BOARD MEETING DATE: November 7, 2008
AGENDA NO. 11

PROPOSAL:

Execute Sole Source Contract for Legislative Representation in Sacramento

SYNOPSIS:

Staff recommends entering into a sole source contract with Joe A. Gonsalves & Son. This firm is knowledgeable about the District’s policies and priorities, has a strong bipartisan reputation, and has extensive relationships with local governments that will be necessary to implement AQMD’s state goals and objectives. The contract is for a 12-month period commencing in January 2009. Total contract amount shall not exceed $104,000.

COMMITTEE:

Legislative and Administrative, October 10, 2008, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Authorize the Chairman to execute a contract with Joe A. Gonsalves & Son for $104,000 for legislative consulting services in Sacramento for a 12-month period commencing January 2009. 
 

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

On October 3, 2009 the Board approved the legislative goals and objectives for 2009. Those objectives include supporting and expanding air quality policy and funding considerations, and the role of air districts, in the implementation of federal surface transportation policies and programs at the state and local levels. The successful execution of this objective will, among other things, require building a coalition of support amongst local community, government, and business entities, as well as state and national stakeholders.

Joe A Gonsalves & Son is a Sacramento lobbying firm with decades of experience and strong ties to legislators, both Democratic and Republican alike, as well as many cities throughout the state, including many within AQMD’s jurisdiction. With over 30 years of experience, the firm’s principals are well-respected and knowledgeable on many local and statewide issues and have worked well with both Democratic and Republican Governor’s offices. Over the years the firm has frequently partnered with AQMD as they represented their clients in support of our positions before the legislature.

AQMD’s legislative goals for 2009 are ambitious since they include many new policy areas, including consideration of offsets for new sources, and transportation funding priorities – which are new focus areas for legislative initiatives. Therefore, staff recommends the services of Joe Gonsalves & Son to complement the efforts of the other AQMD consultants approved by the Board in October 2008.|
 

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. Joe Gonsalves & Son is a premier Sacramento firm with multi-level executive, legislative and municipal contacts necessary to help successfully implement the legislative goals and objectives approved for 2009. This firm will benefit the District by providing strategic counsel and ready access to staff and policy leaders to build a coalition of support for successful implementation of AQMD’s multi-faceted legislative priorities.
 

Proposal

Staff recommends entering into a sole source contract with Joe A. Gonsalves & Son for legislative representation and outreach in Sacramento for a 12-month period commencing in January 2009, for $104,000. 
 

Resource Impacts

Funding for this contract is available in the Public Affairs FY 2008-09 Budget.