TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF DECEMBER 19, 2024
COMMITTEE ON PROCUREMENT
Mr. Brian A. Perkovich, Executive Director
Title
Issue purchase order and enter into an agreement for Contract 24-RFP-11, Federal Legislative Consulting Services, with O’Connell & Dempsey, LLC, in an amount not to exceed $175,000.00, Account 101-15000-612430, Requisition 1620302
Body
Dear Sir:
Authorization is requested to issue a purchase order and enter into an agreement with O’Connell & Dempsey, LLC to retain the services of a legislative consulting firm in order to pursue federal funding for District programs and develop strategies to achieve objectives in relation to Federal regulations that may impact the District.
On September 18, 2024, the Contract 24-RFP-11, Federal Legislative Consulting Services was advertised. Eight hundred Eight (808) firms were notified, with twenty-two (22) requesting proposals. Three bid proposals were received on October 11, 2024, from O’Connell & Dempsey, LLC, Mercury Public Affairs, LLC, and Venable LLP.
The three proposals were reviewed and evaluated by a panel consisting of two representatives from General Administration, one representative from the Law Department, one representative from the Engineering Department, and one representative from the Department of Procurement & Materials Management.
The proposals were reviewed on the criteria stated in the RFP such as understanding and approach to the scope of work, consultant technical qualifications, cost of services, financial stability, affirmative action participation, and insurance requirements. Following the panel’s evaluation, all firms gave a presentation, responded to questions, and submitted a best and final offer request.
Based on the technical proposals and the interviews, O’Connell & Dempsey, LLC is ranked higher than the other proposing firms. O’Connell & Dempsey, LLC’s knowledge of the District’s needs, goals and objectives, and their experience with the federal legislative processes specifically related to water policy, water infrastructure funding, and work with similar water reclamation agencies qualifies them as the most appropriate choice for the District.
The District’s goals for this request for proposal are 10% Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and/or Women Business Enterprise (WBE). O’Connell & Dempsey, LLC has offered 12% MBE/SBE participation in Appendix A by utilizing Ernest R. Sawyer Enterprises, Inc. as a MBE/SBE firm. The Diversity Section has reviewed the Appendix A submittal of O’Connell & Dempsey, LLC and has indicated that they have undertaken a good faith effort to meet the requirements of Appendix A.
The agreement will begin on January 1, 2025 and continue through December 31, 2025. There is an option to extend the services for two additional one-year periods using the same hourly rates stated in the best and final offer. The hourly rates must remain fixed throughout the contract period. The option to extend is at the sole discretion of the District and will be approved by the Board of Commissioners.
Inasmuch as O’Connell & Dempsey, LLC possesses a high degree of professional skill to provide the services required, it is recommended that the Director of Procurement & Materials Management be authorized to issue a purchase order and enter into an agreement, per Section 11.4 of the Purchasing Act, in an amount not to exceed $175,000.00.
Funds in Account 101-15000-612430 are contingent upon the Board of Commissioners’ approval of the District’s budget for 2025.
Requested, Shellie A. Riedle, Administrative Services Officer, CO
Recommended, Darlene A. LoCascio, Director of Procurement & Materials Management
Respectfully Submitted, Marcelino Garcia, Chairman Committee on Procurement
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners December 19, 2024
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