISSION
Responses may be delivered physically or electronically. To be considered, complete submissions must be
received prior to the due date and time specified (local time).
* Electronic responses can be securely uploaded as a single pdf document to:
https://www.dropbox.com/request/z9akqhc1nyz5yau9yrxr
* Hard copy responses can be mailed or otherwise delivered to the address below.
Submission address:
Attn: Marissa Norris, Senior Procurement Specialist
Gerald R Ford International Airport Authority
5500 44th St SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Electronic submissions shall be named with a form or portion of the Respondent's name as part of the
document name.
The Respondent certifies the response submitted has not been made or prepared in collusion with any other
respondent and the prices, terms or conditions thereof have not been communicated by or on behalf of the
respondent to any other respondent prior to the official opening of this request. This certification may be
treated for all purposes as if it were a sworn statement made under oath, subject to the penalties for perjury.
Moreover, it is made subject to the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Section 1001, relating to the making of false
statements.
Submissions may be withdrawn by written request only if the request is received on or before the opening
date and time.
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Submissions not meeting these criterions may be deemed non-responsive.
GFIAA is not liable for any costs incurred by any prospective Respondent prior to the awarding of a
contract, including any costs incurred in addressing this solicitation.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
GFIAA reserves the right to require that its standard terms and conditions apply to any actual order placed in
response to a Respondent's submission. No attempt to modify GFIAA's Standard Terms and Conditions shall
be binding, absent agreement on such modification in writing and signed by GFIAA.
No payment shall be made to the Respondent for any extra material or services, or of any greater amount of
money than stipulated to be paid in the contract, unless changes in or additions to the contract requiring
additional outlay by the Respondent shall first have been expressly authorized and ordered in writing by
contract amendment or otherwise furnished by the GFIAA.
The intent of these specifications is to solicit a properly designed and all-inclusive response. Any
requirements not in the specifications, but which are needed for such a response, are to be included in the
submission.
The Gerald R Ford International Airport Authority, in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil
Rights Act of 1964 (78 Stat. 252, 42 USC 2000d to 2000d-4) and the Regulations, hereby notifies all bidders
or offerors that it will affirmatively ensure that for any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement,
[select businesses, or disadvantaged business enterprises or airport concession disadvantaged business
enterprises] will be afforded full and fair opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and no
businesses will be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, national origin (including limited English
proficiency), creed, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), age, or disability in consideration for
an award.
The Respondent shall not discriminate against an employee or applicant for employment with respect to hire,
tenure, terms, conditions or privileges of employment, or a matter directly or indirectly related to
employment, because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, marital status, or
disability that is unrelated to the individual's ability to perform the duties of a particular job or position.
The Respondent shall observe and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, rules
and regulations at all times during the completion of any contract with the GFIAA.
The terms of this request shall be interpreted, construed and enforced pursuant to the laws of the State of
Michigan, and the Parties irrevocably consent to the jurisdiction of the federal and state courts presiding in
Michigan.
The GFIAA is tax-exempt and a regional airport authority organized under 2015 P.A. 95, being MCL 259.137 et.
seq.
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Vendor Representation and Warranty Regarding Federal Excluded Parties List: The Respondent acknowledges
that the GFIAA may be receiving funds from or through the Federal Government; such funds may not be used
to pay any Respondent on the Federal Excluded Parties List (EPLS). The Respondent represents and warrants
to the GFIAA that it is not on the Federal EPLS. If the Respondent is in non-compliance at any time during
execution or term of this agreement (including any extensions thereof), the Respondent shall be in breach and
the GFIAA shall be entitled to all remedies available to it at law or equity, specifically including but not limited
to recovery of all moneys paid to the Respondent, all consequential damages (including the loss of grant
funding or the requirement that grant funding be returned), and attorney fees (including the costs of in-
house counsel) sustained as a result of the Respondent's non- compliance with this warranty and
representation.
Pursuant to the Michigan Iran Economic Sanctions Act, 2012 P.A. 517, by submitting a bid, proposal or
response, Respondent certifies, under civil penalty for false certification, that it is fully eligible to do so
under law and that it is not an "Iran linked business," as that term is defined in the Act.
Insurance requirements are posted on the Documents and Forms page of the GFIAA website within the
Purchasing Terms and Conditions document.
Termination For Cause: Should the Respondent fail to perform the Work as required by and in accordance
with the schedule or time requirements, or otherwise violate any of the terms set forth in the Solicitation
Request, it shall constitute breach of the Contract. Other than in force majeure situations, Respondent shall
have five (5) calendar days to cure a breach of the Contract (the "Cure Period") following issuance of GFIAA
written notice. Failure to cure a breach of the Contract within said Cure Period shall allow the GFIAA to,
without further notice to the Respondent, declare the Contract terminated and proceed with the replacement
of the Respondent and the GFIAA shall be entitled to all remedies available to it at law or in equity including
a claim against any required payment/performance bonds.
Termination Without Cause: Notwithstanding any other provision, at any time and without cause, GFIAA shall
have the right, in its sole discretion, to terminate the contract by giving sixty (60) days written notice.
Although it is the intent to contract with one provider, the GFIAA reserves the right to contract with alternate
sources if the Respondent is unable or unwilling to service its obligation, or it is deemed by GFIAA to be in its
best interest to use alternate sources.
Assignment: Neither party shall assign or delegate any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement
without the prior written consent of the other party.
Respondent warrants that they are an authorized provider of products or services of his/her submission.
REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION
Questions regarding this solicitation are to be submitted in writing to purchasing@grr.org prior to 2 p.m. on
October 27, 2026.
GFIAA reserves the right to publish and respond to an inquiry, respond directly to the inquirer without
publishing or not respond to the inquiry at its sole discretion. Unless otherwise indicated, all questions will be
complied into one document and answers will be issued as a Questions & Answers document within 4 days
after the question deadline.
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It is the Respondent's responsibility to become familiar with and fully informed regarding the terms,
conditions, and specifications of this solicitation. Lack of understanding or misinterpretation of any portions
of this solicitation shall not be cause for withdrawal after opening or for subsequent protest of award.
Addendums will only be published by the GFIAA Purchasing Department and available for review at
www.grr.org.
MICHIGAN FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT
Information submitted in this solicitation is subject to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act and may not
be held in confidence after the Respondent's submission is opened. A submission will be available for review
after the project has been awarded.
GFIAA cannot assure that all of the information submitted as part of or peripheral to the Respondent's
submission will be kept confidential. Any Respondent submission language designated as confidential is
considered automatically invalid and void. GFIAA is subject to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act,
which prohibits it from concealing information on or associated with responses, successful or unsuccessful,
once they are opened.
EVALUATION AND AWARD NOTIFICATION
The selection committee will evaluate the Proposals that are responsible and responsive to the
requirements of this RFP using the following weighted criteria listed:
Phase I Evaluation Criteria Max Points
Governmental Affairs Strategy & Approach 25
Evaluate the Respondent's understanding of the Authority's governmental affairs and
legislative needs and the quality, effectiveness, and practicality of its proposed approach to
representing the Authority. Consider the Respondent's proposed strategy for legislative
advocacy, governmental relations, issue monitoring, identification of opportunities and risks,
and communication with Authority leadership.
Relevant Governmental Affairs / Lobbying Experience 20
Evaluate the Respondent's demonstrated experience providing governmental affairs,
legislative advocacy, lobbying, and related consulting services comparable to those
requested in this RFP. Consider the Respondent's experience representing public-sector
clients, governmental entities, transportation organizations, authorities, or other similarly
situated organizations.
Airport / Aviation Industry Experience 15
Evaluate the Respondent's demonstrated knowledge and experience with airports and the
aviation industry, including relevant federal, state, and local governmental issues, aviation
policy, funding programs, regulatory matters, infrastructure initiatives, and other issues
affecting airport operations and development.
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