RECOMMENDATION(S):
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the County Administrator, or designee, to execute a contract amendment with Alcalde & Fay to increase the payment limit by $208,592 to a new payment limit of $1,001,030 and extend the term from June 30, 2020 to June 30, 2022 for continued federal advocacy services, approved as to form by County Counsel, and recommended by the Legislation Committee.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The annual cost of the contract for federal advocacy services is $104,296. The appropriations for the expenditures are included in the County Administrator's Office budget.
BACKGROUND:
BACKGROUND: (CONT'D)
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Alcalde & Fay, minority-controlled/employee-owned firm, is the County’s current federal representative and advocate. 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, resulting in a positive return on investment for the County for its appropriation and authorization requests. The contract with Alcalde & Fay provides for a monthly retainer of $8,458, plus expenses.
In August 2018, pursuant to its contract solicitation policies, the Legislation Committee directed staff to undertake a procurement process early in 2019 for the state and federal advocacy services for the period FY 2019-20 through FY 2021-22. CAO staff issued a Request for Qualifications on March 27, 2019 for the federal legislative advocacy services, to which three firms responded, including the incumbent firm. The Request for Qualifications anticipated a contract award for a three-year period, with two single year options to renew to the successful responder.
The Board of Supervisors considered the matter on June 11, 2019 and rejected the recommendation from the County Selection Committee, acting instead to extend the contract with Alcalde & Fay through June 30, 2020. The Board of Supervisors further directed the Legislation Committee to develop performance measurements to be incorporated into a new or amended contract. The County Administrator's Office was directed to seek the input of County departments to prioritize federal legislative initiatives and inform the development of performance metrics for federal legislative advocacy, which was accomplished. |