SR 06-12-2018 3H
City Council
Report
City Council Meeting: June 12, 2018
Agenda Item: 3.H
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To: Mayor and City Council
From: Katie Lichtig, Assistant City Manager, City Manager's Office, Administration
Subject: Award of Contracts for State and Federal Lobbying Services
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to:
1. Award RFP# 166 to Shaw/Yoder/Antwih, a California-based company for state
representative and legislative advocacy services;
2. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute an agreement with
Shaw/Yoder/Antwih, in an amount not to exceed $46,716 for one year, with four
additional one-year renewal options in the amount of $201,305, on the same
terms and conditions for a total amount not to exceed $248,021 over a five-year
period, with future year funding contingent on Council budget app roval.
3. Award RFP# 165 to The Ferguson Group, a Washington, D.C.-based company
for federal representative and legislative advocacy services;
4. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute an agreement with The
Ferguson Group, in an amount not to exceed $45,000 for one year, with four
additional one-year renewal options in the amount of $180,000, on the same
terms and conditions for a total amount not to exceed $225,000 over a five-year
period, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
Executive Summary
Santa Monica has long been a pioneer in promoting innovative and progressive
approaches to local issues in their regional, state, national and even global contexts. In
a time of a new gubernatorial administration set to take office in Sacramento and a
national administration challenging many of the City’s long-standing approaches to
social and environmental issues, the need for active and effective partners to work with
State and Federal legislators and agencies is self-evident. State and federal legislative
advocates work to further the City’s legislative, budgetary and administrative objectives
with the State Legislature and the federal government. They also monitor federal grant
opportunities along with hundreds of pieces of legislation each year on a variety of
topics of interest to the City including issues such as air quality, coastal issues,
economic development, energy/environment, health, homeless/social services, housing,
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land use, parks and open space, public safety, rent control, taxation,
telecommunications, transportation, and water quality. Following a competitive process
for both contracts, staff recommends entering into new five -year agreements with the
City’s incumbent legislative advocates, Shaw/Yoder/Antwih, Inc. and the Ferguson
Group, LLC, to continue representing the City’s legislative interests in Sacramento and
Washington, DC respectively.
Discussion
The services of both a state and federal legislative are critical to ensure that the City is
aware of and engaged in the formation of legislation that may impact the City’s policy or
program objectives. They monitor state and federal proposals, legislation, administrative
regulations and other developments of interest, advising the City when City policies or
program objectives may be affected. Their responsibilities include but are not limited to:
providing detailed information on proposed State and federal legislation and initiatives;
maintaining effective working relationships with the City’s State and fede ral delegation;
advising on City proposals pending before State and federal regulatory or funding
agencies; and assisting City officials with appearances or representing the City before
legislative committees and administrative agencies.
Vendor/Consultant Selection
Shaw/Yoder/Antwih
In April 2018, the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) from qualified consultants
for state lobbyist services. The RFP was posted on the City’s on -line bidding site, and
notices were advertised in the Santa Monica Daily Press in accordance with City
Charter and Municipal Code provisions. Nine vendors downloaded the RFP and two
firms responded:
Shaw/Yoder/Antwih, Inc.
Ramirez Partners
Responses to the RFP were reviewed by a selection panel of staff from the City Council
and City Manager’s Offices. Staff then interviewed the two firms. Evaluation was based
on the following selection criteria: experience, cost of services, stability/references, and
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finally, addition and breadth of value. Based on this criteria and criteria in SMMC
2.24.073, staff recommends Shaw/Yoder/Antwih, Inc. as the best-qualified firm to
provide state lobbyist services.
Shaw/Yoder/Antwih, Inc. has a successful track record providing State lobbyist services
to the City since 1986. Shaw/Yoder/Antwih, Inc.’s current clientele include the City of
Los Angeles, City of Beverly Hills and the City & County of San Francisco along with
numerous transit agencies, private sector organizations, and non-profit trade
associations. Award of the existing agreement with the firm, which expires June 30,
2018 was the result of a competitive process and Council approval on June 11, 2013
(Attachment A). The proposed agreement represents a minimal increase from the
current amount of $45,146 per year to $46,716.
Recent highlights of their efforts include:
Housing: successfully supported the 14-bill 2017 Housing Package and were
instrumental in securing a dedicated funding source for affordable housing.
Infrastructure: supported historic legislation to provide billions of dollar s of funding to
local agencies for road maintenance and public transit.
Environment: supported legislation to extend the State’s Cap and Trade program by
the year 2030; supported legislation to place a $4 billion parks and water bond on
the November 2018 ballot, of which Santa Monica would see additional funding
should the measure be approved by California voters.
Public Safety: supported legislation requiring background checks for ammunition
purchases and created a new state ammunition owner database, bann ed the
possession of magazines that hold more than ten rounds, and restricted the loaning
of firearms to family members without background checks.
Ferguson Group, LLC
In April 2018, the City also issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) from qualified
consultants for federal lobbyist services. The RFP was posted on the City’s on -line
bidding site, and notices were advertised in the Santa Monica Daily Press in
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accordance with City Charter and Municipal Code provisions. Eight vendors
downloaded the RFP and two firms responded:
The Ferguson Group, LLC
Ramirez Partners
Responses to the RFP were reviewed by a selection panel of staff from the City Council
and City Manager’s Offices. Staff then interviewed the two firms. Evaluation was based
on the following selection criteria: experience, cost of services, stability/references, and
finally, addition and breadth of value. Based on this criteria and criteria in SMMC
2.24.073, staff recommends The Ferguson Group, LLC as the best-qualified firm to
provide federal lobbyist services.
The Ferguson Group, LLC has provided federal lobbyist services to the City since 1994.
Their firm was founded in 1982 and currently provides federal advocacy services to over
94 public and private entities in 22 states, including counties, c ities, public works
agencies and joint powers authorities. Award of the existing agreement with the firm,
which expires June 30, 2018 was the result of a competitive process and Council
approval on June 11, 2013 (Attachment B). The proposed agreement represents a
minimal increase from the current amount of $43,200 per year to $45,000.
Recent highlights of their work include:
Housing: Community Development Block Grant, HOME, Section 8 and Continuum of
Care renewals; successfully negotiated a higher Exception Payment Standard for
Santa Monica from HUD; advocacy on behalf of the City to allow the VA to enter into
lease agreements on the West LA VA campus to increase the supply of supportive
housing for homeless veterans in the LA region.
Infrastructure: assisted the City in its efforts to seek grant funding under the US
Department of the Interior’s WaterSMART program, which resulted in a $300,000
award.
Public Safety: advocacy for federal resources from the Local Law Enforcement Block
Grant, the COPS program, JAG program, FEMA and UASI programs. The City
successfully secured 21 bulletproof vests from the U.S. Department of Just ice Bullet
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Proof Vest Program.
Transportation: advocacy for the renewal of alternative fuel tax credits; funding for
the Surface Transportation Program to support roadway infrastructure in the City;
advocated on behalf of the City regarding Helicopter Noise in the LA region and
successfully kept an amendment from the FAA Reauthorization bill that would have
adversely affected the City’s future plans for the Santa Monica airport.
Financial Impacts and Budget Actions
The professional services agreement to be awarded to Shaw/Yoder/Antwih, Inc. is for
an amount not to exceed $248,021 over a five -year period. Funds of $46,716 are
available in the proposed FY 2018-19 budget in the City Manager’s Office. The contract
will be charged to account 01202.555060 / 01200001.552010. Future year funding is
contingent on Council budget approval.
The professional services agreement to be awarded to The F erguson Group, LLC is for
an amount not to exceed $225,000 over a five -year period. Funds of $45,000 are
available in the proposed FY 2018-19 budget in the City Manager’s Office. The contract
will be charged to account 01202.555060 / 01200001.552010. Future year funding is
contingent on Council budget approval.
Prepared By: Stephanie Venegas, Council Office & Legislative Affairs Liaison
Approved
Forwarded to Council
Attachments:
A. 2013 SYA Contract approval (Web Link)
B. 2013 Ferguson Group Contract approval (Web Link)
C. 2018 SYA Oaks Initiative Disclosure Form - 5.17.18 - Executed
D. 2018 Ferguson Group OAKS Initiative Notice Executed 5.17.18
REFERENCE:
Contract No. 10694
(CCS)