Pasco County Board of County Commissioners RFP-KM-21-065: Lobbyist Services (Federal Government)
for Local Government General Legislative Issues April 9, 2021
PRESENTED BY: Doyle Bartlett 99 M St. SE, Suite 725 Washington, DC 20003 202-257-6055 [email protected]
www.gray-robinson.com
Boca Raton | Fort Lauderdale | Fort Myers | G ainesville | Jacksonville | Key West | Lakela n d GrayRobinson, P.A. | 1 Melbourne | Miami | Naples | Orlando | Tall ahassee | Tampa | Washington, DC | West Palm B e a c h
Pasco County BOCC RFP-KM-21-065 Federal Lobbying Services
April 9, 2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TAB A: STATEMENT OF INTEREST AND INTRODU CTION ...... 3 TAB B: PROJECT UNDER STANDING AND APPROAC H ...... 5 TAB C: PROJECT TEAM AND PAST EXPERIENCE ...... 14 TAB D: LOCATION AND WORKLOAD ...... 25 TAB E: NO EXCEPTIONS TO RFP ...... 26 TAB F: COMPENSATION ...... 27 TAB G: REQUIRED FORM S TO BE SUBMITTED WI TH THE PROPOSAL ...... 28 1. Proposer Information/Certification Form ...... 28 2. Addendum Acknowledgement...... 31 3. Public Entity Crimes Affidavit ...... 32 4. Affidavit of Non-Collusion and of Non-Interest of Pasco County Employees ...... 35 5. Vendor Information Form and W-9 ...... 37 TAB H: APPENDIX - TE AM BIOGRAPHIES ...... 39 Doyle Bartlett ...... 39 John Ariale ...... 41 Elizabeth Blair Hancock* ...... 43 Laura L. Lenhart* ...... 45 Chris McCannell* ...... 47 Kim McDougal* ...... 49 Greg Mesack* ...... 52
*Denotes non-attorney professional
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TAB A: STATEMENT OF INTEREST AND INTRODU CTION
The responding Proposer shall provide a letter, on letterhead, not exceeding two (2) pages, which serves as a statement of interest and introduction to the submittal. The letter shall include a disclosure of any potential conflict of interest that your Proposal may have due to other clients, contracts or property interests in this project.
Pasco County Board of County Commissioners April 9, 2021 7536 State Street, Suite 221 New Port Richey, Florida 34654
Dear Members of the Pasco County Evaluation Committee,
On behalf of GrayRobinson, P.A. (the “Firm”), we are pleased to offer this proposal to provide federal lobbying services to the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners (the “County”). We present the enclosed qualifications, which outline in detail the firm’s professional experience, accomplishments, references, and capabilities that make us exceptionally and uniquely qualified and prepared to provide these services. We are not aware of any current potential conflict of interest that might arise from our representation of the County and we will take necessary steps to avoid conflicts of interest in the future.
GrayRobinson’s legislative team includes numerous skilled attorneys and consultants working collaboratively at all levels of government. In Washington, D.C., GrayRobinson’s federal lobbying team includes experienced D.C. insiders who have served as senior staff to Members of the United States Congress. Our team has extensive experience working on Capitol Hill and lobbying the federal government. We put the relationships we have developed and the proficiencies we have gained throughout more than 50 years of federal representation to work on behalf of our clients’ federal legislative agendas. We have established direct relationships with key federal agency officials in positions to guide funding levels, program decisions, advisory board appointments, and award processes through our experience serving Members of Congress and representing clients at the federal level.
At GrayRobinson, our professional and political acumen extends not only to the nation’s capital. With 14 offices located across the state of Florida, we provide our clients with a local connection. This approach means we maintain on-going, intimate knowledge of what is happening at the state and local level in addition to our decades of experience with the federal government. We maintain a well-respected and robust background in federal lobbying and local government affairs and have been active in the political process at the state and federal level for more than 50 years. We maintain close and meaningful relationships with legislators at the federal level and with key statewide and local political leaders. As a firm with a strong presence in Hillsborough and Polk County, we know and engage with all key players of the local government regularly and are friends and neighbors with members of Florida’s Congressional delegation.
At the federal level, the proposed Pasco County lead lobbyist, Doyle Bartlett, served for five years as Chief of Staff to Representative Bill McCollum, supporting Congressman McCollum's work as vice chair of the House Banking Committee and chair of the House Judiciary Committee's Crime Subcommittee. He oversaw Bill McCollum's race for the U.S. Senate in 1999-2000 and his successful Florida Attorney General campaign in 2006. In addition to Doyle, federal lobbyist and team member John Ariale served as Congressman Ander Crenshaw’s chief of staff and appropriations associate for nearly 14 years.
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Our team’s strategic mindset to help navigate our clients to success within the halls of government is evident by the recognition of two of our federal lobbyists as “Top Lobbyists of 2020” by The Hill as those who “stand out for delivering results for their clients in the halls of Congress and in the administration.” In addition, Florida Politics named GrayRobinson one of Florida’s top-earning lobbying firms and INFLUENCE Magazine named GrayRobinson the 2019 “Legal-Lobbying Firm of the Year.”
Our team of professionals provides specialized experience with federal government issues, exclusive access to Congressional leaders, and deep-rooted connections throughout Florida. We appreciate the opportunity to propose the GrayRobinson team for this work. I am confident we are ideally suited to partner with the County to execute the scope of services as laid out in the RFP.
I hope you will recognize the exclusive and beneficial assets of GrayRobinson’s professionals and favorably consider this proposal. We look forward to hearing from you.
Respectfully,
Doyle Bartlett Washington, D.C. Managing Shareholder GrayRobinson, P.A.
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TAB B: PROJECT UNDERSTANDIN G AND APPROACH
Describe your understanding of the project scope and requirements necessary for proper completion of the work proposed. Provide a narrative describing the methods and/or manner in which the Proposer proposes to satisfy the requirements of the Scope of Work throughout the year. Fully describe any work to be performed by the County and/or County staff.
Scope of Services
a. Design and implement a strategy, in consultation with County staff, the County Attorney, and the Board of County Commissioners to assist in the development of the County’s list of goals, priorities and specific projects, identify which of these goals, priorities and specific projects could be addressed at the Federal level, and assist in developing written material on each request. At GrayRobinson, our process includes identifying the end goals, analyzing the big picture, and then mapping out the best- laid plan for our client and our team to collectively obtain the desired outcomes. For the County, GrayRobinson will begin its representation with a workshop to develop a Federal Legislative Agenda to include all needs at the federal level. To advocate for or against any position, whether it be something new, a reform, etc., you must first have a deep understanding of the issue, know all the players involved, and hear what has worked and what hasn't worked for that particular entity or initiative in the past. Therefore, this initial workshop with the County will allow us to gain a keen understanding of the County's legislative goals, discuss any opposition or obstacles, and collectively begin to develop a plan around those objectives best served through legislative advocacy in front of the Federal government. The final Federal Legislative Agenda will provide a clear articulation of goals and expectations that, combined with the County’s Scope of Services, will serve as a roadmap in our representation.
The GrayRobinson team has successfully developed and executed federal relations strategies for clients resulting in directive congressional language to agencies, increased federal resources, and grant dollars from key federal agencies. These strategies have guided the overall federal government relations program in tandem with complementary congressional strategies – all with the goal of increasing funding from federal agencies of greatest relevance to our clients’ priorities. GrayRobinson commits to working on congressional and federal agency matters approved by the County and those items in the County’s best interest.
In terms of navigating your way to success in the legislative arena, it is imperative to have a team with the historical and working knowledge and experience essential to preparing legislation, general bills and amendments, identifying funding sources, and successfully shepherding specific appropriations through the Legislature. Our GrayRobinson team is equipped with the heavy hitters you need to do just that but is also skilled in defeating unfriendly legislation and attempts to reduce or eliminate appropriations line-items, proviso language, and any other actions which may be detrimental to our clients.
Our team focuses on developing bipartisan leadership support on matters important to our clients. We draw on decades of senior-level experience in the legislative and executive branches, where we have helped develop and implement a wide variety of policy initiatives.
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b. Provide County staff, the County Attorney, and the Board of County Commissioners with any new information that may impact the COUNTY’S Federal legislative program, and actively seek opportunities to enhance the COUNTY’S Federal legislative program and provide options as to legislative strategy when necessary. We believe that successful government relations require ongoing adjustments to accommodate changes in circumstances in Congress, among the federal agencies, or shifts in the client’s priorities. Our approach readily adapts to an ever-changing landscape, regardless of the existing political environment, budgetary conditions, or politics of the day. Therefore, we will continuously monitor and gather intelligence throughout the engagement and regularly correspond with and report to the County regarding its federal agenda and execution. We will regularly evaluate the County’s needs and assets, including priority initiatives, political allies, policy goals, federal legislative and regulatory concerns, federally funded initiatives, and recent accomplishments and where we believe enhancements or changes would service the best interests of the County, we will immediately make those recommendations.
c. Revise the COUNTY’S Federal legislative program (“Federal Agenda”) as needed, and as requested by the Board of County Commissioners through County staff and the County Attorney. To keep up with a changing legislative landscape, we will help identify and prioritize challenges and opportunities for the County throughout our representation and remain nimble to make changes where necessary. At any time, we will be ready to revise the county’s Federal Agenda as instructed, to account for any requested changes by the Board of County Commissioners through County staff and the County Attorney.
d. Monitor current Federal legislation and the Federal budget process and report to the COUNTY, both orally and in writing, any legislative events that may directly or indirectly impact the COUNTY. In addition to Bloomberg’s BGOV service used to identify, analyze, and report on legislative initiatives, critical hearings, budget proceedings, and administrative actions of interest to our clients, additional and important value comes from our decades of collective work on the Hill as senior staff members to numerous Members of Congress. Our network of former colleagues includes high-level staffers who now work in leadership offices and on essential committees of jurisdiction for the County. These relationships and our reputation on Capitol Hill allow us unique and unparalleled access to critical information for our clients. We commit to the monitor and subsequently develop regular reporting, both orally and in writing, on any relevant legislative events taking place that may directly or indirectly impact the County.
e. Provide the COUNTY with regular reports and updates on all legislative and budgetary issues that may impact the COUNTY. GrayRobinson will provide regular reports and updates on all legislative and budgetary issues that may impact the County to the Board of County Commissioners, County staff members, and/or the County Attorney. We will provide these reports as frequently as requested and upon knowledge of any updates or changing issues, and tailor them specifically to the County's needs and requests.
f. Assist the COUNTY with obtaining appropriations for multiple COUNTY projects and/or programs to be determined as part of an annual legislative strategy. Our expertise in and knowledge of the complex appropriations process – from working with the administration to set budget priorities to advocating for our clients' priorities on Capitol Hill – affords our team the foundation to find innovative ways to obtain federal funds and resources. We know how decisions in Washington are made, who makes them, and the tactical steps necessary to achieve the County’s goals.
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GrayRobinson is well-versed in preparing appropriations requests and all necessary forms. We are also well equipped to identify agencies or other local governments competing for specific grants or appropriations and will assist in aligning support for County projects. Our relationships are far-reaching, enabling us to work well with other lobbyists whose clients share a common goal.
g. Provide specialized assistance in researching, identifying, expediting, processing, and monitoring competitive and priority federal grant programs and federal grant requests for proposals. As part of our daily engagement on the Hill and with our key contacts in the administration, we monitor and track federal funding opportunities for our governmental clients. We will assist the County in researching grant funding opportunities and work with your team to assess whether or not the County is eligible to apply for a grant. Our assessment will help the County determine the viability of any proposal you consider submitting.
GrayRobinson will use our extensive network of political contacts on the Hill to assist the City in garnering support for any grant application submitted. We will assist with researching opportunities, processing grant applications at the client level, and monitoring the status of grant applications after submission. Our team has a wealth of experience securing timely approval of grant applications and reviewing documents related to these funding request applications.
h. Provide access to key congressional leaders for COUNTY officials and staff at strategic times during the legislative process on issues of importance to the COUNTY. We will notify you and prepare you for when it may be advantageous for County representatives to be in D.C. to address issues of interest. We will also work with the County to identify opportunities for its leadership to meet with federal officials and legislators to speak on matters affecting Pasco County so that County leadership can display thought-leadership on issues that impact local government.
i. Develop a collegial working relationship with the Florida Congressional delegation. GrayRobinson has strong relationships that will be critical to the County’s success in Washington, D.C. The core of those necessary relationships is the Florida Delegation, where the GrayRobinson team has unparalleled contacts, combining the depth and reach of GrayRobinson in Florida with two former Chief of Staffs for members of the Florida Congressional Delegation.
j. Advocate to the United States Congress and Executive Branch of the Federal Government in support of the COUNTY’S goals, priorities and projects. The GrayRobinson team has critical, direct relationships and credibility with Members of Congress. We fully understand the uniquely significant impact that chiefs of staff have on member policy and political evolution. Initiating a constructive dialogue with key leadership and caucus offices and the appropriate committees of jurisdiction is imperative for any organization.
Through our experience serving Members of Congress and representing clients at the federal level, we have established direct relationships with key federal agency officials who are in positions to guide funding levels, program decisions, advisory board appointments, and award processes. We have specific familiarity with the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Energy, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. We have also worked with many different Departments and agencies on funding and regulatory issues, including Education, Agriculture, NOAA, FEMA, and Transportation.
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k. Advocate aggressively throughout the legislative process to ensure that the COUNTY’S goals and objectives are met and to ensure that any federal funding request is funded at the desired level. The GrayRobinson team will create a comprehensive database of Members who have signed on to key legislative proposals, belong to critical caucuses, and have co-signed letters of support on priority issues for the County. The team will use this database to reach out to potential champions, maintain relationships with existing champions, and identify new opportunities for congressional outreach.
We will advise the County and assist in the implementation of activities such as briefings or hearings or creation of materials and messaging to educate Members of Congress and their staffs about these issues. For events on the Hill, GrayRobinson will assist in securing an event co-sponsor and room for the event and confirming member speakers. We will aggressively work to create or deepen high-level relationships with key offices, particularly caucus or committee leadership to ensure that the County’s goals and objectives are met.
l. Brief the relevant Members of Congress and staff, as well as Committee and federal agency staff (as appropriate) on the COUNTY’S Federal Agenda. We will provide important advocacy in advising and informing members of the Legislature and their staff of County priorities and objectives. We will focus on the House and Senate leadership, and we will spend considerable time and effort educating each chamber's respective chairs along with their staff to ensure they know and fully understand the importance of the County's priorities. We will work to educate the chairs and members of the subcommittees with jurisdiction over specific budget requests. All of our efforts for the County will be done in conjunction with its Florida Congressional delegation.
These steps are essential to achieving success, and GrayRobinson has critical relationships in both the executive and legislative branches of government that will benefit the County and its priorities. If it is the direction of the County, the team will also work collaboratively with stakeholder groups to jointly advocate for various objectives. In addition, we will be proactive in identifying funding opportunities throughout session.
m. Coordinate any Washington D.C. or other federal advocacy trips for the COUNTY leadership and officials that will focus on briefings on the COUNTY’S Federal Agenda and appropriations requests. It will be our goal to support the County in organizing and scheduling “Hill Days” one to two times per year. Hill Days, when done well, can be extremely effective. Identifying Members of Congress relevant to the County and its policy objectives will be critical in being effective during any Hill Day event. We are engaged in every step of the process from preparing the agenda, to taking to your team about what to expect, to follow-up with offices.
n. Maintain open lines of communication between designated COUNTY contacts and Congressional and Agency contacts as appropriation bills and legislative items are considered by the House and Senate. The GrayRobinson team will engage in comprehensive tracking and immediately convey to the County any facts and details uncovered through research and regular conversations with former colleagues surrounding appropriation bills and legislative items. We will provide regular reporting and develop “alerts” when necessary based on collected intelligence.
o. Evaluate the outcome of House and Senate action on respective appropriation bills and legislative action items and advise the COUNTY on next steps and any necessary adjustments to strategy or substance of the COUNTY’S Federal Agenda. The GrayRobinson team will regularly report on the status of appropriations, bills, and report language as it moves through the legislative process and provide the County with strategic guidance on course of action and next steps.
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p. Prepare briefing sheets, talking points, and any other materials needed for meetings, phone calls, etc., between designated COUNTY Board of County Commissioners and/or staff and key members of Congress, their staff, and federal agency officials and staff. The GrayRobinson team will draft, review, revise, and/or provide guidance on talking points as directed. We will provide factsheets, leave behinds, and other materials both for the County, in preparation for any meetings with Congress, staff, or federal agency officials, as well as for staffers to be utilized in the education process.
q. Assist with the drafting of support letters, letters of request for assistance, and all other materials needed to ensure the success of the COUNTY’S goals and objectives. GrayRobinson will prepare reports, draft letters and other correspondence, policy papers, talking points, research issues, and draft legislation necessary to achieve success for the County. All forms and reports required of lobbyists by Federal and other relevant jurisdictions will be completed and submitted quickly and succinctly.
r. Attend all relevant industry meetings in Washington D.C. in order to provide up to the minute intelligence (and advanced information when available) of federal legislative and regulatory initiatives. The GrayRobinson team believes it is critical to work with natural coalitions of like-minded organizations and special interest groups in Washington to help the County achieve their legislative and governmental relations objectives. The professionals at GrayRobinson work with our clients regularly to represent them at relevant industry meetings in Washington. These could include legislatively called meetings or hearings of coalitions on Capitol Hill, participation in briefings or Congressional Caucus events of interest to the County’s overall government relations strategy, meetings of interest or concern called by the Governor’s Washington, D.C. office, and/or membership organizations, like the National Association of Counties. The GrayRobinson team commits to participating in these relevant meetings and will immediately provide any intelligence gleaned from these gatherings.
s. Review and report on all pertinent pending legislation and regulations, including all committee meetings, hearings, and conferences. GrayRobinson will identify, track, review, and report on all relevant policy developments, pending legislation, and regulations and we will provide ongoing support for County advocacy and public policy efforts by providing information proactively and as requested. We will alert the County to Congressional trends, events, meetings, and legislative movements, including relevant draft legislation before it drops. Tracking and assessment are a regular part of the work product provided to our government affairs clients.
t. Provide a final report after completion of the Legislative session and any Special Legislative Session addressing all legislation impacting the COUNTY. GrayRobinson will provide the County with a written Legislative Session or Special Session Wrap-Up, summarizing legislative activity, and the effect that approved legislation will have on the County. The County also will be invited to attend “Session Wrap-Up” presentations put on by members of the GrayRobinson lobbying team.
u. Upon the County’s request, participate (either in person or by electronic means) in County Board meetings or workshops on the County’s Federal Agenda. Because of our 14 offices throughout the state of Florida, members of the GrayRobinson team will be readily available to attend County Board meetings or workshops as frequently as is deemed necessary. GrayRobinson commits to participating (either in person or by electronic means) in County Board meetings or workshops on the County’s Federal Agenda.
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Methodology To help ensure a successful relationship, we propose an approach that includes frequent and on-going communication with the County, including attending all appropriate meetings pertaining to your legislative agenda. We will work with County leadership to ensure we understand both the immediate and long-term goals vital to your strategic plan's advancement.
GrayRobinson’s proposed approach in the course of representing the County is as follows.
DEVELOPMENT OF FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE AGENDA GrayRobinson will begin its representation of the County with a workshop to develop a Federal Legislative Agenda that will include all needs at the federal level. The agenda provides a clear articulation of goals and expectations that will serve as a roadmap in our representation. The moment these agendas and strategies are set, our team will begin advocating on behalf of the County.
In Washington, we will monitor the activities of Congress, federal agencies, and the Administration and identify and present opportunities for the County to be successful. Our presence locally and in Washington places GrayRobinson in a unique position to be present wherever the County needs us. Our team's synergy being present in both Florida and Washington, D.C., will create unsurpassed opportunities to leverage resources to achieve the County’s objectives.
IDENTIFYING ISSUES OF POTENTIAL INTEREST Once we outline the year's legislative priorities, GrayRobinson will diligently monitor and work to identify activities and issues of potential interest to the County. We will begin by working with key legislators and then with the County to identify other legislators who may be advocates for your goals as well as those who may oppose your legislative priorities.
TRACKING AND ANALYZING LEGISLATION Our federal team deploys various resources to monitor legislative initiatives, critical hearings, and administrative actions. The firm subscribes to Bloomberg's BGOV service to track legislation of interest to our clients. Additionally, while subscription services are extremely valuable to our clients and us, the team's real value comes from our decades of collective work on the Hill as senior staff members to numerous Members of Congress. Our network of former colleagues includes high-level staffers who now work in leadership offices and on important committees of jurisdiction for the County. These relationships and our reputation on Capitol Hill allow us unique and unparalleled access to critical information.
PERFORMANCE BENCHMARKS AND PLANS The GrayRobinson team will provide legislative drafting, strategy development, one-on-one lobbying, committee presentations, and other valuable services to the County. We will effectively utilize our skills, any County grassroots organizations, and ever-improving technology to assure that we get results and are in constant contact with the County. In addition to using state-of-the-art technology in our advocacy, we maintain excellent relationships with key legislators and staff that will advocate on behalf of the County on appropriation and policy issues. Our team has also established strong, valuable relationships with new leadership in the Senate and the House, and we will ensure that there is appropriate follow- through on any bills impacting the County.
APPROPRIATIONS Our team will track and monitor priority legislative activity, related agency actions, and the federal budget and appropriations process. We will assist in preparing any documents, communications, and submissions needed in our representation of the County on Capitol Hill during these processes.
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We generally recommend a combination of strategies that take advantage of developing Congressional champions and advancing your message in a well-crafted and effective manner both on Capitol Hill and with key agencies. Our approach would include a multi-tiered long term strategy to 1) educate stakeholders about the history of the County, experience, needs, and achievements; 2) develop and explore Congressional champions and coordinate an effective appropriations strategy to enhance the County’s position; and 3) develop and explore opportunities to work closely with federal agencies that can be helpful to achieve the County’s overall legislative and appropriations goals and objectives.
The Pasco County Work Plan The following table outlines a work plan for the federal lobbying process.
Objectives Description of Work/Action Items Timing
Comprehensive assessment of the needs and assets of the County, including priority initiatives; political allies; policy First 60 days of Legislative Workshop goals; federal legislative and regulatory concerns; federally engagement funded initiatives; and recent accomplishments.
Utilizing the resource inventory, will develop a proposed Strategic guidance and assistance First 60 days of comprehensive plan for review and approval to engage engaging Congressional audiences. engagement Congressional audiences.
Create a comprehensive database of Members who have signed on to key legislative proposals, belong to critical Establish potential champions and caucuses, and have co-signed letters of support on priority supporters for each identified issue issues for the County. The team will use this database to Ongoing and facilitate meetings; ensure reach out to potential champions, maintain relationships appropriate follow-up from meetings. with existing champions, and identify new opportunities for Congressional outreach.
Advise and assist in the implementation of activities (such as briefings/hearings, creation of materials) to educate Members of Work with Caucuses, Committee of jurisdiction senior staff, Congress and their staffs about these Ongoing issues. For events on the Hill, assist in and personal office contacts. securing an event co-sponsor and room for the event and confirming member speakers.
Provide strategic guidance regarding events and other opportunities for Work with Caucuses, Committee of jurisdiction senior staff, Ongoing raising awareness of and support of and personal office contacts. County policy advocacy objectives.
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For each identified issue, assist in developing outreach/lobbying strategies around key legislation including:
For each identified issue, establish potential sponsors, co-sponsors, and Once assessments are complete, utilize research tools to supporters for the legislation and Ongoing accomplish this objective. facilitate meetings; ensure appropriate follow-up from meetings.
Draft, review, revise, and/or provide Providing factsheets, leave behinds, and other materials guidance on new potential legislation Ongoing as directed. for staffers is critical in the educational process.
Report on status of relevant legislation as it moves through the Tracking and assessment are a regular part of the work legislative process and provide Monthly product provided to our government affairs clients. strategic guidance on course of action.
Hill Days, when done well, can be extremely effective. Identifying Members of Congress relevant to the County Support the County in organizing and and its policy objectives will be critical in being effective When needed/ scheduling Hill days one to two times during any Hill Day event. We are engaged in every step of scheduled per year. the process from preparing the agenda, to talking to your team about what to expect, to follow-up with offices.
Create or deepen high-level relationships with key offices, Identify, introduce, and set up meetings for County When needed/ particularly caucus or committee leadership with relevant Members of Congress. scheduled leadership.
Identify and track relevant policy developments and provide ongoing Alert the County to Congressional trends, events, and support for County advocacy and legislative movements, including relevant draft legislation Ongoing public policy efforts by providing before it drops. information proactively and as requested.
For each identified issue, assist in developing outreach/lobbying strategies around appropriations report language and budget asks including:
Assist in the development of appropriations “asks” and Complete assessment and internal review of priorities April 2021 justifications for each of the relevant must be completed. agencies and budget lines.
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As directed, assist the County in the submission of appropriations Compile comprehensive list of member offices to utilize, requests, justifications, and proposed with appropriate forms for submission, back-up April 2021 report language to relevant House information, and deadlines. and Senate offices.
Identify relevant appropriations staff, Once submitted, follow-up with comprehensive list of schedule meetings, and accompany member offices on requests submitted to Subcommittees April 2021 County staff; ensure appropriate PRIOR to member deadlines. follow-up from meetings.
Track the appropriations process, including anticipated timelines and Complete review and tracking are critical to success. Ongoing times for input.
Report on status of appropriations, Comprehensive tracking and immediately convey to the bills, and report language as it moves County any facts and details uncovered through regular April - September through the legislative process and conversations with former colleagues. Regular reports 2021 provide strategic guidance on course provided and “alerts” developed when necessary based on of action. intelligence collected.
Additional action items:
For each identified issue, provide strategic guidance and assistance in engaging and influencing the Ongoing administration and executive branch agencies.
Support the County advocacy and public policy efforts by providing relevant analysis. Ongoing
Draft letters, testimony, fact sheets, backgrounders, and other materials. Ongoing
Participate in internal meetings or meetings with external associations and organizations for Ongoing coordination purposes.
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TAB C: PROJECT TEAM AND PAST EXPERIENCE
A separate statement describing the Proposer’s qualifications and experience in providing the same or similar services as outlined in the RFP Scope of Work. Proposer’s familiarity and ties with Tampa Bay region, and relationship with Tampa Bay Legislative Delegation.
Qualifications and Experience GrayRobinson is a full-service lobbying and law firm with lobbyists, attorneys, and consultants throughout 15 offices spanning the state of Florida and Washington, D.C. Our lobbyists, attorneys, and consultants provide legal and government affairs services to our clients throughout Florida, our nation’s capital, across the country, and all over the world. We offer not only a broad range of services but also depth and proficiency in each one.
Our team is at the forefront of emerging legislative issues, working expeditiously to respond to our client’s needs. We help clients accomplish their goals and objectives and conduct reviews to determine if we met those objectives. We maintain constant awareness of changes within and affecting our clients’ industries and issue timely electronic updates advising of changing regulations and policy, including how changes might affect our clients’ companies, industries, or municipalities. We have created a firm that serves our clients and our communities while counting creativity as a hallmark characteristic and insisting on ingenuity and innovation.
GrayRobinson’s mission is to apply our legal, lobbying, and regulatory backgrounds and skills in ways that enable our clients to define and achieve their goals while supporting our communities as a matter of mission as well as passion. We do this while honoring and continuing an established tradition of serving our clients and communities through the cultivation of relationships based upon respect, loyalty, and integrity.
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS & LOBBYING PRACTICE GrayRobinson's legislative team is comprised of numerous skilled lobbyists and attorneys working collaboratively at all levels of government. By leveraging our strong Florida and D.C. relationships, and our decades of combined experience, GrayRobinson professionals are at the forefront of emerging legislative and legal issues. GrayRobinson is heavily engaged in the business of federal, state, local, and other intergovernmental lobbying services year-round, and we have built our proficiency over more than five decades.
GrayRobinson professionals have represented and served as senior staff to Members of Congress and Speakers of the Florida House of Representatives. We have served as staff to or represented multiple Florida governors, legislators, attorneys general, the Florida House of Representatives, the Florida Senate, and state agencies. Annually, GrayRobinson ranks among the top lobbying firms in the state (defined by fees collected). We excel through the unique combination of an outstanding network of professional relationships, lobbying proficiency, and legal acumen, helping our clients reach their goals at the intersection of law and politics.
We represent our clients in federal and state lobbying by utilizing our in-depth experience and strategic network of relationships within federal, state, and local governments and associations. GrayRobinson has a culture of community, civic, and political action through collaborative problem-solving. Insisting on ingenuity and innovation, our team members work together in a fully integrated dynamic to achieve our clients' goals. Our strategy maximizes each team member's experience and ensures effective communication throughout the firm and with our clients.
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Relevant Success Representation of our clients is individually defined by gaining a deep understanding of their needs, operations, and objectives, and we place great emphasis on building long-term relationships. GrayRobinson is proud to represent a number of counties throughout Florida at the federal and state level. We are lobbyists for Collier County, the Florida Association of Counties (FAC), Gulf County, Hendry County, Lake County, Monroe County, and several others. This experience gives us a significant advantage in managing the scope of work outlined in this RFQ and provides us with the relationships necessary to succeed on your behalf.
To that experience, it is important to note that we are at a time unlike any other. The legislative session structure, access to the Capitol, the process for public testimony at committee meetings, and many other variables are all subject to change based on public health guidelines and epidemiological recommendations. Our team will build a deep understanding of the issues important to the County and combine that knowledge with a group of professionals who are "dialed in" to the constant changes. This combination will ensure continued access to key decision-makers and communication of the correct message, regardless of whether the interaction is virtual, in person, or a hybrid.
The GrayRobinson team represents clients on a wide range of issues, from transportation to appropriations, economic development to utilities, and everything in between. From working with the Administration to set budget priorities to advocating for our clients’ priorities on Capitol Hill, our expertise in and knowledge of the complex appropriations process affords our team the ability to find innovative ways to help clients obtain federal funds and resources. We know how the government makes decisions in Washington, who makes them, and the tactical steps necessary to achieve our clients’ goals. The following list represents some of GrayRobinson’s more recent accomplishments in delivering government affairs services at both the state level in Florida and with the federal government in Washington.
ST. LUCIE COUNTY Doyle Bartlett has led GrayRobinson’s St. Lucie County federal team in Washington in various aspects of federal government lobbying. The team works closely with appropriate agencies and departments and the County’s Congressional Delegation to achieve the objectives laid out by the County annually. Below please find a brief overview of our work on behalf of the County: . Secured extension for Edwards Road project and repeal of the rescission of $2.8 million in Federal Highway Administration funding for the project; . Supporting adequate annual funding for the Corps of Engineers Operations & Maintenance accounts, including additional funding for dredging not identified in the annual Administration budget and ensuring that inlet dredging is in or remains in the ACOE work plan for the current year; . Supporting, coordinating, and monitoring any application(s) submitted by St. Lucie County to access resources available under the Port Security Grant Program; . Secured a critical meeting with FAA officials in Orlando to breakthrough negotiations on numerous St. Lucie County airport projects; . Submitted requests to Members supporting the County’s objective of releasing COVID-19 funding to localities with fewer than 500,000 residents; . Supported County’s effort to expand Opportunity Zone to include the port property to enhance economic development opportunities around the port; . Submitted FY20 and FY21 funding requested on behalf of County to Support adequate annual funding for the Corps of Engineers Operations & Maintenance accounts, including additional funding for dredging not identified in the annual Administration’s budget;
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. Secured commitment from FAA indicating that they have completed the spectrum analysis at the airport FAA Tower during this FY and submitted requests to ensure that funding is secured to complete the project no later than FY21; . Worked with FAA to support, coordinate, and monitor interactions with the County at regional and federal levels to obtain final FAA review and approval of this modification and correction of the runway strength issue at the Treasure Coast International Airport; . Assisting the county in the Treasure Coast International Airport’s efforts to be fully prepared for a surge in commercial service and implementation/delivery of any and all appropriate funding and federal approvals to ensure obtaining Part 139 designation when the County is ready to move forward on that project; . Facilitating conversations with FAA authorities regarding the sale of surplus property at the Treasure Coast International Airport; and . Supported the county’s request to Members of Congress to redefine eligibility requirements for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP).
In addition to the above-mentioned work, GrayRobinson has worked with a wide range of federal and state government entities to pass legislation. . GrayRobinson provides advocacy on behalf of JEA at the state level before Florida’s legislative and executive branches. Our team members regularly address electric, utilities, water, and wastewater issues on a state level and will ultimately bring the experience to the table when advocating federally. . The GrayRobinson team has been involved in water management policy discussions with the U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS (USACE) . Today, we monitor active water management legislation and have developed strategies to advance certain measures through specific Senate and House offices. We expect both the Congress and the administration to advance water policy initiatives in the coming months. . Our team works on a regular basis with several clients that interact with the FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA) . We know and understand the agency’s leadership and priorities, which translates into successful outcomes for our clients. . We provide full-service legislative and executive branch advocacy lobbying on both state and federal issues for the CITY OF ORLANDO . Our recent federal work for the City of Orlando has included working with FEMA and DHS directors and the chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security to discuss the Urban Area Security Initiative grants. We have also worked with the Federal Bureau of Investigations on issues concerning the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. . We represent WESTERN UNION before Congress, the Administration and federal regulators on all issues impacting the company, including anti-money laundering and terrorism finance, fraud detection and prevention, bank de-risking, consumer protection and disclosure, international taxation, international and domestic money transmittal, and corporate governance. . In both the waning days of the Obama Administration in 2017 and with the Trump Administration in 2019, we led a campaign on behalf of ETIHAD AIRWAYS to protect the U.S. Open Skies policy from efforts to ban flights to the United States from Gulf carriers. Working on Capitol Hill, with the Executive Branch and at the Departments of Commerce, Treasury, and State, we successfully fought to maintain current policy. . On behalf of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TRUCK STOP OPERATORS in 2019, we worked with the Democratic House of Representatives and Republican Senate to extend the biodiesel tax credit for five years. This unprecedented five-year extension was the product of our efforts to create broad and deep support among House Democrats, buttressing already strong Senate support.
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. In 2019, we worked with USTRAVEL to reauthorize the private/public BRAND USA partnership, which advertises travel to the United States in foreign markets. We were also successful in stopping US-3 campaigns to reopen U.S. Open Skies policies during both the Obama Administration and Trump Administration, which would have curtailed foreign carriers’ ability to serve the U.S. market. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, we have worked to ensure that travel-related businesses are included in relief legislation. . We provide full government relations services to the ASIAN AMERICAN HOTEL OWNERS ASSOCIATION (AAHOA), representing 20,000 Indian American hoteliers who operate one out of every two hotels in the United States. We have won favorable tax policy that extended the 1031 Like-Kind Exchange, secured reauthorization of the BRAND USA program to advertise the United States in world markets, developed a coalition in support of reining in so-called "drive by lawsuits," and helped to manage AAHOA’s $1.5 million political action committee (PAC). During the COVID-19 crisis, GrayRobinson has been the lead consultant to AAHOA as it develops a nationwide response, including advocating for the PPP to help small business hotel owners. . We understand how important it is to collaborate with Congress and the agencies when pursuing grant funding for viable projects. For example, we have helped clients win TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENT GENERATING ECONOMIC RECOVERY (TIGER) grants, a competitive and merit-based process to pick projects intended to improve the condition of existing facilities and systems, contribute to economic competitiveness, improve energy efficiency, and enhance public safety.
In addition to our federal lobbying experience, our state lobbyists have a great deal of experience representing counties throughout the state of Florida. The GrayRobinson state lobbyists serving on the County federal team will bring important and relevant knowledge of county government in Florida as well as their depth of experience in the Pasco County/Tampa Bay area to the table in our representation. Some of our experience at the state level includes the following.
CHARLOTTE COUNTY . Secured $250,000 for the Charlotte Technical College Airframe & Powerplant program. (2019)
LEE COUNTY . Secured $1 million for public safety communications infrastructure. (2018) . Successfully inserted language into private property rights bill that protects local governments from property rights claims for damages when local governments adopt Federal Flood Maps. This was necessitated due to a large number of such claims filed in Lee County. (2015)
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY . Successfully secured removal of harmful language from the tax package and omnibus condominium bill that would have allowed a condominium association’s attorney to represent individual unit owners in Value Adjustment Board (“VAB”) appeals, with limited notice to the unit owners. The team has successfully defeated this effort each year, beginning in 2018. (2018-2020) . Secured passage of legislation expanding the needle and syringe exchange program that has proven to be widely successful in Miami-Dade County. (2019) . Successfully worked to secure $500,000 for Miami-Dade Police Department’s Operation Blue and Brown public safety program. (2019) . Successfully worked to amend legislation increasing penalties for harming police, fire, and search and rescue canines and police horses to include county correctional canines and horses. (2019)
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. Successfully defeated legislation that would further restrict the retainage amount allowed by local governments pertaining to public construction projects. (2019) . Successfully lobbied Constitutional Revision Commission commissioners to defeat Proposal 95 (preemption on the local regulation of commerce, trade, and labor). (2018) . Successfully worked to secure $1.5 million in filing fees from the tax package for the Miami-Dade Clerk of Court. (2018) . Successfully worked to defeat proposed legislation that would have revamped the legislative claim bill process and increased financial exposure to municipalities and their insurance carriers. (2018) . Successfully worked to amend transportation bills to include a road designation in Miami-Dade County. (2018) . Successfully passed legislation exempting law enforcement from paying tolls while on official business. (2018)
ORANGE COUNTY . Successfully passed language introducing cell phones (or other electronic communication devices) as contraband in county jails, solving an ongoing safety and security issue within the jail system. (2019) . Secured full funding for the State Central Receiving Centers through the Department of Children and Families budget. (2019) . Successfully amended major property development legislation to ensure the effect of proposed impact fee credits were applied prospectively instead of retroactively, which helped avoid both confusion and potentially large financial exposure to the County. (2019) . Successfully defeated an effort to require a two-thirds vote to pass any/all future county surtax referendums during final negotiations between the House and Senate. The final version of the bill requires that any county referendums be held on the general election date, but only a simple majority is required for passage. (2019)
VOLUSIA COUNTY . Successfully defeated a $1.9 million claim bill against the County and its insurance carrier. (2018) . Successfully defeated proposed legislation that would have revamped the legislative claim bill process and increased financial exposure to municipalities and their insurance carriers. (2018) . Secured $2 million in Florida Job Growth Grant funding for the widening of Williamson Road. (2018) . Successfully amended legislation relating to the customary use of beachfront property to exclude Volusia, given the county's unique ordinance and history with the issue. (2018) . Defeated legislation aimed at restructuring Metropolitan Planning Organizations. (2018) . Working in partnership with other interested local government advocates, defeated several legislative proposals that sought to preempt local control and infringe upon the power of Home Rule. (2018) . Worked in consultation with the Florida Association of Counties to defeat several legislative proposals to amend Florida's Constitution related to the selection and duties of constitutional officers, which would have undermined the Volusia Charter if passed by the Legislature and voters and significantly altered the county's legislatively-created and voter- approved structure. We were also able to successfully position Volusia County as a thought leader and influential advocate on water policy matters, springs protection, conservation, and local control/home rule. (2017) . Defeated proposed amendments in both the House and Senate related to the Certificate Of Public Convenience and Necessity (COPCN) process for non-emergency ambulatory transport, which would have had significant budget implications for the County if passed. (2017) . Successfully defeated legislation that would preempt counties from charging a fee for medical examiner services. (2017)
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. Successfully lobbied for the removal of language embedded in the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) legislative package that called for a cost analysis of removing the FDOT District 5 office from Deland. (2017) . Secured a legislative appropriation of $3 million for the Daytona Beach International Airport to invest in infrastructure improvements on the south side of the airport to prepare the property for high-end private capital investment. (2015) . Secured a legislative appropriation of $2.95 million for the expansion/widening of Williamson Road. (2015)
Finally, we represent the HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY AVIATION AUTHORITY and HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS at the state level and obtained the following successes on their behalf in 2019-2020. . Secured a visit to Tampa International Airport (TPA) by Gov. Ron DeSantis, which included a press conference on the economic impact of international flights at TPA and the importance of Visit Florida funding and investment. The event also included a small roundtable discussion with the Governor and key airport stakeholders, staff, and board members. . Successfully fought for the reauthorization of Visit Florida for one additional year and $50 million in funding. This effort included direct lobbying of the Governor, Senate, House, and many stakeholders engaged in Florida's tourism industry. . Successfully inserted language into legislation preempting local regulations of Autonomous Vehicle Technology, allowing airports and seaports to charge reasonable fees for facility usage. . Successfully stalled legislation related to Luxury Ground Transportation Network Companies that would have created significant curbside confusion and potential revenue loss for the airport. . Secured $500,000 for the Hillsborough County School District for “Building a Better Tampa Bay STEM Workforce Initiative." (2020)
U.S. Government Relationships GrayRobinson goes to great lengths to build long and lasting relationships with key decision-makers. With 14 offices throughout the state of Florida and an office in Washington, D.C., we get to know legislators, agency heads, key staff, and other elected officials in their hometowns. We support their causes, are involved in the same civic organizations, and we are their neighbors and friends. Given our size, scope, and growth strategy for more than 50 years, a local leader rarely ascends to a federal government role without significant familiarity with GrayRobinson or a direct relationship with one or more of our professionals. One cannot effectively advocate without interacting and working with Members of Congress and heads of the many agencies in many different venues and circumstances.
We hold deep, well-established relationships with the four Members of Congress that cover Pasco County Hillsborough County, REPRESENTATIVE GUS BILIRAKIS , and those additional Members representing neighboring Hillsborough County, REPRESENTATIVE VERN BUCHANAN , REPRESENTATIVE KATHY CASTOR (also serving as Chair of the House Climate Crisis Committee), and REPRESENTATIVE SCOTT FRANKLIN . We maintain trusted and long-term ties with the Florida representatives on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, CARLOS GIMENEZ, BRIAN MAST , and FREDERICA WILSON , and the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, Ranking Member MARIO DÍAZ-BALART and JOHN RUTHERFORD . In fact, prior to the coronavirus outbreak, Congressman Rutherford presented to our clients and friends at one of GrayRobinson’s regularly held Community Leader Forums.
We also have a strong working relationship with SENATOR MARCO RUBIO , who serves as a minority member of the Senate Subcommittee on Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Entities. Likely one of our strongest allies in the federal government is former Florida Governor, SENATOR RICK SCOTT . Sen. Scott is a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and Ranking Member of the Tourism, Trade,
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and Export Promotion Subcommittee. Our work with Sen. Scott extends back several decades. More recently, following the 2018 general election, GrayRobinson election law attorneys represented then-Gov. Scott and the National Republican Senatorial Committee in state and federal courts across Florida in litigation related to the election recount. In addition, Pasco County team member Kim McDougal served as Sen. Scott’s chief of staff during his time as Florida’s governor.
In addition, our federal team brings more than five decades of experience in D.C., working with Congress and representing a wide variety of entities before Congress and the federal executive branch. This long-term experience has allowed us to build meaningful relationships with members and staff of the House and Senate committees and leadership on both sides of the aisle. While these are too numerous to list, we utilize these relationships daily to help our clients meet their federal relations goals. Also, as the new Biden Administration staffs up, we find many of the people with whom we have strong relationships from Capitol Hill, and previous Administrations, moving into positions of influence. We will put the strength of these relationships and more to work to gain support for County priorities.
Required Information Company name; length of time in business, total number of employees (broken down by full time and part time); number of employees who will be used to provide service under this Agreement.
GrayRobinson, P.A. was founded in 1970 in Orlando, Florida. Our current employee count includes 517 full time employees and 18 part time employees. The proposed Pasco County team includes six lobbyists. We typically rely on support services from one to three additional staff members.
List in detail the members of your project team and the expertise each will bring to the project. Explain the organizational structure of the company and any subsidiary companies comprising the Proposer’s team. This description should include resumes of the names of the person(s) who will provide the services, including any subcontractors, their qualifications, years of experience in performing this type of work/services.
GrayRobinson is a C-Corporation. All equity shareholders own equal shares yielding less than 1% per equity shareholder. Dean Cannon is the president and CEO of GrayRobinson. Byrd F. “Biff” Marshall, Jr. serves as chairman of the board and J. Charles “Charlie” Gray serves as chairman emeritus and founding director.
In representations such as those contemplated by this RFP, GrayRobinson implements a team approach designed to maximize communication and responsiveness. Doyle Bartlett will serve as team lead, handle oversight of the work, and ensure the overall delivery of satisfaction and value to the County. Along with Doyle, we have identified a team allowing us to provide high-quality legislative guidance, maintain the flexibility necessary to respond swiftly and thoroughly, and facilitate communication and accountability.
In addition to the team’s own experience, Doyle will have the ability to call upon the vast experience and qualifications of more than 260 GrayRobinson government consultants, attorneys, and other professional staff. These professionals come from various backgrounds, including government, private industry, and law firms. We provide these resources to the County at no additional cost.
Following, are biographical summaries of the GrayRobinson team members proposed to represent the County.
See Appendix A for full biographies of all proposed team members.
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TEAM LEAD DOYLE BARTLETT will serve the County as lead federal lobbyist in Washington, D.C. Before joining GrayRobinson, Doyle co-founded D.C. lobbying firm Eris Group in 2003. Prior to that, he served for five years as Chief of Staff to Representative Bill McCollum (R-FL), supporting Congressman McCollum's work as Vice Chairman of the House Banking Committee and Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee's Crime Subcommittee. He oversaw Bill McCollum's race for the U.S. Senate in 1999-2000 and his successful Florida Attorney General campaign in 2006. From 1988 to 1994, Doyle was General Counsel and Senior Vice President for Legislative Services with the Conference of State Bank Supervisors, the professional association of state banking regulators. Doyle has been a federal lobbyist for more than 20 years.
Role on the Pasco County team : With Doyle’s background as chief of staff to Congressman McCollum, he has exceptionally strong relationships in Washington, D.C. As team lead, Doyle will provide oversight of the team. Doyle will set performance measurements and metrics for the team based on the County’s specific needs and requirements. Doyle will monitor and measure the team’s performance as it relates to the overall client relationship through regular client satisfaction discussions and performance meetings with the County. Doyle has represented a number of clients in scope similar in nature to the County’s request.
TEAM MEMBER JOHN ARIALE will be joining our team for work done on behalf of the County in order to provide you with the strongest possible advocacy. John is a principal and director of the appropriations practice at Husch Blackwell Strategies in Washington, D.C. John and Doyle have been colleagues for decades, beginning with their work as district director and chief of staff, respectively, to U.S. Congressman Bill McCollum. Following their work for Congressman McCollum, Doyle and John served as directors and lobbyists at Eris Group, subsequently acquired by GrayRobinson. John is a veteran federal lobbyist with deep roots in Florida. During his time as Congressman McCollum’s district director, John served as the local and regional liaison to all local governments and commissions in the then 5th Congressional District. Prior to those endeavors, John served as Congressman Ander Crenshaw’s chief of staff and appropriations associate, the Member’s liaison to the House Committee on Appropriations. His extensive service in Congress has resulted in a prolific network on Capitol Hill.
Role on the Pasco County team : John brings more than thirty years of senior level experience in Congressional relations, legislative politics, and advocacy to the GrayRobinson team. John provides clients a comprehensive knowledge of the intricate and complex details of the appropriations process with policy expertise in the areas of transportation, utilities, infrastructure development, global health, homeland security, and financial services.
TEAM MEMBER ELIZABETH BLAIR HANCOCK is a federal legislative consultant in GrayRobinson’s Washington, D.C. office with experience developing government relations strategies at both the state and federal levels. A connector who has built a network of key relationships, Blair ensures transparency and effective problem solving through engagement with key government officials and staff. Blair has been lobbying the federal government for five years.
Role on the Pasco County team : Blair will serve as a federal lobbyist for the County. Prior to joining GrayRobinson, Blair worked for the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development, Office of Congressional & Intergovernmental Relations in Washington, where she ensured the accurate presentation of the Department's views before 300+ congressional offices. Her intimate knowledge of Congress's inner workings and her strong relationships with its Members will serve to advance the County's priorities in D.C.
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TEAM MEMBER LAURA LENHART is a government consultant in GrayRobinson’s Tampa office, with over a decade of experience in multifaceted political and legislative environments. She has comprehensive knowledge and experience in legislative procedures and possesses a strong background in advocating legislative issues, tracking legislation, and researching and interpreting rules and regulations.
Role on the Pasco County team : Laura works out of the Tampa office and can be available at a moment’s notice to meet with County representatives on behalf of our federal team. Laura has an intimate understanding of local issues pertaining to the County. Her subject matter knowledge at the state and county level will be of great value to the team working for the County’s interests in Washington.
TEAM MEMBER CHRIS MCCANNELL has more than 20 years of Washington experience and insight. He focuses his efforts on financial services, tax, judiciary, development, and infrastructure.
Role on the Pasco County team : Chris will serve as a federal lobbyist for the County. Chris brings deep relationships from his involvement with the moderate House New Democrat Coalition. Prior to advocacy, he served as chief of staff to Representative Michael E. McMahon, a member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Earlier in his career, he served as chief of staff and floor assistant to Representative Joseph Crowley, who served in the House Democratic Leadership.
TEAM MEMBER KIM MCDOUGAL, PH.D. is a Senior Government Affairs Consultant at GrayRobinson. Kim is known for her nearly three decades of experience serving in multiple leadership roles within the executive and legislative branches of Florida’s government. Prior to joining GrayRobinson, Kim served as chief of staff to Florida Governor Rick Scott, where she was responsible for directly serving and advising the Governor on issues pertaining to 100,000+ executive branch employees and administering an $83 billion state budget. She also served as Governor Scott’s deputy chief of staff, legislative affairs director, education policy coordinator, and as policy advisor during his successful re-election campaign. Kim also served on Governor-elect Ron DeSantis’ Transition Advisory Committee for Education and Workforce Development.
Role on the Pasco County team : Kim has a profound understanding of the powers afforded to Florida’s 67 counties. In addition, as a state lobbyist for Hillsborough County Public Schools, she has a solid familiarity with the County. As Senator Rick Scott’s chief of staff when he served as Florida’s governor, Kim’s relationship with Sen. Scott and her subject matter knowledge at the state and county level will be of great value to the team working for the County’s interests in Washington.
TEAM MEMBER GREG MESACK has 20 years of legislative and policymaking experience in Washington, D.C., serving in capacities both on and off Capitol Hill. Prior to joining GrayRobinson, Greg served as vice president of America's Community Bankers, a trade association representing banks across the nation, and was named one of the top association lobbyists by The Hill.
Role on the Pasco County team : Chris will serve as a federal lobbyist for the County. Greg honed his political skills at the House Republican Conference as a legislative analyst for Members of Congress. He will utilize the relationships he has with Members of Congress to the benefit of the County.
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Proposers must have experience in work of the same or similar nature and must provide references that will satisfy the County. Proposer must furnish a reference list of at least four (4) commercial and/or governmental clients for whom they have performed similar services during the past five (5) years. Experience beyond this requirement may be provided but does not guarantee additional points will be awarded. Information provided for each client shall include the following: Client name, project manager name, address, telephone number, and email address. Description of project or services. Time period of the project or contract.
REFERENCE 1 Client Name : St. Lucie County Project Manager Name: Nicole Fogarty, Legislative Affairs Director Address: 2300 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL 34982 Telephone Number: 772-462-6406 Email Address: [email protected] Description of Services: We provide federal government affairs services on issues affecting the county's airport and seaport operations including legislative appropriations, grant requests, and other legislation that may impact the county. Time period of the project or contract: February 2019 - Ongoing
REFERENCE 2 Client Name: City of Kissimmee Project Manager Name: Mike Steigerwald, City Manager Address: 101 Church Street, Kissimmee, FL 34741 Telephone Number: 407-518-2300 Email Address: [email protected] Description of Services: We provide federal government affairs services on issues affecting the city including legislative appropriations, grant requests, and other legislation. Time period of the project or contract: October 2018 - Ongoing
REFERENCE 3 Client Name: Western Union Project Manager Name: Tim Daly, Senior Vice President, Government Relations Address: 12500 East Belford Avenue, Englewood, CO 80112 Telephone Number: 720-332-4754 Email Address: [email protected] Description of Services: We provide a broad range of federal government affairs services that involve monitoring and negotiating with the Administration, the Congress, and the regulatory agencies. Time period of the project or contract: January 2012 - Ongoing
REFERENCE 4 Client Name: Nike, Inc. Project Manager Name: Jennifer Bendall, Vice President, Government and Public Affairs Address: 507 Second Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20002 Telephone Number: 202-543-8804
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Email Address: [email protected] Description of Services: We provide a broad range of federal government relations services that involve monitoring and negotiating with the Administration, the Congress, and the regulatory agencies. Time period of the project or contract: March 1, 2014 - Ongoing
REFERENCE 5 Client Name: Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta Project Manager Name: Michael Huff, Vice President, Director of Government and Industry Relations Address: 1475 Peachtree St., N.E., Atlanta, GA 30309 Telephone Number: 202-368-3002 Email Address: [email protected] Description of Services: We provide a broad range of federal government relations services that involve monitoring and negotiating with the Administration, the Congress, and the regulatory agencies. Time period of the project or contract: January 2012 - Ongoing
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TAB D: LOCATION AND WORKLOAD
Provide synopsis of the Proposer’s current workload and how it will or will not affect the provision of services to the County.
Throughout our representation of Pasco County workloads and schedules of all team members and support staff will be reviewed in accordance with the executed Scope of Services and Engagement Agreement. We believe in the quality of the work we produce, not the quantity, and will deliver your objectives with the appropriate resources and in a manner that emphasizes efficient and effective service.
GrayRobinson has the capacity to manage multiple additional clients and the resources available to take on additional work. To streamline the work our group takes on, in some cases, we are able to achieve the legislative priorities of multiple public sector clients at once. It is often the case that each one of our governmental entity clients benefits equally from a single successful legislative reform or grant distribution due to the similarities in their legislative objectives. Beyond those clients with similar agendas, our government affairs and lobbying team work on discrete client projects, and we are not only accustomed to, but expect, to undertake new projects while either continuing or wrapping up existing projects. It is the nature of our work.
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TAB E: NO EXCEPTIONS TO RFP
Proposer is advised that exceptions to any terms and conditions contained in this RFP or the Services Agreement must be stated with specificity in its response to the RFP. The points available under this criterion may be deducted if the Proposer takes exception to any language to this RFP package.
GrayRobinson does not take exception to any terms, conditions, or language contained in this RFP package or services agreement.
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TAB F: COMPENSATION
The proposed compensation to be paid by the County for the services identified in the Statement of Work, including the methodology for determining the compensation. Proposer shall specify the total not-to-exceed lump sum amount for a twelve (12) month period. In addition, provide an all- inclusive hourly rate.
GrayRobinson proposes a total not-to-exceed lump sum of $84,000 for a twelve (12) month period and an all-inclusive hourly rate of $550.
GrayRobinson rates and fee proposals are based upon years of experience representing local government entities in front of the federal government. The hourly rate we have proposed is a blended rate based on the various members of the proposed GrayRobinson team.
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TAB G: REQUIRED FORM S TO BE SUBMITTED WITH THE P ROPOSAL
1. Proposer Information/Certification Form
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2. Addendum Acknowledgement
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3. Public Entity Crimes Affidavit
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4. Affidavit of Non-Collusion and of Non-Interest of Pasco County Employees
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5. Vendor Information Form and W-9
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TAB H: APPENDIX - TEAM BIOGRAPHIES
TEAM LEAD Doyle Bartlett Washington, DC Managing Shareholder [email protected]
99 M St. SE Suite 725 Washington, DC 20003 Phone: 202 -546 -1761 Fax: 202 -546 -6480 Direct: 202 -257 -6055
Experience Doyle is a member of the Firm’s government affairs and lobbying group and leads the federal lobbying arm of GrayRobinson. In his early career, Doyle served for five years as Chief of Staff to Representative Bill McCollum, supporting Congressman McCollum's work as vice chair of the House Banking Committee and chair of the House Judiciary Committee's Crime Subcommittee. He oversaw Bill McCollum's race for the U.S. Senate in 1999-2000 and his successful campaign for Florida Attorney General in 2006. Doyle cofounded the Eris Group in 2003 which was acquired by GrayRobinson in 2019.
From 1988 to 1994, Doyle was general counsel and senior vice president for Legislative Services with the Conference of State Bank Supervisors, the professional association of state banking regulators. Before his time there, he was Manager of State Government Relations at Freddie Mac. Doyle came to Washington in 1984 as staff to the House Banking Committee, supporting Congressman Bill McCollum in his position as ranking member of the Subcommittee on Domestic Monetary Policy. He had previously served as McCollum's district representative in Orlando, Florida.
Areas of Practice . COVID-19 Task Force . Election Law . Government . Government Affairs & Lobbying . Latin America Capital Flight
Background A Florida native, Doyle holds a degree in finance from the University of Florida and a law degree from the National Law Center at George Washington University. Doyle is a member of the Bar in both Oklahoma and the District of Columbia. He is an adjunct professor at the University of Florida's Department of Political Science where he teaches a graduate level seminar of federal advocacy.
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Education . Universit y of Florida, B.S. . George Washington University, J.D.
Admissions . Oklahoma . Washington, DC
Professional Associations & Memberships . The Oklahoma Bar . The District of Columbia Bar
Awards & Recognitions . Top Lobbyist , The Hill , 2019-2020 . DC’s top “Hired Guns,” The Hill
Civic . Adjunct Professor, University of Florida
Presentations & Seminars . Speaker, "New Year = New Biden Administration: What Should We Expect?" GrayRobinson Webinar, January 13, 2021 . Speaker, "Recapping One of the Most Historic Elections in the History of the United States," GrayRobinson Webinar, November 12, 2020 . Speaker, "Don't Get Spooked: 2020 Elections and the law," Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) Virtual Event, October 29, 2020 . Speaker, "Preview of the 2020 Federal Election," October 20, 2020 . Speaker, "IPA Election Coverage – Part 1," Institute for Portfolio Alternatives (IPA) Webinar, October 1, 2020 . Speaker, "The Hong Kong Autonomy Act," China General Chamber of Commerce E-Connects Webinar, July 30, 2020 . Panelist, "Political Priorities and Threats Facing the Banking Industry," 2019 Utah Association of Financial Services (UAFS) and National Association of Industrial Bankers (NAIB) Convention, Park City, UT, August 14-16, 2019 . Speaker, "Federal and State Government Affairs Update," GrayRobinson's Community Leader Forum, Gainesville, FL, May 14, 2019 . Panelist, Community Financial Services Association of America (CFSA) 2019 Annual Conference & Expo, Miami, FL, March 18-21, 2019
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John Ariale Husch Blackwell Strategies Principal [email protected]
300 M St. SE Suite 402 Washington, D.C. 20003 Phone: 202 -899 -3850
Experience John Ariale lived in the Central Florida community for many years prior to moving to Washington, D.C. John graduated from Stetson Law School and lived in Altamonte Springs before settling in Oviedo with his wife. John served as an Oviedo City Councilman, on the Oviedo Land Planning Agency, the Seminole County Charter Review Commission, the Citizen’s Advisory Board of WMFE, and the Board of Directors of the Seminole County YMCA.
During his time as Congressman Bill McCollum’s District Director, John served as the local and regional liaison for Congressman McCollum to all local governments and commissions in the then 5th Congressional District, including the Orange County Commission, the Seminole County Commission, the Regional Planning Council, and the Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority (prior to the 2014 law that created the rebranded CFX). In this capacity, John tirelessly advocated for regional transportation projects, funding requests, and other special projects. At that time, the 5th Congressional District spanned Lake, Osceola, Seminole, and Orange counties.
Over his ten years with Congressman McCollum’s office, John helped secure more federal authorizations, appropriations, and other assistance. He led the successful effort to remove the Orlando Naval Training Center from the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) list in 1991 and spearheaded the transition of federal assets to the county and city after the base lost its second BRAC challenge in 1993.
After leaving Congressman McCollum’s office in 1995, John represented numerous clients before local commissions and represented the University/Alafaya Corridor Transportation Association where he worked to alleviate traffic congestion surrounding the UCF/Oviedo area.
John brings more than thirty years of senior level experience in Congressional relations, legislative politics, and advocacy to the GrayRobinson team. John provides clients a comprehensive knowledge of the intricate and complex details of the appropriations process with policy expertise in the areas of transportation, international relations, defense, global development, global health, homeland security, and financial services.
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John joined the federal lobbying firm Cloakroom Advisors, LLC after leading Ariale Strategies, LLC. Prior to those endeavors, John served as Congressman Ander Crenshaw’s Chief of Staff and his Appropriations Associate, the Member’s liaison to the House Committee on Appropriations. John worked extensively on the portfolio of issues under the jurisdiction of the Subcommittees on State, Foreign Operations, Homeland Security, Financial Services, and Defense.
John worked closely with House Leadership as a result of Chairman Crenshaw’s roles as a House Majority Whip, in his service as a Deputy Whip, and as an Appropriations Chairman’s Associate. His extensive public service in Congress has resulted in a prolific network on Capitol Hill. John has served on the Board of Directors of the House Chief of Staff Association, and as the President of RAMS, the GOP’s highly networked Chiefs of Staff Association.
John was the principal drafter of the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE Act). He continued to work with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), Autism Speaks, and a broad coalition of stakeholders to pass the legislation in December 2014. The ABLE Act promotes independent living and community inclusion for people with disabilities and had broad bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress. The passage of the landmark ABLE Act will go down in the history books as one of the most successful bipartisan, bicameral advocacy campaigns and one of the most profound changes in the law for disabled Americans in decades. John was honored as NDSS’ 2014 Champion of Change for his leadership efforts and the notably effective he had in advancing the organization’s national commitment to people with Down syndrome. John was also the recipient of the Arc’s Inaugural Catalyst Award in 2015 for the Public Policy Victory of the Year.
John developed legislative proposals to reform international food aid, the United Nations, and reform the evaluation, accountability, and transparency reporting of foreign assistance. He created, developed, and coordinated the activities of the Congressional Caucus on Effective Foreign Assistance and implemented all policy briefings and programmatic activities for that caucus as well as the International Conservation Caucus and the Congressional Malaria Caucus.
Education Stetson University, B.A. Stetson University College of Law, J.D.
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Elizabeth Blair Hancock* Federal Legislative Consultant [email protected]
99 M St. SE Suite 725 Washington, DC 20003 Phone: 202 -546 -1761 Fax: 202 -546 -648 0 Direct: 202 -730 -7929
Experience Blair is a federal legislative consultant in GrayRobinson’s Washington, DC office with experience developing government relations strategies at both the state and federal level. A connector who has built a network of key relationships, Blair ensures transparency and effective problem solving through engagement with key government officials and staff.
Blair started her career at the Federal Office of the Florida Governor in Washington, DC, and returned to Florida to serve as a Legislative Fellow for the Florida House of Representatives Economic Affairs Committee. Prior to joining GrayRobinson, Blair worked for the University of Florida Office of Federal Relations. In this role, she collaborated with Congressional members and staff to develop actionable items that positively impacted the University of Florida and higher education community. Most recently, she worked for the U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development, Office of Congressional & Intergovernmental Relations in Washington, DC, where she ensured the accurate presentation of the Department's views before 300+ congressional offices.
Areas of Practice . Government Affairs & Lobbying
Background Blair grew up in St. Petersburg, FL and graduated from the University of Florida where she majored in business administration, management and minored in geography and leadership. She earned her masters of science in public administration and policy from Florida State University.
Education . University of Florida, B.S. , Business Administration, Management (2015) o Minors in Geography and Leadership . Florida State University, M.S. , Public Administration and Policy (2016)
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Civic . UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital, Junior Board of Directors, Vice Chairman, 2018 . James Madison Institute, Leaders Fellow, Class IV, 2017 . Florida Gubernatorial Fellow, Class XII, 2016
Professional Associations & Memberships . Florida House on Capitol Hill, Board of Trustees, Congressional Outreach Director, 2018
Presentations & Seminars . "The American Rescue Plan Explained," Angel Capital Association Webinar, April 7, 2021 . "The American Rescue Plan Explained," The Payroll Group Webinar, March 25, 2021 . "The American Rescue Plan Explained," GrayRobinson Webinar, March 18, 2021 . Association of Public and Land Grant Universities, Council on Government Affairs Conference, July 2019
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Laura L. Lenhart* Government Consultant [email protected]
401 East Jackson Street Suite 2700 Tampa, Florida 33602 Phone: 813 -273 -5000 Fax: 813 -273 -5145 Direct: 813 -273 -506 2
Experience Laura, a government consultant in GrayRobinson’s Tampa law firm office, boasts over a decade of experience in multifaceted political and legislative environments. She has comprehensive knowledge and experience in Florida legislative procedures and possesses a strong background in advocating legislative issues at the State level, tracking legislation, and researching and interpreting rules and regulations.
Laura previously served as a Government & Regulatory Affairs Manager for a communications company where she gained experience developing and executing an annual legislative agenda, effectively communicating legislative and regulatory opportunities and threats internally, and managing the efforts of the external lobbying team.
Areas of Practice . Government Affairs & Lobbying
Background In 2009, Laura graduated from Florida State University with a bachelor’s degree in political science. Subsequently, she earned her master’s degree in political science with a concentration in applied American politics and policy from Florida State University. After completing her master’s degree, Laura continued on to become the government relations contractor for the Moffitt Cancer Center and liaison for Florida's Cancer Control and Research Advisory Council (CCRAB). In 2012 she worked for the Florida Chamber of Commerce, tracking legislation throughout the committee process, lobbying members and staff on issues of priority to the Florida Chamber, and disseminating and communicating information to the organizations external lobby core. She continued her work at the Moffitt Cancer Center in 2014 when she became the public affairs strategist, immersing herself in all levels of Moffitt's Government Relations Departmental efforts, which included local, state, and federal coordination. Prior to joining GrayRobinson, she was the government and regulatory affairs manager at a large corporation, responsible for developing and successfully executing their annual legislative agenda.
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Education . Florida State University, B.S., Political Science (2009) . Florida State University, M.S., Political Science (2010) o Concentration in Applied American Politics and Policy
Professional Associations & Memberships . Emerge Tampa Young Professional Network o Member, 2014-2019
Civic . The Junior League of Tampa o Public Affairs Committee Member, 2020 - 2021 o Leadership Council, Advocacy Advisory Committee, 2019-2020 o Public Affairs Committee, Chair, 2019-2020 o State Public Affairs Committee, Coordinator, 2018-2019 o Provisional Member, 2017-2018 . Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc. o Board Member, 2017-Present . City of Tampa, Mayor Jane Castor's Mayor's University Program, Class of 2019 . Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Tampa, Class of 2019 . Girl Scouts of West Central Florida o Camp CEO Advisor, 2017-2019
Presentations & Seminars . Presenter, "Inside the Winners Circle: Covering Florida's Election Results," November 4, 2020
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Chris McCannell* Senior Government Affairs Consultant [email protected]
99 M St. SE Suite 725 Wash ington, DC 20003 Phone: 202 -546 -1761 Fax: 202 -546 -6480 Direct: 202 -550 -8896
Experience Chris McCannell brings more than 20 years of Washington experience and insight to the clients of the GrayRobinson. His clients include Angel Capital Association, Prudential Plc., Center for American Entrepreneurship, National Association of Truck Stop Operators, Manufactured Housing Institute, 98Point6, US Travel, Etihad Airlines, and Broadmark Capital. Chris is known for his high-level engagement with House Democratic leadership on behalf of his clients.
Prior to joining Eris Group, GrayRobinson’s predecessor, Chris led APCO Worldwide’s Washington financial services and government relations practice. He previously served as vice president of government affairs at Ameriprise Financial and as a director at Quinn Gillespie & Associates, a bipartisan government relations firm in Washington, DC.
Before joining Ameriprise Financial, Chris was chief of staff to Rep. Michael E. McMahon. Earlier in his career, he served as chief of staff and floor assistant to Rep. Joseph Crowley, a member of the Committee on Ways and Means and chair of the Democratic caucus. Chris was also press secretary to Rep. Steny H. Hoyer. He began his career as a press assistant in the office of Sen. Frank Lautenberg and the office of the Democratic Policy Committee.
Chris holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science with a concentration in international relations from Fordham University.
Areas of Practice . COVID-19 Task Force . Government Affairs & Lobbying . Government
Background Chris is a senior government affairs consultant in the firms Washington, DC office. He holds a bachelor of arts in political science with a concentration in international relations from Fordham University.
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Education . Fordham Uni versity, B.A. , Political Science
Professional Associations & Memberships . Board Member, Fordham Club of Washington, DC . Board Member, Jewish Community Relations Council of Washington . Advisory Board Member, Tzedek DC a non-profit dedicated to financial literacy . New Leadership Network, American Israel Public Affairs Committee . Steering Committee, New Democrat Coalition
Awards & Recognitions . Top Lobbyist , The Hill , 2019-2020
Presentations & Seminars . "GrayRobinson Florida Legislative Session Weekly Roundup," April 2, 2021 . "The American Rescue Plan Explained," Angel Capital Association Webinar, April 7, 2021 . "The American Rescue Plan Explained," The Payroll Group Webinar, March 25, 2021 . "The American Rescue Plan Explained," GrayRobinson Webinar, March 18, 2021 . Upcoming Real Estate and Tax Legislation, The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, March 11, 2021 . "New Year = New Biden Administration: What Should We Expect?" GrayRobinson Webinar, January 13, 2021 . "Recapping One of the Most Historic Elections in the History of the United States," GrayRobinson Webinar, November 12, 2020 . "Preview of the 2020 Federal Election," October 20, 2020 . "IPA Election Coverage – Part 1," Institute for Portfolio Alternatives (IPA) Webinar, October 1, 2020 . "Beneficial Ownership and Blue Sky Fees - How Proposed Legislation Could Impact Small Businesses," September 9, 2020 . "Families First (Paid leave) Legislation and CARES Act," National Association of Truck Stop Operators (NATSO) Webinar, April 9, 2020 . "Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act," Town of Windermere Virtual Town Hall Meeting, April 6, 2020
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Kim McDougal* Senior Government Affairs Consultant [email protected]
301 South Bronough Street Suite 6 00 Tallahassee, Florida 32301 Phone: 850 -577 -9090 Fax: 850 -577 -3311
Experience Kim McDougal, Ph.D. is a senior government affairs consultant in GrayRobinson’s Tallahassee office and one of the top education lobbyists and experts in Florida. Kim is known for her nearly three decades of experience serving in multiple leadership roles within the executive and legislative branches of Florida’s government. Kim knew early on her passion was to make a difference in the lives of students. Her passion and commitment to students is as strong today, as it was then.
In addition to Kim's thorough knowledge of the various K-20 education issues in Florida, she also focuses her lobby practice on areas such as nonprofits, local governments, major corporations, and business development with state and local governments and provides consulting services as well.
Most recently, Kim successfully advocated for funding for building a new elementary/middle school in a rural district, creating a panic alert system for K-12 students, and securing funding for individuals with disabilities, as well as legally blind Floridians. Additionally, Kim has successfully worked with several statewide associations, nonprofits, local governments, major corporations on the advancement of their legislative agendas, including both substantive legislation and appropriations.
Prior to joining GrayRobinson, Kim served as chief of staff to Florida Governor Rick Scott, where she was responsible for directly serving and advising the Governor on issues pertaining to 100,000+ executive branch employees and administering an $83 billion state budget. She also served as Governor Scott’s deputy chief of staff, legislative affairs director, education policy coordinator, and as policy advisor during his successful re-election campaign.
Kim has served as a senior advisor or in a leadership role for many of Florida’s Commissioners of Education, including Florida’s first appointed Commissioner Jim Horne. She also served in several roles under the Governor Jeb Bush Administration within the Executive Office of the Governor, including education policy coordinator in the Office of Policy and Budget.
Kim began her public service career with the State of Florida in 1989 as a program auditor with the Office of the Auditor General, which later became the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA), where she went on to serve as a senior staff director.
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Kim currently serves on the board of directors for the Florida Sports Foundation and the Florida Association of Professional Lobbyists. She previously served on Governor-elect Ron DeSantis’ Transition Advisory Committee for Education and Workforce Development. She is involved with several organizations, including the Florida Association of Intergovernmental Relations, Association of Florida Colleges, Florida Education Legislative Liaisons, and the Orlando Economic Development Council’s Political Leadership Institute.
Kim holds a Ph.D. and a M.S. from Florida State University in Education, and a bachelor’s degree in Education from Tulane University. She resides in Tallahassee, Fla., and enjoys spending time at the beach, golf carting, and watching college and professional football.
Areas of Practice . Government Affairs & Lobbying . Education . COVID-19 Task Force
Education . Louise S. McGehee High School . Tulane University, B.S. . Florida State University, M.S. . Florida State University, Ph.D.
Professional Associations & Memberships . Florida Association of Intergovernmental Relations (FAIR), January 2019 . Association of Florida Colleges (AFC), January 2019-present . Governor-Elect Ron DeSantis’ Transition Advisory Committee o Education and Workforce Development, December 2018-January 2019 . Florida Sports Foundation, December 2018-present . Florida Association of Professional Lobbyists o Designated Professional Lobbyist o Board of Directors, 2021-2022 . Florida Education Legislative Liaisons
Presentations & Seminars . Speaker, Florida School Boards Association Annual Day in the Legislature, March 5, 2021 . Moderator, "Recapping One of the Most Historic Elections in the History of the United States," November 12, 2020 . Presenter, "Who's in and Who's Out?" Post-Election Pop-Up Forum, August 19, 2020 . "The Appointments Process," Central Florida Political Leadership Institute, Orlando Economic Partnership, August 13, 2020 . Moderator, "Kitchen Table Talk on Reopening Florida Schools,” GrayRobinson COVID-19 Virtual Pop-up Forum, June 18, 2020
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. “2020 Legislative Session Wrap Up,” Florida School Boards Association, April 1, 2020 . Florida Commission on the Status of Women, 2020 LEAD Summit Speaker, March 2020 . "Advocacy 101," Florida Nurses’ Association Advocacy Days, January 22, 2020 . "Election Laws for 2020 Legislative Session," Florida School Boards Association, December 4, 2019 . Central Florida Political Leadership Institute, Orlando Economic Partnership, August 2019 . "Getting the Most from Your City’s Contract Lobbyist," FLCities 93rd Annual Conference, August 15-17, 2019 . "2019 Florida Legislative Review," Jacksonville Session Wrap Up, May 13, 2019 . "Questions for the Governor’s Office,” Florida State University class Florida Legislative Practice: From Bill Drafting to the Governor's Desk, April 10, 2019 . "Advocacy 101," Florida Nurses’ Association Advocacy Days, March 13, 2019 . "Current Education and Political Issues," Florida School Board Association Meeting, November 28, 2018 . State and Federal Appropriations Presentation “Bringing Home the Bacon," Florida League of Cities, November 15, 2018 . "Executive Branch Insight—Pulling Back the Curtain," Florida Agency of Professional Lobbyist (FAPL) Retreat, September 5-7, 2018 . "Facility Security Projects and Emergency Preparedness," Florida School Board Association Summer Conference, 2018 . "Building the Foundation for Successful Legislative Advocacy," Florida School Board Association Summer Conference, 2018 . "2018 Florida Legislative Review," Miami Session Wrap Up, April 10, 2018 . "In Focus: Session 2018," Pensacola Chamber Gopher Club Breakfast, April 6, 2018 . "Constitution Revision Commission," The Florida Bar's Education Law Committee Meeting, January 19, 2018 . "Constitution Revision Commission," Florida School Board Association Conference, November 29, 2017
Civic . Florida Sports Foundation o Board of Directors, December 2018 . Orlando Economic Development Council o Political Leadership Institute Class, November 2018
E-Lerts & Newsletters . COVID-19 Task Force E-lert: Reopening Florida's Schools, June 16, 2020 . GrayRobinson Government Relations & Lobbying E-lert: First Steps Taken in the DeSantis Education Plan, February 7, 2019
Articles & Publications . "Legislative Session & Legislative Budget Request Process," Florida School Boards Association, September 2020
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Greg Mesack* Senior Government Affairs Consultant [email protected]
99 M St. SE Suite 725 Washingto n, DC 20003 Phone: 202 -546 -1761 Fax: 202 -546 -6480 Direct: 202 -491 -7614
Experience Greg Mesack has 20 years of experience in legislative and policy making in Washington, DC, serving in capacities both on and off Capitol Hill.
Greg began his career on Capitol Hill after graduating from Miami University in Ohio. He started as an intern for Congressman Dave Camp, and then moved to staff assistant for Congressman Wally Herger. Greg then honed his political skills at the House Republican Conference as a legislative analyst for members of Congress.
In February 2001, Greg began work for Congressman Bob Ney as his legislative assistant, handling the policy portfolio of the Financial Services Committee. Soon after, he was named legislative director, where he oversaw Congressman Ney's legislative staff and operations. During his time working for Congressman Ney, Greg staffed the Conference Committee for critical legislation including Sarbanes-Oxley, TRIA and the FACT Act.
Greg left Capitol Hill in 2004 to work at America's Community Bankers, a trade association representing banks across the nation. He was promoted to Director of Government Relations in 2006 and to Vice President in 2007. In 2007, Greg was named one of the top association lobbyists by The Hill newspaper.
Areas of Practice . COVID-19 Task Force . Government Affairs & Lobbying . Government . Latin America Capital Flight
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Background Greg is a senior government affairs consultant in the Firm’s Washington, DC office. Greg earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and history from Miami University in Ohio and his master’s degree from George Washington University where he specialized in finance.
Education . Miami University, B.A. , Political Science and History . George Washington University, M.B.A. , Finance
Awards & Recognitions . Top Association Lobbyist, The Hill , 2007
Presentations & Seminars . "The American Rescue Plan Explained," Angel Capital Association Webinar, April 7, 2021 . "The American Rescue Plan Explained," The Payroll Group Webinar, March 25, 2021 . "The American Rescue Plan Explained," GrayRobinson Webinar, March 18, 2021 . "The Cannabis Industry is Bigger Than You Think," 30th Annual Florida Venture Capital Conference, March 3-4, 2021 . "New Year = New Biden Administration: What Should We Expect?" GrayRobinson Webinar, January 13, 2021 . "Recapping One of the Most Historic Elections in the History of the United States," GrayRobinson Webinar, November 12, 2020 . "Preview of the 2020 Federal Election," October 20, 2020 o "IPA Election Coverage – Part 1," Institute for Portfolio Alternatives (IPA) Webinar, October 1, 2020
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