BOARD MEETING DATE: October 2, 2009
AGENDA NO. 14

PROPOSAL:

Issue RFP for Legislative Representation in Sacramento, California

SYNOPSIS:

Direct representation in Sacramento is necessary to further AQMD policy positions at the state level, and the current contracts for such services expire in December 2009. This action calls for the issuance of an RFP for legislative consulting service for AQMD in Sacramento for 2010. The RFP will also indicate that the services contract may be extended for up to two additional one-year terms. Total expenditures for the contract shall not exceed $450,000 for the initial one-year period which is the current contract amount for such services.

COMMITTEE:

Legislative and Administrative, September 18, 2009, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:

Approve release of RFP #P2010-06 to solicit proposals for legislative representation in Sacramento, California at a cost not to exceed $450,000 for the initial one-year period.
 

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

AQMD is the air pollution control agency for all of Orange County and the urban portions of Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, the smoggiest region of the U.S. We are committed to protecting the health of residents, while remaining sensitive to businesses.

A legislative presence in Sacramento is critical to advancing Board policies and AQMD programs. This effort includes providing technical information and assistance to legislators regarding air quality matters, acting as a liaison between the AQMD and legislators regarding the Board’s Annual Initiatives, Technology Advancement Office (TAO) funding and activities, and advocating the AQMD’s position on air quality-related bills. Sacramento efforts shall also include fostering state support for the AQMD’s federal initiatives.

Much of the 2010 legislative goals and objectives for AQMD will depend on the outcome of this legislative session. However, many of prior years’ program elements are expected to be continued and built upon in the coming session in Sacramento. However, the legislative priorities are expected to include, at minimum, the following:

• Develop or amend legislation, as necessary to modernize state offset requirements for areas where supply of offsets is inadequate, while furthering the pursuit of clean air objectives and the state’s Climate Change initiatives.
   
• Monitor, analyze, recommend positions, testify, and negotiate on behalf of AQMD on legislation affecting AQMD, including State Budget and Subvention Funding.
   
• Support and expand 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.
   
• Work with the legislature and CARB to maximize opportunities under Prop 1B funding (both transportation and air quality), AB 118, and Moyer programs, for improved air quality and public health benefits, such that the region served by the District receives its fair share of funding allocated.
   
• Support and/or possibly sponsor legislation to ensure implementation of the 2007 AQMP, including measures related to goods movement emission reductions, and increased renewable energy use and enhanced energy demand management.

The legislative priorities for AQMD for 2010 will be further refined and presented to the Board’s Legislative Committee and the full Board for approval later in the year, as determined by the course of events in 2009.
 

Proposal

AQMD seeks the service(s) of contractor(s) to support the Board’s goals and objectives for 2010 in Sacramento, California.  The selected firm(s) will be expected to provide a variety of services, consistent with Board direction.  Funding for the initial year shall be up to a maximum of $389,170.  The contract may include options for two annual renewals, contingent on satisfactory performance and approval of subsequent budgets, at the Board’s discretion.

In accordance with AQMD’s Procurement Policy and Procedure, a public notice advertising the RFP/RFQ and inviting bids will be published in the Los Angeles Times, the Orange County Register, the San Bernardino Sun, and Riverside County Press Enterprise newspapers to leverage the most cost-effective method of outreach to the entire South Coast Basin.

Additionally, potential bidders may be notified utilizing AQMD’s own electronic listing of certified minority vendors. Notice of the RFP/RFQ will be mailed to the Black and Latino Legislative Caucuses and various minority chambers of commerce and business associations, and 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.
 

Bid Evaluation

Proposals received will be initially evaluated by a diverse panel of technically qualified individuals according to the criteria described in the attached RFP #P2010-06. The Legislative Committee of the Board will conduct oral interviews of the most highly qualified bidders and will make a recommendation to the full Board for approval.
 

Resource Impacts

Sufficient funds are available in the Public Affairs FY 2009-10 Budget for services requested. Funding for the respective fiscal years is contingent upon Board approval of the Budget.
 

Attachment (DOC, 1m)

RFP #P2010-06 for Legislative Representation in Sacramento, California