Title
Contract for Federal Lobbying Services (NB)
Explanation
The City of Gainesville originally entered in a contract with Marilyn Berry Thompson through the law firm of Jorden Burt et.al. to provide federal lobbying services and related government liaison services in April 1992. In 2008 the contract was amended to indicate Ms Thompson and the Jorden Burt Federal Government Relations Team's move to MWW Group, Inc. Through the years, the contract has been renewed and currently involves both General Government as well as Gainesville Regional Utility lobbying services. The last contract extension, for which the City Commission waived the Purchasing rules, was approved in Fiscal Year 2008 and is scheduled to end September 30, 2010.
City staff is pleased with the services provided by Marilyn Berry Thompson (MBT) and her staff. Through the fifteen years of the contract, the City of Gainesville has secured over $55 million in incremental federal support up to and through the FY 2010 Congressional appropriations and grant cycle. Based on previous performance, staff is recommending a new two-year contract.
Fiscal Note
Staff is proposing the City contract with MWW Group, Inc. for two years, FY 11 to FY 12. The fee for General Government for FY 11 and FY 12 will be $113,000. The fee for Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) will be $30,000 annually. The MWW Group, Inc. will continue to pay all expenses without reimbursement. Also, staff is recommending that the professional services by Marilyn Berry Thompson be considered as a specified source or non-competitive contract under the City's Purchasing Policies for the following reasons:
* Extensive history with the City of Gainesville, requiring a new vendor an extensive learning curve relating to past legislative initiatives.
* Established relationships with existing elected officials and staff involved in legislative processes are already in place.
* Established track record and knowledge of th...
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