TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF DECEMBER 18, 2008
COMMITTEE ON PURCHASING
Mr. Richard Lanyon, General Superintendent
Title
Issue a purchase order and enter into an agreement with the Carmen Group, Inc., for professional services associated with federal programs and activities during fiscal year 2009, in an amount not to exceed $657,000.00, Account 401-50000-601170, Requisition 1261115 (Deferred and Revised from the December 4, 2008 Board Meeting)
Body
Dear Sir:
Authorization is requested to issue a purchase order and enter into an agreement with the Carmen Group, Inc. (Carmen) for providing professional services associated with federal programs and activities during fiscal year 2009.
Carmen has served the District continuously since 1975 to provide liaison associated with obtaining federal funds for District programs.
These District programs have included:
● TARP Phase I Tunnels
● McCook and Thornton Reservoirs
● Earmarking wastewater appropriations
Liaison and Coordination activities by Carmen include contacts with:
● Federal legislators and their staffs
● U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps)
● Office of Management and Budget
● U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
● Natural Resources Conservation Service
Additional activities by Carmen specific to 2009 and the new Administration:
● Education and briefing of the new decision makers in the new Administration to bring them up to speed on our priorities and to garner their support.
● Hands-on involvement with the Army Corps of Engineers at the District, Division, Headquarters, and Assistant Secretary of the Army (ASA) levels in regard to the Thornton Reservoir Section 211 reimbursement negotiations. Additionally, Carmen will be working to secure not only budgeting, but appropriations for reimbursement to the District for its advance work.
● Active and high level involvement in order to get the new ASA up to speed and to agree to, and execute, the Section 211 reimbursement.
● Active efforts to ensure the best positioning and maximum funding for the District and its projects in the wake of new initiatives, such as the economic stimulus package.
In 2008, Carmen was instrumental in:
● Working on securing the highest possible level of funding in the Corps’ fiscal years 2008 and 2009 budgets for design and construction of the McCook and Thornton Reservoir projects. Carmen helped secure $29.49 million in the Corps Fiscal year 2008 budget.
● Successfully lobbying to include language in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) that will permit the District to construct the Thornton composite Reservoir and receive retroactive reimbursement from the Corps. An aggressive effort was required by the Carmen Group to help this bill overcome a presidential veto.
The time of completion for these services is 365 calendar days commencing January 1, 2009 and ending December 31, 2009. There are no provisions in the Agreement for an extension of time except for such reasonable period as may be agreed upon between the parties.
Carmen has agreed to furnish approximately 1,000 hours of their professional services at a maximum hourly rate of $215.00 and a multiplier of 3.00. Additional compensation for out-of-pocket expenses related to the services for fiscal year 2009 is not to exceed $12,000.00.
The components of the total fee are as follows:
Item Fee (Not to Exceed)
1. Total Labor Costs $645,000.00
2. Reimbursable Direct 12,000.00
Total Fees $657,000.00
In as much as the firm of Carmen Group possesses a high degree of professional skill, it is recommended that the Purchasing Agent be authorized to issue a purchaser order and enter into an agreement without advertising, per Section 11.4 of the Purchasing Act, in an amount not to exceed $657,000.00.
Ms. Mia O’Connell is the Executive Managing Director of the Water Resources Group of Carmen. She has been managing the District’s federal funding and authorization program since 1984. As senior associate of the firm, Ms. O’Connell specializes in flood and water pollution control, water resources development and wastewater reclamation issues. She has 30 years of experience in intergovernmental relations.
Funds are being requested in 2009, in Account 401-50000-601170, and are contingent on the Board of Commissioners’ approval of the District’s budget for that year.
Requested, Joseph Sobanski, Chief Engineer, NV:MVL
Recommended, Darlene A. LoCascio, Purchasing Agent
Respectfully Submitted, Barbara J. McGowan, Chairman Committee on Purchasing
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners for December 18, 2008