BOARD MEETING DATE: December 7, 2007
AGENDA NO. 7

PROPOSAL:

Execute Sole Source Contract for Municipal Outreach to Implement 2007 SIP Measure on AB 2766 Funding

SYNOPSIS:

A sole source contract with Joe A. Gonsalves & Son for enhanced education and outreach assistance to local governments for expenditure of AB 2766 Funds from Motor Vehicle Registration Fees is recommended for Calendar Year 2008. This firm is familiar with AQMD policies and initiatives, has a strong bipartisan reputation, and a widespread municipal client base within the jurisdictional boundaries of the District. This action is to provide assistance in the implementation of the 2007 SIP Measure on AB 2766 funding by executing a contract with Joe A. Gonsalves & Son to perform enhanced education and outreach at a cost not to exceed $100,000.

COMMITTEE:

Administrative, November 9, 2007, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

1. Appropriate $100,000 from the Undesignated Fund Balance to the Public Affairs
   FY 2007-08 Professional and Special Services Account for community outreach.
2. Authorize the Chairman to execute a contract with Joe A. Gonsalves & Son for an amount not to exceed $100,000 for enhanced education and outreach efforts, including the expenditure of AB 2766 Funds from Motor Vehicle Registration Fees, for a period of one year.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background and Proposal

The AB 2766 program, based on motor vehicle registration fees, has been in effect since 1990, and offers a funding source to cities for purchase or utilization of clean technologies that reduce air pollution from motor vehicles. However, the effectiveness of such emission reduction projects funded from AB 2766 Motor Vehicle Registration Fees can be enhanced by continued education and systematic outreach to local jurisdictions. In September 2007, the Board received the latest annual report on AB 2766 implementation for FY 2005-06 (Agenda No. 21, September 7, 2007 Board Meeting) that was submitted to CARB. Most importantly, the 2007 SIP contains a new measure related to enhanced use of AB 2766 funds by local government for SIP emission reduction purposes.

Although AQMD staff provides technical assistance to local governments on this program, it is desirable to provide additional guidance to cities on effective usage of AB 2766 funds, especially for SIP measure implementation. This point has been discussed at length at several AQMD Board Committee meetings, particularly with reference to the fact that local elected officials have limited terms of office and need to understand and be engaged in approving effective emission reduction projects from the AB 2766 funds allocated to their city. To achieve this objective staff recommends the services of a consulting firm to provide strategic and timely outreach to local jurisdictions so that the SIP measure is presented clearly, consistently, and on-point. At the same time, the consultant can also offer support to the staff in the implementation of other AQMD programs and initiatives that may impact or affect local governments, for increased operational efficiency.

Joe A. Gonsalves & Son is a firm that is familiar with AQMD policies and initiatives, has a strong bipartisan reputation, and a widespread municipal client base within the jurisdictional boundaries of the District. The firm has over thirty years experience working on planning, redevelopment, and municipal finance issues.

This firm is well-qualified to present the District’s message to local government. The principals of this firm are a respected voice before local government leadership and in the community; and are capable at promoting improved air quality policy at local government level. Staff believes that this firm is well-positioned to provide strategic counsel and to bring a coalition of stakeholders to support the District’s clean air agenda, with emphasis on AB 2766 implementation.

Sole Source Justification

Section VIII.B.2 of the Procurement Policy and Procedures identifies circumstances under which a sole source purchase award may be justified. This request for a sole source contract is made under provision VIII.B.2.c(1) – the unique experience and capabilities of the proposed contractor or contractor team and necessary timeliness to implement 2007 SIP measure. Joe A. Gonsalves & Son is the premier firm in the industry as it relates to activities of municipal outreach. The firm has over 30 years of experience specializing in planning, economic development and municipal finance. The principals of this firm are well-respected and enjoy strong bipartisan support. Their client base includes a widespread municipal and redevelopment agency client base in the District. This firm will benefit the District by providing strategic counsel and ready access to most city planning departments, policymakers and civic leaders, to implement the objectives outlined above.

Resource Impacts

AQMD staff resources are insufficient to implement the goals and objectives outlined above. Funding for this contract needs to be appropriated from the Undesignated Fund Balance and transferred to the Public Affairs FY 2007-08 Budget.