Walton County commissioners hear pitches from three federal lobbying firms ahead of selection vote

Walton County commissioners held an informational workshop where three firms shortlisted to provide federal lobbying services presented proposals and answered commissioners’ questions. The session, run by county purchasing, allotted each finalist 20 minutes for a presentation and 10 minutes for questions; the board will complete individual scoring and vote at its next regular meeting.

The three firms that presented were Southern Group/TSG Advocates (represented by Beau Rothschild and Christine Callahan), a Color 9 team (lead presenter) and Becker (Amanda Wood). Southern Group emphasized rapid growth of its Washington, D.C., office, bipartisan contacts and a commitment to client responsiveness; partner Beau Rothschild said his office is reachable at all hours and pledges high-touch service, noting, “my cell phone’s at, 711. It’s open 24/7.” Color 9 highlighted long-standing Walton County experience, Army Corps relationships and a data product they called a "Grant Solutions Hub" that scans NOFOs and produces plain‑language matrices for clients. Becker described a team with deep Florida experience, past work on Walton County projects and technical strengths in transportation, FEMA and EPA funding.

Commissioners focused much of their questioning on beach renourishment, Army Corps contacts and whether firms would be personally available for local meetings. Commissioner Gladwell asked about ties to the county’s federal delegation and agency contacts; presenters named congressional staff and agency contacts they said they work with regularly and described prior projects that required Army Corps coordination. Commissioner Anderson recounted problems with the county’s previous lobbyist, saying the county had been “ghosted” and urging the finalists to prioritize Walton County’s needs; several presenters responded that they would provide routine updates and local engagement rather than a transactional relationship. When asked whether performance‑based fees or contingency arrangements were possible, Color 9 and Becker clarified that fee‑for‑success payment models are not allowed for lobbying or grant-writing under applicable ethics rules.

Firms detailed their approaches to competing for federal grants and appropriations. Color 9 stressed preparing high‑quality, data‑driven applications and early agency engagement; the presenter showed how their hub provides same‑day NOFO alerts and a matrix of matching federal programs. Becker emphasized pre‑NOFO engagement and post‑award compliance support to avoid accepting funds the county cannot match or manage. Several presenters referenced the RESTORE Act, earmarks and agency programs such as DOT, EPA, HUD and DOJ COPS as potential funding pathways for Walton County projects.

County staff closed the workshop by reminding commissioners that the session was for information only and that no scoring or ranking had taken place. Staff said individual score sheets (personnel up to 50 points, relevant federal experience up to 30 points, technical approach up to 20 points) will be distributed and collected at the next Board of County Commissioners meeting. A blackout period was announced forbidding contact between commissioners and candidates until scoring is complete. Staff also said presentations and materials will be shared after the workshop.

The board did not select a firm during the workshop; commissioners will submit scores at the next scheduled meeting where the contract award will be considered.