BOARD MEETING DATE: September 11, 2009
AGENDA NO. 7

PROPOSAL:

Issue RFP for Legislative Representation in Washington D.C.

SYNOPSIS:

Direct representation in the Capitol is necessary to support AQMD positions at the federal level, and the current contract for such services at the Capitol expires January 14, 2010. This action is to issue an RFP to provide legislative consulting services for AQMD in Washington, D.C. for 2010.  Total expenditure for the contract shall not exceed $221,500 for a one-year period which is the current contract amount.

COMMITTEE:

Legislative and Administrative, July 17, 2009, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Approve the issuance of RFP #P2010-03 to solicit proposals for legislative representation in Washington D.C. at a cost not to exceed $221,500 for a one-year period.
 

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

As one of the leading air quality regulatory agencies in the United States and a trailblazer in developing emission-reduction programs, AQMD is an important contributor to the national 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 allocation of federal resources to local agencies and reducing emissions from federal sources of pollution such as marine vessels, passenger vehicles, trucks, locomotives and aircraft. There may also be need to address the federal New Source Review requirements for offsets to allow the permitting program to function smoothly, while reducing air quality impacts. Therefore it is appropriate to continue direct representation and advocacy of AQMD’s policy positions on environmental issues in Washington, D.C.  

The 2010 legislative goals and objectives in Washington, D.C. may be broadly divided into four categories: working closely with the federal government to have U.S. EPA clean up mobile sources which are primarily under their jurisdiction; policy advocacy to modernize the federal offset requirements under the Clean Air Act; pursuing appropriation requests to support technology advancement and ambient monitoring programs; and policy advocacy to further the pursuit of clean air objectives and Climate Change initiatives at the federal level.

While much of this effort represents a continuation of present policies, continued presence in the Capitol is essential for meaningful progress.  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. However, as of now, the legislative priorities are expected to include, at minimum, the following:

1. Monitor legislation, provide testimony and negotiate positions related to the Clean Air Act, Energy, Climate, Appropriations, and Transportation bills, and other federal initiatives in accordance with the respective Board policy;
2. Develop legislation to modernize the federal offset requirements, while maintaining progress towards clean air objectives and Climate Change goals at the federal level;
3. Require U.S. EPA to adopt more stringent emissions limitations for marine vessels, locomotives, and aircraft, including foreign marine vessels and locomotive retrofits;
4. Protect and enhance subvention funding for operational programs from the federal government;
5. Enhance and/or secure federal funding for:

1. Diesel emissions reduction, within respective geographic jurisdiction;
2. Hydrogen, fuel cell, hybrid electric, and advanced clean fuel technology projects, including aircraft emissions reduction projects;
3. Enhanced ambient monitoring, including toxic air contaminants at sensitive sites, such as ports and rail yards;
4. Port-related technology demonstration and health studies, including ultrafine particulates; and
5. Air pollution mitigation and/or reduction projects related to goods movement, including ports and railroads.
6. Seek, revise, or clarify Section 185 of the Clean Air Act to reflect current conditions in the region including promoting equity among emission sources.
    

Proposal

AQMD seeks the service(s) of contractor(s) to support the Board’s goals and objectives for 2010 in Washington D.C.  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 $221,500.  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, the State of California Contracts Register website, 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 and ranked by a diverse panel of technically qualified individuals according to the criteria described in the attached RFP #2010-03.  The Legislative Committee of the Board will conduct oral interviews of the most highly ranked bidders and will make a recommendation to the full Board for approval.
 

Resource Impacts

Sufficient funds are proposed to be available in the Public Affairs FY 2009-10 Budget for services requested.  Funding for the respective fiscal years in future, if approved, is contingent upon Board approval of the Budget.

Attachment (DOC, 774k)

RFP #P2010-03 - Legislative Representation in Washington, D.C.