BOARD MEETING DATE: January 8, 2010
AGENDA NO. 5

PROPOSAL:

Execute Contract for Policy Consultation Regarding Local, State and Federal Transportation Issues

SYNOPSIS:

At the October 2, 2009 meeting, the Board approved release of an RFP to solicit proposals for policy consultation regarding local, state and federal transportation issues.  Three proposals were submitted and evaluated.  This action is to execute a contract with Lee Andrews Group for consultation regarding local, state and federal transportation issues. This contract will be for one-year, beginning in January 2010, and may be extended for up to two one-year terms, upon satisfactory performance, at the Board’s discretion.  Total expenditures for the contract shall be up to $100,000 for the initial one-year period.  Funding for the two optional one-year extensions is contingent upon future Board approval of the Budget.

COMMITTEE:

Administrative, December 11, 2009. Less than a quorum was present; the Committee Members present expressed their concurrence that this item be recommended for approval by the Board.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Authorize the Chairman to execute a contract with Lee Andrews Group for policy consultation regarding transportation issues for one-year, beginning in January 2010 for an amount not to exceed $100,000, with options for up to two one-year contract renewals in the future, upon satisfactory performance, at the Board’s discretion.
 

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

Mobile sources, including on-road vehicles, create the vast majority of air pollution in the South Coast Air Basin and other areas of the country, and contribute to severe health impacts including thousands of premature deaths every year. Particulate pollution alone is estimated to cause 6,200 premature deaths per year in the Basin.  

As part of AQMD’s 2009 Legislative Agenda, the Board directed staff to focus on efforts to participate as much as possible throughout the development of the next federal surface transportation reauthorization legislation in order to achieve changes in federal law such that our efforts to reduce emissions are maximized.

Throughout 2010 and 2011, and possibly beyond, there will be local, state and national attention focused on the federal surface transportation reauthorization bill, as it will dictate the federal transportation policies and priorities through at least 2016. This bill will establish not only funding formulas and priorities, but will authorize funding for specific projects and could significantly change the process regarding how funding is allocated in the transportation sector for years to come. AQMD’s effort will be directed at transportation spending so that air quality considerations are strengthened and incorporated at the policy level for reducing mobile source emissions.

While staff is knowledgeable about the transportation funding process and have access to federal advocates, it is necessary to understand and engage with individuals, organizations, and coalitions at the local, state and federal levels who will play significant roles in the formulation of the next reauthorization bill.

Outreach

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

Additionally, thirty RFP notification letters were mailed to lobbying and public affairs firms in Sacramento CA, and 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 the AQMD bidder’s 24-hour telephone message line (909) 396-2724.

Bid Evaluation

Three proposals were received in response to the RFP. The proposals were evaluated and scored by a four-member evaluation panel. Only two of the three proposals evaluated were deemed to be technically qualified. The firm with the highest overall score was determined to be Lee Andrews Group and it is recommended that a contract be executed with this firm in an amount not to exceed $100,000 for a one-year period starting January 2010, to utilize their services for policy consultation regarding transportation issues. The attached matrix presents the scores and total proposal cost for the two proposals.

Panel Composition

The evaluation panel consisted of two AQMD Assistant Deputy Executive Officers, one Senior Policy Advisor, and one urban planning professional; two Asians, two Caucasians; three males and one female.

Resource Impacts

Funding for this contract is available in the Legislative and 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.

Attachment (XLS, 23k)

RFP #P2010-08 Scores and Costs Matrix