Res. No. 041-01-11189RESOLUTION NO.41-01-11189
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
SOUTH MIAMI,FLORIDA.RELATING TO STRATEGIC CONSULTING
SERVICES AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL;APPROVING FUNDING IN AN AMOUNT
NOT TO EXCEED $42,000.00 FOR THE FIRM OF RONALD L.BOOK,P.A.;FROM
ACCOUNT NUMBER 001 -1315-513-3450,CONTRACTUAL SERVICES
WHEREAS,the City of South Miami has established an Office of Intergovernmental Affairs with
thepurpose of securing appropriations andfundingfromtheFederal government;and
WHEREAS,theuse of professional strategic consulting services (lobbying)is essential tothe
success of this Office;and
WHEREAS,theCity advertised and competitively solicited forthese services through RFPNo.
SLS-83198;and
WHEREAS,theCity requires strategic consulting services forFederal funding efforts;and
WHEREAS,thecurrentLobbyistfirmsengagedbytheCityhaveperformedinanexemplary
manner andareableto provide these services.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI:
Section 1.The City Commission hereby authorizes theCity Manager to enter intoa
Professional Services Agreement for Strategic Consulting Services atthe Federal levelwithfirm of
Ronald L.Book,P.A.in an amount not to exceed $42,000.00 from Account #001-1315-513-3450.
Contractual Services,for FY 2000-2001 and FY 2001-2002 services.
Section 2.This resolution shall take effect immediately upon approval.
PASSEDAND ADOPTED this 20th day of March,2001.
ATTEST:
f)6~*ZU£)^g%3
CityClerk //Mayor
READAND APPROVED ASTO FORM:COMMISSION VOTE:4-0
Mayor Robaina:Yea
Vice Mayor Feliu:out.of town
»-»^f*,j Commissioner Bethel:Yea^'£2"fe26''jA'Commissioner Russell:Yea
City Attorney Commissioner Wiscombe:Yea
Excellence,Integrity,Inclusion
To:Mayor and Commission
From:Charles Scurr
City Manager
REQUEST
Date:March 20,2001
lOAgendaItem#
Extension of Contractual Services
Agreementsfor Legislative (Lobbying)
Services
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
SOUTH MIAMI,FLORIDA,RELATING TO STRATEGIC CONSULTING
SERVICES AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL;APPROVING FUNDING IN AN AMOUNT
NOT TO EXCEED $42,000.00 FOR THE FIRM OF RONALD L.BOOK,P.A.;FROM
ACCOUNT NUMBER 001 -1315-513-3450,CONTRACTUAL SERVICES
BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
TheCity of South Miami,forthepasttwoyears,has retained the services of Fausto Gomez and
RonBookforthe provision of Legislative(Lobbying)Services.Thisteam of lobbyists,which
was competitively selected underRFP SLS-83198 (Attachment2),has performed inan
exemplary manner and,with the support and guidance of the City Commission,achieved
unprecedented levels of funding from the State of Florida.
TheCityhasnowfocusedonFederalfundingsources.Specifically,Federal assistance isneeded
fora number of large projects suchasthe US1 Pedestrian Overpass,Church Street
Redevelopment and Downtown Infrastructure.Federal funding mayalsobe available for
important projects such as HIV/Aids Prevention.
TheCityhasmet with key Federal legislators,including Congresswoman Carrie Meek.A
window of opportunity is available buttheCityneedstomove forward immediately.
Professional lobbying services areessentialtosuccessfully achieving the City's Washington
Agenda.TheCityhasbeenindiscussionwithourtwoexistingrepresentatives,FaustoGomez
andRonBook,about alternative waystoprovidetheseservices.Conventional fullservice
lobbyingcontractsforWashingtonrepresentationarefarbeyondthe City's financialability.A
derivativeserviceinuseinWashingtonistheretention of "Strategic Consulting Services".A
strategicconsultantprovidesmost of theservices of afullservicelobbyistbuttheclient,inthis
casetheCity,willbeexpectedtodoagreaterpercentage of thework.TheCityispreparedto
makethis staff and time commitment.Thecostforthistype of service is $3,500/month.
Theexistingagreementswithourlobbyistsallowforadditionalservices.ItisfeltthatMr.
Book's firmismost appropriate forthiseffort.OnMr.Book's staff is Jeff Mell,former Senior
Aidto Congressman BillLehman.Mr.Bookwillalsobeusingtheservices of Vierra and
AssociatesinWashington.AStatement of CapabilitiesandScope of Workareattached
(Attachment 1).
Fundingintheamount of $21,000willcomefrom Account #001-1315-513-3450,Contractual
Services,forFY 2000-2001 services.This account hasa balance of $24,000.The additional $21,0000
will come from Account #001-1315-513-3450,Contractual Services,pre-funded FY 2001-2002.
RECOMMENDATION
Approval is recommended.
RonaldLBook,P.fl.
LHUiornct$
March16,2001
VIAJACS1M1LEANDEE^mLARMAlL
Mr.CharlesScurr
CityManager
CityofSouthMiami
6130SunsetDrive
SouthMiami,Florida33143
/*'rrti€*<*>&*?-
DearCharles;
beassociatingwithVierraandAssociatesinthatregard.
ThepointpeoninmyofficeforallWashington,D.C.issueswilU,M,JgMjjlft-jKM
toappropriationprojectsfromCongress.
inexchangeforthisrepresentation,theCityagreestocompensatemyfirmwithanadditional
monthlyretainerofThirty-fiveHundred($3,500.00)Dollars.
Assumingthismeetswithourmutualunderstanding,pleasesignandreturnthislettertomefor
myrecord-keeping.
LookingforwardtomanycontinuedsuccessesonbehalfofyourCityandappreciatingmis
expandedopportunity.
Sincer
CharlesScurr,CityManager
CityofSouthMiami
/
Statement of Capabilities
presented by
Vierra Associates
to the
City of South Miami
Introduction
Vierra Associates,a Washington-based government relations consulting firm,was formed in
1983 to represent clients withthe Congress,the Federal Executive Branch,andother groups
withwhomclientsmayhavecommonissuesandgoals.Mr.DennisC.Vierra,aPortuguese
American,isthesoleprincipaland majority stockholder ofthe firm.Vierra Associates is
headquartered at 1825 I Street,N.W.,Washington,D.C.andis incorporated inthe
Commonwealth of Virginia.
Vierra Associates proposes toassisttheCityof South Miami by offering the services ofa
bipartisanprofessionalwith:
*In-depth knowledge ofurban issues (including aMaster of ArtsdegreeinUrban
and Regional Planning);
*Well-established workingrelationshipswiththeCongressionalcommitteeshaving
jurisdictionover authorization and appropriation legislation importanttothe City;
*Well-establishedworkingrelationshipswiththeFloridaCongressionaldelegation;
*Akeen understanding of Congressionalproceduresandprocesses;
*Aquantifiablerecord of successinsecuringauthorizationandappropriations
provisionsforclientsinexcess of $4billion;
*Strongtechnicalbackgroundandcapabilitiesinaddressingtherequirements of
Federal-aid grants programs;and,
*Well-established workingrelationshipswithFederalagencieswithstewardship of
programs important totheCity.
Thisisa critical time for Federal domestic discretionary programs,with increasingly fierce
competitionforlimitedfunding,andgreater political andtechnicalscrutiny of projectsbythe
Congressandthe Executive Branch.Furthermore,thestart of 2001providesnewchallenges
withtheadvent of anew presidential administrationfollowingthe inauguration of Mr.
GeorgeW.Bush;theappointment of newCabinetSecretariesandseniorExecutiveBranch
officials;and extensive changes totheleadership of the Congressional appropriating and
authorizing committees.Promoting andprotectingtheinterests of theCity of SouthMiami
requires the development of a strategic plan supported bya Washington-based consultant that
willprovidetheCitywithanongoingandactivepresence,in-depth substantive and
proceduralknowledge,andwell-establishedbureaucraticand bi-partisan political
relationships.This document providesanoverview of theexperience,qualifications,andprior
accomplishments of Vierra Associatesastheyrelatetoourproposaltodevelopand
implementastrategicplantoadvancetheFederalagenda of theCity of SouthMiami.
Qualifications of Vierra Associates
Mr.DennisC.Vierra,principal of VierraAssociates,hasnearlytwodecades of continuous
serviceinprovidingpublicandprivatesectorclientswithstrategicadvicethatcomesfrom
applyingtheperspectivesgainedthroughbroad experience in:(1)workingwithclientsto
assesstheirlegislativeinterestsanddevelopingacustomizedlegislativestrategytopursuea
client's Federalagenda;(2)maintainingeffectiverelationswiththeCongress,officialsofthe
ExecutiveBranch,andcareercivilservicepeopleintheFederalagencies;(3)securing
appropriation and authorization provisions in Congressional billsandreportstoadvance
clientFederalagendas;and(4)providing technical assistance necessarytosuccessfully
pursue and secure Federal approval and support forthe projects advanced by clients.
The qualifications and experiences offered by Vierra Associates putthefirminthe unique
position of knowing the programs,issues,legislative process,relevant Federal law,
institutional practices,and Congressional and Executive Branch personalities criticaltothe
successfuloutcome of theFederalagenda of theCity of SouthMiami.Mr.Vierrawould
drawuponthese qualifications and experiences toworkaspartofateamwithofficialsofthe
City of SouthMiamito develop and implement a customized strategicplanfortheCity's
Federalagendabasedonhisassessment of theCity'sinterestsandstrengths.Inadditionto
assistingtheCityindevelopingthestrategicplan,Mr.Vierrawouldprovideadvocacy,
information/reporting/assessment,monitoring and tracking,relationshipbuilding,andissue
supportservicestoassisttheCityinits implementation ofthestrategicplan.
Thephilosophy of VierraAssociatesisoneofapartnershipwithitsclients.Vierra
Associatesstrives to work asa member of aseamlessteam with its clients,providing them
withstrategicplanningandfollow-uptodevelopanddeliverthe client's messagewithan
effectivelevel of visibility and effectiveness inWashingtonina bi-partisan manner tothe
Legislative and Executive Branches of theFederalGovernment.
Services Offered by Vierra Associates
*Strategic Guidance developed tooptimizethe ability of the City of SouthMiami
to achieve its Federal agenda.Vierra Associates iswell experienced in developing
effective lobbying strategies and implementing client legislative agendas.Such
strategicguidanceassessesclientneeds;thecompetitive environment of client
interests within thestateCongressionaldelegation,the Congressional committees of
jurisdiction andthediscretionaryfundingprogramsadministeredbyagencieswithin
theExecutiveBranch;pasteffectiveness of variousadvocacystrategiesandtactics;
and countless other factors.Vierra Associates hasa strong track record in assisting
clientsindevelopingacarefullyconstructedworkplan designed tooptimizeall
availableresourcesandopportunitiestopromoteandprotectclientinterests.In
ordertokeepa client's strategyon-target,VierraAssociatesworkswiththeclientto
maintainoverallfocusonthestrategicplanaswellasto periodically reassessthe
viabilityandeffectiveness of theoverallstrategytoensuretheoptimaluse of all
resourcesandeffortsexpendedinpursuit of a client's Federalagenda.
*Congressional Liaison targeted tothe appropriations and authorizing committees
andthe Florida Congressional delegation (notethatMr.Vierra has worked
successfully with Members of the Florida Congressional delegation inhis
representation of various publicandprivate sector Florida entities since 1983).
*Executive Branch Liaison targeted to Federal agencies charged with the
stewardship of Federal programs of interest totheCity of South Miami;tothe
Office of the President (particularly toMr.Andrew Card -Chief of Staff of the
Bush WhiteHouse and former Secretary of Transportation);and tothe Office of
Management and Budget (particularly toMr.Mitchell Daniels,Jr.,-OMB Director
forthe new Bush Administration and former colleague of Mr.Vierra on the Senate
Banking Committee).
*Technical Assistance,as necessary,toassistthe grantsmanship and related efforts
tosecurefundingandtoimplementprojectsidentifiedinthe City's Federalagenda.
Vierra Associates alsooffers clients technical assistance to implement the strategic
plandevelopedfortheclient,toincludethedrafting of writtenandoralstatements
for submittal to Congressional committees,Congressional billand report language,
floor statements and Congressional correspondence usedby Members,staff and
committees to advance clientagendaswith officials of Federal agencies inthe
Executive Branch aswellasthe mobilization and deployment of grassroots and
community stakeholder support forclientagendas.
*Other Liaison Activities to include interaction with the State of Florida-
Washington OfficeandWashingtonrepresentatives of otherFloridamunicipalities,
asappropriate,aswellaswithWashington-basedorganizationsincludingthe
National League of CitiesandotherpublicinterestgroupswithwhichtheCity of
South Miami may share common interests.
*Information/Reporting Services toincludethetimely reporting of Congressional
and Executive Branch events,actionsand opportunities;analyzing anticipated
resulting impactsontheinterests of theCityanditsFederalagenda;and
recommending actionsthattheCityanditsCongressional delegation mighttaketo
best protect andpromotethe City's interests.
A Compelling Record of Success
VierraAssociateshasestablishedacompellingrecord of successinprovidingstrategic
planningandgovernmentrelationsservicestoclients,andinsecuringFederalfundingand
projectgrant approvals,both directly from the Congress andthrough discretionary and
competitive grantprogramsinthe Executive Branch departments and agencies.Intermsof
appropriations and authorizations,Vierra Associates hasassistedclientsindevelopingand
implementing strategic plansfor pursuing their Federal agendas thathave resulted in securing
over$4billionin provisions for clients.Innovative and creative approaches tomeetingclient
needshaveresultedinconcretebenefitsthroughincreasedfunding,recognitionandaccess.
Cost Proposal
Vierra Associates proposes to provide the services generally outlined per this presentation for
a one year fixed fee sum of $36,000.00,subject to negotiation with the City of South Miami.
Additional costs may be incurred based on written directives,issued to Vierra Associates by a
designated official ofthe City ofSouth Miami,providing the advance authorization of such
costs and commitment for full reimbursement of such costs by the City of South Miami.
Conclusion
Vierra Associates believes that the range of skills,intimate knowledge of the Federal policy,
program and funding processes,and the bipartisan access to the Legislative and Executive
Branches ofthe Federal Government offered byits principal,Mr.Dennis C.Vierra,will
quickly prove to be assets to the City ofSouth Miami.Vierra Associates stands ready to
assist the City;we are confident we can deliver effective and cost-efficient strategic planning
and implementation services that will advance the City's Federal agenda within the
Legislative and Executive Branches ofthe Federal Government.Vierra Associates provides
solid expertise and awareness as a result ofour working knowledge and personal relationships
with the Members andstaffof both bodies of Congress and key Executive Branch officials.
We have a consistent and proven track record of accessing the key decision-makers of both
the Congress and the Executive Branch,informing them of client issues,and effectively
advocating policy issues and program funding decisions with regard to client interests.
We appreciate the opportunity to present our qualifications and look forward to the
opportunity to further discuss how we can work together to develop a strategic plan to define
and advance the Federal agenda ofthe City of South Miami with the Congress,the Bush
Administration,andtheagencies of theExecutiveBranch.
DENNIS C.VIERRA
Education
University of Iowa.Master of ArtsdegreeinUrbanand Regional Planning.1973
University of Wisconsin.Bachelor of Artsdegreein Economics,1969.
Professional Experience
GovernmentRelationsConsultant (1983-present).VierraAssociates,Inc.,Washington,D.C.President
ofa Washington-based firm providing government relations services to public and private sector clients
to represent their interests with the Legislative and Executive Branches of the Federal Government.
Congressional Fellow (1981-1983).United States Senate,Washington,D.C.Served as Special
Advisor under the Congressional Fellow Program ofthe American Political Science Association with
theoffice of SenatorAlfonse D'Amato whileonasabbaticalfromtheUrbanMassTransportation
Administration.
Transportation Representative (1980-1981),Community Planner (1979-1980),Planning Representative
(1977-1979).Urban Mass Transportation Administration,Washington,D.C.Headquarters'liaison for
the development,coordination,management and evaluation of grants assistance activities (particularly
for rapid rail,light rail,major bus and commuter rail projects),in assigned geographic regions.
Public Transportation Planner (1975-1977).Wisconsin Department of Transportation,Madison,
Wisconsin.Coordinator of statewide study of transportation forthe elderly andthe handicapped.
Provided technical assistance/liaison throughout thestateongeneral transportation and
elderly/handicapped issues to metropolitan planning organizations,transit planning/operating agencies,
legislativeandcitizensgroups
Transportation Coordinator (1974-1975).Indian Nations Council of Governments,Tulsa,Oklahoma.
Directed transportation planning element of metropolitan planning organization,including the multi
modalTulsaMetropolitanAreaTransportationStudy.
Planner (1973-1974).Indian Nations Council of Governments,Tulsa,Oklahoma.Directed mass
transportation planning element ofthe Tulsa Metropolitan Area Transportation Study.
References
The Honorable Ileana Ros-Lehtinen The Honorable Carrie Meek
U.S.House of Representatives U.S.House of Representatives
Washington,D.C.20515 Washington,D.C.20515
(202)225-3931 (202)225-4506
The Honorable Norman Y.Mineta,Secretary Mr.JohnT.Blazey,II
U.S.Department of Transportation Committee on Appropriations
Seventh Street,S.W.House of Representatives
Washington,D.C.20590 Washington,DC 20515
(202)366-2222 (202)225-2771
/tTrACH0ie«T Z.
CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI
To:Mayor and Commission _Date:September 1,1998 g-.
From:Charles Scurr */j f_^7 Agenda Item ##T>^
City Manager /iff.If JC*"Contractual Services -State Legislative
(Lobbying)Services
The purpose ofthis memorandum is to recommend the selection for State Legislative (Lobbying)
Services.
The creation ofa new Office of Intergovernmental Affairs was approved as part of the FY 1998-
99 Budget.One of the cornerstones of this new Office is the retention of professional lobbyists.
The use of lobbyists is essential for the City to successfully compete for funding.The
Commission approved a total of $48,000 for these services.The discussion accompanying the
appropriation indicated that it might be possible to obtain the services of two firms,possibly in
some type of partnership,for this amount.
In July 1998 an RFP No.SLS-83198 was advertised for State Legislative Services.The RFP
included adetailed description of the services requested and provided criteria that the City would
use in selection.The criteria included:
1.Experience &knowledge of the contractor.
2.The experience ofthe contractor in representing entities comparable to the City.
3.The ability of the contractor to provide all ofthe services specified in the scope of
work.
4.The accomplishments,generally,ofthe contractor in representing entities comparable
tothe City.
5.The accomplishments,specifically,of the contractor in securing medium ($500,000
to $1million)and large (over $1million)appropriations.
A total of 11 firms/individuals picked up copies of the RFP.A total of six individuals/firms
responded.A Review Committee chaired by Fernando Rodriguez reviewed the proposals.The
Committee rated the proposals in three categories:
1.MostHighlyQualified(Tier 1);
2.Qualified (Tier 2);and
3.MinimallyorNot Qualified (Tier3).
The Committee rated the firms as follows:
Tier 1 Gomez Barker Associates
Ronald L.Book,P.A.
Tier 2 Public Private Partnership
Maury Management Group
Tier3RobertM.Levy&Associates
Rodriguez Pina&Associates
Based on the aboveIam recommending:
1.The selection of the two Most Highly Qualified (Tier 1)firms to represent the City -
Gomez Barker Associates and Ronald L.Book,P.A.;
2.The allocation of $45,000 for this purpose to be used by the two firms in a team
partnership;and
3.The selection of the Maury Management Group in the sum of $3,000 to support the
joint lobbying efforts of the City and Chamber South.Although Maury Management
Group does not have the experience and public sector client base of the two Tier 1
firms,they do have an ongoing relationship with Chamber South that I recommend
the City support.
Copies of the RFP.Review Committee Report,and the proposals of Gomez Barker Associates
and Ronald L.Book.P.A.are attached.
1 RESOLUTION NO.
2 ~"
3A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
4 SOUTH MIAMI.FLORIDA,RELATING TO STATE LEGISLATIVE (LOBBYING)
5 SERVICES;APPROVING FUNDING IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED
6 $45,000.00 FOR THE FIRMS OF GOMEZ BARKER &RONALD L.BOOK.PA-
7 AND AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $3,000.00 FOR THE MAURY
8 MANAGEMENT GROUP FROM ACCOUNT NUMBER 001-1315-513-3450
9 CONTRACTUAL SERVICES '
10
li
12
13 WHEREAS,the City of South Miami has established an Office of Intergovernmental Affairs with
14 the purpose of securing appropriations and funding from the State of Florida;and
16 WHEREAS,the use of professional lobbying services is essential to the success of this Office-
17 and
18
19 WHEREAS,the City advertised and competitivelv solicited for these services through RFP No
20 SLS-83l98:and **
21
22 WHEREAS,a Review Committee has completed the review of these proposals.
24 NOW.THEREFORE.BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF
25 THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI:
26
27 Section '•The City Commission hereby authorizes the City Manager to enter into a
28 Professional Services Agreement for State Legislative (Lobbying)Services with the Team of Gomez
29 Barker Associates &Ronald L.Book.P.A.in an amount not to exceed $45,000.00 and with the Maury
j0 Management Group in an amount not to exceed $3,000.00 from Account '#001-1315-513-3450
j I Contractual Services.
32
33 Section 2.This resolution shall take effect immediately upon approval.
35
36 PASSED AND ADOPTED this.day of 1998
37 :'
38ATTEST:APPROVED:
39
40
41
42 City Clerk Mayor
43
44READANDAPPROVED AS TO FORM-
45
46
47
48CityAttorney
G&gftfottthJffiami,
CHARLES O.SCURR
CITY MANAGER AIM SUNSET DRIVE
SOUTH MIAMI.FLORIOA 33U3
308/663-6338
FAX663~63«8
City of South Miami
Request for Proposals
State Legislative Services
RFP NO.SLS-83198
July 17,1998
General Information
The City of South Miami seeks to retain the services of a legislative consultants)for
matters in which theCitymay need professional services before the Florida Legislature,
State of Florida administrative agencies,the Florida Governor and Cabinet,et.al.Such
services shall include attending state legislative committee hearings and meetings,rule
making proceedings and administrative or legislative agency meetings.The contract
services shall include,but not necessarily be-limited to:scheduled,extended,special
legislative sessions and meetings;state administrative and agency hearings,meetings or
rule making proceedings;and legal,grant and legislative consulting services in
accordance withthe terms and conditions ofthis Request for Proposals.
The successful contractor shall agree to be available at all times to be available upon
reasonable request to meet with City officials:and to attend meetings,represent the
interests of the City,and act a liaison between the City and all branches,departments and
agencies of State government,at any legislative committee meeting or meetings with the
Governor,Cabinet,or Cabinet members,or state agencies.
The contractor shall maintain a year round active presence in Tallahassee,Florida and
also a staffed office presence during the legislative session and be able to provide staff
and office support toCity officials when traveling to Tallahassee.Consultants must also
have an in-depth knowledge of issues and programs affecting the City and Miami-Dade
County and have an outstanding record of accomplishment in representing local
governments,particularly inthe grant funding area.
Professional Services Required
The contractor shall provide the following services to the City:
h%S££Z£g£ls£existins md proposed statt po,icies-*«—
2.Assist the City in the development of it's legislative program.The scooe of thelegislativeprogramshouldincludeallCityDepartmentsfffa^£££pohce.public works,solid waste,environmental regulations.pSTSwSdevelopmentcommunityredevelopmentagency,housing,Pr2veZneIcomputersandtelecommunication,planning,traffic.trarJponation Sservicesandinfrastructuredevelopment,etc.H««<«ron.central
3.Provide specific assistance to the City in the identification,develooment.
%ZSZZXS££l?*requests--aran*-«***£ZZ
rS m^eHegiSla,ir C°Tinee meetings'state •««»*heari"gs and meetingsaSXSltJgtber6SUlar'and -special '^lative sessions relativTr^heCityslegislativeprogramorotherissuesthatmayimpacttheCity.
Work with City staff and the Miami-Dade legislative delegation to develonspec^or general legation necessary for and supportive of th^US
6-^?^^^££^^^«amendment of
1 bSofi'Sj bef°re ""LeSiSlatUK-G°Vem0r'-d Cabin«"nKeS^«
8*oSZt'ff bef°re St3te agency hearin8s«budS«nieetings,rule making orotheradministrativeagencyorlegislativemeetingsorTbehalfoffteCity
9-issai^sarmeetinss between a*•*--d
10.Provide staff,office and logistical support to City officials while in Tallahassee.
5SS2T 5C5l^LSfr0""sha11 taj-.d?u ed a-necess^upudics on ine v.uy s legislative program and funding requests.
4.
5.
12.The contractor may be requested,on a very limited basis,to provide support on
County and Federal matters.Itis understood thatthese areas are notthe focus of
this RFP.
General Terms and Conditions
1.The City shall provide a monthly retainer for the above referenced services.The
monthly retainer shall be negotiated with the selected contractors).The monthly
retainer shall include all fees,including contractor travel,postage,telephone,etc.
Additional extraordinary expenses may be allowable on a pre-approved case by
case basis.
2.The City reserves the right to select one or more contractors and the ability to
designate lead responsibility if more than one contractor is engaged.
3.The contractor shall report to the City Manager,or assigned designee.
4.The contractor is an independent contractor under this Agreement.
5.The contractor shall not represent clients in matters adverse to the City,and shall
make promptly knownany conflicts or potential conflicts.If said conflicts cannot
be satisfactorily resolved to the City's satisfaction than the City reserves the right
to suspend and/or terminate the services of the contractor and procure same from
other contractors.
6.The contractor acknowledges that he/she has not been convicted ofa public entity
crimeor placed on the convicted vendor list.
7.The City reserves the right to delete or modify the services and scope of work
under this contract at any time,with or without cause.If such scope of work is
reduced the payment to the contractor shall be reduced bya commensurate
amount
8.The contractor may not change the principal person(s)working on this contract
without the express permission ofthe City.
9.The City reserves the right to negotiate the fee schedule proposed by the
Contractor under this RFP in order to meet City budgetary constraints.
10.Joint ventures are allowed.Participation by minorities and women is encouraged.
RFP Documents Required
Each contractor shall submit 10 copies of the followine:
1.Acover letter indicating the contractors interest in providing these services to the
v^iiy.
2.A brief history of the contractor,including how long the contractor has been
engaged in this field of work.
3.A list of the principal(s)who will be responsible for providing the specified
services,including resumes or biographies for each person.
4.All current local municipal.County,regional and state clients of the contractor
including for each client:(a)the length of the contract:b)the scope of services
provided:c)the type of contract (pro bono,retainer,project based fee etc d)
accomplishments achieved for the client including legislative appropriations-'and
e)acontact name and phone number forthe client.
5.Any prior or private sector clients that may be relevant,providing the same
information as above.
6.Copies of any press articles,profiles,commendations,etc.that may assist the City
in it s evaluation.J
7.A list of references,including comparable jurisdictions to the City and elected
officials (Pleaselimitto5).
8.An original signed copy of this RFQ wherein the contractor acknowledges and
warrants that he/she has read and agrees with all of the terms and conditions
contained herein.
9.Proposed monthly retainer fee to provide the services.
Timetable and Process
^^nPJS mUSl bue.Jreturned t0 the Citv Manager's office no later than 5:00 PM on AugustoIw."A.^blf¥inference will be held on Thursdav August 6.1998 at 9:00 AM at
South Miami City Hall.
The City will evaluate the RFFs based on the following criteria:
1.Theexperienceandknowledge of the contractor.
2.The experience of the contractor in representing entities comparable to the City.
3.The ability ofthe contractor to provide all of the services specified in the scope of
work.
4.The accomplishments,generally,of the contractor in representing entities
comparable tothe City.
5.The accomplishments,specifically,of the contractor in securing medium
($500,000 to $1 million)and large (over SI million)appropriations for it's clients
across a broad range of functional areas and departments.
Contractor Date
Contractor Date
CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI
INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO:Charles D.Scurr
City Manager
FROM:FernandoJ.Rodriguez
Public Works Director
DATE:October 16,1998
RE:Professional Lobbying
Review of Proposals
Many local governments employ the services of professional lobbvists on a retainer
contract basis.This is a highly cost-effective approach to obtain gram funding which is
available at the county,state and federal levels.A municipality may opt to^lobby for
funding through the efforts of its elected officials.However,this approach is not
practical and does not maximize effectiveness.Successful lobbying is a time consuming
activity requiring significant experience and tenacity.It is a potentially high-yield pursuit
thatisbestleftto professionals.
The marked increase in project activity that South Miami is currently experiencing
requires a significant amount of funding.Many of the grant monies available each year
can be tapped into through the employment of competent lobbying firms.To this end.
requests for lobbying services proposals have been solicited from several South Florida
based firms.
A review committee comprised of the Assistant City Manager and department heads
evaluated all proposals with the following results:
Rank Firm
Tier 1-Most Highly Qualified
1Gomez Barker Associates,Inc.
Comments
Extensive experience and retainers
with Miami-Dade County,City of
Miami Beach,andCityof West
Miami.Obtained grant funding
totaling $15M for above three
entities.
\continued...
MAYOR AND COMMISSION
Rank Firm \
2 Ronald L.Book.P.A.
PAGE TWO OCTOBER 20,1998
Comments
Tier 2-Qualified
3 Public Private Partnership,Inc.
4 Maury Management Group
Extensive list of clients,including
Miami-Dade County,cities of North
Miami.North Miami Beach,and
Aventura.Impressive funding
amounts listed for various charitable
foundations/programs.
Inbusinessfor close toa decade.
Highly qualifiedstaff.Clients
include Broward County,Miami-
Dade County (6 mos.into a 1-year
retainer)andCity of Gretna.FL
(obtained $1.9M for water system
projects.)
The proposal lists no municipalities
currently on retainer contracts.The
firm does exhibit potential tobe
useful toasmallcitybyvirtueof
theirexperience,contacts and desire
to work with clients.
Tier 3 -Minimally Qualified or Proposals That Did Not Meet RFP Requirements
5 Robert M.Levy &Associates This firm lists good qualifications.
However,thepackagesubmittedis
weak in details and presentation.
This firm submitted a weak package
interms of details and effort.
Retainers are listed for Miami-Dade
and City of South Bay.No funding
amounts obtained are listed.
The fee listed on the proposals were not given heavy consideration due to their similarity
(monthly fee ranged from $2,600 to $3,500 for top three respondents)and their
negotiability.The evaluation of the six proposals has narrowed the choices of two firms
that can best assist the City in obtaining valuable funding.These firms are
recommended.
RodriguezPina&Associates