Request for Proposals: Federal Lobbying Services

Proposal Due Date: August 31, 2026 — rolling review, submissions welcome on an ongoing basis

Anticipated Engagement Start: September 1, 2026

Submit Proposals To: Nikki Santos, Chief Executive Officer nsantos@nabshc.org & Ponka-We Victors-Cozad, Director of Policy & Advocacy pcozad@nabshc.org

1. Organizational Overview

The National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS) is a Native nonprofit organization dedicated to healing, justice and truth-- lifting Indigenous voices and the collective histories and legacies of the U.S. Indian boarding school era. NABS works to advance healing among Native Peoples through research, policy advocacy, community engagement, and public education, and to ensure that the truth of this history informs the path toward accountability and repair.

NABS is seeking a federal lobbying firm to support the organization's advocacy on H.R. 7325 / S. 761, the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by Representatives Tom Cole (R-OK) and Sharice Davids (D-KS), with a Senate companion co-sponsored by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI). The bill would establish a Truth and Healing Commission, within the legislative branch, to investigate the impacts and ongoing effects of federal Indian boarding school policies and to recommend a path toward truth, education, and healing.

2. Purpose of This RFP

NABS is seeking proposals from qualified federal lobbying and government relations firms to help move H.R. 7325 and S. 761 through the legislative process. The selected firm will work closely with NABS leadership, partners, and existing congressional champions to build support, navigate committee jurisdiction, and advance the bill toward passage.

3. Scope of Work

The selected firm should be prepared to provide some or all of the following services:

1. Strategic counsel on legislative strategy and pathway to passage in both chambers
2. Direct advocacy with offices, including the House Committee on Education and Workforce and the House Committee on Natural Resources, and relevant Senate committees
3. Support building and maintaining bipartisan cosponsor support in the House and Senate
4. Coordination with existing champions' offices (Rep. Cole, Rep. Davids, Sen. Murkowski and Senate Committee on Indian Affairs) and their staff
5. Monitoring of committee schedules, markups, and floor opportunities
6. Coalition support — coordinating messaging and timing with NABS to share with partners engaged in the bill.
7. Briefing materials, talking points, and updates for NABS leadership and board
8. Regular reporting on legislative developments and recommended action steps

4. Qualifications

Proposals should demonstrate:

1. Established federal lobbying registration and current compliance with the Lobbying Disclosure Act
2. Demonstrated experience with Indian Country, Tribal, or Native American policy issues
3. Existing relationships with relevant committees of jurisdiction (Education and Workforce; Natural Resources; Senate Indian Affairs) and with congressional Native American Caucus members
4. Experience with truth, reconciliation, or historical accountability legislation is a plus
5. Demonstrated competence and experience working with Native-led and Tribal organizations
6. References from current or former nonprofit or Tribal clients

5. Proposal Requirements

Interested firms should submit a proposal that includes:

1. Firm overview and relevant experience, including Indian Country policy work
2. Proposed approach and strategy for advancing H.R. 7325 / S. 761
3. Key staff who would be assigned to this account, with relevant biographies
4. References from at least two comparable clients
5. Fee structure (monthly retainer, hourly, or project-based) and estimated budget
6. Any potential conflicts of interest, including current or past clients with interests adverse to this legislation

6. Budget

A specific budget has not yet been finalized. Firms are asked to propose a fee structure and cost estimate appropriate to the scope of work described above; NABS will evaluate proposals in light of overall value and fit.

7. Timeline

NABS is accepting proposals on a rolling basis and will begin reviewing submissions as they are received. Interested firms are encouraged to submit as soon as they are able. NABS anticipates beginning the engagement as soon as a suitable firm is identified.

8. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

1. Relevant experience with Indian Country and Native American policy
2. Existing relationships with relevant committees and offices
3. Proposed strategy and clarity of approach
4. Cultural competence and alignment with NABS's mission and values
5. Cost and value

9. Contact

Questions regarding this RFP, and completed proposals, should be directed to Nikki Santos, Chief Executive Officer, nsantos@nabshc.org or (202) 557-4602