In a pivotal meeting held on September 26, 2025, the Hillsborough County Evaluation Committee convened to assess proposals for state lobbying services, a crucial step in enhancing the county's government relations and strategic services. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as committee members gathered, each bringing their expertise to the table, ready to evaluate the seven proposals submitted for Request for Proposals (RFP) 25-00318.

Dawn Denima, the chief buyer for the project, opened the meeting by outlining the procedures and emphasizing the importance of confidentiality during the evaluation process. Public access was granted, albeit with restrictions, as attendees were required to remain muted and off-camera, ensuring a focused environment for the committee's discussions.

The committee, led by chairperson Karl Hernandez, included key figures such as Liana Lopez, the chief communications administrator, and Tom Fessler, the chief financial administrator. Together, they embarked on a systematic evaluation of the proposals, which would be scored based on specific criteria: qualifications, performance, technical approach, proposed fees, and potential bonus points. Each of these categories carried a designated weight, with qualifications, performance, and technical approach each valued at 30 points, while the cost proposal accounted for 10 points and bonus points added an additional 5.

As the meeting progressed, the committee began its detailed review, starting with Valid Partners Incorporated. The members engaged in thoughtful discussions, weighing each proposal against the established criteria, aiming for a consensus that would guide their scoring. This collaborative approach underscored the committee's commitment to transparency and fairness in the selection process.

The outcome of this meeting holds significant implications for Hillsborough County's future lobbying efforts, as the selected firm will play a vital role in shaping the county's strategic initiatives. With the scoring process underway, the committee's decisions will soon be made public, paving the way for the next steps in enhancing the county's governmental relations. As the meeting concluded, the anticipation of the final scores lingered, marking a crucial moment in the county's pursuit of effective lobbying services.