SR 12-19-2023 5H
City Council
Report
City Council Meeting: December 19, 2023
Agenda Item: 5.H
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To: Mayor and City Council
From: David White, City Manager, City Manager's Office, Administration
Subject: Award Request for Proposal and Enter into Agreement for State and Federal
Advocacy Services and Grant Writing Services
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Section
15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. Award RFP# 376 to Shaw Yoder Antwih Schmelzer & Lange (SYASL) for state
lobbying services and to Elizabeth Anderson Consulting for state grant
application and acquisition services for the City of Santa Monica;
3. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute an agreement with Shaw
Yoder Antwih Schmelzer & Lange (SYASL) for state lobbying services, in an
amount not to exceed $320,360 over a 5-year period, with future year funding
contingent on Council budget approval;
4. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute an agreement with
Elizabeth Anderson Consulting (EAC) for state grant application and acquisition
services, in an amount not to exceed $100,000 over a 5 -year period, with future
year funding contingent on Council budget approval;
5. Award RFP# 378 to The Ferguson Group, LLC, a Washington, D.C.-based
company for federal representative and legislative advocacy services and grant
application and acquisition services for the City of Santa Monica; and
6. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute an agreement with The
Ferguson Group, LLC (TFG) for federal representative and legislative advocacy
services and grant application and acquisition services, in an amount not to
exceed $452,139 over a 5-year period, with future year funding contingent on
Council budget approval.
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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
order to advocate for its interests and objectives before the State and Federal
governments in Sacramento and Washington, D.C., the City contracts with private firms,
currently Shaw Yoder Antwih Schmelzer & Lange (SYASL) and The Ferguson Group
LLC (TFG), to provide lobbying services at state and federal levels respectively. The
contracts with both firms expire in December 2023.
Consistent with past practice, staff sought input from the City Council in briefings and at
the July 18, 2023, City Council meeting which helped design a Request for Proposals
(RFP) for new 5-year contracts that meet the City’s current needs. The feedback
received made clear the need for more opportunities to communicate with the City’s
lobbyists, periodically meeting face to face during Councilmember visits to Sacramento
and Washington D.C. with the aim to facilitating a deeper understanding of current
legislation. The City Council also expressed interest in maximizing the City’s readiness
and capacity for seeking additional funding opportunities.
After completing an open and competitive procurement process, staff is recommending
entering into a new 5-year contract with incumbent firm Shaw Yoder Antwih Schmelzer
& Lange (SYASL) for state lobbying services; a new 5 -year contract with incumbent firm
The Ferguson Group LLC (TFG) to provide federal lobbying services and additional
grant writing services to the City; and a new 5-year contract with Elizabeth Anderson
Consulting (EAC) to provide grant writing and compliance related services on an as-
needed basis.
Discussion
The services provided by our state and legislative advocates are critical in advancing
Santa Monica’s five priority areas: Addressing Homelessness; Clean & Safe Santa
Monica; Cultivate Economic Recovery & Expand Community & Cultural Offerings;
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Racial Justice, Equity & Social Diversity; and Sustainable & Connected Community. In
addition, they monitor state and federal proposals, legislation, administrative regulations
and other developments of interest, and advise 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 federal 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.
The additional grant writing services provided by the Ferguson Group LLC will provide
expertise and additional staff capacity for the City to apply for and administer grant
awards. This additional service alone is valued at more than $100,000 over the 5 -year
contract period. The services provided by Elizabeth Anderson Consulting will be
purchased on a project by project as-needed basis enabling the City to submit
comprehensive grant applications that the City would otherwise refrain from pursuing
given the current staff capacity and workload.
Environmental Review
The contracts are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the CEQA Guidelines.
The contracts are covered by the common sense exemption which states that CEQA
does not apply, “where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the
activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment.” The contracts will
provide the City with administrative support related to advocacy and grant writing
services. Therefore, the contracts can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility
that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment.
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Vendor/Consultant Selection – State Lobbying & Grant Writing Services
In September 2023, the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) from qualified
consultants for state lobbying services with the ability to provide grant application and
acquisition services when requested.
Bidder Recommendation
Best Qualified Person/Firm(s) Shaw, Yoder, Antwih, Schmelzer & Lange (SYASL)
Elizabeth Anderson Consulting (EAC)
Evaluation Criteria
Advocacy Experience, Cost of Services, Addition and
Breadth of Value, Stability/References, and Grant Writing
Experience.
Municipal Code SMMC 2.24.190
RFPs Received
Shaw, Yoder, Antwih, Schmelzer & Lange Elizabeth Anderson Consulting
RFP Data
Posted On Posted On Advertised In
(City Charter & SMMC)
Vendors
Downloaded
Date Publicly
Opened
09/15/2023 City's Online
Bidding Site Santa Monica Daily Press 10 10/02/2023
Justification to Award
Responses to the RFP were reviewed by a selection panel of staff from the City’s Department of
Public Works, Rent Control Board, Community Development Department, and Department of
Transportation with the process overseen by staff from the City Council and City Manager’s
Office. Based on an evaluation using the above criteria and criteria in SMMC 2.24.190, staff
recommends awarding the state legislative advocacy services to SYASL and the state grant
application and acquisition services on an as-needed basis to EAC.
SYASL has a successful track record providing state lobbying services to the City since 1986.
Their current clientele includes the City of Los Angeles, City of Beverly Hills, City of West
Hollywood, and the City & County of San Francisco along with numerous transit agencies,
private sector organizations, and non-profit trade associations.
Elizabeth Anderson Consulting (EAC) prior experience working for the City, brings a high-level
insight and understanding about City’s efforts addressing community needs, brings expertise
and experience in major issue areas being addressed by the Recreation and Arts and Housing
and Human Services Departments, inclusive of: arts and cultural affairs, addressing
homelessness, aging and older adulthood, behavioral health and other issue areas related to
public health and community wellbeing.
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Vendor Selection – Federal Lobbying & Grant Writing Services
In September 2023, the City also issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) from qualified
consultants for federal lobbying services and grant application and acquisition services.
Bidder Recommendation
Best Qualified Person/Firm The Ferguson Group LLC
Evaluation Criteria
Advocacy Experience, Cost of Services, Grant Writing
Experience – fee schedule, Stability/References, and
Addition and Breadth of Value.
Municipal Code SMMC 2.24.190
RFPs Received
Chase Consulting Solutions Townsend Public Affairs The Ferguson Group, LLC
Elizabeth Anderson Consulting Van Scoyoc Associates
RFP Data
Posted On Posted On Advertised In
(City Charter & SMMC)
Vendors
Downloaded
Date Publicly
Opened
09/15/2023 City's Online
Bidding Site Santa Monica Daily Press 21 10/02/2023
Justification to Award
Responses to the RFP were reviewed by a selection panel of staff from the City’s Department of
Public Works, Rent Control Board, Community Development Department, and Department of
Transportation with the process overseen by staff from the City Council and City Manager’s
Office. After reviewing all submitted proposals, the selection panel invited The Ferguson Group
LLC and Townsend Public Affairs to participate in a 30-minute interview via Microsoft Teams
video conferencing. Both firms participated and based on the above criteria and criteria in
SMMC 2.24.190, staff recommends The Ferguson Group, LLC (TFG) as the best-qualified firm
to provide federal lobbying services and grant application and acquisition services. TFG has
provided federal lobbying 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, cities, public works agencies and joint powers authorities. Award of the
existing agreement with the firm, which expires December 18, 2023 was the result of a
competitive process and Council approval on June 12, 2018 (Attachment A).
Financial Impacts and Budget Actions
Staff seeks authority to approve available funding from the General Fund to award
contracts with Shaw Yoder Antwih Schmelzer & Lange for State Lobbying Services ,
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Elizabeth Anderson Consulting for grant application and acquisition services, and The
Ferguson Group LLC for Federal Lobbying Services and Grant Application & Acquisition
Services.
Shaw Yoder Antwih Schmelzer & Lange – State Advocacy Services
FY 2023-24
Request Amount Department Future Years
Amount
Total Contract
Amount
$60,350 01200009.552010 $260,010 $320,360
The Ferguson Group LLC – Federal Advocacy Services & Grant Application &
Acquisition Services
FY 2023-24
Request Amount Department Future Years
Amount
Total Contract
Amount
$87,000 01200009.552010 $365,139 $452,139
Elizabeth Anderson Consulting
FY 2023-24
Request Amount Department Future Years
Amount
Total Contract
Amount
$20,000 01200009.552010 $80,000 $100,000
Future year funding is contingent on Council budget approval.
Prepared By: Josh Kurpies, Council Office and Legislative Affairs Liaison
Approved
Forwarded to Council
Attachments:
A. Attachment A - 2018 State & Federal Lobbying Services RFP Staff Report
B. Oaks Initiative - TFG
C. Oaks Initiative - SYASL
D. Oaks_Elizabeth Anderson Consulting
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City Council
Report
City Council Meeting: June 12, 2018
Agenda Item: 3.H
1 of 6
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 approval.
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
-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
advocate
with the State Legislature and the federal government. They also monitor federal grant
5.H.a
Packet Pg. 312 Attachment: Attachment A - 2018 State & Federal Lobbying Services RFP Staff Report [Revision 1] (6118 : State & Federal Advocacy Services &
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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,
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
egislative advocates, Shaw/Yoder/Antwih, Inc. and the Ferguson
Group, LLC,
Washington, DC respectively.
Discussion
The services of both a state and federal legislative are critical to ensure that the City is
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;
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
-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
5.H.a
Packet Pg. 313 Attachment: Attachment A - 2018 State & Federal Lobbying Services RFP Staff Report [Revision 1] (6118 : State & Federal Advocacy Services &
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Responses to the RFP were reviewed by a selection panel of staff from the City Council
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 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
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 dollars of funding to
local agencies for road maintenance and public transit.
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, banned the
possession of magazines that hold more than ten rounds, and restricted the loaning
of firearms to family members without background checks.
5.H.a
Packet Pg. 314 Attachment: Attachment A - 2018 State & Federal Lobbying Services RFP Staff Report [Revision 1] (6118 : State & Federal Advocacy Services &
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Ferguson Group, LLC
In April 2018, the City also issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) from qualified
-line
bidding site, and notices were advertised in the Santa Monica Daily Press in
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
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, cities, 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
5.H.a
Packet Pg. 315 Attachment: Attachment A - 2018 State & Federal Lobbying Services RFP Staff Report [Revision 1] (6118 : State & Federal Advocacy Services &
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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 Justice Bullet
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
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-
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 Ferguson 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-
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
5.H.a
Packet Pg. 316 Attachment: Attachment A - 2018 State & Federal Lobbying Services RFP Staff Report [Revision 1] (6118 : State & Federal Advocacy Services &
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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
5.H.a
Packet Pg. 317 Attachment: Attachment A - 2018 State & Federal Lobbying Services RFP Staff Report [Revision 1] (6118 : State & Federal Advocacy Services &
5.H.b
Packet Pg. 318 Attachment: Oaks Initiative - TFG [Revision 1] (6118 : State & Federal Advocacy Services & Grant Writing Services Contract)
5.H.b
Packet Pg. 319 Attachment: Oaks Initiative - TFG [Revision 1] (6118 : State & Federal Advocacy Services & Grant Writing Services Contract)
5.H.c
Packet Pg. 320 Attachment: Oaks Initiative - SYASL (6118 : State & Federal Advocacy Services & Grant Writing Services Contract)
5.H.c
Packet Pg. 321 Attachment: Oaks Initiative - SYASL (6118 : State & Federal Advocacy Services & Grant Writing Services Contract)
5.H.d
Packet Pg. 322 Attachment: Oaks_Elizabeth Anderson Consulting [Revision 1] (6118 : State & Federal Advocacy Services & Grant Writing Services Contract)
5.H.d
Packet Pg. 323 Attachment: Oaks_Elizabeth Anderson Consulting [Revision 1] (6118 : State & Federal Advocacy Services & Grant Writing Services Contract)