Lobbying Contracts

• The National Institutes of Health is giving Tulane University in New Orleans a contract worth up to $80.4 million to assist with the development of a medication to protect against HIV

• BUDGET. Lewis University in Romeoville, Ill., has contracted with McAllister & Quinn for some budget help.

• FOREIGN RELATIONS. The rhinoceros lobby is charging into Washington.

• BEVERAGES. The beer giant Anheuser-Busch Companies Inc. has added lobbying help as it tries to acquire the producer of Corona and other popular beer brands. 

• Bryan Tackett has formed a new legislative affairs and consulting firm called Wexford Strategic Advisors Inc. that will collaborate with various firms and Washington figures. The firm plans to work with former Canadian Ambassador Paul Frazer and Democratic strategist Patrick Murphy. Tackett will also serve as a senior adviser to the Potomac Bridge Group.

• AGRICULTURE. Podesta Group has been hired by the Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. to lobby on “agricultural policies” and “community gardening,” according to lobbying disclosure records. 

• AGRICULTURE. The Gibson Group has been hired by the International Dairy Foods Association to lobby on “competition in the dairy industry. 

• EDUCATION. Van Scoyoc Associates has been hired by the Texas A&M University System to lobby on “science and engineering research; higher education and academic related issues and initiatives,” according to lobbying disclosure records. Leslee Gilbert, once staff director and counsel to the House Science Committee, is lobbying for the university.

• EDUCATION. Porter Gordon Silver Communications has been hired by Nevada State College to lobby on “higher education reauthorization; grant funding/appropriations,” according to lobbying disclosure records.

• EDUCATION. Van Scoyoc Associates has been hired by Florida International University to lobby on “higher education issues; research and development; and STEM related issues,” according to lobbying disclosure records.