TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 14, 2017
COMMITTEE ON PROCUREMENT
Mr. David St. Pierre, Executive Director
Title
Issue a purchase order and enter into an agreement with the law firm of Seyfarth Shaw LLP to represent the District relating to an investigation of engineering professional service contracts, in an amount not to exceed $100,000.00, Account 101-30000-612430, Requisition 1473661
Body
Dear Sir:
Authorization is requested to issue a purchase order and enter into an agreement with the law firm of Seyfarth Shaw LLP to represent the District relating to an investigation of engineering professional service contracts, in an amount not to exceed $100,000.00.
The District sought proposals from four law firms possessing the expertise to provide the requested legal services. These services will involve providing legal counsel and services concerning the investigation as well as any litigation that may result from the investigation. The Law Department recommends the retention of outside counsel in this matter due to potential conflicts of interest.
An evaluation committee comprised of staff from General Administration, Procurement and Materials Management, and Law interviewed the three firms submitting proposals. Based on evaluation criteria, including the firm’s legal expertise, resources, experience concerning investigations and employment litigation, a composite evaluation score was calculated from the committee’s individual evaluations.
The law firm of Seyfarth Shaw LLP received the highest composite score from the evaluation committee. Seyfarth Shaw is nationally recognized for its substantial experience in providing counsel to employers relating to investigations and is highly regarded for its expertise in employment litigation. Mr. Thomas J. Piskorski has been practicing with the firm for 35 years in the area of employment law and has represented numerous public and private employers relating to investigations and employment litigation. Mr. Piskorski will work with Seyfarth Shaw attorneys Katherine Mendez and Danielle Vera in this matter. The average hourly rate of these attorneys is $514.00 for legal services.
As the firm of Seyfarth Shaw LLP possesses a high degree of professional experience and skill, such action may be taken without advertising, in accordance with Section 11.4 of the MWRD Purchasing Act.
Therefore, it is requested that the Director of Procurement and Materials Management be authorized to issue a purchase order and enter into an agreement with the law firm of Seyfarth Shaw LLP to represent the District relating to an investigation into engineering professional service contracts, in an amount not to exceed $100,000.00.
Funds for the 2017 expenditures in the amount of $50,000.00 are available in Account 101-30000-612430. The estimated expenditures for 2018 is $50,000.00. Funds for 2018 expenditures are contingent on the Board of Commissioners approval of the District’s budget for that year.
Requested, Susan T. Morakalis, Acting General Counsel, STM:LAG:JBM:TN:kk
Recommended, Darlene A. LoCascio, Director of Procurement and Materials Management
Respectfully Submitted, Barbara J. McGowan, Chairman Committee on Procurement
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners for September 14, 2017