Professional Services for S36-E32439 - Approve an ordinance awarding an Agreement to Locke Lord, LLP in the maximum contract amount of $757,000.00 to provide professional lobbying services for the Mayor's Office of Government Relations.
Specific Explanation:
The Director of Government Relations and the Interim Chief Procurement Officer recommend that City Council approve an ordinance awarding a two-year agreement to Locke Lord, LLP in the maximum contract amount of $757,000.00 for professional lobbying services for the Mayor's Office of Government Relations.
The scope of work requires the contractor to perform services in coordination with the Director of the Mayor's Office of Government Relations to provide lobbying services for proactive legislation, adverse legislation, filed legislation, and general services. Specifically, the Contractor’s services shall include the following: 1) Develop and execute a government relations plan of action to lobby the state legislature and work with elected officials and state agencies on legislation identified by the City, 2) Represent the interests of the City at the state level in seeking, supporting or opposing legislation, rules, regulations, policies and programs that may affect the City, including drafting proposed legislation and amendments; identifying sponsors of legislation and amendments; and lobbying the passage or defeat of legislation and amendments, and 3) Engage subcontractors to be part of the lobby team, and pay, manage and direct the subcontractors during the 88th Legislature, Regular Session; and government relations services required during the interim. Reference: Agreement for Professional Lobbying Services, Exhibit A, for a detailed Scope of Work.
This recommendation is made pursuant to subsection 252.022(a)(4) of the Texas Government Code, which provides that "a procurement for personal, professional or planning services" is exempt from the competitive requirements for purchases.
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 proposed contract requires compliance with the City's compliance with the City's "Hire Houston First" (HHF) ordinance. Proposals were not solicited because the department is utilizing a professional service contractor for this purchase.
Fiscal Note:
Funding for this item is included in the FY2023 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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Jedediah Greenfield,
Interim Chief Procurement Officer
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Bill Kelly
Director of Governmental Relations
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Estimated Spending Authority
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DEPARTMENT
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FY2023
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OUTYEARS
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TOTAL
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General Government
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$652,000.00
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$105,000.00
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$757,000.00
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