sr-091410-1fCity Council Meeting: September 14, 2010
Agenda Item:
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Dean Kubani, Director -Office of Sustainability and the Environment
Subject: Santa Monica Bay Educational and Outreach Services
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that City Council authorize the City Manager to negotiate and
execute a Professional Services Agreement in the amount not to exceed $30,000 per
year with Heal The Bay, a California-based organization, to provide educational
consulting services for K-12 public and private schools located in Santa Monica for a
four year period ending June 30, 2014. This will result in a total contract amount of
$120,000.
Executive Summary
For several years, the City has offered educational programs to K-12 schools designed
to raise awareness of coastal geography, ocean environment (particularly the Santa
Monica Bay), and to teach science, conservation, pollution prevention and personal
responsibility through stewardship. Services include structured field trips to the Santa
Monica Pier Aquarium and active organization and participation in Santa Monica's
Coastal Cleanup Day and its associated public outreach. Funds for the current fiscal
year are available in the adopted budget.
Discussion
On February 11. 2003, City Council adopted the Santa Monica Sustainable City Plan
(SCP). Public outreach and education play a critical role in the mission and goals of the
SCP. The provision of quality environmentally-focused programs and curriculum to
school-aged children is an important step in achieving a more sustainable community
and a better quality of life for years to come.
Contractor/Consultant Selection
In February 2005, staff submitted Requests for Proposals (RFP's) to experienced
organizations to provide educational consulting services, programs, curriculum and
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events with emphasis on marine science and environmental education. In response,
eight proposals were received.
Staff's review of the eight proposals concluded that Heal The Bay was qualified to
provide a comprehensive and integrated scope of educational and outreach services to
assist the City in reaching numerous SCP goals. On May 10, 2005, Council approved a
contract with Heal The Bay to provide educational and outreach services for K-12 public
and private schools located in Santa Monica. A review of the services provided over the
last eight years by Office of Sustainability and the Environment found that Heal The Bay
had adequately developed programs and curriculum that directly relate to the
Sustainable City Plan goals. In July 2010, staff. solicited another RFP via Planet Bids
for the same program and Heal The Bay was the sole responder. Staff reviewed their
application and determined that Heal The Bay is uniquely qualified to provide a
comprehensive and integrated scope of educational and outreach services with an
emphasis on marine science and environmental education.
Financial Impacts & Budget Actions
Funds for FY 2010-11 in the amount of $30,000 are available in Account Number
01226.555060. Future program funding will be subject to council approval of FY 2011-
14 budgets.
Prepared by: Peter Wambaa -Office Manager
roved:
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Dean Kubani
Director, Office of Sustainability and the
Environment
Forwarded to Council:
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Rod Gould
City Manager
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Reference Contract No.
9271 (CCS).