Back

PROPOSAL:

Execute Contract for Legislative Representation in Washington, D.C.

SYNOPSIS:

At its November 1997 meeting, the Board approved the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit proposals for legislative representation in Washington, D.C. Nine proposals were submitted and have been evaluated.

COMMITTEE:

Legislative, February 11, 1998, Recommended for Approval:
Murray, Scheer, Montgomery, Tapia and O’Donnell based on interviews and references received.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

1. Authorize Chairman to execute contract with the firm of Murray, Scheer, Montgomery, Tapia & O’Donnell for Legislative Representation in Washington, D.C., for an amount not to exceed $110,000.

2. Transfer a total of $235,000 to the Professional and Special Services account in the Legislative Office for Legislative Services; $135,000 from the Legislative Office Salaries & Benefits Major Object and $100,000 from the Transportation Programs Professional & Special Services account.

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

Background

On November 20, 1997, AQMD released RFP #9798-11 for legislative representation in Washington, D.C. Currently there are many air quality-related issues before the United States Congress and U.S. EPA. The AQMD, as the largest local air quality agency in the United States and a leader in air quality innovations, is an important contributor to the federal policymaking debate. To help ensure that Federal Clean Air Act implementation issues are resolved in a timely and meaningful manner, and the 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.

Outreach

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

Additionally, potential bidders were identified 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 RFP were 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.

Bid Evaluation

Nine proposals were received in response to the RFP by the submittal deadline of 1 p.m. on December 19, 1997. Of the nine proposals, none were from disabled-veteran-owned business enterprises. The attachment reflects the evaluation of the proposals and the respective ratings.

The proposals were evaluated and scored by a three-member evaluation panel. Of the nine proposals, one was deemed not technically qualified (i.e., scored below 70 points based on the technical criteria specified in the RFP). The remaining eight proposals, which passed the technical criteria (Step 1) proceeded to the next step for scoring points for cost.

Panel Composition

The evaluation panel consisted of Eric Haley, Legislative Director for SANBAG, Sharon Morris, past Legislative Director for the AQMD and former Deputy Mayor for the City of Los Angeles, and Lupe Valdez, DEO/Public Affairs and Local Government Assistance.

Committee Discussion

The Legislative Committee met on February 11, 1998, to interview the top four ranked firms. (The 2nd-ranked firm, Brady & Berliner, withdrew from consideration.) Governing Board members participating in the meeting included Richard Alarcón, William Burke, Leonard Paulitz, and Nell Soto. Firms interviewed included: Patton Boggs, L.L.P.; Charlene A. Sturbitts, Esq.; Murray, Scheer, Montgomery, Tapia & O’Donnell; and Duncan, Weinberg, Miller & Pembroke.

After interviews were held, and based on criteria stated in the Request for Proposals, the Committee agreed that two of the firms strongly presented their depth and knowledge of the AQMD and how best to represent this agency in Washington, D.C. The two firms were Patton Boggs, L.L.P., and Murray, Scheer, Montgomery, Tapia and O’Donnell. Although Patton Boggs, L.L.P., ranked highest on the original rating panel’s final score, a key member of this team has a 5-year prohibition on contact with EPA. Therefore, it was felt that another firm represented the best value to the District. Based on this information, the Committee voted (Alarcón, Burke and Paulitz) to recommend that the Governing Board award a contract for Legislative Representation in Washington, D.C., to Murray, Scheer, Montgomery, Tapia and O’Donnell, for one year, for an amount not to exceed $110,000. Board member Soto abstained from voting on the issue.

Resource Impacts

The Board action includes transferring $135,000 from the Legislative Office Salaries account and $100,000 from the Professional and Special Services account in Transportation Programs to cover legislative consulting services for both Sacramento, CA (contract awarded at Special Board meeting held January 23, 1998), and Washington, D.C., for 12 months. This will not increase the AQMD’s overall 1997-98 budget.

Attachments

Evaluation of Proposals for RFP #9798-11

/ / /