RPVCCA_SR_2010_08_17_06_Federal_Funding_For_San_Ramon_Canyon_Stabilization_ProjectCITY OF
MEMORANDUM
RANCHO PALOS VERDES
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Staff Coordinator:
HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
CAROLYN LEHR,CITY MANAGER aY-
AUGUST 17,2010
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR
ADVOCACY SERVICES TO OBTAIN FEDERAL
FUNDING FOR SAN RAMON CANYON STABILIZATION
PROJECT
Sara Singer,Senior Administrative Analyst (j!)
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign a FY10-11 Professional Services Agreement
with a federal advocacy firm to seek federal funding for the San Ramon Canyon
Stabilization Project.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
The San Ramon Canyon Stabilization Project (a.k.a.the Palos Verdes Drive East/Palos
Verdes Drive South Roadway Stabilization Project)is located in the southeastern corner of
the City at the border of Rancho Palos Verdes and the City of Los Angeles.The San
Ramon Canyon also adjoins Los Angeles County's Regional Friendship Park.The canyon
provides a natural drainage course for neighborhoods near Palos Verdes Drive East.
Landslide induced rock and soil deposits in the canyon bottom are being transported by
heavy rainfall events down the canyon and are flooding the roadway where Palos Verdes
Drive South turns into 25 th Street.In addition to the flooding problems,the drainage
facilities are being overwhelmed and the nearby roadways are severely endangered and
residents'homes downstream are threatened.The City Council has identified this project
as one of the Council's high priorities and has adopted the following 2010 Tactical Goal:
Implement the Lower San Ramon Canyon Stabilization Project.
Undertaking a problem of this complexity requires time to study,plan,design and construct
an effective solution.Environmental,economic and construction issues must all be
addressed.One of the most significant challenges faced by the City is the issue of funding
6-1
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR ADVOCACY SERVICES TO
OBTAIN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR SAN RAMON CANYON STABILIZATION
PROJECT
August 17,2010
Page 2
this project.Preliminary estimates have shown that the project will cost approximately
$19.5 million for a comprehensive solution.The City of Rancho Palos Verdes has been
working with the other stakeholders including the City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles
County as well as local,state and federal elected officials to discuss possible funding
solutions and forge cooperation to move forward on this project.A three-way partnership
letter was signed in December 2009 by Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe,Los
Angeles City Councilwoman Janice Hahn,and RPV Mayor Stefan Wolowicz all committing
to fund a portion of the total project cost.The City of Rancho Palos Verdes has
commissioned a Project Study Report (PSR),which will identify alternative solutions,and
the environmental,engineering and economic implications of those alternatives.This study
is expected to be completed in December 2010.
The City's grant consultant,Blais &Associates,assisted the City in applying for various
federal funding options last year including the following:
•$9.75 million funding requests to Senator Boxer and Senator Feinstein's offices in
May 2010 for funding through the nation's Water Resources Development Act
(WRDA).
•Congressman Dana Rohrabacher included a $9.75 million funding request in the
reauthorization of the nation's transportation bill (SAFETEA-LU).He has since
taken a "no earmark"stance because of the budget deficit but the City is hopeful he
will seek this funding in the next fiscal year.
•RPV staff has requested $2 million in funding from the annual Transportation,
Community,System Preservation account and $900,000 from the annual Energy
and Water Development bill.
Due to the competitive nature of pursuing federal funding for large capital projects,Blais &
Associates has recommended that the City hire a professional federal advocacy firm to
assist in developing a strategy for obtaining federal funding for this critical project and
provide the City with a presence in Washington,D.C.to navigate through the complex
political process.In June 2010,L.A.County Supervisor Don Knabe,L.A.City
Councilwoman Janice Hahn,RPV Mayor Stefan Wolowicz and key staff from all agencies
met to discuss this project and the various tasks that each agency should be responsible
for.One of the key responsibilities for RPV was to coordinate the hiring of a federal
advocacy firm to assist in the process of securing federal funds for the comprehensive
solution.
The City has received two excellent proposals from federal advocacy firms in Washington,
D.C.Both firms have numerous clients throughout California and have key contacts in
Washington,which will be invaluable as the City continues to seek funding for this project.
The firms have significant experience in securing SAFETEA-LU and WRDA funding,in
addition to obtaining funding through other sources for major infrastructure projects.The
San Ramon/Tarapaca City Council Subcommittee (Councilmember Misetich and
Councilmember Stern)will be interviewing both firms on Thursday,August 12 th ,and will
develop a recommendation which will be provided as an addendum to this report in
advance of the August 1yth City Council meeting.Letters from both firms have been
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR ADVOCACY SERVICES TO
OBTAIN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR SAN RAMON CANYON STABILIZATION
PROJECT
August 17,2010
Page 2
this project.Preliminary estimates have shown that the project will cost approximately
$19.5 million for a comprehensive solution.The City of Rancho Palos Verdes has been
working with the other stakeholders including the City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles
County as well as local,state and federal elected officials to discuss possible funding
solutions and forge cooperation to move forward on this project.A three-way partnership
letter was signed in December 2009 by Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe,Los
Angeles City Councilwoman Janice Hahn,and RPV Mayor Stefan Wolowicz all committing
to fund a portion of the total project cost.The City of Rancho Palos Verdes has
commissioned a Project Study Report (PSR),which will identify alternative solutions,and
the environmental,engineering and economic implications of those alternatives.This study
is expected to be completed in December 2010.
The City's grant consultant,Blais &Associates,assisted the City in applying for various
federal funding options last year including the following:
•$9.75 million funding requests to Senator Boxer and Senator Feinstein's offices in
May 2010 for funding through the nation's Water Resources Development Act
(WRDA).
•Congressman Dana Rohrabacher included a $9.75 million funding request in the
reauthorization of the nation's transportation bill (SAFETEA-LU).He has since
taken a "no earmark"stance because of the budget deficit but the City is hopeful he
will seek this funding in the next fiscal year.
•RPV staff has requested $2 million in funding from the annual Transportation,
Community,System Preservation account and $900,000 from the annual Energy
and Water Development bill.
Due to the competitive nature of pursuing federal funding for large capital projects,Blais &
Associates has recommended that the City hire a professional federal advocacy firm to
assist in developing a strategy for obtaining federal funding for this critical project and
provide the City with a presence in Washington,D.C.to navigate through the complex
political process.In June 2010,L.A.County Supervisor Don Knabe,L.A.City
Councilwoman Janice Hahn,RPV Mayor Stefan Wolowicz and key staff from all agencies
met to discuss this project and the various tasks that each agency should be responsible
for.One of the key responsibilities for RPV was to coordinate the hiring of a federal
advocacy firm to assist in the process of securing federal funds for the comprehensive
solution.
The City has received two excellent proposals from federal advocacy firms in Washington,
D.C.Both firms have numerous clients throughout California and have key contacts in
Washington,which will be invaluable as the City continues to seek funding for this project.
The firms have significant experience in securing SAFETEA-LU and WRDA funding,in
addition to obtaining funding through other sources for major infrastructure projects.The
San Ramon/Tarapaca City Council Subcommittee (Councilmember Misetich and
Councilmember Stern)will be interviewing both firms on Thursday,August 12 th ,and will
develop a recommendation which will be provided as an addendum to this report in
advance of the August 1yth City Council meeting.Letters from both firms have been
6-2
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR ADVOCACY SERVICES TO
OBTAIN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR SAN RAMON CANYON STABILIZATION
PROJECT
August 17,2010
Page 3
provided as attachments to this report.The recommended firm's detailed proposal will also
be provided in the addendum as part of the Subcommittee's recommendation.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Professional Services Agreement would include an expenditure of $40,000 plus
reimbursable expenses for the remaining FY10-11.This budgeted amount will include a
monthly retainer of $4,000 for federal advocacy services plus an additional $10,000
allowance for any related reimbursable expenses related to this contract.Staff has
identified $50,000 in remaining available appropriations from FY09-10.All FY09-10
continuing appropriations will be presented to the City Council for approval at the
September 7,2010 City Council meeting.
Attachments:Proposal Letter from Carpi,Clay &Smith
Proposal Letter from Federal Advocates,Inc.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR ADVOCACY SERVICES TO
OBTAIN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR SAN RAMON CANYON STABILIZATION
PROJECT
August 17,2010
Page 3
provided as attachments to this report.The recommended firm's detailed proposal will also
be provided in the addendum as part of the Subcommittee's recommendation.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Professional Services Agreement would include an expenditure of $40,000 plus
reimbursable expenses for the remaining FY10-11.This budgeted amount will include a
monthly retainer of $4,000 for federal advocacy services plus an additional $10,000
allowance for any related reimbursable expenses related to this contract.Staff has
identified $50,000 in remaining available appropriations from FY09-10.All FY09-10
continuing appropriations will be presented to the City Council for approval at the
September 7,2010 City Council meeting.
Attachments:Proposal Letter from Carpi,Clay &Smith
Proposal Letter from Federal Advocates,Inc.
6-3
•
........
CARPI
CLAY &
August 9,2010
Ms.Carolyn Lehr
City Manager
Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall
30940 Hawthorne Blvd
Rancho Palos Verdes,CA 90275
Dear Ms.Lehr:
Carpi Clay &Smith is pleased to provide you with an overview of our Qualifications for
Federal Advocacy Services.Organized as a California corporation and based in Washington,
DC,we are a full service government relations firm that specials in providing strategic counsel
and implementing effective and successful federal advocacy programs on behalf of numerous
California local governments and related public agencies.
This overview outlines our qualifications,briefly describes certain team members,
explains our general approach and outlines certain past successes on behalf of public agencies.
Our broad mix of clients and professional backgrounds give us a true grounding in the needs of
California institutions and the particular challenges facing local governments at the federal level.
We offer objective,results-oriented counsel and a focused government relations program.
We are a hands-on fum that provides honest assessments to our clients,is accountable
and delivers results.The advocacy community in Washington,DC is very competitive.In light
of this,we are very proud that our average client retention rate is 18 years.Moreover our rate of
return on client investment is extremely high and a demonstration of our professionalism and
ability.Our track record of securing funding and regulatory relief for clients is impressive.
This is because we are direct advocates and work closely with our clients to develop a
meaningful and realistic assessment of their needs and opportunities for success within the
context of an ever changing legislative and regulatory landscape.
Our fum is prepared to begin working with you inunediately.If you have questions
regarding the information we are providing,please let me know.We look forward to discussing
our qualifications with you.
Sincerely,
Kenneth Carpi /
Managing Partner
One )\'la_,,~a(IlLJ~dl.'!\v{;nut.'.NW I 5uilt:330 I Washin!::lun,DC 20001 I 202.822.8300 I carpiclay.colll
Washingtoll,DC SnoYlI1l£'lJlo Sail Diego
CARPI'
CLAY Cd
August 9,2010
Ms.Carolyn Lehr
City Manager
Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall
30940 Hawthorne Blvd
Rancho Palos Verdes,CA 90275
Dear Ms.Lehr:
Carpi Clay &Smith is pleased to provide you with an overview of our Qualifications for
Federal Advocacy Services.Organized as a California corporation and based in Washington,
DC,we are a full service government relations firm that specials in providing strategic counsel
and implementing effective and successful federal advocacy programs on behalf of numerous
California local governments and related public agencies.
This overview outlines our qualifications,briefly describes certain team members,
explains our general approach and outlines certain past successes on behalf of public agencies.
Our broad mix of clients and professional backgrounds give us a true grounding in the needs of
California institutions and the particular challenges facing local governments at the federal level.
We offer objective,results-oriented counsel and a focused government relations program.
We are a hands-on firm that provides honest assessments to our clients,is accountable
and delivers results.The advocacy community in Washington,DC is very competitive.In light
of this,we are very proud that our average client retention rate is 18 years.Moreover our rate of
return on client investment is extremely high and a demonstration of our professionalism and
ability.Our track record of securing funding and regulatory relief for clients is impressive.
This is because we are direct advocates and work closely with our clients to develop a
meaningful and realistic assessment of their needs and opportunities for success within the
context of an ever changing legislative and regulatory landscape.
Our firm is prepared to begin working with you immediately.If you have questions
regarding the information we are providing,please let me know.We look forward to discussing
our qualifications with you.
Sincerely,
One /vlas,acl1use:lIs Avenue:,NW I Suite 330 I Wa,hing/on,DC 20001 I 20_.8Z2.8300 I carpiclay.colll
Washi"g/orr,DC Sacrame"to Sa"Diego 6-4
k~Federal Advocates Inc.
August 10,2010
Carolyn lehr
City Manager
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
30940 Hawthorne Blvd.
Rancho Palos Verdes,CA 90275
RE:Proposal for Federal legislative lobbying Services on behalf of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes,CA
Dear Ms.lehr:
Pursuant to our conversation,Federal Advocates,Inc.Is pleased to submit this proposal for Federal legislative
lobbying services on behalf of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes (RPV).We believe that our Firm offers a unique
opportunity to blend our expertise In understanding the needs of the City with the strengths of our outstanding
advocacy group in Washington,D.C.We are proud of the Principals of the Firm,who will lead efforts to obtain
Federal funds and policies for the City.They are experienced 85 former congressional and executive staff,and have
a proven track record working with local governments,trade associations and numerous other clients.
The team that will lead the Implementation of activities outlined in the proposal Is bi-partisan,politically agile,
highly seasoned,and embodies an extraordinary level of professionalism and expertise.The combination of our
presence and influence at the Federal level provides a unique value of proposition in terms of commitment and
ability to bring the City's needs to successful completion.
The attached proposal outlines our suggested scope of work and related information In greater detail.It is our
intention to demonstrate,without equivocation,that:(1)every effort and resource available to Federal Advocates
will be enlisted to expand the City's engagement at the Federal level in such a way that positively informs strategic
communications,and increases visibility and viability of funding and policy opportunities;(2)the members of our
Firm have the experience,ability,acumen,political agility and relationships needed to ensure the City's most
timely and effective movement across a nuanced Federal spectrum and field of play;and,(3)working
collaboratively with the City,we can get the job done.Federal Advocates understands that a key to the success of
this effort is our commitment to on-going communications and working in partnership with the City.
The San Ramon Canyon Stabilization and Restoration Project,as well as the PVDE/PVDS Roadway Stabilization
Project,are the centerpieces of this effort.We are excited to have an opportunity to be part of a partnership that
could lead to the successful funding of these much-needed projects.
On behalf of the entire Federal Advocates team,we look forward to working with the City and leveraging our
strengths with yours for successful results.
Sincerely,
Sante Esposito
President
~~Federal Advocates Inc.
August 10,2010
Carolyn Lehr
City Manager
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
30940 Hawthorne Blvd.
Rancho Palos Verdes,CA 90275
RE:Proposal for Federal Legislative Lobbying Services on behalf of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes,CA
Dear Ms.lehr:
Pursuant to our conversation,Federal Advocates,Inc.is pleased to submit this proposal for Federal Legislative
lobbying services on behalf of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes (RPV).We believe that our Firm offers a unique
opportunity to blend our expertise In understanding the needs of the City with the strengths of our outstanding
advocacy group in Washington,D.C.We are proud of the Principals of the Firm,who will lead efforts to obtain
Federal funds and policies for the City.They are experienced as former congressional and executive staff,and have
a proven track record working with local governments,trade associations and numerous other clients.
The team that will lead the Implementation of activities outlined in the proposal is bi-partisan,politically agile,
highly seasoned,and embodies an extraordinary level of professionalism and expertise.The combination of our
presence and influence at the Federal level provides Cl unique value of proposition In terms of commitment and
ability to bring the City's needs to successful completion.
The attached proposal outlines our suggested scope of work and related information in greater detail.It is our
intention to demonstrate,without equivocation,that:(1)every effort and resource available to Federal Advocates
will be enlisted to expand the City's engagement at the Federal level in such a way that positively Informs strategic
communications,and increases vlsibllity and viability of funding and policy opportunities;(2)the members of our
Firm have the experience,ability,acumen,political agility and relationships needed to ensure the City's most
timely and effective movement across a nuanced Federal spectrum and field of play;and,(3)working
collaboratlvely with the City,we can get the job done.Federal Advocates understands that a key to the success of
this effort is our commitment to on-going communications and working in partnership with the City.
The San Ramon Canyon Stabilization and Restoration Project,as well as the PVDE/PVDS Roadway Stabilization
Project,are the centerpieces of this effort.We are excited to have an opportunity to be part of a partnership that
could lead to the successful funding of these much-needed projects.
On behalf of the entire Federal Advocates team,we look forward to working with the City and leveraging our
strengths with yours for successful results.
Sincerely,
Sante Esposito
President
6-5