BOARD MEETING DATE: December 4, 2009
AGENDA NO. 6
PROPOSAL:
Extend Filing Date for Proposals for Legislative Representation in Washington D.C. and Sacramento, California
SYNOPSIS:
The Board previously approved separate release of RFPs to solicit proposals for legislative representation in Washington, D.C. and Sacramento, California beginning January 2010. This action is to extend the filing date for responses to both RFPs until 5:00 p.m., December 16, 2009.
COMMITTEE:
Not Applicable
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:
Extend the filing date for proposals for legislative representation in Washington, D.C. (RFP#P2010-03) and for Sacramento, California (RFP#P2010-06) to 5:00 p.m., December 16, 2009.
Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer
Background
On September 11, 2009 and October 2, 2009, the Board approved release of Request for Proposals (RFPs) for legislative representation in Washington D.C. and Sacramento, California, respectively. The selected contractor(s) will represent and advocate for AQMD’s policy positions on environmental and budget issues beginning in early 2010.
The Board Chairman and staff are recommending extension of the filing date for both RFPs to allow existing proposers to provide additional information, if any, and to potentially have additional firms submit proposals. However, the content of each RFP will remain unchanged from that previously approved by the Board and all Bidders are reminded to carefully follow the guidelines set in both RFPs. The Legislative Committee will continue to interview any finalists and the Administrative Committee will review the Legislative Committee’s recommendations consistent with past practice. Staff anticipates final approval of contractor(s) in early January 2010.
As the leading local air quality agency in the United States and an innovative leader in developing emission-reduction programs, AQMD is an important contributor to the national and state policymaking debate. It is important to ensure that AQMD’s input continues to be conveyed in a timely and meaningful manner, and that AQMD is involved in policy development relating to the allocation of federal and state resources to air agencies, possible upcoming amendments to the federal and state laws, and other programs or policies that promote cleaner air and/or reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, it is appropriate to continue direct representation and advocacy of AQMD’s policy positions on environmental issues in Washington D.C. and Sacramento, California.
Outreach
In accordance with AQMD’s Procurement Policy and Procedure, a public notice originally advertising the RFP/RFQ and inviting bids was published in the Los Angeles Times, the Orange County Register, the San Bernardino Sun, Riverside County Press Enterprise, and the Washington Post newspapers (federal RFP only) to leverage the most cost-effective method of outreach to the entire South Coast Basin. The federal RFP was also publicized in Roll Call (a Capitol Hill newspaper) and Lobbyingjobs.com.
Additionally, potential bidders were also notified by mail, over 500 RFP notification letters were mailed to lobbying and public affair firms in Washington, D.C. and Sacramento, California. Also, notice of the RFP was mailed to the Black and Latino Legislative Caucuses and various minority chambers of commerce and business associations. Further, an electronic copy was 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. No additional outreach beyond this Board letter and AQMD’s website is planned at this time because of the urgency to complete the process in early January 2010.
Bid Evaluation
Final proposals received will be evaluated and ranked by a diverse panel of technically qualified individuals according to the criteria described in the RFPs.
Proposal
AQMD staff recommends extending the filing date for proposals for legislative representation in Washington, D.C. and Sacramento, California until 5:00 p.m., December 16, 2009.
Resource Impacts
Funding for this contract is available in the Public Affairs FY 2009-10 Budget. Funding for the two optional one-year extensions is contingent upon Board approval of the Budget for the respective fiscal years.