Title
Contract for Federal Lobbying Services (B)
This is request for the City Commission to approve an agreement between the City of Gainesville and MWW Group, Inc., for federal lobbying services.
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 reflect 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 most recently involved both General Government and Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) lobbying services. The City of Gainesville last entered into an agreement with MWW Group, Inc., on October 1, 2012 which expired on September 30, 2014.
City staff has been pleased with the services provided by Marilyn Berry Thompson (MBT) and her staff. The City of Gainesville has secured over $75 million in incremental federal support by contracting with Marilyn Berry Thompson throughout the years. Based on previous performance, staff is recommending a new one year contract.
Fiscal Note
Staff is proposing that the City contract with MWW Group, Inc., for a one year period beginning October 1, 2014 and ending September 30, 2015. The fee for General Government and GRU will remain the same as FY13 and FY 14 or $395 per hour up to a maximum amount not-to-exceed one hundred thirteen dollars ($113,000) for General Governments and a maximum amount not-to-exceed thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) for GRU. 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, negating an extensive l...
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