PROPOSAL:

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 authorize the issuance of RFPs to select Legislative Representation for Washington, DC, and Sacramento, CA, for a two-year period beginning with the 1999 legislative session. Any contract to be awarded under these RFPs will be subject to Board Approval.

COMMITTEE:

Legislative, August 28, 1998, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Approve the issuance of the attached 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.

The AQMD also seeks to continue legislative representation in Sacramento, CA. That 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.

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

Outreach
In accordance with the AQMD’s consulting and contracting policies, a public notice advertising the 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 attached RFPs Nos. 9899-07 and 9899-08.

Resource Impacts
Sufficient funds are available in the approved FY 1998-99 Budget.

Attachments
RFP #9899-07, Legislative Representation Services in Sacramento, CA
RFP #9899-08, Legislative Representation Services in Washington, DC

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