BOARD MEETING DATE: October 3, 2008
AGENDA NO. 12
PROPOSAL:
Amend Contracts for Legislative Representation in Sacramento, California
SYNOPSIS:
The current contracts for legislative representation in Sacramento expire on December 14, 2008 for both 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 options for two one-year extensions. This action is to approve the second one-year extension of the existing contracts for legislative consulting services in Sacramento for Calendar Year 2009. Total contract amount shall not exceed $170,770 for Tres Es, Inc., and $114,400 for Gonzalez Public Affairs, respectively, for a one-year period, which is the current contract amount plus a consumer price index increase.
COMMITTEE:
Legislative and Administrative, September 12, 2008, Recommended for Approval
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Authorize the Chairman to amend the contracts with Tres Es, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $170,770, and Gonzalez Public Affairs in an amount not to exceed $114,400, for a one-year period.
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. Their support and active involvement have helped ensure the progress of our priority legislation such as SB 1646 (Padilla) for Clean Fuels Program reauthorization, and SB 974 (Lowenthal) for air quality improvements through projects funded by container fees at the ports. Both Will Gonzalez of Gonzalez Public Affairs and Senator (Retired) Richard Polanco of Tres Es, Inc. have participated and led productive efforts on these matters in a commendable manner. 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, 2008. 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 2009. Continuity and past relationships provide forward momentum that need to be preserved for legislative successes. The present contracts, based on a competitive selection process, have an option for two one-year extensions that may be exercised at the Board’s discretion pursuant to the original RFP. The first option for one-year renewal has been exercised by the Board. Therefore, this proposal is to approve the second one-year extension of Contract #7172 with Tres Es, Inc. for $170,770 and Contract #7171 with Gonzalez Public Affairs for $114,400, which represents the current contract amount for each consultant plus a consumer price index increase.
Resource Impacts
Funding for these contracts is available in the Public Affairs FY 2008-09 Budget.