BOARD MEETING DATE: January 7, 2005
AGENDA NO. 3
Execute Contract for Legislative Representation in Washington, D.C.
SYNOPSIS:
At its September 3, 2004 meeting, the Board approved release of an RFP to solicit proposals for legislative representation in Washington, D.C. Four proposals were received. Based on the evaluation of the proposals submitted and interviews of the finalists, the Legislative and Administrative Committees recommend that the Board authorize the Chairman to execute a contract with Copeland, Lowery, Jacquez, Denton & Shockey, LLC.
COMMITTEE:
Legislative and Administrative, December 10, 2004, Recommended for Approval
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Authorize the Chairman to execute a contract with Copeland, Lowery, Jacquez, Denton & Shockey, LLC for legislative representation in Washington, D.C., for one year, with an option to renew up to one additional year. Funding for this contract shall not exceed $131,000.
Beatrice J.S. LaPisto-Kirtley, Chair
Legislative Committee
Background
Currently, AQMD contracts with Copeland, Lowery, Jacquez, Denton & Shockey, LLC for legislative representation in Washington, D.C. The contract expires December 31, 2004. On September 3, 2004, AQMD released RFP #P2005-11 to solicit proposals for legislative representation in Washington, D.C. 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. This agency needs to maintain a continued presence in Washington D.C. to engage in the resolution of federal Clean Air Act implementation issues, TEA 21, adequate regulation of federal sources, timely policy decisions on Title III and Title V implementation, and federal subvention funds. Proper resolution of these matters are critical to the operation and function of the AQMD and its ability to meet federal mandates.
Committee Discussion
At the Legislative Committee meeting held December 10, 2004, Committee Chair Beatrice LaPisto-Kirtley, Committee Vice-Chair Jane Carney, and Committee Members Michael Antonovich, Jan Perry, and Roy Wilson interviewed three finalists: Copeland, Lowery, Jacquez, Denton & Shockey, LLC; Fabiani & Company LLC; and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, LLP. The firms had earlier been ranked in terms of technical expertise. The Committee felt that Copeland, Lowery, Jacquez, Denton & Shockey, LLC, most strongly presented the necessary depth and knowledge of the AQMD and how best to represent this agency in Washington, D.C.
The Legislative committee voted unanimously to recommend that the Board award a contract for legislative representation in Washington, D.C. to Copeland, Lowery, Jacquez, Denton & Shockey, LLC, for one year, for an amount not to exceed $131,000/year, with an option to renew for up to one additional year. The Administrative Committee concurred with this recommendation.
Resource Impacts
The funding for the first six months of this contract is included in the Public Affairs FY 2004-05 Budget. Funding for the remainder of the first year and the optional second year renewal will be proposed as part of the Budget for the respective year.
Evaluation Matrix
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