PROPOSAL:

Issue RFPs for Legislative Representation in Washington, D.C. and Sacramento, CA

SYNOPSIS:

There is a need for direct representation of AQMD policy positions and resource needs in Washington, D.C. In addition, there is a need to augment the current legislative program for Sacramento, CA. This action is to issue RFPs for legislative consulting services for both Washington, D.C., and Sacramento, CA.

COMMITTEE:

Legislative, October 24, 1997, Recommended for Approval, provided additional Committee discussion occurs prior to recommending award of contracts.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Approve the issuance of the attached RFPs to solicit proposals for legislative representation in Washington, D.C., and Sacramento, CA.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Acting Executive Officer

Background

Currently, there are many air quality-related issues before the United States Congress. The South Coast AQMD, as the largest air quality regulatory agency in the United States and a leader in air quality innovations, is an important contributor to the policymaking debate. To help ensure that AQMD’s input is conveyed in a timely and meaningful manner and that AQMD is involved in policy development relating to allocation of federal resources to local agencies, it is appropriate to secure direct representation and advocacy of AQMD’s policy position on environmental issues in Washington, D.C.

The AQMD also needs to continue to maintain a strong legislative program in Sacramento, California. That program includes preparing for the 1998 Legislative session,

providing technical information and assistance to Legislators regarding air quality matters, providing liaison with Legislators regarding the Board’s Environmental Justice Initiatives, and advocacy of the AQMD’s position on air quality-related bills. The AQMD’s in-house Legislative Director and Senior Analyst have both left AQMD employment. There is an urgent need to secure legislative representation services in Sacramento.

Proposal

Issue two RFPs, one to secure legislative representation services in Washington, D.C., and one to secure such services in Sacramento, California. The total combined annual expenditures for both shall not exceed $235,000.

Outreach

In accordance with the AQMD’s consulting and contracting policies, a public notice advertising the RFP and inviting bids will be published in the following publications:

1. Antelope Valley Press

2. Black Voice News

3. Chinese Daily News

4. Eastern Group Publications

5. El Chicano

6. Excelsior, The

7. Inland Empire Hispanic News

8. Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

9. Korea Central Daily

10. La Opinion

11. La Voz

12. Los Angeles Daily News

13. Los Angeles Sentinel

14. Los Angeles Times

15. M/W/DVBE Source

16. Orange County Register

17. Palm Springs Desert Sun

18. Philippine News

19. Precinct Reporter

20. Rafu Shimpo

21. Riverside press Enterprise

22. San Bernardino Sun

23. Santa Clarita Signal

24. State of California Contracts Register

25. California Journal

Additionally, potential bidders will be notified using the Los Angeles County MTA, and Cal Trans Directories of Certified Minority, Women, Disadvantaged and Disabled Veterans Business Enterprises; the Inland Area Opportunity Pages Ethnic/Women Business & Professional Directory; AQMD’s own electronic listing of certified minority vendors; and AQMD Purchasing’s mailing list. Copies of the RFPs will be mailed to the Black and Latino Legislative Caucuses and various minority chambers of commerce and business associations; and placed on the Internet at AQMD’s Web site [http://www.aqmd.gov, "Business & Job Opportunities" icon] and AQMD’s 24-hour telephone message line for bidders (909) 396-2724. Further outreach efforts by staff will be made to various businesses and chambers of commerce to inform and invite prospective bidders to submit proposals.

Bid Evaluation

Proposals received will be evaluated by a diverse panel of technically-qualified individuals according to the criteria described in the attached RFPs Nos. 9798-11 and 9798-12.

Proposition 209 Compliance

On August 28, 1997, Proposition 209 went into effect when a stay of enforcement was lifted. Proposition 209 prohibits granting of preferential treatment based upon race, ethnicity, color, sex or national origin in the operation of public employment, public education, or public contracting. On October 10, 1997, the District’s Board adopted an Interim Contracting & Purchasing Policy and Consultant Selection Policy. The Interim Policy eliminates the granting of preference points based upon race or gender and only requires a good faith effort to subcontract with minority and women-owned businesses if subcontracts are to be let, when contracts are funded in whole or in part by EPA grant funds. Proposition 209 does not prohibit actions necessary to maintain eligibility for federal funding. In addition, in compliance with federal requirements, local preference points are allowed only if the contract does not involve federal funding. This contract award will be based on the interim policy. The remainder of the District’s Contracting and Purchasing Policy and Consultant Selection Policy remains unchanged.

Resource Impacts

Sufficient funds are available in the approved FY 1997-98 Budget.

Attachments

RFP #9798-11, Legislative Representation Services in Washington, D.C.

RFP #9798-12, Legislative Representation Services in Sacramento, CA

/ / /