Title
Approve and authorize the Contracts/Purchasing Officer to sign a Professional Services Agreement with JEA & Associates for the provision of state legislative advocacy services at a cost of $144,000, for the one (1) year period of July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve and authorize the Contracts/Purchasing Officer to sign a Professional Services Agreement with JEA & Associates for the provision of state legislative advocacy services at a cost of $144,000, for the one (1) year period of July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014
SUMMARY:
JEA & Associates (JEA) is a Sacramento based firm with expertise in state legislative advocacy services. This Agreement with JEA provides Monterey County with legislative advocacy services at the State level, thereby enhancing the County's opportunities to influence legislation, access funding, work with legislators and agencies and their staffs, and implement the goals of the Board of Supervisors' Legislative Program.
DISCUSSION:
Over the past 17 years, JEA has represented Monterey County's interests in Sacramento and provided the County with strategic legislative advocacy and governmental affairs services. During this time JEA has been instrumental in assisting the County in accomplishing numerous goals set forth by the Board of Supervisors, aided in securing millions of dollars in state funding for County projects and programs, effectively advocated the County's positions on a wide variety of issues to legislators, agency staff, and other key decision makers, and fostered direct communication between the County and its representatives in Sacramento to build support for numerous County projects and programs. Recent accomplishments by JEA are described in the attached memo dated 10/3/13 (Attachment 1).
Despite the County's satisfaction with JEA, it is appropriate to solicit other possible providers through the issuance of a Request for Qualifications, to ensure that the County receives the best possible service.
Under the proposed Agreement, JEA will continue its efforts to advance the County's existing state legislative priorities while the RFQ process is conducted. JEA will provide strategic advice and assistance in development and execution of the Board of Supervisors' Legislative Program, and on other issues as directed by the Board's Legislative Committee, in coordination with Committee staff and County departments as appropriate. A detailed description of services provided under this Agreement and terms of payment is provided in Exhibit A to the Agreement (Attachment 2).
For several months staff has attempted to process contract amendments to extend the County's contract with JEA. Staff was recently advised by County Counsel to process a new contract in order to avoid any further internal complications. Throughout this process JEA has continued to provide excellent service to the County, but has not billed the County for work performed since July 1, 2013.
Meanwhile, the County received a request from JEA for a contract increase. During the 2009 economic recession the County reduced funding for the JEA contract, without a reduction in work, from $156,000 to $129,600 annually to assist the County in balancing its budget. To date the cut has not been restored. JEA requests a 10% increase, from $129,600 to $144,000 annually, retroactive to July 1, 2013.
The County has worked with JEA & Associates for many years and is pleased with their performance, responsiveness, and proactive actions related to the County's interests.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The County Administrative Office - Intergovernmental and Legislative Affairs Division staffs and coordinates the activities of the Board of Supervisors' Legislative Committee and executes the Board's Legislative Program. The Legislative Committee reviewed this Agreement on October 22, 2013, and recommends approval by the Board of Supervisors.
FINANCING:
This Agreement provides for a one (1) year contract with JEA & Associates for the provision of State legislative advocacy services for the term of July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014 at an annual cost of $144,000, consisting of $12,000 monthly retainers. Funding in the amount of $129,600 is included in the FY13-14 Adopted Budget. Due to timing issues, the 10% increase of $14,400 was not included in FY 2013-14 Adopted Budget. Since this budget unit is fully committed in the current fiscal year, the additional cost will be absorbed through salary savings. Monterey County's Legislative Program is funded in County Administrative Office-Department 1050, Intergovernmental & Legislative Affairs Division-Unit 8054.
Prepared by:
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Annette D'Adamo
Management Analyst III
Approved by:
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Nicholas E. Chiulos
Assistant County Administrative Officer
Attachments: (1)- Memo from JEA & Associates (dated October 3, 2013) and (2)- Professional Services Agreement with JEA & Associates