Request for Bids: Lobbyist – Minnesota Guardian ad Litem Program

Date: October 1, 2026

Issued By: Minnesota Guardian ad Litem Board

Response to this solicitation is due no later than: 10/15/26 at 4:00pm

Subject: Request for Government Relations Services

Summary

The Guardian ad Litem Board (GALB) is soliciting bids from qualified and independent government relations firms for legislative representation and related support beginning in the fall of 2026. Respondents should provide service options, costs, qualifications, and a brief strategy for advancing the interests of the Guardian ad Litem Program

Agency Information

The State Guardian ad Litem Board was established by legislation in 2010 to administer a statewide, independent Guardian ad Litem Program to advocate for the best interests of children in Juvenile and Family courts. The Program Administrator, who reports to the Board, supervises the program managers from the ten judicial districts.  Each judicial district program is configured to service the needs of the judicial district.  Within each judicial district, there are part-time and full-time Guardians ad Litem with the Second and Fourth Judicial District utilizing volunteers in addition to paid staff. 

Services Period: The anticipated beginning date for services will be approximately November 1, 2026 and run through August 31, 2026.

Budget: Competitive bids should not exceed $49,999.00. 

Description of Work: Provide focused and strategic support to advance the Guardian ad Litem Board’s request for increased legislative funding to support competitive employee compensation.

Scope of Work: The following duties are anticipated to accomplish the Guardian ad Litem Board’s goal of securing a significant increase in funding:

• Work with the Board to establish the Board’s priorities and analyze how these priorities relate to the priorities and dynamics of the 2027 Legislature.
• Identify contacts and concepts critical to securing increased funding and work with the Board to incorporate this information into a focused strategy to gain bipartisan support.
• Register and serve as the Board’s lobbyist and primary legislative contact.
• Lobby legislators and work to secure support from the Governor’s office.
• Work with the Board, Program Administrator, and internal and external representatives to create communications and initiatives that support the Board’s legislative strategy.
• Monitor and track bills relevant to the work of the Guardian ad Litem Program.
• Assist with drafting bills.
• Prepare witnesses, testimony, and exhibits for legislative hearings.
• Build and maintain relationships with legislators, the courts, and other partners.
• Maintain legislative records and provide updates to the Board and Program Administrator.

Invoicing: As part of the proposal, Respondents should include proposed methods for invoicing which may include, but are not limited to, monthly or quarterly flat fee invoicing,   task-specific support, or a hybrid arrangement. If more than one option is offered, identify the cost and scope of each option, and travel or other reimbursable expenses.

Submission Requirements: Interested individuals and firms are invited to submit their bids, which should include:

1. A detailed proposal outlining the submitter’s understanding of the objectives and scope of the project.
2. Proposed activities and  approach.
3. A timeline.
4. A cost proposal including the price structure, any flat fees or hourly fees, and schedule for invoicing and payment
5. Qualifications, including relevant experience with state agencies or similar governmental entities and ability to comply with applicable lobbying registration, reporting, ethics, and disclosure requirements.
6. Qualifications  of key personnel who will be assigned to this engagement.

Deadline for Submission: All bids must be received by 4:00 p.m. Central Time on October 15, 2026.

Submission Address: Alex.Miller@courts.state.mn.us. Electronic submissions only. Paper submissions may not be mailed or delivered.

Contact Person for Questions: All questions regarding this Request for Bids should be directed in writing to: Alex Miller, Program Administrator, Minnesota Guardian ad Litem Program, Alex.Miller @courts.state.mn.us. All questions must be submitted by 12:00 p.m., Central Time, October 08, 2026.

Agency Rights: The Guardian ad Litem Board reserves the right to reject any and all bids received, to waive any informalities or irregularities in the bids received, and to accept the bid that it deems to be in its best interest. This request does not obligate the State of Minnesota or the Guardian ad Litem Board to award a contract or complete the proposed work. The Guardian ad Litem Board reserves the right to cancel this solicitation if it is determined to be in its best interest to do so.