I. Description
AMEM is requesting information from qualified government affairs firms and independent lobbyists regarding legislative representation and related support beginning in fall of 2026. Respondents should provide service options, costs, qualifications, and a brief strategy for advancing AMEM initiatives.

II. Association Background
AMEM Website: https://amemminnesota.org/
Established in 1955, the Association of Minnesota Emergency Managers is a statewide network of emergency management professionals and partners serving counties, cities, Tribal Nations, state agencies, and other organizations. AMEM advocates for effective emergency management capabilities and practices, supports professional development, and strengthens coordination throughout Minnesota.
Motto: “Leading Minnesota Readiness”
Mission: AMEM is a network of professional emergency managers dedicated to advocating and advancing effective emergency management capabilities and practices statewide.

III. Recent Legislative Work
Recent AMEM legislative initiatives have included:
• Local emergency management funding (HF 2099 / SF 2119): Dedicated state funding for emergency management programs serving Minnesota counties, Tribal Nations, and cities of the first class.
• Weather radar gap coverage (HF 697 / SF 530): Gap-filling radar data and services to improve low-level weather observations and public safety. (LCCMR recommended projects: Link)
• Emergency manager recognition (HF 3691 / SF 4255): Recognition of emergency managers as essential employees under Minnesota law.
• Hazard mitigation capacity (HF 4581 / SF 5002): State funding for hazard mitigation planning, projects, technical assistance, and nonfederal cost shares.
These items are provided as background. AMEM expects to confirm its 2027-28 legislative priorities by December 2026.

IV. Scope of Work
Anticipated term of contract: TBD based on respondent qualifications
• Work with the AMEM Board and Government Affairs Committee to establish legislative priorities and develop a bipartisan strategy for advancing those priorities.
• Register and serve as AMEM's lobbyist and primary legislative contact, as required by Minnesota law.
• Coordinate with legislators, legislative staff, the Governor's Office, executive branch agencies, and local and Tribal partners on issues affecting emergency management.
• Draft or assist with bill language; secure authors and hearings; monitor amendments, votes, and omnibus bills; and advise AMEM on legislative timing and tactics.
• Track bills, budgets, hearings, and agency actions of interest to AMEM and provide timely written updates during the legislative session.
• Prepare testimony, talking points, fact sheets, letters, and other materials and assist AMEM members with legislative meetings and testimony.
• Build and maintain coalitions with local government, public safety, infrastructure, weather, and other partners when appropriate.
• Attend Government Affairs Committee meetings and provide updates to the AMEM Board, membership, and conferences as requested. Maintain AMEM legislative records and prior platforms.

V. Responses
Please email a response of no more than six pages, excluding resumes, that includes:
• Firm or consultant name, address, primary contact information, and the names and roles of proposed staff.
• Relevant qualifications and experience with the Minnesota Legislature, executive branch agencies, emergency management or public safety, counties and cities, Tribal Nations, appropriations, coalition advocacy, and public communications.
• Resumes or short biographies for the individuals who would work with AMEM and their availability for the next 6-8 months. These are not required but may be helpful.
• Examples of recent legislative accomplishments as they relate to public safety or preparedness, including the respondent's role and the result achieved.
• A short strategy for AMEM's recent initiatives and anticipated future priorities. Include the first [90] days, likely committees and partners, anticipated challenges, and the approach to building bipartisan support.
• Recommended communication and reporting practices for the Government Affairs Committee, Board, and membership.
• Proposed service options and fees, including what is included, excluded, or available at an additional cost.

VI. Budget and Service Options
AMEM has not established the required fee structure. Respondents may recommend an annual retainer, session-focused support, issue-specific support, or a hybrid arrangement. If more than one option is offered, identify the cost and scope of each option, any minimum commitment, travel or other reimbursable expenses, and renewal terms. This will help our committee determine the best fit for our membership.

VII. Submission
Please email responses to blain.johnson@lqpcomn.gov using the subject line “[Firm or Consultant Name]- AMEM Lobbyist Support RFI Response” No printed copies are requested.
• RFI issued: August 15, 2026
• Responses due: September 14, 2026, 5:00 p.m. CDT

VIII. Proposal Schedule
• Anticipated decision or next step communciations: Friday, September 25, 2026
• Desired service start: October 19, 2026

IX. Review
AMEM will consider the respondent's understanding of the Association and its issues, strategic approach, relevant Minnesota experience and relationships, record of results, ability to work with local and Tribal partners, communication practices, capacity, availability, conflicts, flexibility, and overall value.

X. Terms
The selected provider would work closely with and report to the AMEM Government Affairs Committee and the AMEM President or designee. AMEM retains authority to establish or revise priorities. The provider must comply with applicable lobbying registration, reporting, ethics, and disclosure requirements. Non-routine travel and direct expenses require advanced approval. Any engagement is subject to AMEM Board approval and execution of a mutually acceptable contract.
This RFI is for information-gathering purposes and does not obligate AMEM to select or contract with any respondent. AMEM may request additional information, conduct discussions, negotiate with one or more respondents, issue a later solicitation, or discontinue the process. Respondents are responsible for their own preparation costs.

XI. RFI Contact
For questions or additional information, please contact:
Blain Johnson, Chair AMEM Government Affairs Committee
701-429-1737 | blain.johnson@lqpcomn.gov