Agenda

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C.72

To:	Board of Supervisors
From:	David Twa, County Administrator
Date:	April 7, 2009

Contra

Costa

County

Subject:

Contract Amendment for Federal Legislative Representation

APPROVE	OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR	RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE

Action of Board On: 04/07/2009

APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED

OTHER

Clerks Notes:

VOTE OF SUPERVISORS

AYE:

John Gioia, District I Supervisor
Gayle B. Uilkema, District II Supervisor
Mary N. Piepho, District III Supervisor
Susan A. Bonilla, District IV Supervisor
Federal D. Glover, District V Supervisor

Contact:

L. DeLaney, 5-1097

I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: April 7, 2009
David Twa,

BY:	, Deputy

RECOMMENDATION(S):

APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the County Administrator, or designee, to amend a contract with Alcalde & Fay, effective April 1, 2009, to decrease the payment limit by $19,000 to a new payment limit not to exceed $330,500 for continued federal advocacy services with no change to the term November 1, 2007 through October 31, 2010.

FISCAL IMPACT:

100% County General Fund. Contract provides for annual payment limit of $116,500 with $9,458 monthly retainer. Contract amendment will reduce monthly retainer by $1,000 to $8,458.

BACKGROUND:

Alcalde & Fay, minority-controlled/employee-owned firm, is the County’s current federal representative. Paul Schlesinger, the County’s point person at Alcalde & Fay, has established the County’s presence in Washington, D.C. and developed excellent relationships with staff of our congressional delegation. The result has been a very positive “return on investment” for the County for its appropriation and authorization requests.

The firm's services to the County include (but are not limited to) the following:

* Assisting the County in developing and implementing an effective federal advocacy strategy and annual legislative program to influence federal laws and policies as they relate to County priorities, programs, and operations; and increase funding for County priorities, programs, and operations.

* Research, monitor, and provide information to the County on such matters as federal bills and laws; congressional hearings, reports and testimony; funding opportunities and availability; federal regulations, guidelines, directives and other administrative policies; and technical memoranda and reports impacting County operations.

Owing to the County's present financial difficulties, the firm has agreed to a reduction in its monthly retainer compensation of $1,000.