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PROPOSAL:

Extend Current Contracts or Issue RFPs for Legislative Representation in Washington, DC, and Sacramento, CA .

SYNOPSIS:

Current contracts for Legislative Representation in Washington, DC, and Sacramento, CA, expire January 25, 1999. This action is to either extend current contracts for Legislative Representation in Washington, DC, and Sacramento, CA, for one additional year or issue RFPs for legislative consulting services. If RFPs are issued, any contract to be awarded will be subject to Board Approval.

COMMITTEE:

Legislative, October 9, 1998, Recommended for Board
Consideration. A Committee report and recommendation will be given orally.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Approve extension of current contracts for Legislative Representation in Washington, DC, and Sacramento, CA, for a period of one year or issue RFPs to solicit proposals for Legislative Representation in Washington, DC, 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 one of the largest air quality regulatory agencies 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 continues to be 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 continue direct representation and advocacy of AQMD’s policy position on environmental issues in Washington, DC.

Presently, the District contracts with Murray, Sheer, Montgomery, Tapia and O'Donnell for legislative representation in Washington, DC. Since March, 1998, this firm has advocated the AQMD's policy positions on environmental issues and need to secure additional funding for the South Coast Air Basin. Through the efforts of this firm in arranging meetings between Board members and Congressional representatives and Administration members, the groundwork has been laid for the potential to secure additional funding for the South Coast Basin in the 1999 federal budget.

The AQMD also seeks to continue legislative representation in Sacramento. The state program includes preparing for the 1999 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 has contracted with Allan Lind and Associates since January, 1998. Mr. Lind and Associates were instrumental in securing successful passage through the Legislature of the AQMD's Clean Fuels legislation, AB 2194. Although AB 2194 was vetoed by the Governor, through the efforts of this firm the bill received bi-partisan support. This firm's approach, of which Board member participation was key, was successful in garnering support for the AQMD and its programs. This firm was also instrumental in negotiating amendments to legislation which may have negatively impacted the AQMD.

Proposal Options

Based on work performed under the current legislative contracts, two options are available:

1) Issue two RFPs, one to secure legislative representation services in Washington, DC, and one to secure such services in Sacramento, California. The total combined annual expenditures for both shall not exceed $235,000 per year, or

2) Extension of a one-year contract with Murray, Scheer, Montgomery, Tapia and
O'Donnell for legislative representation in Washington, DC, for an amount not to exceed $110,000, and extension of a one-year contract with Allan Lind and Associates for legislative representation in Sacramento, CA, for an amount not to exceed $125,000.

Outreach

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

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 RFPs.

Resource Impacts

Sufficient funds are available in the approved FY 1998-99 Budget and will be Budgeted for FY 1999-00

Attachments

Evaluation of Current Legislative Representation Services
RFP #9899-07, Legislative Representation Services in Sacramento, CA.
RFP #9899-08, Legislative Representation Services in Washington, DC

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