In a recent meeting held on September 26, 2025, the Hillsborough County Evaluation Committee reviewed proposals for state lobbying services, focusing on the qualifications and performance of various firms. The discussions centered around scoring the proposals based on their technical approaches, qualifications, and overall performance, which are crucial for ensuring effective representation for the county.

The committee evaluated several firms, with notable scores reflecting their strengths and weaknesses. For instance, the firm Balance Partners received a strong score of 27 for their technical approach, indicating a well-aligned proposal that met the county's requirements. Committee members praised their thorough references, which were all positively received.

Johnston and Stewart Government Strategies also performed well, achieving a score of 26 for qualifications and 28 for performance. The committee highlighted their detailed experience and strong connections in Tallahassee, which could benefit the county's lobbying efforts.

Conversely, the Pittman Law Group received mixed reviews. While their qualifications were rated at 25, concerns were raised about the vagueness of their performance details, leading to a lower score of 21. Committee members noted that the proposal lacked clarity on the results of past engagements, which could impact their effectiveness.

SBM Partners faced criticism for their qualifications, with committee members expressing doubts about the strength of their proposal. This highlights the importance of clear and detailed submissions in the competitive bidding process for government contracts.

The evaluation process underscores the county's commitment to selecting a lobbying firm that can effectively advocate for local interests. As the committee continues its deliberations, the outcomes of these evaluations will play a significant role in shaping Hillsborough County's legislative strategy and ensuring that community needs are effectively represented at the state level.