Request for Qualifications received April 26, 2017 for S69-Q26531.1 – Approve an Ordinance authorizing a contract between the City of Houston and Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP in the amount not to exceed $744,000.00 for general citywide federal lobbyist services for the Office of Government Relations.
Specific Explanation:
The Director of the Office of Government Relations and the Chief Procurement Officer recommend that City Council approve an Ordinance awarding a contract for two (2) years, with one (1) one-year option to Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP in the amount not to exceed $744,000.00 for general citywide federal lobbyist services for the Office of Government Relations.
The City of Houston’s Office of Government Relations coordinate and supervise the City’s legislative program at the state and federal levels. It works closely with federal lobbyists to promote the City’s interests before two of the three branches of the federal government. The federal lobbyist shall advise and advocate on legislative, regulatory and policy issues under consideration by the U.S. Congress and federal agencies. The lobbyist will assist the City in monitoring and advocating on legislative and regulatory measures that have potential impact on all City interests.
The scope of work requires the contractor to demonstrate particular expertise representing metropolitan government in the areas of, but not limited to, Congressional members, staff and committees, Federal agencies, including U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Homeland Security (Customs and Border Protection; Transportation Security Administration), Department of State, Department of Justice, Department of Energy, Department of Defense, Commerce Department, Environmental Protection Agency, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and other agencies as needed.
The contractor must commit to providing, at no cost to the City, 10 hours of pro bono legal services per year. Such pro bono services may include: representation before regulatory agencies, commentary on federal rules, or assistance on federal legal issues to the City of Houston Legal Department. In addition, the contractor will not represent third parties in meetings or through electronic or telephonic communications before the City and/or with City Officials during the period they are under contract and for 12 months thereafter.
The Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was advertised in accordance with the State of Texas bid laws, and thus, submittals were received from seven (7) firms: Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, Clark Hill PLC, Federal Hall Policy Advisors, LLC, The Franklin Partnership, LLP, Greenberg Traurig, LLP, Holland & Knight LLP, and Squire Patton Boggs. The evaluation committee consisted of evaluators from the Mayor’s Office, the Office of Government Relations, and the Houston Airport System. The evaluation was based upon the following criteria:
1. Responsiveness of Proposal
2. Technical Competence
3. Rate Submittal
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP was deemed as having met all requirements.
M/WBE Participation:
The request for qualifications was issued as a goal-oriented contract with a 19% M/WBE participation level. Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP has designated the below-named company as its certified M/WBE subcontractor.
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SUBCONTRACTOR
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TYPE OF WORK
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AMOUNT
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%
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REM Services, Inc.
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Serving as United States Conference on Mayors (USCM) and African American Mayors Association Liaison and providing strategic advice.
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$141,360.00
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19%
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Pay or Play Program:
The proposed contract requires compliance with the City’s ‘Pay or Play’ Ordinance regarding health benefits for employees of City contractors. In this case, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP has selected to provide health benefits to eligible employees in compliance with City policy.
Hire Houston First:
The proposed contract requires compliance with the City’s ‘Hire Houston First’ Ordinance that promotes economic opportunity for Houston businesses and supports job creation. In this case, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP does not meet the requirements for HHD designation; no HHF firms were within five percent.
Fiscal Note:
Funding for this item is included in the FY2019 Adopted Budget. Therefore, no Fiscal Note is required as stated in the Financial Policies.
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_______________________________________
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___________________________________
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Jerry Adams, Chief Procurement Officer
Finance/Strategic Procurement Division
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Department Approval Authority
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Estimated Spending Authority
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DEPARTMENT
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FY2019
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OUT YEARS
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TOTAL
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Office of Government Relations
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$248,000.00
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$496,000.00
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$744,000.00
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