About this opportunity
AI summaryThe Chesapeake Bay Trust seeks a qualified consultant or consulting firm to provide legislative strategy and funding protection consulting services. Deliverables include legislative monitoring, policy analysis, strategic counsel, meeting and testimony support, legislative relationship assistance, coalition coordination, and reporting to protect the Trust's statutory funding mechanisms and institutional duties without engaging in a broader lobbying program. Eligible offerors are onshore United States organizations with demonstrated experience working with the Maryland General Assembly, state budget processes, and policy analysis. Offerors must submit proposals by email to [email protected] no later than 4:00 p.m. on November 13, 2026. Proposals must include a detailed budget identifying total hours, pricing components such as direct labor, fringe benefits, indirect costs, profit, and direct expenses, with proposed rates remaining firm for 90 days following the closing date. Work will be performed offsite, and the contract term will commence on a date specified in the contract and conclude when all required work is completed.
Buyer and opportunity details
- Client
- Chesapeake Bay Trust
Scope of work
- Legislative Monitoring and Strategic Analysis of proposals affecting dedicated funding and statutory duties
- Written and verbal assessments of emerging risks, opportunities, and recommended strategies
- Strategic Counsel and Legislative Support for Trust leadership on policy and messaging
- Meeting, Briefing, and Testimony Support including drafting talking points and informational statements
- Authorized direct Legislative Relationship Support across caucuses, committees, and stakeholders
- Coalition Coordination and information sharing with nonprofit partners and affiliated coalitions
- Monthly activity summaries and legislative session reporting
- Verbal reporting to the Executive Committee of the Trust Board as requested
How proposals are evaluated
| Criterion | Weight / scoring |
|---|---|
| Proposed Team | 20% |
| Proposed Approach | 20% |
| Experience and Expertise of Offeror | 25% |
| Capacity and Resources | 10% |
| Cost and Value | 25% |
Minimum qualifications
- Demonstrated experience working with the Maryland General Assembly, including legislative and budget processes
- Demonstrated understanding of legislative, budgetary, regulatory, and policy development processes in Maryland
- Established professional credibility and experience interacting with General Assembly members, staff, and agencies
- Demonstrated experience providing strategic policy analysis, issue assessment, and executive-level advisory services
- Experience monitoring and analyzing legislative, budgetary, and policy developments for organizational leadership
- Demonstrated ability to analyze proposed legislation and budget actions for operational, financial, and reputational impacts
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for briefing materials, testimony support, and strategic communications
- Knowledge of applicable Maryland lobbying, ethics, registration, disclosure, and reporting requirements
Documents to include with your response
- Names of individuals performing work and years of experience
- Description of proposed approach for scope and deliverables
- Response to qualifications section describing relevant experience
- Names, phone numbers, and email addresses of three references
- Resume or CV of proposed personnel
- Detailed budget proposal with hours, hourly rates, direct expense estimates, and total compensation
- Price accuracy certification
Key dates
- Proposals due
- no later than 4:00 p.m. on 11/13/26
- Anticipated contract period
- December 1, 2026, through May 1, 2027
How to submit
- Method
- Instructions
- Submit in one electronic file via email to [email protected] no later than 4:00 p.m. on 11/13/26. Narrative description items a-d must be concise (5 pages or fewer), with items e and f allowed outside the 5-page limit.
Contract details
- Term
- December 1, 2026, through May 1, 2027, with the option to renew at the Trust's discretion
- Place of performance
- Maryland
- Insurance and bonding
- The Offeror shall agree to maintain in full force and effect during the term of the Contract usual and customary amounts of liability insurance coverage in connection with the performance or failure to perform services under the Contract.
- Funding
- Chesapeake Bay Trust