SLED Opportunity · CALIFORNIA · PLANNING
AI Summary
SMART seeks a legislative advocacy firm to represent its federal policy interests in Washington, DC, focusing on passenger and freight rail. The contract is a 3-year term with options, starting January 2027. Proposals due by September 8, 2026.
The Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit District (SMART) is a Special District within the State of California that owns, maintains, and operates passenger rail service in Sonoma County and Marin County. In addition to passenger rail service, SMART is a common carrier that owns and operates freight rail services within Sonoma County, Marin County, and Napa County.SMART is seeking Proposals from qualified legislative advocacy firms to represent SMART’s legislative policy interests at the Federal level in Washington, DC. The Consultant awarded the contract is expected to assist in the development of strategies for advancing actions at the Federal level that are beneficial to SMART and its programs with the anticipated workload to be focused on passenger commuter and inter-city rail, non-motorized interests, and freight rail interests. The scope of services will include representation and advocacy on behalf of SMART in its dealing with all relevant federal agencies, departments, and related interest groups, including but not limited to and in no particular order:White HouseU.S. SenateU.S. House of RepresentativesU.S. Department of Transportation a. Federal Transit Administration b. Federal Railroad Administration c. Federal Highway Administration d. Build America BureauU.S. Department of Homeland Security a. U.S. Coast GuardU.S. Department of the Interior a. Bureau of Indian Affairs b. National Park Service c. U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceU.S. Army Corps of EngineersSurface Transportation BoardRailroad Retirement BoardGeneral Services AdministrationThis contract has a 3-year base term with (2) one-year options to extend thereafter. The effective start date of the awarded Agreement is January 1, 2027.This Agreement may be funded using Local Funds. Consultant shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations while performing work under the Agreement.The deadline to submit a Proposal in response to this Request for Proposal is September 8, 2026 by 2:00pm (Pacific)
| Status | Event Name | Location | Description | Dates | Mandatory |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ongoing | Open Date | Online Portal | Posting date for the Opportunity | Aug 3rd 2026, 8:00 AM PDT | N/A |
| Upcoming | Pre-Proposal Conference (Virtual) | Microsoft Teams: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/214258947924916?p=nnQNrigoapkVkov0aH | SMART will host a virtual Pre-Proposal Conference at 2:00 PM (Pacific) on Thursday, August 13, 2026. Microsoft Teams Link: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/214258947924916?p=nnQNrigoapkVkov0aH Meeting ID: 214 258 947 924 916 Passcode: cx9DC3pN Proposers are not required to attend the Pre-Proposal Conference as a condition to submitting a Proposal. The Pre-Proposal Meeting is expected to last approximately 1 hour. | Aug 13th 2026, 2:00 PM PDT - Aug 13th 2026, 3:00 PM PDT | No |
| Upcoming | Questions Due Date | Online Portal | Deadline to submit Questions | Aug 20th 2026, 2:00 PM PDT | N/A |
| Upcoming | Deadline for Final Addendum Issuance | Bonfire | Deadline for SMART to issue its Final Addendum | Aug 24th 2026, 11:59 PM PDT - Aug 24th 2026, 11:59 PM PDT | No |
| Upcoming | Close Date | Online Portal | Deadline for Submissions | Sep 8th 2026, 2:00 PM PDT | N/A |
| Upcoming | Intent to Bid Due Date | Online Portal | Deadline to indicate your intent to Bid | Sep 8th 2026, 2:00 PM PDT | Yes |
Note: Template files for the items below (BidTables, Questionnaires) are available in the Attachments section of this opportunity.
| Name | Type | # Files | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| PART A - D: Proposal | File Type: PDF (.pdf) | 1 | Required |
File Type Description Date Created Actions 1. RFP-Federal Advocacy Services (OT-PS-26-001).pdf Documentation Request for Proposals for Federal Advocacy Services. Provides detailed information on the content of the Proposal, evaluation process, and other pertinent solicitation information. Read more... Jul 7th 2026, 9:15 AM PDT Download 2. Att. A-Sample Agreement (OT-PS-26-001).pdf Documentation The awarded Proposer shall be required to execute this Agreement, similar in form. Jul 7th 2026, 8:24 AM PDT Download 3. Att. B-Receipt of Addenda Form (OT-PS-26-001).pdf Documentation Proposer is required to complete this form if any addenda are issued during the solicitation process. Jul 7th 2026, 8:24 AM PDT Download 4. Att C-Required Certifications (OT-PS-26-001).pdf Documentation Provides the certifications that the Proposer and subcontractors are required to complete and submit with the Proposal. Read more... Jul 7th 2026, 8:24 AM PDT Download 5. Submission Instructions (OT-PS-26-001).pdf Documentation Provides instructions for how to submit a Proposal through SMART's eProcurement Portal. Jul 7th 2026, 2:08 PM PDT Download
SLED stands for State, Local, and Education. These are solicitations issued by state governments, counties, cities, school districts, utilities, and higher education institutions — as opposed to federal agencies.
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