SR-100-002-01 (8)~~ . .
~ ~;tyof City Council Report
Santa Mon~ca
City Council Meeting: July 25, 2006
Agenda Item: ~Z
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Gordon R. Anderson, Assistant City Manager
Subject: Professional Services Contract with The Ferguson Group, LLC for
Washington Representative/Lobbying Services for an amount not to
exceed $70,885.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City manager to negotiate and
execute a professiona{ services contract with The Ferguson Company in an amount not
to exceed $70,885, including expenses not to exceed $4,000 for Federal representative
and lobbying services.
Executive Summary
This report recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to negotiate
and execute a contract with The Ferguson Group to continue representing the City's
interest in Washington, D.C. The Ferguson Company has been providing services to
the City since 1994 and has developed an in depth knowledge of City policy objectives.
There is a 5% recommended increase in the base contract over the current amount.
Therefore, staff is not recommending a competitive selection at this time.
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Discussion
Backqround
The Ferguson Group has worked extensively and successfully for the City's federal
objectives since 1994. They monitor federal executive proposals, legislation,
administrative regulation, Congressional appropriation opportunities and other
developments, advising the City when City policy or program objectives may be
affected. Responsibilities include providing detailed information on federal initiatives,
maintaining liaison with members of Congress and the Administration, assisting City
officials with appearances before Congressional committees and administrative
agencies, and advising on City proposals pending before federal regulatory or funding
agencies. The Ferguson Group has therefore developed an in depth knowledge of the
City and its policy objectives which has obviated the need to conduct a competitive
selection process.
The Ferguson Group has represented the City's interest on issues including:
MtBE/water contamination; housing (Community Development Block Grant, Home,
Section 8, Section 202, Shelter Plus Care renewals); homelessness; community and
economic development (415 PCH); transiUtransportation including the Exposition Right
of Way and boulevard improvements; infrastructure improvements such as Palisades
Bluffs stabilization and seismic reliability of water facilities; and regulatory and
administration action by the Federal Aviation Administration, the Federal
Communications Commission and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
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The Ferguson Group has effectively advocated on behalf of the City. Services will be
provided to Santa Monica for an amount not to exceed $70,885, including expenses not
to exceed $4,000. The base contract amount has not changed in the last four years,
although expenses not to exceed $4,000 were included last year. Staff requests a 5%
increase to the base amount for a total contract amount with expenses not to exceed
$70,885.
Budget/Financial Impact
Funds of $70,885 are available in account number 01202.555060.
Prepared by:
Kate Vernez, Assistant to the City Manager, Government Relations
Approved:
Forwarded to Council:
Gor on R. Anderson vP,~Ca~x(ont Ewell
A istant City Manager ~i~,y'(~/lanager
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