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<br />Public Notice
<br />Kittitas County, Ellensburg WA
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<br />Request for Qualifications for Regional Advocacy and Federal Funding Strategy Services
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<br />I. Introduction
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<br />A regional consortium of public agencies (hereinafter referred to as “the Consortium”) is soliciting qualifications from firms or individuals (hereinafter referred to as “Consultant”) to provide professional federal advocacy and strategic funding support. The goal is to secure a responsive and experienced partner to assist the Consortium in navigating federal programs, securing competitive funding, and advocating for regional priorities at the federal level.
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<br />The Consortium consists of the following entities:
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<br />• The Kittitas County Conference of Governments, comprised of delegates representing Kittitas County and the municipalities of Cle Elum, Ellensburg, Kittitas, Roslyn, and South Cle Elum
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<br />• Central Washington University, a public university with undergraduate enrollment of over 8,500 students located in Ellensburg with six satellite locations across Washington state
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<br />This RFQ seeks to establish a relationship with a Consultant who will serve as a Washington D.C. Representative for a broad range of regional priorities and coordinate with both the Consortium’s leadership and member agencies.
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<br />II. Scope of Services
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<br />The Consultant will perform, but not be limited to, the following tasks:
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<br />A. Advocacy and Strategy
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<br />• Serve as the Washington D.C. Representative to the Consortium, acting on behalf of its collective interests in federal affairs.
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<br />• Monitor and analyze legislative, regulatory, and policy developments at the federal level that may impact the Consortium.
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<br />• Provide strategic guidance and regular consultation with the Consortium leadership to align advocacy efforts with federal priorities.
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<br />• Develop and execute an annual federal advocacy strategy in partnership with the Consortium and its members.
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<br />B. Communications and Support
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<br />• Maintain liaison with the region’s Congressional delegation and relevant federal agency contacts.
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<br />• Facilitate meetings with federal officials and agencies, including logistics and briefing preparation.
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<br />• Assist with federal funding strategy, including identifying funding opportunities and advising on grant proposals.
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<br />• Provide ongoing briefing materials and talking points for meetings, hearings, and conferences.
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<br />• Provide aid and guidance to the Consortium on the most efficient and effective methodology of completing funding opportunity applications which will generate high exposure and support.
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<br />C. Reporting
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<br />• Submit quarterly written reports summarizing federal developments and advocacy activities.
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<br />• Provide an annual in-person report outlining accomplishments and anticipated issues for the coming year.
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<br />III. Proposal Requirements
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<br />Interested firms or individuals should submit three (3) copies of a qualifications package, not exceeding 12 pages, that includes:
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<br />A. Cover Letter
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<br />• Introduction to the firm/consultant
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<br />• Statement of interest and understanding of the scope of services
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<br />B. Firm/Consultant Qualifications
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<br />• Overview of federal advocacy experience, especially in regional or multi-agency contexts
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<br />• Description of experience working with Congressional offices and federal agencies
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<br />• Familiarity with federal grant programs and funding strategies
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<br />• Summary of recent federal funding or policy wins
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<br />• Relevant experience supporting programs with members of the Consortium.
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<br />C. Approach to Scope of Work
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<br />• Description of approach to delivering the services outlined in the Scope of Services.
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<br />• Narrative describing how the Consultant will collaborate with the Consortium and its members
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<br />• Proposed methodologies for monitoring legislation, identifying funding opportunities, and executing advocacy strategies
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<br />• Communication protocols and timelines for regular updates and coordination
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<br />• Examples of tools, systems, or frameworks used to track progress, manage stakeholder engagement, and measure impact
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<br />• Any innovative or value-added services the Consultant proposes to enhance advocacy and funding efforts
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<br />D. Key Personnel
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<br />• Bios and resumes of lead individuals assigned to this engagement
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<br />• Description of roles and responsibilities
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<br />E. References
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<br />• At least three (3) references from current or former clients for similar services
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<br />IV. Evaluation Criteria
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<br />Members of the Consortium will review all submittals and select the provider for contracting. If interviews are desired by the Consortium, selected interviewees will be notified in advance.
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<br />Submissions will be evaluated based on:
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<br />• Relevant experience and demonstrated success in federal advocacy (30 points)
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<br />• Qualifications of key personnel (25 points)
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<br />• Knowledge of federal funding programs and policy landscape (20 points)
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<br />• Communication and coordination approach (15 points)
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<br />• Client references and past performance (10 points)
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<br />• Relevant experience working for or in Kittitas County or the municipalities therein (25 points)
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<br />V. Budget and Compensation
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<br />A final budget will be negotiated with the selected Consultant based on scope and services. Respondents are encouraged to provide a general fee structure (e.g., monthly retainer, hourly rates, or project-based pricing) in their response.
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<br />VI. Submission Process and Deadline
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<br />All responses must be submitted by 1:00 pm local time on August 29, 2025 to:
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<br />Kittitas County Public Works
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<br />Attn: Josh Fredrickson, Director
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<br />411 North Ruby Street, Suite 1
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<br />Ellensburg, WA 98926
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<br />The Consortium reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive informalities, or request additional information from respondents.
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<br />VII. Agreement of Services
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<br />The selected consultant(s) will be expected to enter into a standard Professional Services Agreement with Kittitas County. Insurance requirements are included in that agreement. The Professional Services Agreement is expected to extend through December 2027.
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<br />Persons with disabilities may request this information be prepared and supplied in alternate forms by calling collect the Kittitas County Public Works office (509-962-7523).
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<br />The Consortium reserves the right to accept or reject any and all proposals or any items or part thereof or to waive any information or irregularities in the proposals. The Consortium shall have the sole discretion to determine the most responsible proposal.
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<br />The selected consultant shall comply fully with all applicable federal, state and local laws, ordinances, executive orders and regulations that prohibit discrimination. These laws include, but are not limited to, RCW 49.60, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the American with Disabilities Act, and the Restoration Act of 1987. The consultant shall further comply fully with any equal opportunity requirements set forth in any federal regulations, statues or rules included or referenced in the contract documents.
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<br />VIII. Additional Information
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<br />Any questions or inquiries regarding this RFQ should be directed to:
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<br />Josh Fredrickson, Kittitas County Public Works Director
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<br />Josh.Fredrickson@co.kittitas.wa.us
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<br />(509) 962-7523
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<br /> Clerk of the Board Publish:
<br />North Kittitas County Tribune: 08/07/2025; 08/14/2025; 08/21/2025
<br />Daily Record: 08/07/2025
<br />Daily Journal of Commerce: 08/07/2025; 08/14/2025; 08/21/2025
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