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Contract Award for State Legislative Services
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DESCRIPTION: State Legislative Services |
AGENDA NO: Click or tap here to enter text. |
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ACTION REQUEST: Approval |
RECOMMENDATION:
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Authorize the Interim Chief Executive Officer to award a three year contract in an amount not to exceed $270,000.000 to Southern Strategy Group for state legislative services.
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ISSUE/BACKGROUND:
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The Regional Transit Authority (RTA) issued IFB No. 2026-014-1 to obtain state legislative services that support the agency's legislative agenda and key capital initiatives. Southern Strategy Group (SSG) submitted a proposal to provide governmental relations, advocacy, and strategic legislative support for projects including the Downtown Transit Center, Bus Rapid Transit program, Union Passenger Terminal redevelopment, and ferry funding initiatives.
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DISCUSSION:
SSG will provide legislative representation and advocacy before the Louisiana Legislature, state agencies, and key stakeholders to support RTA's funding and policy priorities. The firm's services are intended to help advance critical transit projects, identify funding opportunities, and strengthen RTA's presence in state legislative and regulatory matters. SSG will partner with The Madina Group Consulting to satisfy DBE participation requirements.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
SSG proposes a monthly retainer of $7,500, which equates to an annual cost of $90,000 for state legislative services. Funding for this contract is available within the approved operating budget under Budget Code 01-2100-02-7070-00-00-00000-00000-00000. The agreement includes legislative advocacy, stakeholder engagement, policy development, legislative monitoring, appropriations support, strategic communications and regular reporting. No additional costs will be incurred without prior RTA approval.
NEXT STEPS:
Upon approval, RTA will execute an agreement with Southern Strategy Group to provide state legislative services and continue advocacy efforts in support of the agency's legislative, funding, and capital project priorities. Regular updates will be provided to staff regarding legislative activity and progress on identified objectives.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution
2. Independent Cost Estimate
3. Administrative Review form
4. Southern Strategy Group RFP
5. Routing Sheet
6. Scope of Work
7. Procurement Summary
Prepared By: Dawn U. Collins
Title: Senior Executive Assistant
Reviewed By: Gizelle Johnson Banks
Title: Chief Financial Officer
7/30/2026
Ronald G. Baptiste Date
Interim Chief Executive Officer