Item Coversheet

CITY OF HOUSTON - CITY COUNCIL

Meeting Date: 12/4/2018
ALL
Item Creation Date: 8/27/2018

E26653 - State Lobbyist Representation Services - ORDINANCE

Agenda Item#: 49.


 
                               
Summary:

ORDINANCE approving and authorizing sole source Professional Services Contract between the City of Houston and HILLCO PARTNERS, LLC for representation of the City for State Lobbyist Representation Services; providing a maximum contract amount - 2 years - $662,046.00   General Fund

Background:

Sole Source for S36-E26653 - Approve an ordinance awarding a sole source professional services contract to HillCo Partners, LLC in the amount not to exceed $662,046.00 for State Lobbyist Representation Services for the Mayor's Office of Government Relations.

 

Specific Explanation:

The Director of Government Relations and the Chief Procurement Officer recommend that City Council approve an ordinance awarding a two (2) year contract to HillCo Partners, LLC for state lobbyist representation services in the amount not to exceed $662,046.00 for the Mayor's Office of Government Relations.

 

The scope of work requires the contractor to work with Government Relations (GR) to provide lobbying services for proactive legislation, adverse legislation, filed legislation, and general services; which includes, but is not limited to; (1) Working with GR to identify and prepare potential proactive legislation, (2) Assisting the GR Team in tracking adverse legislation throughout the legislative process, (3) In consultation with GR, monitor filed legislation to identify bills which may be adverse to the City, and (4) Build on its working relations with members of the Houston delegation and work with City Council members to develop a system of personal contacts and grassroots support during critical times during the legislative process. Reference: Agreement for State Lobbying Services, Exhibit A, for a detailed Scope of Services.

 

For the past 2 years, HillCo has represented the City of Houston and helped facilitate passage of the landmark pension reform bill. This measure represented one of the toughest legislative accomplishments for the City of Houston.

 

This contract reflects a reduction of $95,004.08 from the previous contract for the 85th  session of the Texas Legislature (December 1, 2016 through November 30, 2018).

 

MWBE Participation

Zero-Percentage Goal document approved by the Office of Business Opportunity.

 

Pay or Play:

The proposed contract requires compliance with the City's 'Pay or Play' ordinance regarding health benefits for employees of City contractors. In this case, the contractor provides health benefits to eligible employees in compliance with City policy.

 

Hire Houston First:

This procurement is exempt from the City's 'Hire Houston First Ordinance. Bids/proposals were not solicited because the department is utilizing a sole source contractor for this purchase.


Fiscal Note:
Funding for this item is included in the FY19 Adopted Budget. Therefore, no Fiscal Note is required as stated in the Financial Policies.

 

 

_______________________________________

___________________________________

Jerry Adams, Chief Procurement Officer

Finance/Strategic Procurement Division

Department Approval Authority

Estimated Spending Authority

DEPARTMENT

FY2019

OUT YEARS

TOTAL

Mayor’s Office of Governmental Relations

$564,653.00

$97,393.00

$662,046.00


Prior Council Action:

 

Amount and Source of Funding:

$662,046.00

General Fund

Fund 1000

Contact Information:

NAME:

DEPARTMENT/DIVISION

PHONE

Brenda Chagoya, Division Manager

FIN/SPD

(832) 393-8723

Valerie Player-Kaufman, Sr. Procurement Specialist

FIN/SPD

 

(832) 393-8749

Bill Kelly, Director of Government Relations

MYR

(832) 393-0805


ATTACHMENTS:
DescriptionType
Coversheet (revised)Signed Cover sheet