State Lobbying and Government Affairs Services

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority (GFIAA) is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP) to seek proposals from qualified Michigan Lobbyist firms (Respondent) to provide Lobbying Services on behalf of the Authority to support continued growth and state engagement.

The selected Respondent will act as a representative of the Authority at the state level, providing lobbying services with the highest level of professionalism and integrity. This includes, but is not limited to, identifying key issues, developing strategies, drafting materials, and engaging with lawmakers and government agencies on behalf of the Authority.

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport is the second busiest airport in Michigan, serving over 4 million business and leisure travelers annually with nonstop and connecting flights.

GFIAA seeks the services of a qualified governmental affairs and lobbying firm to provide Michigan state lobbying and government affairs services to advance the Authority’s priorities and support continued growth and state engagement. Services shall include, but are not limited to, legislative advocacy, governmental relations, state funding and grant opportunities, regulatory advocacy, issue monitoring, strategic communications, and representation before state decision-makers and agencies.

The selected Respondent will serve as a strategic advisor and advocate for GFIAA at the state level and shall work collaboratively with Authority leadership to identify issues, develop advocacy strategies, advance state priorities, and communicate relevant legislative and governmental developments.

Scope of Services

1. Legislative Advocacy and Monitoring
- Identify, monitor, track, and report on Michigan legislation, proposed legislation, state policies, administrative actions, and other governmental developments that may affect GFIAA.
- Develop and recommend legislative and advocacy strategies to advance GFIAA’s interests and influence legislative, policy, and administrative outcomes.
- Provide regular legislative and governmental affairs updates, including monthly, quarterly, and annual activity reports, as appropriate.
2. State Grant and Funding Opportunity Support
- Identify Michigan appropriations, grants, funding programs, and other state opportunities relevant to GFIAA, including opportunities related to transportation, aviation infrastructure, environmental initiatives, economic development, and airport operations.
- Provide timely notification of applicable state funding opportunities, legislative developments, and changes to state funding programs.
3. Relationship Development
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships with members of the Michigan Legislature, the Governor’s Office, state department and agency leadership, legislative staff, and other appropriate state governmental stakeholders.
- Represent GFIAA, as requested, at legislative hearings, committee meetings, agency meetings, briefings, and other governmental affairs events.
4. Strategic Communications
- Draft or assist in the development of official correspondence, including letters of support, legislative testimony, briefing materials, talking points, and other advocacy materials.
5. Compliance and Ethical Standards
- Maintain all registrations and reporting required under the Michigan Lobby Registration Act, Public Act 472 of 1978, as amended, throughout the term of the contract.
- Comply with all applicable Michigan lobbying, ethics, disclosure, and governmental requirements.

Submission

Responses may be delivered physically or electronically. To be considered, complete submissions must be received prior to the due date and time specified (local time). Electronic responses can be securely uploaded as a single pdf document to: https://www.dropbox.com/request/8ni0urx0pzn03vvub4jp. Hard copy responses can be mailed or otherwise delivered to Marissa Norris, Senior Procurement Specialist, Gerald R Ford International Airport Authority, 5500 44th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512.

Minimum qualifications (required)

• Be registered, or otherwise qualified to register, as a lobbyist or lobbyist agent under the Michigan Lobby Registration Act and maintain all required registrations throughout the term of the contract.
• Have a minimum of three (3) years of experience providing Michigan legislative affairs, lobbying, or governmental affairs services.

Term

The Authority intends to award an agreement effective January 1, 2027. The term of this Agreement will be two (2) years, ending on December 31, 2028. The term may be extended by the Authority for two (2) additional two (2) year terms.

Evaluation

Phase I maximum points: Governmental Affairs Strategy & Approach 25; Relevant Governmental Affairs / Lobbying Experience 20; Airport / Aviation Industry Experience 15; Proposed Team & Staffing 10; Firm Capacity & Resources 10; Fee Structure 10. Phase II criteria bring the total to 100.

Insurance requirements are posted on the Documents and Forms page of the GFIAA website within the Purchasing Terms and Conditions document.