RFP No. 1012-27-001 Federal Lobbying Services

Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 1012-27-001 for
Federal Lobbying Services
Research Triangle Regional Public Transportation Authority dba GoTriangle (GoTriangle), as
authorized under the N.C.G.S. 160A-610, is seeking to establish a contract for the above-
referenced services.
The Request for Proposal (RFP) document is available for download in the State of North
Carolina electronic Vendor Portal https://evp.nc.gov, and on the GoTriangle's website:
https://gotriangle.org/procurement
Publish Date: June 29, 2026
Pre-Offer Conference: A Pre-Offer Conference will not be held.
Submission Date & Time: July 22, 2026, by 2:00 pm local NC time
For detail timeline, refer to the Instructions to Offerors Section 1. Anticipated Procurement Schedule.
Via email to:
Submission Location: Dean Nunnally, Procurement Officer
Email: DNunnally@gotriangle.org
Instructions for preparing and submitting a proposal are provided in the Instructions to
Offerors Section 4. Contents of Submittal of this document. To be considered responsive
and responsible, offerors must submit all required items specified in that section.
All Inquiries regarding this solicitation shall be submitted to:
Dean Nunnally, Procurement Officer at DNunnally@gotriangle.org or by phone at 919-485-7481
LATE PROPOSALS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
GOTRIANGLE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY OR ALL PROPOSALS.
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RFP No. 1012-27-001 Federal Lobbying Services
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BACKGROUND ..................................................................................................................................................... 4
SCOPE OF SERVICES .......................................................................................................................................... 4
1. Strategic Federal Affairs Plan .................................................................................................................... 4
2. Congressional Engagement ....................................................................................................................... 5
3. Surface Transportation Reauthorization ................................................................................................... 5
4. Annual Appropriations ............................................................................................................................... 6
5. Competitive Discretionary Grant Programs .............................................................................................. 6
6. Federal Agency Engagement ..................................................................................................................... 6
7. Political and Electoral Environment .......................................................................................................... 7
8. Reporting and Communication .................................................................................................................. 7
9. Federal Lobbying Compliance ................................................................................................................... 7
10. Personnel .................................................................................................................................................... 8
11. Conflicts of Interest .................................................................................................................................... 8
TERMS AND CONDITIONS ................................................................................................................................. 9
1. Services....................................................................................................................................................... 9
2. Contract Term............................................................................................................................................. 9
3. Invoicing and Compensation ..................................................................................................................... 9
4. Changes in the Services ........................................................................................................................... 10
5. Conflict of Interest .................................................................................................................................... 10
6. Contract Termination ............................................................................................................................... 10
7. Transition Assistance ............................................................................................................................... 12
8. Indemnification and Hold Harmless ........................................................................................................ 13
9. Dispute Resolution ................................................................................................................................... 14
10. Choice of Law / Forum ............................................................................................................................. 14
11. Insurance .................................................................................................................................................. 14
12. Independent Contractor........................................................................................................................... 15
13. Accuracy of Financial Statements .......................................................................................................... 15
14. Non-Discrimination .................................................................................................................................. 15
15. Covenant Against Contingent Fees ......................................................................................................... 15
16. Delegation and Assignment ..................................................................................................................... 16
17. Nonwaiver ................................................................................................................................................. 16
18. Merger ....................................................................................................................................................... 16
19. Reference.................................................................................................................................................. 16
20. Contractor's Personnel ............................................................................................................................ 16
21. Certification on Israel Boycott ................................................................................................................. 16
22. Notices ...................................................................................................................................................... 17
23. No Third-Party Rights ............................................................................................................................... 17
24. Severability ............................................................................................................................................... 17
25. Survivorship .............................................................................................................................................. 18
26. Attachments ............................................................................................................................................. 18
27. Separate Counterparts ............................................................................................................................ 18
28. Iran Divestment Act .................................................................................................................................. 18
29. E-Verify ...................................................................................................................................................... 19
30. Debarment Policy ..................................................................................................................................... 19
31. Force Majeure ........................................................................................................................................... 19
32. Operational Continuity ............................................................................................................................. 19
33. Intellectual Property and Work Product .................................................................................................. 19
INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS ...................................................................................................................... 22
1. Anticipated Procurement Schedule ........................................................................................................ 22
2. Questions and Clarifications ................................................................................................................... 22
3. Exceptions to Terms and Conditions ...................................................................................................... 22
4. Contents of Submittal .............................................................................................................................. 23
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RFP No. 1012-27-001 Federal Lobbying Services
5. Questions and Clarifications ........................................................................................................................ 25
6. Selection Procedures ............................................................................................................................... 25
7. Evaluation ................................................................................................................................................. 25
8. Public Records and Proprietary Information ........................................................................................... 26
9. Contractual Relationships ....................................................................................................................... 27
10. Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE) Participation ......................................................................... 27
11. Modification and Withdrawal of Proposals ............................................................................................. 27
12. Proposal Rejection / Reserved Rights ..................................................................................................... 27
13. News Releases ......................................................................................................................................... 28
14. Identifying Conflicts of Interest ................................................................................................................ 28
15. Protest Procedures .................................................................................................................................. 28
ATTACHMENTS................................................................................................................................................... 30
Attachment A - Offeror Form ............................................................................................................................ 31
Attachment B - Cost Proposal .......................................................................................................................... 32
Attachment C - Insurance Requirements ......................................................................................................... 33
Attachment D - References............................................................................................................................... 36
Attachment E - Iran Divestment Act Certification ........................................................................................... 37
Attachment F - E-Verify Employer Compliance Statement ............................................................................ 38
Attachment G - Certification Regarding Conflict of Interest ........................................................................... 39
Attachment H - Boycott of Israel Divestment Act Certification ..................................................................... 40
Attachment I - Conformance Statements ........................................................................................................ 41
Attachment I1 - Exceptions Form ..................................................................................................................... 42
Attachment J - RFP Response Checklist .......................................................................................................... 43
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RFP No. 1012-27-001 Federal Lobbying Services
Background
GoTriangle operates a system of regional fixed-route bus service, paratransit (GoTriangle ACCESS),
vanpool, and rideshare-matching programs. It also performs regional planning, capital project
delivery, and grants administration. GoTriangle is a direct recipient of federal financial assistance
from the Federal Transit Administration ("FTA") and a participant in the federal grants programs
administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation ("USDOT").
Federal programs and investments are key components of GoTriangle's capital and operating
budgets. The agency's federal priorities during the anticipated contract term include, without
limitation: (i) preservation and growth of formula funding under 49 U.S.C. 5307, 5337, and 5339;
(ii) competitive funding for fleet renewal and bus facility investment, including under the Bus and Bus
Facilities Competitive Program (49 U.S.C. 5339(b)) and the Low or No Emission Grant Program (49
U.S.C. 5339(c)); (iii) support and potential pursuit of Capital Investment Grants (49 U.S.C. 5309)
funding for eligible fixed-guideway bus investments; (iv) Community Project Funding (congressional
earmark) requests; and (v) other discretionary funding for which GoTriangle is or may become
eligible.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Pub. L. 117-58), which authorizes federal surface
transportation programs through fiscal year 2026, expires September 30, 2026. The anticipated
contract term will span the next surface transportation reauthorization and multiple federal
appropriations cycles.
Scope of Services
The Consultant shall have demonstrated success representing public transit agencies and local
governments before the U.S. Congress, USDOT, FTA, and other federal departments and agencies
whose decisions affect public transportation.
The Consultant shall perform the services described below at the direction of GoTriangle's President
and Chief Executive Officer (or designee), in coordination with GoTriangle's Office of the General
Counsel and grants administration staff.
The Consultant shall demonstrate the experience, relationships, and capacity to deliver each of the
following functions, and shall perform other related tasks reasonably requested by GoTriangle during
the term. The tasks identified below are illustrative of the work expected under this engagement and
are not exhaustive. Tasks include, but are not limited to, those listed below.
1. Strategic Federal Affairs Plan
1.1. Within sixty (60) days of the contract execution, deliver a written Federal Affairs Plan setting
forth the Consultant's recommended strategy for the contract term, including
identification of GoTriangle's federal funding priorities, key authorizing and appropriations
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RFP No. 1012-27-001 Federal Lobbying Services
milestones, target Members of Congress and committee staff, and target federal agency
officials.
1.2. Update the Federal Affairs Plan at the convening of each new Congress and at the start of
each federal fiscal year, and amend it as warranted by changes in administration,
congressional leadership, FTA leadership, or GoTriangle's project and policy priorities.
2. Congressional Engagement
2.1. Maintain regular, substantive contact with the offices of the United States Senators from
North Carolina; the Members of Congress representing GoTriangle's service area (currently
the 2nd, 4th, and 13th Congressional Districts of North Carolina); any relevant Members of
Congress representing districts adjacent to GoTriangle's service area (currently the 1st,
3rd, and 9th Congressional Districts of North Carolina); and the leadership and staff of the
authorizing and appropriations committees of jurisdiction, including the Senate
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; the Senate Committee on Environment
and Public Works; the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; the
House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure; the Senate Appropriations
Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies
(THUD); and the House Appropriations Subcommittee on THUD.
2.2. Arrange, prepare for, and accompany GoTriangle's Board of Trustees, executive leadership,
and staff at meetings in Washington, D.C., in-state, and in-district, including in connection
with industry advocacy events such as the APTA Legislative Conference.
2.3. Draft and edit talking points, briefing memoranda, leave-behinds, follow-up
correspondence, and other engagement materials for use by GoTriangle's principals.
2.4. Seek opportunities for GoTriangle representatives to testify before House and Senate
committees and subcommittees on matters affecting public transportation in growing
urban regions.
3. Surface Transportation Reauthorization
3.1. Develop and execute strategies and tactics to advance GoTriangle's priorities in the next
surface transportation authorization (successor to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs
Act), including, without limitation: growth of formula funding to which GoTriangle currently
receives; preservation and improvement of the Capital Investment Grants Program;
preservation and growth of bus and bus facility funding programs; and policy changes
affecting GoTriangle's program eligibility, project delivery, and long-term financial
sustainability.
3.2. Provide timely written analysis of introduced legislation, committee prints, manager's
amendments, and conference reports, with specific assessments of impact on GoTriangle.
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RFP No. 1012-27-001 Federal Lobbying Services
3.3. Coordinate with GoTriangle staff to develop and submit position letters, comments,
witness testimony, and stakeholder coalition statements.
4. Annual Appropriations
4.1. Develop and execute strategies and tactics to support GoTriangle's annual appropriations
objectives, including funding levels for FTA programs, protection of GoTriangle's formula
apportionments, and pursuit of report language favorable to GoTriangle's interests.
4.2. Lead the preparation of and shepherd Member-sponsored Community Project Funding /
Congressionally Directed Spending (congressional earmark) requests. Manage requests
through each sponsoring office, monitor progress, and pursue retention in annual
appropriations.
4.3. Track each appropriations cycle from President's Budget through enactment; provide
GoTriangle with regular written briefings during active cycles; and identify advocacy
opportunities at key decision points.
5. Competitive Discretionary Grant Programs
5.1. Identify and promptly brief GoTriangle on competitive federal funding opportunities
relevant to its service area, capital program, and operating priorities, including, without
limitation: Bus and Bus Facilities (49 U.S.C. 5339(b)); Capital Investment Grants (49
U.S.C. 5309); RAISE; and any other relevant successor or newly authorized programs or
special funding opportunities.
5.2. Develop and execute strategies and tactics to maximize the competitiveness of GoTriangle
applications, including, without limitation, securing congressional letters of support;
arranging briefings with USDOT and FTA officials; assisting GoTriangle staff in interpreting
evaluation criteria; and coordinating with peer agencies and stakeholder coalitions where
doing so advances GoTriangle's interests.
5.3. Provide post-award support, including engagement with FTA on grant agreement
negotiation, milestone management, and de-obligation risk.
6. Federal Agency Engagement
6.1. Maintain working relationships with senior officials at USDOT (Office of the Secretary), FTA
(Administrator's office, Region IV office, and program offices), and other federal
departments and agencies whose actions affect GoTriangle.
6.2. Arrange, prepare materials for, and accompany GoTriangle staff at meetings with federal
agency officials; coordinate site visits by federal officials to the Research Triangle region;
and pursue speaking, panel, and testimony opportunities at federal conferences and
industry events.
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RFP No. 1012-27-001 Federal Lobbying Services
6.3. Track and provide written analysis of federal regulatory actions affecting GoTriangle,
including Notices of Funding Opportunity, proposed and final rulemakings, FTA Circulars,
and FTA Dear Colleague Letters.
7. Political and Electoral Environment
7.1. Provide analysis, briefings, and semiannual reports on the political environment affecting
federal transportation policy, including the implications of election cycles, changes in
congressional leadership, committee composition, political appointees, and senior career
staff of the executive branch.
7.2. Brief GoTriangle on post-election transitions; develop introduction strategies for new
Members of Congress, new committee chairs, and new administration officials; and
prepare orientation materials and engagement plans for GoTriangle's use.
8. Reporting and Communication
8.1. Provide a written monthly activity report to the Director of Policy and Strategic Initiatives
summarizing meetings held, legislative and regulatory developments, deliverables
produced and recommended next steps.
8.2. Develop briefing strategies and materials for the GoTriangle Board of Trustees and its
committees at least annually, and at other times upon request.
8.3. Be reasonably available by phone and text message during business hours for time-
sensitive matters, and present in person at GoTriangle facilities for planning and
engagement at least twice per contract year.
8.4. Staff, schedule, and lead monthly check-in calls with GoTriangle conducted via Microsoft
Teams; circulate proposed agendas to GoTriangle's Director of Policy and Strategic
Initiatives no fewer than two (2) business days in advance of each call; and schedule
additional calls as circumstances require.
9. Federal Lobbying Compliance
9.1. Cooperate with GoTriangle in the timely and accurate execution of GoTriangle's federal
lobbying compliance obligations, including: (i) the certification and disclosure
requirements of 31 U.S.C. 1352 (the "Byrd Amendment") and the implementing USDOT
regulations at 49 C.F.R. Part 20, including preparation of Standard Form LLL ("SF-LLL")
where required; (ii) GoTriangle's annual FTA Certifications and Assurances; and (iii) lower-
tier certification flow-down for subawards and contracts under covered federal actions.
9.2. As the registrant under the Lobbying Disclosure Act, 2 U.S.C. 1601 et seq., timely file and
maintain accurate LD-1 registration and LD-2 quarterly activity reports with the Secretary
of the Senate and the Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives and furnish GoTriangle
with copies of all such filings within five (5) business days of submission.
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RFP No. 1012-27-001 Federal Lobbying Services
9.3. Confirm with GoTriangle, at the time of any SF-LLL preparation and at the time of
GoTriangle's annual Certifications and Assurances submission, that the registrant,
registered lobbyists, reported income, issues, and chambers and agencies contacted
accurately reflect the engagement.
9.4. Maintain records related to the services provided under the contract for the period required
by 2 C.F.R. 200.334 (currently three (3) years from the date of submission of the final
financial report on the related federal award, subject to extensions for audit, litigation, or
claim) and as otherwise required by GoTriangle policy and applicable law.
10. Personnel
10.1. The Consultant shall designate a principal-in-charge ("Principal-in-Charge") and shall
identify each registered lobbyist and other personnel assigned to the engagement. Each
registered lobbyist assigned to the engagement shall be in compliance with the Lobbying
Disclosure Act and registered, or eligible to register, on GoTriangle's behalf. The Principal-
in-Charge and the registered lobbyists assigned to the engagement shall not be
substituted or removed without GoTriangle's prior written consent.
10.2. The Consultant shall maintain an office in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area
sufficient to permit timely in-person engagement with Members of Congress, committee
staff, and federal agency officials.
11. Conflicts of Interest
The Consultant shall disclose to GoTriangle, at the commencement of the engagement and on
an ongoing basis during the term, any representation that may give rise to an actual or apparent
conflict of interest with GoTriangle's federal priorities.
Disclosable representations include, without limitation:
11.1. Other clients with overlapping or competing applications in any competitive federal
program for which GoTriangle has applied or intends to apply during the contract term;
11.2. Competing transit or transportation projects within the State of North Carolina and
nationally; and
11.3. Interests adverse to GoTriangle in any federal regulatory or legislative matter. The
Consultant shall propose, and GoTriangle in its sole discretion shall accept or reject, any
conflict mitigation measures.
END OF SECTION
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RFP No. 1012-27-001 Federal Lobbying Services
Terms and Conditions
1. Services
Contractor agrees to perform the services outlined in the contract (hereinafter "Services").
Contractor hereby represents and warrants that it has the experience, capability and resources,
including but not limited to sufficient personnel and supervisors, to efficiently and expeditiously
perform the Services to be provided hereunder with the highest professional standards, and
Contractor further represents and warrants that it will at all times devote the necessary personnel
and supervisors to perform the Services hereunder in such a manner. Contractor warrants and
represents that prior to submitting a proposal for any Services, Contractor will examine all of the
specifications, directions and conditions relating to the Services, investigate the scope of the
project and the difficulties which may be encountered in performing the Services, and hereby
assumes full and complete responsibility for, and risk in connection with, said Services.
2. Contract Term
The term of the resulting contract shall begin on the date of execution and continue for an initial
period of two (2) years, unless canceled, terminated, or otherwise extended as permitted.
3. Invoicing and Compensation
3.1. GoTriangle agrees to pay the Contractor, and the Contractor agrees to accept payment, for
services rendered under the resulting contract in accordance with the mutually agreed-upon
project milestones. Payment for each milestone shall be due within thirty (30) days following
(i) the Contractor's submission of a valid invoice for the completed milestone, and (ii) written
approval of milestone completion by the designated end user or authorized representative of
GoTriangle.
3.2. Contractor shall submit an original invoice in a form satisfactory to GoTriangle and shall
reference this Contract Number 1012-27-001. Invoices shall be submitted in an electronic
form to the following address: invoice@gotriangle.org.
3.3. GoTriangle will forward payments of Contractor's invoices to the "remit to" address on the
invoice which has been approved for payment.
3.4. GoTriangle may withhold full or partial payment of any invoice as GoTriangle deems
necessary due to:
3.4.1. Non-satisfaction of Services that are not remedied;
3.4.2. Third-party claims filed or information in possession of GoTriangle reasonably
indicating probable filing of such claims;
3.4.3. Damage to GoTriangle or another party for which Contractor is partially or wholly
responsible;
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RFP No. 1012-27-001 Federal Lobbying Services
3.4.4. Persistent failure to carry out the Services in accordance with this Agreement.
3.5. In the event any full or partial payment is withheld, full payment shall be made when the
offending condition is cured.
4. Changes in the Services
Only a Contract Amendment signed by duly authorized representatives of both parties, can modify
the Contract, as long as it does not change the Contract's general scope. Purported changes to the
Contract by an unauthorized person or made unilaterally by the Contractor will be void and without
effect; Contractor will not be entitled to any claim made under the Contract based on any such
purported changes.
5. Conflict of Interest
GoTriangle has adopted a Code of Ethics that establishes standards of conduct for GoTriangle
officials and employees. No director, officer or employee of GoTriangle shall have, during their
tenure, any interest, direct or indirect, in Contractor, its subcontractors, this Agreement or the
proceeds thereof. Contractor shall not, directly or indirectly, offer to the aforementioned individuals,
nor shall such individuals accept from Contractor, gifts, gratuities, favors, or anything of monetary
value.
6. Contract Termination
6.1. Termination for Convenience
6.1.1. GoTriangle may terminate the Contract for the convenience of GoTriangle as follows:
a. By giving Contractor thirty (30) calendar days prior written notice of such
termination.
b. Immediately, by written notice to Contractor, by reason of bankruptcy or
insolvency of Contractor, or the filing of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership,
or similar action or proceeding by or against Contractor, or any assignment by
Contractor for the benefit of its creditors, or any other acts or omission by
Contractor reflecting or manifesting bankruptcy or financial insolvency.
6.1.2. Upon receipt of a written notice of termination for any of the above conditions
Contractor shall immediately discontinue all Services affected, unless the notice
directs otherwise.
6.1.3. GoTriangle may at any time, by written notice to Contractor, require Contractor to stop
all, or any part, of the Services for a period herein specified in the Stop Work Order,
not to exceed ninety (90) calendar days after the Stop Work Order is delivered to
Contractor, and for such further period to which the parties may agree in writing. Upon
receipt of the Stop Work Order, Contractor shall immediately stop performing the
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