PROPOSAL:

Issue RFP for Legislative Consulting Services

Richard Alarcón, Chairman
Legislative Committee

Dear Members of the Governing Board:

I recently met in Washington, D.C. with numerous officials from Congress, the Administration, U.S.EPA, the Department of Justice, the national organization of local air pollution control districts, and AQMD advisors. Based on these meetings, I believe there is an urgent need for direct representation of AQMD policy positions and funding needs in Washington, D.C. I will submit to the Governing Board a full report of my trip providing detailed information obtained during my meetings. In addition, the Acting Executive Officer has noted to the Governing Board that there may be a need to secure consulting services in Sacramento prior to the 1998 legislative year.

Time is of the essence and the process to issue an RFP does take several weeks. Therefore, I recommend that we direct the Acting Executive Officer to move forward at this time to issue an RFP for legislative consulting services in Washington, D.C. and Sacramento, in an amount not to exceed $225,000. The Acting Executive Officer would work with the Board Chairman, Vice Chairman, and me regarding the content of the RFP. Issuing the RFP at this time allows the process to get underway in the event the Governing Board decides that consultant services are necessary in the near future.

I would hope that the final policy decision and budgetary considerations could be resolved at the next Governing Board meeting to ensure timely representation in Washington, D.C. and Sacramento.

                                                                                               Sincerely,

                                                                                               Richard Alarcón, Chairman
                                                                                               Legislative Committee

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