The Concrete Masonry Checkoff Region 2 Codes Program is Seeking Government Relations & Code Consultant Services

The Southeast Concrete Masonry Association (SCMA) who is the contractor for the Concrete Masonry Checkoff R2 Codes Program is seeking proposals from qualified firms or consultants to provide government relations and code consultant services. The selected partner will be responsible for supporting Concrete Masonry Checkoff Region 2 (CMCR2) efforts to advance the interests of the concrete masonry industry. This includes providing expertise in government relations, actively monitoring, and engaging in code development processes. The consultant will deliver code consulting services providing information and education related to concrete masonry as the preferred material for resilient, durable, and fire-safe construction throughout R2. The consultant will also be engaging in and communicating with local masonry producers on grassroot efforts in their service area. The region two service area includes North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia, Florida, Mississippi, and Alabama but the number of states could be reduced to start on a smaller scale if needed.

Code Education and Advocacy Initiative

CMCR2 seeks to broaden its reach among local, regional, and state decision-makers through a comprehensive masonry code education and promotion program. The primary objectives of this initiative are to provide targeted education to key stakeholders, and build strategic coalitions to support these efforts. Financial support for this initiative is provided through the Concrete Masonry Checkoff R2 Codes Program. As legislative and regulatory changes affecting construction and building codes continue to evolve, we recognize the need for expert guidance. By enhancing its education efforts and ensuring ongoing compliance with changing standards, SCMA aims to protect the concrete masonry industry and promote and educate on the use of concrete masonry as a resilient, durable, and fire-safe construction material.

Region 2 Strategy on Codes & Standards State Legislative Monitoring

As the representative for R2, the contracted services must be closely aligned with a targeted strategy focused on codes and standards. It is essential to continuously monitor state legislative activity, particularly for any proposed legislation that may limit or restrict the use of concrete masonry systems. Special attention should be paid to legislative areas involving “trade-offs” with fire protection and sprinkler requirements, as well as any potential restrictions on construction materials. This monitoring does not include pursuing “Masonry Friendly” ordinances with city governments.

Oversight of International Building Code Adoption

The strategy also calls for the identification of states and key municipal markets that are planning to adopt new versions of the International Building Code. It is critical to track these activities to ensure that masonry is not unfairly disadvantaged or penalized when new versions of the Code are implemented. The goal is to provide education and information to safeguard the interests of the concrete masonry industry during code updates.

Statewide Education

At the state level, we will pursue speaking opportunities at statewide municipal or building code official meetings. These engagements are intended to promote a balanced approach to fire safety and resilience, ensuring that the benefits of concrete masonry are clearly communicated to decision-makers and stakeholders.

Scope of Work

SCMA is seeking services that impact the following areas. Respondents may address all or a subset of these services and should clearly identify their strengths and proposed deliverables.

Code Consultant Services

1. Serve as a subject matter expert on building codes impacting the concrete masonry industry.
2. Interpret and advise on building codes, zoning regulations, and compliance requirements relevant to concrete masonry.
3. Monitor local and state code development, adoption, and enforcement activity.
4. Draft proposed code language that supports concrete masonry’s role in fire safety, durability, and sustainability.
5. Maintain and update a regional code catalog documenting local adoptions and modifications.
6. Track proposed code changes, ordinances, and variance requests.
7. Engage with code officials, building departments, and city staff to provide technical information and clarification on concrete masonry code provisions.

Government Relations

1. Provide non-partisan technical education and informational briefings on behalf of Concrete Masonry Checkoff R2 Codes Program at State Legislature and relevant regulatory agencies.
2. Monitor legislation affecting building materials (e.g., preemption laws) and provide non-partisan technical information as appropriate.
3. Identify relevant legislative and regulatory stakeholders involved in building code or construction policy.
4. Support technical analysis of proposed legislation related to building codes and materials.
5. Attend public hearings, briefings, and meetings with policymakers in an observational and informational capacity.

Local Planning & Community Engagement

1. Have a large voice in the region two strategy on Codes & Standards.
2. Assist in the development of the R2 Codes Program Strategic Plan with the R2 Codes task group.
3. Engage directly with municipalities and planning authorities in targeted geographical areas to provide technical information and code education related to concrete masonry.
4. Educate city/county staff, elected officials, and planning boards on masonry codes and ordinances.
5. Work directly with masonry producers on their engagement with local codes meetings.
6. Develop planning policy resources, ordinance toolkits, and education materials for local use.
7. Conduct educational outreach to relevant stakeholder groups (e.g., firefighters, unions, civic groups) to share non-partisan, technical information related to concrete masonry and applicable codes.
8. Identify, by state, municipalities with masonry-related façade requirements or provisions within adopted building or zoning codes.

Communications Support

1. Have key input into marketing collateral to support understanding CMU in conjunction with other “masonry-related products.”
2. Help create public affairs materials, talking points, and toolkits.
3. Help create a dilution action plan with involvement from R2 Codes task group.
4. Develop educational messaging that explains home rule concepts and building material policies in a non-partisan, informational manner.
5. Organize educational city presentations, legislator tours, or stakeholder briefings that focus on building codes and concrete masonry performance, as needed.

Deliverables Educating Policy Makers

1. Policy maker education presentations
2. Local government outreach meetings (code officials, planners, etc.)
3. Concrete Masonry Standards fact sheets
4. State Economic Impact Studies
5. Legislative / regulatory monitoring reports
6. Speaking engagements at planning commissions or municipal events

Educating Industry Members on the Regulatory Environment

1. Code update webinars, training sessions & Regulatory alerts
2. Industry workshops or lunch-and-learns
3. Compliance assessments and technical memos for members
4. Build a partnership with industry codes consultant (Joe Belcher) in Florida only
5. Monthly summary report of future target areas and summary of engagement and topics discussed of each visit.
6. Weekly reports on legislative and regulatory engagements

Regional Strategic Education Code Strategy

1. Written regional education & advocacy strategy
2. Stakeholder engagement map (states, jurisdictions, key influencers)
3. Hearing preparation toolkits & messaging packets
4. Educational curriculum/materials for code advocacy
5. Rapid response communication templates
6. Creation of a regional database of key code related contacts by state
7. Led quarterly virtual meetings with R2 task group on progress of codes efforts

Masonry Dilution Monitoring & Response Plan

1. Masonry code monitoring dashboard or tracking system
2. Early warning alerts for proposed ordinance/code changes
3. Response playbooks
4. Position statements & talking points

Budget Overview / Funding Statement

Proposers shall submit a detailed cost proposal for the delivery of Government Relations and Code Consultant Services as described in this RFP. The cost proposal must include all labor, materials, travel, meetings, administrative costs, and other expenses required to successfully complete the scope of work.

The proposed annual budget range is $245,000 – $275,000 per year. This estimate is based on 2,000 hours annually or 40 hours each week unless otherwise agreed upon. Interested firms or consultants must submit the following information:

1. Submit a detailed budget for project
2. Breakdown of hourly rate and estimated hours
3. Projected travel expenses to be included in the proposal
4. Project-based billing with fixed fees unless the SCMA changes the scope of work.
5. Include a brief narrative describing assumptions

Proposal Requirements

Interested firms or consultants must provide the following information in their proposal:

1. Executive summary outlining qualifications
2. Detailed description of relevant experience in government relations and code consulting
3. Case studies or examples of past work with trade associations or construction-related industries
4. Proposed methodology and approach
5. Team bios and certifications
6. Fee structure and billing practices
7. References (minimum of three)

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Relevant experience and expertise in government relations and code consulting
2. Understanding of CMU Checkoff Region 2 Program mission and industry needs
3. Quality of past performance
4. Cost-effectiveness and value
5. Strength of references

Timeline

Proposal Submission Deadline: March 27, 2026