Request for Proposal for a State Lobbying Contract

BACKGROUND Vision “Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe uses our many resources to maintain a proud, strong, healthy, educated community that uses innovation to ensure all our people enjoy a good quality of life.” Mission: The mission of the government of the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe is to improve the quality of life for all tribal members. We accomplish this through decision-making that considers future generations, competent administration and management, preservation and protection of our rich cultural heritage and natural resources, the enhancement of economic opportunities, and the protection of tribal sovereignty through determining our own destiny. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TRIBE The Port Gamble S'Klallam Reservation is located on the northern tip of the Kitsap Peninsula in Washington State. It is situated on Port Gamble Bay, for generations an important natural resource for the Tribe and other Native Americans. The Tribe is one of 29 federally recognized Indian Tribes in Washington State. The population of the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe is currently just over 1,400 enrolled tribal members. About half the tribal members reside on the reservation, along with other Native Americans and non-Indians. More information about the Tribe can be found at the Tribe’s website: www.pgst.nsn.us DESCRIPTION OF THE TRIBAL GOVERNMENT The Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribal Council is comprised of six elected officials serving two year staggered terms. It serves as the executive and legislative body of the tribe and convenes twice a month to establish policy, review budgets and finances, and ensure staff is carrying out the responsibilities delegated to it to fulfill the vision and mission of the tribe. The Tribal government employs over 300 employees and provides numerous direct services to the tribal membership. The Tribe also owns a casino, a convenience store, a tribally designated housing entity, and operates a 501 (c) 3 non-profit foundation. The casino operates class II and III gaming and employs approximately 400 employees, this number includes part-time and on-call staff. SCOPE OF WORK The Tribe seeks a contractor to assist the Tribe with state legislative communication and strategy. The selected contractor will maintain regular communication with the Tribe's Legislative Manager and additional persons designated to supervise their work. They will deliver regular written/electronic reports that monitor and analyze legislation the Tribe designates as being of interest during the time the legislature is in session. The contractor will mutually agree to a conference call schedule with the Tribal Legislative Committee during the time the legislature is in session. They will advise the Tribe on legislative strategy and identify legislation, budget issues and policy issues of potential interest to the Tribe. The contractor will recommend legislative meetings for the Tribe to attend and will provide guidance as to the conduct of these meetings. They will facilitate testimony by the Tribe's representatives in legislative hearings as appropriate. The contractor will attend a minimum of two Tribal Council meetings per year at the Reservation, and other meetings by mutual agreement. The contractor will recommend political contributions to State elected officials. They will provide a year-end report addressing effectiveness of lobbying efforts. PROPOSED SCHEDULE a. Tribe to release RFP by August 31, 2025 b. Proposals due by: September 30, 2025 c. Tribe interviews and selects by: November 1, 2025 for work to begin on January 1, 2026 PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS/GUIDELINES d. Letter of Interest and overall qualifications. e. Name of provider who will be responsible for the performance of any work assigned including all contact information. f. Detailed biographies and summary of the relevant experience of each provider who would be available to perform services on behalf of the Tribe. g. Description of the services provided to Tribal or other clients over the last three years, including examples of successful results as well as unsuccessful results. h. Three references from current or former clients, including tribal clients. i. A description of any costs that would be charged to the Tribe to provide the agreed upon services. j. Statement of availability to commence and complete work PROCEDURES FOR SUBMISSION Interested consultants are invited to submit electronic copies of their written proposal by 4:00 September 30, 2025. All material submitted in response to this Request for Proposals becomes the property of the Tribe and will not be returned. Proposals are limited to 5 (five) pages. Proposals exceeding the page limit shall be competitively disadvantaged. SELECTION CRITERIA (IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER) k. Reasonableness of fees l. Qualifications of candidate m. Availability n. Organizational development expertise and experience, especially as it relates to Native American Tribes REJECTION OF RESPONSES The Tribe reserves the right to not award a contract at all. DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND WAIVER OF SOVEREIGN IMMUNITY Any candidate responding to this Request for Proposals should include a statement of their consent to the jurisdiction of the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribal Court for the resolution of any disputes that may arise between the consultant and the Tribe along with their agreement that any waiver of sovereign immunity that may be included in a contract between the Tribe and the consultant will be limited to declaratory and injunctive relief in Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribal Court. A model contract is provided as a part of this RFP and the successful candidate will be expected to use the standard terms of the model in the final agreement.