About this opportunity
AI summaryThe San Miguel Authority for Regional Transportation seeks qualifications from experienced federal government relations and lobbying firms to support the replacement and modernization of the Telluride–Mountain Village Gondola. The selected firm will deliver hands-on advocacy, develop a comprehensive federal advocacy strategy, build congressional and federal agency relationships, evaluate federal funding programs, and provide year-round support. Eligibility requires onshore USA organizations with relevant federal lobbying experience. Proposers must submit qualifications electronically via email to Executive Director David Averill by 5:00 p.m. MST on November 24, 2026. Prospective respondents may attend an optional pre-proposal meeting on November 9, 2026, and must submit written questions by 5:00 p.m. MST on November 12, 2026. SMART will evaluate qualifications before requesting detailed fee proposals from finalist firms.
Buyer and opportunity details
- Client
- San Miguel Authority for Regional Transportation
- Solicitation No.
- 2026-3
Scope of work
- Develop a comprehensive federal advocacy strategy for the gondola replacement project
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships with Congressional delegations, committees, and leadership
- Execute engagement strategies with FTA, USDOT, and relevant federal agencies regarding eligibility and grants
- Identify and evaluate federal funding, financing, grant, and appropriations opportunities
- Provide specialized advocacy and guidance for the FTA Capital Investment Grants program
- Identify legislative opportunities through annual appropriations, authorizing legislation, and report language
- Assist in preparing testimony, briefing materials, letters of support, and advocacy materials
- Provide year-round federal monitoring, rapid response, monthly reporting, and Board briefings
How proposals are evaluated
| Criterion | Weight / scoring |
|---|---|
| Conformance with Submission Requirements | 10% |
| Federal Resources, Relationships and Capacity | 30% |
| Experience and Qualifications | 30% |
| Methodology and Approach | 25% |
| Cost | 5% |
Minimum qualifications
- Demonstrated success lobbying Congress and the federal executive branch for public agencies or major infrastructure projects
- Direct and current experience with USDOT and FTA, including Capital Investment Grants program familiarity
- Established relationships with the Colorado Congressional delegation, relevant Congressional committees, and federal agency officials
- Experience developing and executing successful federal funding strategies for large, complex transportation or infrastructure projects
- Experience navigating federal appropriations, discretionary grant programs, and authorizing legislation
- Compliance with applicable federal lobbying registration, disclosure, ethics, procurement, and reporting requirements
- Established relationships and a strong working presence in Washington, D.C.
Documents to include with your response
- Cover Letter signed by an authorized person identifying the proposed lead lobbyist
- Executive Summary
- Approach and Work Plan including anticipated first 90 days of work
- Relevant Experience documentation
- Federal Relationships and Access description
- Personnel Qualifications including resumes of lead and support personnel
- Results / Track Record describing measurable outcomes
- References for at least three clients, preferably within the last three years
- Federal Lobbying Compliance registration information
- Conflicts of Interest disclosures
Key dates
- RFQ Release
- October 30th, 2026
- Optional Pre-Proposal Meeting
- November 9th, 2026 at 10 a.m. MST
- Deadline for written questions
- November 12th, 2026 by 5 p.m. MST
- Responses to Questions/RFQ Addendum issued
- November 17th, 2026
- Deadline for submitting responses to this RFQ
- November 24th, 2026 by 5 p.m. MST
- Potential Interviews with Finalist Firms
- Week of November 30th, 2026
- Contract consideration by the SMART Board of Directors
- December 10th, 2026 (anticipated)
How to submit
- Method
- Electronic by email
- Instructions
- Submitted electronically by email to the SMART Executive Director. Proposals and price quotations must remain firm and irrevocable for 90 days following submission.
Contract details
- Term
- Up to two (2) years, subject to negotiation, appropriations, performance, and the terms of the final agreement
- Funding
- FTA Capital Investment Grants (CIG) and other federal discretionary grant, appropriations, or transportation programs