RFP: Federal Lobbying Services

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.

4. Qualifications

Proposals should demonstrate:

Established federal lobbying registration and current compliance with the Lobbying Disclosure Act

Demonstrated experience with Indian Country, Tribal, or Native American policy issues

Existing relationships with relevant committees of jurisdiction (Education and Workforce; Natural Resources; Senate Indian Affairs) and with congressional Native American Caucus members

Experience with truth, reconciliation, or historical accountability legislation is a plus

Demonstrated competence and experience working with Native-led and Tribal organizations

References from current or former nonprofit or Tribal clients

3. Scope of Work

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

Strategic counsel on legislative strategy and pathway to passage in both chambers

Direct advocacy with offices, including the House Committee on Education and Workforce and the House Committee on Natural Resources, and relevant Senate committees

Support building and maintaining bipartisan cosponsor support in the House and Senate

Coordination with existing champions' offices (Rep. Cole, Rep. Davids, Sen. Murkowski and Senate Committee on Indian Affairs) and their staff

Monitoring of committee schedules, markups, and floor opportunities

Coalition support — coordinating messaging and timing with NABS to share with partners engaged in the bill.

Briefing materials, talking points, and updates for NABS leadership and board

Regular reporting on legislative developments and recommended action steps