The District seeks to acquire the services of a legislative consulting firm in order to pursue funding for District programs and develop strategies to achieve objectives in relation to Federal regulations. The District’s main goals in preparing this RFP are: 1) to maximize the financial and regulatory assistance of federal agencies in achieving the needs, goals, and objectives of the District, and 2) receive the benefits of an effective advocate on all legislative matters impacting the District’s ability to meet water quality standards. Therefore, the District is requesting detailed proposals for professional legislative consulting services to formulate the District’s legislative and regulatory strategies and to serve as its liaison to accomplish the District’s goals and objectives. It is the District’s intention to award a purchase order for this RFP by November 21, 2024. This agreement alone does not authorize the performance of any services or require the District to authorize services. Services provided by the legislative consultant are anticipated to include the following on an as needed basis: • Interact with the Illinois Congressional Delegation Members and staff and relevant House and Senate Committee Members and staff. • Provide legislative research and analysis, as well as updates on pending and existing federal regulations. • Conduct and arrange meetings for District Board Members with members of Congress, White House staff, and cabinet and sub-cabinet officials to obtain funding for projects. • Acquire sponsors and co-sponsors for the introduction of legislative proposals. • Provide status reports detailing projects and tasks accomplished for each corresponding proposal. • Advise the District on Clean Water Act regulations; and current challenges facing the District, i.e. disinfection, stormwater management and overall sewage treatment issues. • Work with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), The Army Corps of Engineers, and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). • Provide review and analysis to the Executive Director on relevant industry trade group positions on matters potentially affecting the District, such as the Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF), and the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA). • Identify and facilitate financial opportunities and assistance programs for the District.
