South Coast Air Quality Management District

Extend Current Contract with Allan Lind and Associates for Legislative Representation in Sacramento, CA

SYNOPSIS: 

The current contract for Legislative Representation in Sacramento expires December 31, 2002. Allan Lind and Associates has successfully represented the AQMD in Sacramento on many issues. This action is to extend the current contract with Allan Lind & Associates for one year, through December 31, 2003. Funding for the first six months of the contract is contained in the FY 2002-03 Budget. Funding for the remainder of the contract term will be contingent upon Governing Board approval of the FY 2003-04 Budget.

COMMITTEE: 

Legislative, October 11, 2002, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

1. Approve the extension of the current contract for Legislative Representation in Sacramento, CA, for a period of one year, at a cost not to exceed $132,398.
   
   
2. Issue an RFP in August 2003 for legislative services in Sacramento during the 2004 Session.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

The AQMD needs a legislative presence in Sacramento to forward Board policies and AQMD programs. This effort includes providing technical information and assistance to Legislators regarding air quality matters, providing liaison with Legislators regarding the Board’s Children and Environmental Justice Initiatives, and advocacy of the AQMD’s position on air quality-related bills.

Presently, AQMD contracts with Allan Lind and Associates for legislative representation in Sacramento. The AQMD has contracted with this firm since 1998. During the past five years, the highest priority was reauthorization of the AQMD’s Clean Fuels Program and increased subvention for local air districts. Mr. Lind’s approach on reauthorization of the Clean Fuels Program, in which Board member and Executive Officer participation was key, was successful in securing reauthorization of this program in 1999. Mr. Lind also led a successful effort to double the state subvention to air districts in 2000 and was instrumental in securing support from the Legislature to maintain the increased subvention funding level in the FY 2001-02 and FY 2002-03 Budgets. However, due to budget constraints this year, the Governor reduced state subvention funding for air districts in the FY 2002-03 Budget through line-item veto. Mr. Lind has also successfully negotiated amendments on numerous bills throughout the contracting term, always maintaining the integrity of the AQMD and its mission.

Sole Source Justification

Section II, Step 3(C) of the Consultant Selection Policy and Procedure identifies four provisions under which a sole-source award may be justified: (1) cost to prepare documents exceeds cost for consultant, (2) delay would result in endangerment of public health, (3) services are only available from sole source, and (4) other circumstances exist identifying sole source as in the best interests of the AQMD. Sole source justification for this proposal is made under provision (4).

Allan Lind and Associates provides comprehensive governmental relations services, including representation and advocacy. His firm’s areas of specialization include air pollution control, compliance with state laws, rules and regulations, development and implementation of legislative programs, and coordination of intergovernmental relations programs. Mr. Lind has been a regular contributor on clean air and environmental protection matters for many years. Prior to establishing his consulting and lobbying practice, Mr. Lind served nearly 12 years as Principal Consultant for Environmental Affairs with the California State Assembly Committee on Ways and Means. He is an expert on the State Budget process, which enables his firm to assist the AQMD in pursuing needed state funding for our programs.

The services rendered by Allan Lind and Associates have facilitated and improved rapport with both elected and appointed officials. Mr. Lind’s responsiveness to both Board and staff has been excellent. While AQMD’s Clean Fuels Reauthorization and increased state subvention are major accomplishments, there have been numerous other bills that Lind and Associates have successfully negotiated for the AQMD to ensure that amendments were included on behalf of the AQMD. As reauthorization of the Clean Fuels Program approaches in 2004, it is critical that AQMD be represented in Sacramento by a skilled team of lobbyists who understand the operations of the District and have expertise and experience in our key program areas.

Good representation of the South Coast Air Basin depends on the services of a consultant who not only establishes a team that has access to legislators but a team that follows through on all matters involving the AQMD and the Legislature. Mr. Lind has not only established himself as a dependable liaison for the AQMD, but his reputation in Sacramento with members, the business community, and environmental groups has been an asset for the AQMD.

Based on the continued success of Allan Lind and Associates in its direct representation of the AQMD in Sacramento, staff recommends the extension of the current contract with Allan Lind and Associates for one year, in an amount not to exceed $132,398, which includes a CPI increase of 2.1%.

Included in the Legislative Committee’s motion to recommend approval was the recommendation that staff proceed to issue an RFP next year to provide current data on available consultant services.

Resource Impacts

Sufficient funds are available in the approved FY 2002-03 Budget and will be budgeted for FY 2003-04.

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