BOARD MEETING DATE: September 3, 2004
AGENDA NO. 12
Issue RFP for Legislative Representation in Washington, D.C.
SYNOPSIS:
The current contract for Legislative Representation in Washington, D.C. expires December 31, 2004. Direct representation in the Capitol is necessary to further AQMD policy at the federal level. This action calls for issuance of an RFP for legislative consulting services in Washington, D.C., with the services commencing on January 1, 2005 and expiring on December 31, 2005. The RFP will also indicate that the services contract may be extended for up to two additional one-year terms. Total expenditure for the contract shall not exceed $131,000 for a one-year period. Funding for extension of the contract will be contingent upon Board approval of the Budget for the respective fiscal years.
COMMITTEE:
Legislative, August 13, 2004
Administrative, August 13, 2004. Less than a quorum was present for the discussion of this item; those Committee members who were present communicated their concurrence.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Approve release of RFP #P2005-11 to solicit proposals for legislative representation in Washington, D.C., at a cost not to exceed $131,000 for one year.
Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer
Background
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 national 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 and possible upcoming amendments to the Clean Air Act, it is appropriate to continue direct representation and advocacy of AQMD’s policy positions on environmental issues in Washington, D.C. The current contract for legislative consulting services in Washington, D.C. expires on December 31, 2004.
Proposal
Issue an RFP to secure legislative representation services in Washington, D.C. The total annual expenditure for these consulting services shall not exceed $131,000 per year.
Outreach
In accordance with AQMD’s Procurement Policy and Procedure, a public notice advertising the RFP/RFQ and inviting bids will be published in the following publications:
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1. |
Antelope Valley Press |
11. |
La Opinion |
21. | Rafu Shimpo |
|
2. |
Black Voice News |
12. |
La Prensa Hispana |
22. | San Bernardino Sun |
|
3. |
Chinese Daily News |
13. |
La Voz Publications |
23. |
State of California Contracts |
|
4. |
Desert Sun |
14. |
Los Angeles Daily News |
Register |
|
|
5. |
Eastern Group Publications |
15. |
Los Angeles Sentinel |
24. |
The Daily Breeze |
|
6. |
El Chicano |
16. |
Los Angeles Times |
25. | The Excelsior |
|
7. |
El Informador |
17. |
Orange County Register |
26. |
The Signal |
|
8. |
Inland Empire Hispanic News |
18. |
Philippine News |
27. | Wave Community Newspapers |
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9. |
Inland Valley Daily Bulletin |
19. |
Precinct Reporter | ||
|
10. |
Korea Central Daily |
20 | Press Enterprise |
Additionally, potential bidders will be notified utilizing the Los Angeles County MTA Directory of Certified Firms, the Inland Area Opportunity Pages Ethnic/Women Business & Professional Directory; and AQMD’s own electronic listing of certified minority vendors. Notice of the RFP/RFQ 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 where it can be viewed by making menu selections "Inside AQMD"/"Employment and Business Opportunities"/"Business Opportunities" or by going directly to http://www.aqmd.gov/rfp/index.html). Information is also available on AQMD’s bidder’s 24-hour telephone message line (909) 396-2724.
Bid Evaluation
Proposals received will be initially evaluated by a diverse panel of technically qualified individuals according to the criteria described in the attached RFP #P2005-11. The Legislative Committee of the Board will conduct oral interviews of the most highly qualified bidders and will make a recommendation to the full Board for approval.
Resource Impacts
Sufficient funds are available in the Public Affairs FY 2004-05 Budget for services through June 30, 2005. Funding for the period of July 1, 2005 through December 31, 2005 and the two optional one year extensions are contingent upon Board approval of the Budget for the respective fiscal years.
RFP #P2005-11- Legislative Representation Services in Washington, DC
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