BOARD MEETING DATE: September 8, 2006
AGENDA NO. 16

NOTE: The contact person and phone number for this RFP
has been revised since its release on September 8, 2006.

PROPOSAL:

Issue RFP for Legislative Representation in Sacramento, California

SYNOPSIS:

Direct representation in Sacramento is necessary to further AQMD policy positions at the state level.  This action calls for the issuance of an RFP for legislative consulting service in Sacramento, California, with the service commencing on November 12, 2006 and expiring on November 11, 2007.  The RFP will also indicate that the services contract may be extended for up to two additional one-year terms. Total expenditures for the contract shall be up to $339,600 for the initial one-year period.  This represents a reduction of over $100,000 from previous year’s total allocation for consulting services in Sacramento.  Funding for extension of the contract will be contingent upon satisfactory performance and Governing Board approval of the budget for the respective fiscal years.

COMMITTEE:

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

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Approve the release of RFP #2007-05 to solicit proposals for legislative representation in Sacramento, California at a cost not to exceed $339,600.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

A legislative presence in Sacramento is critical to forwarding Board policies and AQMD programs.  This effort includes providing technical information and assistance to Legislators regarding air quality matters, acting as a liaison between the AQMD and Legislators regarding the Board’s Annual Initiatives, Technology Advancement Office (TAO) funding and activities, and advocating the AQMD’s position on air quality-related bills. 

Much of the 2007 legislative goals and objectives for AQMD will depend on the outcome of this legislative session.  However, many of the previous year’s program elements are expected to be continued and built upon in the coming session in Sacramento.  In view of the continued growth in mobile source pollution, particularly from train and marine traffic, and its importance to the economic fabric of the region and public health, it is imperative to seek augmentation of both AQMD’s authority and funding to protect air quality in Southern California.  AQMD’s effectiveness to combat air pollution also depends largely on sustainable funding for its operational programs, and adjustments are recommended in this area for 2007.  Thus, the legislative priorities for 2007 include:

1. Monitor, analyze, and recommend positions on legislation affecting AQMD; provide testimony and conduct negotiations on behalf of AQMD.  Support legislation that benefits air quality and oppose legislation that is counter to the Board’s overall goals and objectives;
    
2. Sponsor major policy initiative(s) to reduce and/or mitigate air pollution from goods movement related activities, including transportation by air, rail, sea and road;
    
3. Support California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (CAPCOA) sponsored enhancements regarding State Subvention Funding and the Carl Moyer Program;
    
4. Pursue amendments to AQMD’s Clean Fuels Program authorization to allow for research, development, commercialization, and mitigation of motor vehicle emissions, through appropriate on and off-road mobile source programs; and
    
5. Obtain legislation to establish, for AQMD, additional employee retirement schedule options within the present retirement system, after consultation with employee representatives.

Proposal

AQMD seeks the services of one contractor to support the Board’s goals and objectives for 2007 in Sacramento, as stated above.  The selected firm will be expected to provide a variety of services, outlined in the work statement, and consistent with Board directions.  Funding for the initial year shall be up to $339,600, with options for two annual renewals, contingent on satisfactory performance and approval of subsequent budgets, and at the Board’s discretion.  This represents a reduction of over $100,000 from previous year’s total allocation for consulting services in Sacramento. 

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, 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 #2007-05.  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 830kb)
RFP#P2007-05 - RFP for Legislative Representation in Sacramento, California