Agenda

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Regular Agenda Item 3. N.

Regular BOS Meeting

Meeting Date:	01/05/2021
Submitted For:	Mary Springer	Submitted By:	Mary Springer, Finance Director
Department:	County Manager
Fiscal Year:	FY2021-FY2022	Budgeted?:	Yes
Contract Dates Begin & End:	1/5/2021 - 1/4/2022	Grant?:	No
Matching Requirement?:	No	Fund?:	New

Information

Request/Subject

Contract Award in Response to Request for Proposals No. 072120-Lobbyist Services

Background Information

On August 17, 2020, the Board of Supervisors authorized the advertisement of Request for Proposals (RFP) No. 072120-Lobbyist Services to provide legislative advocacy at the local and state level for programs, projects and legislation that is of interest and affects Gila County. The motion passed with a 2 to 1 vote with Supervisor Cline voting against.

A work session was held on December 15, 2020 to discuss the merits of engaging a lobbyist to represent Gila County on issues affecting the County at the state legislature or within state agencies. James Candland, a professional lobbyist from Clarus Companies, provided insight on the benefits of engaging a lobbyist that would represent Gila County on specific issues such as cost shifts, water, forest issues, and broadband.

Evaluation

On September 15, 2020, the Purchasing Division received eight proposals from qualified lobbying firms in response to RFP No. 072120. Seven of the proposals were responsive and evaluated. The review panel identified one firm which provided their staff's in-depth experience and illustrated their knowledge and working relationships with local businesses and local projects. The review panel believes that Policy Development Group is best suited to provide lobbyist services to Gila County.

Conclusion

The review panel believes that Policy Development Group is the most qualified firm to provide state lobbying services for the Board of Supervisors. This contract is for a period of one year in a not to exceed amount of $60,000, exclusive of pre-approved expenses, without the prior written approval of the Board of Supervisors. The contract may be renewed for three additional one-year terms.

Recommendation

It is the recommendation of the review panel to award Professional Services Contract No. 072120 to Policy Development Group in a not to exceed amount of $60,000 for a period of one year.

Suggested Motion

Information/Discussion/Action to review all responsive bids submitted for Request for Proposals No. 072120-Lobbyist Services; award to the firm identified as the best strategic partner to represent the County's state legislative initiatives; and authorize the Chairman's signature on Professional Services Contract No. 072120. (Mary Springer)

Attachments
Professional Services Contract No. 072120
Bidders List
Barclay Legal
Compass Strategies
Dorn Policy Group
Goodman Schwartz
Isaacson Law Firm
Kutakroc
Policy Development Group
Request to Advertise
Request for Proposals No. 072120