Request for Proposals: Government Relations and Lobbying Services

Issued By: Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools (PCPCS)
Issue Date: July 15, 2026
Proposal Due Date: August 15, 2026

I. Introduction

The Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools (PCPCS) is seeking proposals from qualified lobbying and government relations firms to provide strategic advocacy, legislative monitoring, and lobbying services on behalf of Pennsylvania’s public charter school community.

PCPCS is a statewide membership organization dedicated to advancing public charter schools through advocacy, education, collaboration, and public awareness. The Coalition represents charter schools serving students across the Commonwealth and works to ensure that policymakers understand and support the important role charter schools play in Pennsylvania’s public education system.

The selected firm will serve as a strategic partner in advancing the Coalition’s legislative and policy priorities before the Pennsylvania General Assembly, Governor’s Office, state agencies, and other relevant stakeholders.

II. Scope of Services

The selected firm will be expected to provide comprehensive government relations and lobbying services, including but not limited to:

Legislative Advocacy

• Advocate on behalf of PCPCS before the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
• Build and maintain relationships with members of the House and Senate, legislative staff, committee chairs, and caucus leadership.
• Assist in advancing legislation favorable to charter schools and opposing legislation that may negatively impact charter school students and families.

Legislative Monitoring

• Monitor legislation, amendments, committee actions, budget proposals, and regulatory activity affecting charter schools.
• Provide timely updates and analysis regarding legislative developments.

Strategic Counsel

• Advise PCPCS leadership and Board of Directors regarding legislative strategy and policy initiatives.
• Assist in the development of annual legislative priorities and advocacy plans.
• Identify opportunities for proactive engagement with policymakers and stakeholders.

Government Relations Support

• Coordinate meetings between PCPCS leadership, member schools, and policymakers.
• Assist in planning legislative events, advocacy days, policy forums, and Capitol-based activities.
• Support coalition-building efforts with education organizations, advocacy groups, and community partners.

Communications and Reporting

• Provide regular written reports detailing lobbying activities, legislative developments, and strategic recommendations.
• Attend Board of Directors meetings, membership meetings, and committee meetings as requested.
• Participate in conference calls and strategy sessions with PCPCS leadership.

III. Desired Qualifications

PCPCS seeks firms that possess the following qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience lobbying before the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
• Strong relationships with members of the Pennsylvania House and Senate and relevant executive branch agencies.
• Experience in education policy, K-12 public education, charter schools, or related public policy fields.
• Proven ability to successfully advocate for clients in legislative and budgetary matters.
• Understanding of Pennsylvania’s charter school law and current educational policy landscape.
• Registered and compliant with all Pennsylvania lobbying disclosure requirements.

IV. Proposal Requirements

Interested firms should submit a proposal that includes the following:

Firm Overview

• Company name and contact information.
• History and background of the firm.
• Number of employees and office locations

Relevant Experience

• Description of experience providing lobbying and government relations services.
• Experience representing education-related organizations.
• Examples of recent legislative or advocacy successes.

Proposed Team

• Names and biographies of key personnel who would serve PCPCS.
• Description of each team member’s role and responsibilities.

Proposed Approach

• Description of the firm’s strategy for advancing PCPCS legislative priorities.
• Approach to legislative monitoring and reporting.
• Methods for stakeholder engagement and relationship-building.

References

• At least three client references, preferably from education, nonprofit, or membership-based organizations.

Fee Proposal

• Monthly retainer fee.
• Description of services included within the retainer.
• Any additional costs, expenses, or billable services.

V. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based upon:

PCPCS reserves the right to interview finalists before making a selection.

VI. Contract Term

The anticipated contract term will be one (1) year, beginning on or about [Insert Date], with the option for annual renewal upon mutual agreement.

VII. Submission Instructions

Proposals must be submitted electronically in PDF format no later than:

Submission Deadline: August 15, 2026

Proposals should be emailed to:

Daniel Camp
Chief Executive Officer
Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools
d.camp@pacharters.org

Questions regarding this RFP may be directed to the contact listed above.

VIII. Reservation of Rights

PCPCS reserves the right to:

• Reject any or all proposals.
• Waive informalities and minor irregularities in proposals received.
• Request additional information from respondents.
• Negotiate terms and scope of services with the selected firm.
• Cancel or modify this RFP at any time.

Issuance of this RFP does not obligate PCPCS to award a contract or reimburse respondents for any costs incurred in preparing a proposal.

IX. About PCPCS

The Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools is the statewide voice for Pennsylvania charter schools. PCPCS advocates for policies that expand educational opportunities, promote innovation, and ensure that every student has access to a high-quality public education option.

Through advocacy, collaboration, professional development, and member engagement, PCPCS works to strengthen and support the charter school movement across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.