San Joaquin County seeks a contractor to provide professional services to advocate for its interests on legislative and regulatory policy in Washington, D.C. Services may include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Perform as the sole Washington, D.C. advocate for the COUNTY and maintain liaison between the COUNTY and members of Congress, the Executive Branch, and other Federal agencies, the National Association of Counties, and other officials as directed by the COUNTY. The CONTRACTOR will report to the CAO and his/her designee(s). 2. Monitor and track all introduced and amended versions of pending legislation of potential interest to, or impact on the jurisdiction of the County of San Joaquin. Provide copies of bills, amendments, committee reports, Federal agency rules, regulations or reports, or other information reasonably available that is pertinent to the COUNTY’S Federal legislative advocacy program. Additionally, provide research and information to the COUNTY on Federal administrative policy, funding opportunities for COUNTY programs, reports and memoranda impacting COUNTY operations, information on Congressional hearings, reports and testimony on issues affecting COUNTY programs, and briefings on emerging issues that affect the COUNTY. 3. Report on, and advise the COUNTY on relevant Federal legislation, proposed and adopted, and administrative actions that affect COUNTY programs. Reporting will include a monthly summary on major activities and accomplishments key to the COUNTY’S adopted Legislative Policies and Priorities. More formal reports will be required quarterly or on a trimester basis at the discretion of the CAO. 4. Visit the COUNTY at least once per year to participate in meetings with COUNTY administrative and elected officials, and provide a public briefing to the Board of Supervisors at one of its meetings to discuss with the Board of Supervisors the effectiveness of the COUNTY’S advocacy efforts at the Federal level. Additional trips may be required at the discretion and request of the CAO to discuss high profile issues. 5. Work with the COUNTY to develop strategy and policy language on legislation, regulatory policies and related amendments that accomplish specific COUNTY goals. 6. Represent the COUNTY in meetings with members of Congress, Federal agencies, boards, commissions, committees, and other bodies. 7. Arrange meetings and provide materials for County Supervisors and officials in Washington, D.C., as needed. 8. Identify emerging Federal funding programs and regulatory opportunities that are not currently being utilized, and develop strategies to access those programs and sources. 9. Assist in the pursuit of discretionary grants for COUNTY programs. Review and comment on COUNTY proposals that are prepared for submission when requested. Recommend and perform appropriate liaison and follow-up work to obtain the most favorable consideration of requests. Develop strategies for maximizing access to Federal funding programs currently utilized, and assist in developing strategies for positioning the County to maximize its share of all funding sources relative to competing interests. 10. Assist in the drafting of materials and correspondence to advocate in support of the COUNTY’S legislative goals. This includes email communications, letters to Congressional members and staff, and issue papers. 11. Assist in the development and review of the COUNTY’S Biennial Legislative Platform and Policy Guidelines document including but not limited to: attending strategic planning meetings with COUNTY representatives; conducting researching and advising on existing and new policies for the Board of Supervisors consideration; drafting language; and working with department representatives in coordination with the CAO and his/her designee(s). 12. Demonstrate understanding of California legislation and its implication on Federal law. 13. Demonstrate understanding of California county issues and have relationships with stakeholder groups such as the National Association of Counties (NACo). 14. Provide COUNTY officials visiting Washington, DC with access to a work area, phone/fax, WiFi, email and temporary storage and access to ground transportation. 15. On behalf of the COUNTY, fulfill registration and reporting requirements imposed on lobbyist as required by law. 16. Provide representation of the COUNTY without conflict of interest; representation of other clients should not pose conflict of interest issues for the CONTRACTOR, nor should the interest of such other clients be in direct conflict with the COUNTY’S interests. 17. Identify and provide a project lead and/or Advocacy Team for the duration of services, obtaining COUNTY approval prior to making changes to the Advocacy Team members.