This contract is to procure legislative services from Holland & Knight in an amount not to exceed $222,000 per year for two years. The legislative services will provide both state and federal legislative assistance with the Georgia General Assembly, State Agencies, United States Congress, and Federal Agencies on behalf of the City of Savannah. This contract ensures the City of Savannah has an active presence in the Georgia State Capital and Federal Government, increases the City's awareness of opportunities and threats, and promotes items of strategic importance on both the federal and state level. 

This contract focuses on protecting and advancing the City’s interests, authority, and priorities from a legal and policy perspectives, as well as combating outside interest groups who attempt to circumvent the City’s laws and policies. Legislative priorities often take years to gain momentum and maintaining consistent legislative representation can help in accomplishing long-term priorities. 

This contract is for two years with an option for an additional two-year extension. City Council first entered into a contract with Holland & Knight in 2021 for State legislative services for $102,000 per year. With the recent passage of large federal appropriation bills, it became clear that consistent representation in Washington, D.C., was needed to maximize grant opportunities for Savannah. Because of this, the City in 2023 issued a request for proposals (RFP) that requested both State and Federal legislative services for the first time.

An RFP evaluates criteria in addition to cost. The proposals were evaluated based on proposer/firm profile, experience of firm, qualifications and experience of staff, references, and understanding of scope of work. Two (2) proposals were received in response to this RFP. All proposals were reviewed and fully evaluated by a selection committee of City staff.

The bidders are:

B.P. Holland & Knight (Atlanta, GA)^(D)                        $444,000

02. McGuireWoods Consulting LLC (Atlanta, GA)^(D)  $336,000 

A pre-proposal meeting was not conducted. (D) Indicates non-local, non-DBE-owned business.

Local vendors notified via the supplier portal: Yes

Total sent: 659

Total received: 2

Approval