REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
LEGISLATIVE LOBBYING SERVICES
NORTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF REGISTERS OF DEEDS
January 17, 2012
The North Carolina Association of Register of Deeds (NCARD) is seeking an experienced professional to represent the association in the pursuit of its legislative agenda in the NC General Assembly during the 2013-2014 Session.
The individual we are seeking must have a sound knowledge of public policy, a clear understanding of the legislative process and a familiarity with the real property laws of this state. Additionally, this individual should have effective communication skills, the ability to work in an unbiased bipartisan manner to form positive relationships and coalitions on behalf of the association, and previous lobbying or legislative experience.
Background:
The NCARD was established in 1952 with the stated purpose of uniting the Registers of Deeds in exchanging ideas and professional experiences and working for the betterment of the office. The association is comprised of independently elected Registers of Deeds from each of North Carolina’s 100 counties. The Register of Deeds serves as the custodian and manager for real estate related documents as well as the vital records of the county. The Registers of Deeds record deeds, deeds of trust, powers of attorney, assumed names, military records, plats and maps, and other miscellaneous documents related to real property. In addition, the office also maintains the records of all notary public commissions; issues marriage licenses and certified copies of birth and death certificates. More information about the NCARD can be found at www.ncard.us .
Scope of Work:
The lobbyist will be responsible for monitoring, identifying, and prioritizing opportunities and challenges for the NCARD with respect to issues under consideration by the NC General Assembly and relevant state agencies.
Activities shall include:
1. Identify and act appropriately on state legislation and legislative
proposals that may impact the NCARD.
2. Monitor legislation as it pertains to the NCARD.
3. Influence legislation through personal contact with legislators
and their administrative staff as well as with representatives of
various government agencies and interest groups
4. Work in conjunction with the NCARD’s Legislative Co-Chairs
to help them stay abreast of any proposed legislation that could
have an effect on the office of the Register of Deeds.
5. Assist the Executive and Legislative Committees in adopting
legislative goals for the association and in developing strategies
to effectively influence legislation proposed by other individuals
or groups.
6. Represent the association at legislative committee hearings.
7. Keep the association’s President and Legislative Co-Chairs
abreast of legislative issues which may arise that require prompt
attention.
8. Keep the association’s President and Legislative Co-Chairs
apprised of any and all legislative actions that could have a direct
or indirect effect on the office of the Register of Deeds.
9. Deliver legislative reports and updates before the association’s
various committees and at its’ conferences when requested.
Submission Requirements:
Qualifications packages for individuals, firms, and teams of individuals should include:
1. Contact name with telephone number, address and email address.
2. Overview of organization/team.
3. Description of experience with state legislative process.
4. Summary of Proposed Plan for representing the NCARD in the NC
General Assembly for the 2011-2012 Session.
5. Retainer and any other cost associated with the Summary of
Proposed Plan.
6. List of current clients and past clients of similar nature.
Proposals can be submitted via U.S. postal service, commercial carrier, hand delivered or emailed to:
Wayne L. Rash, President
NC Association of Registers of Deeds
Caldwell County Register of Deeds
905 West Avenue NW
Lenoir, NC 28645
registerofdeeds@caldwellcountync.org
Evaluation:
Proposals will be evaluated by the NCARD Executive Committee on the following criteria:
1. Qualifications of the individual(s)/organization
a. Overall experience/track record of individual(s)
b. Recent public sector experience conducting similar lobbying efforts.
2. Summary of Proposed Plan
3. Cost associated with Proposed Plan (retainer)
4. Quality, comprehensiveness, and clarity of the proposal
Award Schedule:
Tuesday, January 17, 2012 RFP released
Monday, February 13, 2012 Deadline for submission of proposals
Wednesday, February 15, 2012 Copies of proposals submitted to members of the Executive & Legislative Committees
Tuesday, February 21, 2012 Executive/Legislative Committe meet to review applications and select a candidate or appoint an interview committee
Sunday, March 4, 2012 Selection of candidate (if necessary)
Disclaimer
NCARD reserves the right to accept or reject in whole or in part any or all proposals submitted. NCARD shall reject proposals that are determined to be non-responsive. The NCARD will make every effort to administer the proposal in accordance with the terms and dates outlined herein; however, the NCARD reserves the right to modify the activities, timeline, or any other aspect of the process at anytime as deemed necessary by the Executive Committee. By requesting qualifications, the NCARD is in no way obligated to award a contract or pay the expenses of consultant(s) in connection with the preparation or submission of a qualifications package. The awarding of an agreement shall be contingent on the availability of funds and the necessary NCARD Executive board approvals. All questions should be directed to Wayne L. Rash, NCARD President (2011-2012) at registerofdeeds@caldwellcountync.org or (828)757-1310.