BOARD MEETING DATE: October 6, 2006
AGENDA NO. 13

Issue RFP for Legislative Representation in Washington D.C.

SYNOPSIS:

Direct representation in the Capitol is necessary to support AQMD positions at the federal level. This action calls for the issuance of an RFP to provide legislative consulting services in Washington, D.C. commencing on January 1, 2007 and expiring on December 31, 2007.  The services contract may be extended for up to two additional one-year terms.  Total expenditure for the contract shall not exceed $134,000 for a one-year period, with cost-sharing in an amount of $35,000 from Sacramento Metropolitan AQMD.  Funding for extension of the contract will be contingent upon satisfactory performance and Board approval of the budget for the respective fiscal year.

COMMITTEE:

Administrative, July 14, 2006; Legislative, July 28, 2006, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Approve the release of RFP #2007-04 to solicit proposals for legislative representation in Washington D.C. at a cost not to exceed $134,000 for a one-year period.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

As one of the leading air quality regulatory agencies in the United States and a trailblazer in developing emission-reduction programs, AQMD is an important contributor to the national policymaking debate.  It is important to 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.  Therefore it is appropriate to continue direct representation and advocacy of AQMD’s policy positions on environmental issues in Washington, D.C.  

The 2007 legislative goals and objectives in Washington, D.C. may be broadly divided into three categories: appropriation requests to support technology advancement and ambient monitoring programs; policy advocacy to support goals and missions under the Clean Air Act; and working closely with the federal government to have U.S. EPA clean up mobile sources which are primarily under their jurisdiction.  While much of this effort represents a continuation of both of the air district boards’ present policies, continued presence in the Capitol is essential for meaningful progress.  Thus, the legislative priorities for both AQMD and SMAQMD for 2007 include:

1. Monitor legislation, provide testimony and negotiate positions related to the Clean Air Act, Energy, Appropriations and Transportation bills, and other federal initiatives in accordance with respective Board policy;
2. Require U.S. EPA to adopt more stringent emissions limitations for marine vessels, locomotives, and aircraft, including foreign marine vessels and locomotive retrofits;
3. Protect and enhance subvention funding for operational programs from the federal government;
4. Enhance and/or secure federal funding for:

1. Diesel emissions reduction, within respective geographic jurisdiction;
2. Hydrogen, fuel cell, hybrid electric, and advanced clean fuel technology projects from U.S. Department of Energy and other agencies;
3. Enhanced ambient monitoring, including toxic air contaminants at sensitive sites, such as ports;
4. Port-related technology demonstration and health studies, including ultrafine particulate; and
5. Air pollution mitigation and/or reduction projects related to goods movement, including ports and railroads.

5. Support for the air quality component of the Sacramento region’s “Cap-to-Cap” event in Spring 2007 (a Sacramento-to-Washington D.C. delegation from the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce).

Proposal

AQMD seeks the services of one contractor to support the Board’s goals and objectives for 2007 in Washington D.C., as stated above.  Sacramento Metropolitan AQMD will cost-share in an amount of $35,000.  The selected firm will be expected to provide a variety of services, outlined in the work statement, and consistent with Board direction.  Funding for the initial year shall be up to a maximum of $134,000, with AQMD contributing up to $99,000.  The contract will include options for two annual renewals, contingent on satisfactory performance and approval of subsequent budgets, at the Board’s discretion.

In accordance with AQMD’s Procurement Policy and Procedure, a public notice advertising the RFP/RFQ and inviting bids will be published in the Los Angeles Times, the Orange County Register, the San Bernardino Sun, and Riverside County Press Enterprise newspapers to leverage the most cost-effective method of outreach to the entire South Coast Basin.

Additionally, potential bidders may be notified utilizing 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, the State of California Contracts Register website, 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 #2007-04.  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 2006-07 Budget for services through June 30, 2007.  Funding for the respective fiscal years is contingent upon Board approval of the Budget.

Attachment (DOC 831.5 kb)

RFP #2007-04 - RFP for Legislative Representation in Washington D.C.