SR-510-002 (9)
EPWM:CP:BJ:DK:AB/COWAN.DOC
Council Meeting: September 23, 2003 Santa Monica, California
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: City Staff
SUBJECT: Agreement with Cowan Communication Arts for Graphic Design Services
for One Year with Options to Renew for Two Additional Years.
INTRODUCTION
This report requests that City Council authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute
an agreement with Cowan Communication Arts for graphic design services for the
Environmental Programs Division?s public outreach projects and programs, including the
Sustainable City Plan, the Household Hazardous Waste Center, the Consumer Awareness
Ordinance, the Toxics Use Reduction Program, the Integrated Pest Management Program,
the Water Resources Programs and other select initiatives and events.
BACKGROUND
The Environmental Programs Division disseminates information pertaining to specific
public health and environmental education programs to the community in the form of
printed materials, print and outdoor advertisements, direct mail, world-wide-web, and event
displays. Each effort is related to a specific program with identified goals, objectives and
performance measurement opportunities. These educational pieces are key elements that
assist the community and City operations to meet new Sustainable City Plan goals.
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DISCUSSION
In June 2003, City staff issued a Request For Qualifications to identify firms experienced in
developing community outreach strategies and creating consistent, appealing and effective
messages and informational campaigns. A selection panel made up of City staff from the
Environmental Programs Division of the Department of Environmental and Public Works
Management selected three finalists - Cowan Communication Arts, Felice Matare Design,
and Persechini and Co. Design - for further consideration. The finalists were interviewed
and Cowan Communication Arts was selected by the panel based upon the quality and
creativity of their products, their experience developing past projects and materials, and
their demonstrated ability to deliver an effective product.
The selected firm will be asked to complete the following scope of work:
1. Improve upon the current theme and campaign strategies, including advertising,
collateral materials, and event display materials.
2. Create consistent graphic designs, provide copy-writing services, and coordinate the
production of printed brochures and flyers, banners, displays, posters, and truck signs.
3. Recommend cost-effective production and distribution strategies. The funds allotted for
this scope of work will also cover production costs for collateral materials prepared as
part of this contract.
BUDGET/FISCAL IMPACT
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The cost for the annual scope of work will not exceed $100,000. Funds for the project, in
the amount of $100,000, are available in Environmental Programs Division Account
Number 31662.522540. The contract extensions for FY 04/05 and 05/06 are proposed to
be funded at $100,000 per year and are contingent upon City Council approval of the
budget for each fiscal year.
RECOMMENDATIONS
It is recommended that City Council authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute
an agreement with Cowan Communication Arts not to exceed $100,000 per year for design
services for one year with options to renew for two additional years.
Prepared by: Craig Perkins, Director, Environmental and Public Works Management
Brian Johnson, Manager, Environmental Programs Division
Dean Kubani, Sr. Admin. Analyst ? Sustainable Cities
Andrew Basmajian, Environmental Outreach Specialist
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