BOARD MEETING DATE: November 2, 2007
AGENDA NO. 10

PROPOSAL:

Amend Contracts for Legislative Representation in Sacramento

SYNOPSIS:

The current contracts for legislative representation in Sacramento expire on December 14, 2007 for Tres Es, Inc. and Gonzalez Public Affairs. The contractors have performed in an exemplary manner this year, and continued representation in Sacramento is necessary to further AQMD policy positions at the state level. The current contracts have an option for two one-year extensions. This action calls for the extension of the existing contracts for legislative consulting services in Sacramento for Calendar Year 2008. Total expenditure for Tres Es, Inc., contract shall not exceed $164,200 for a one-year period, and Gonzalez Public Affairs for $110,000 for a one-year period. Funding for further extension of the contract after FY 2007-08 will be contingent upon Board approval of the Budget in the future.

COMMITTEE:

Legislative and Administrative, October 12, 2007, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Approve a one-year extension of the contracts with Tres Es, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $164,200, and Gonzalez Public Affairs in an amount not to exceed $110,000.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

Tres Es, Inc. and Gonzalez Public Affairs have focused on moving the Board’s legislative agenda forward. They have aggressively sought to further the District’s interests during the budget and bond discussions, and their support and active involvement have also ensured that SB 1028 (Padilla) and SB 886 (Negrete McLeod) are now before the Governor for approval. Both Gonzalez Public Affairs and Tres Es, Inc.’s participation and attention in these matters have been exemplary and commendable. It is important that this momentum be maintained in the coming year, to increase the chances of successful AQMD-related legislation and desired results on air quality related bills.

Proposal

The contracts with Tres Es, Inc. and Gonzalez Public Affairs for legislative representation in Sacramento are due to expire on December 14, 2007. AQMD staff is highly satisfied with the performance of both Tres Es, Inc. and Gonzalez Public Affairs and wishes to retain them during Calendar Year 2008. The present contracts, based on a competitive request for proposals process, have an option for two one-year extensions that may be exercised at the Board’s discretion pursuant to the original RFP. Therefore, this proposal is to approve a one-year extension of Contract #7172 with Tres Es, Inc. for the amount of $164,200, and Contract #7171 with Gonzalez Public Affairs for $110,000. In both instances, the amounts include a 2.6 percent Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustment. Gonzalez Public Affairs contract also includes an additional 7.4% adjustment over the original contract amount in recognition of their hands on day-to-day activities resulting in more hours of service than originally anticipated to represent the AQMD.

Resource Impacts

Funding for these contracts is available in the Public Affairs FY 2007-08 Budget. Funding for the second optional one-year extension is contingent upon Board approval at a future date.