Request for Proposals (RFP): Government Relations and Lobbying Services

• Supporting colleges and universities in institutional change efforts
• Advocating for effective local, state, and federal higher education policy
• Increasing public dialogue and awareness regarding college completion and educational equity

• Advise PCC leadership on legislative opportunities, risks, and emerging policy issues.
• Support in drafting, refining, and advancing legislation aligned with PCC’s mission.
• Develop strategies to build bipartisan support for PCC policy initiatives. 
• Represent PCC before members of the Illinois General Assembly and relevant state agencies.
• Participate in strategic meetings with the Principals Group, a coalition of senior leaders and partner organizations guiding legislative strategy, stakeholder alignment, key negotiations, and advocacy efforts in support of HB 1581 / SB 13.
• Lead legislative strategy and advocacy efforts in support of the Adequate and Equitable Public University Funding Act (HB 1581 / SB 13), including legislator engagement, vote-count strategy, stakeholder outreach, and veto-session advocacy activities. 

• Conduct direct lobbying activities consistent with state and federal regulations. 
• Maintain relationships with legislators, legislative staff, constitutional officers, state agencies, and key stakeholders. 
• Facilitate meetings between PCC staff, board members, coalition partners, and elected officials. 
• Support PCC’s participation in statewide coalitions and advocacy efforts. 
• Represent PCC during the 2026 Illinois General Assembly veto session and maintain a visible presence in Springfield on matters related to PCC’s legislative priorities, particularly HB 1581 / SB 13. 

• Monitor legislation, budget proposals, administrative actions, and political developments impacting higher education. 
• Provide timely legislative analysis and recommendations. 
• Produce regular legislative updates and reports for PCC leadership. 
• Track progress of PCC-supported legislation and identify opportunities for strategic engagement.

• Regularly scheduled strategic planning meetings with PCC leadership. 
• Weekly legislative monitoring and updates during active legislative periods. 
• Written legislative tracking reports. 
• Strategic recommendations regarding policy opportunities and risks. 
• Legislative meeting coordination and support. 
• A legislative strategy and implementation plan for advancing the Adequate and Equitable Public University Funding Act (HB 1581 / SB 13). 
• Ongoing vote tracking, legislative intelligence, and strategic recommendations related to HB 1581 / SB 13. 
• Coordination and participation in meetings with legislative sponsors, caucus leadership, committee leadership, Governor’s Office staff, and coalition partners, as appropriate.
• Representation of PCC during all scheduled 2026 legislative session dates. 
• Written veto and/or lame duck session summaries, including legislative outcomes, stakeholder engagement activities, and recommendations for future advocacy efforts. 
• An end-of-year summary report documenting activities, outcomes, and recommendations for 2027.

• Confirmation of their ability to perform the scope of work within the $35,000 contract amount.
• A brief description of how services and staffing will be allocated under the proposed engagement.
• Identification of any assumptions regarding the scope of work.

• Organizational Overview
  • Name of the individual, firm, or organization.
  • Brief description of the respondent’s practice, areas of expertise, and relevant experience.
  • Primary contact person and contact information.
• Relevant Experience
  • Description of experience providing lobbying, government relations, or public affairs services in Illinois.
  • Examples of recent engagements involving legislative advocacy, coalition management, budget advocacy, or policy development.
  • Experience working with nonprofit organizations, higher education institutions, membership organizations, foundations, or advocacy coalitions.
  • Description of experience advancing legislation through the Illinois General Assembly.
• Proposed Approach: Please describe your proposed approach to fulfilling the scope of work outlined in this RFP, including:
  • Legislative strategy and lobbying activities.
  • Advancing the Adequate and Equitable Public University Funding Act (HB 1581 / SB 13).
  • Legislative relationship management and stakeholder engagement.
  • Coalition participation and partnership development.
  • Communication and reporting practices.
  • Representation of PCC during the 2026 fall veto and any lame duck sessions.
  • Respondents should also include a brief strategy memorandum outlining how they would approach advancing HB 1581 / SB 13 during the anticipated veto and lame duck sessions.
• Staffing Plan
  • Identification of the individual(s) who will perform the work.
  • Brief biographies and relevant experience of key personnel.
• References: Provide three professional references, including organization name, contact person, title, email address, and phone number.
• Conflicts of Interest: Disclose any current lobbying clients, legislative engagements, or other relationships that may present an actual or perceived conflict of interest in representing PCC.
• Budget Confirmation: Please confirm your ability to perform the services described in this RFP for the fixed contract amount of $35,000 and identify any assumptions regarding the scope of work.

• Relevant government relations experience.
• Knowledge of Illinois policymaking processes.
• Demonstrated results and client success.
• Quality of proposed approach.
• Strength of references.
• Alignment with PCC’s mission and values.
• Existing relationships with policymakers and stakeholders relevant to PCC’s work.
• Demonstrated success securing passage of significant Illinois legislation, budget initiatives, or statewide policy reforms.
• Existing relationships with legislative leaders, caucus staff, committee staff, executive branch officials, and policymakers relevant to higher education and state budget policy.