From
Donald Postell
Title
Contract renewal with Focused Advocacy, LLC for legislative services in the amount of $8,686.33 per month for 24 months with one 24-month renewal option
Presenter
Donald Postell, City Attorney
Recommended Action
Approve
Analysis
In March of 2010, the City engaged Focused Advocacy, LLC, to provide legislative services, including, but not limited to, coordination of legislative efforts, monitoring legislative and state governmental actions and developments, and advice and assistance on the legislative process. A Change Order and Amendment to said agreement was approved in March 2014. The contract expires March 31, 2016, and the performance has been satisfactory. The upcoming legislative session looks to be as challenging as ever - especially for cities. With annexation reform, property tax reform, and sanctuary cities all on the radar screen (along with about a dozen other issues crucial to municipal operations), it looks to be a challenging environment. The staff recommendation is to renew the contract for another two years with the following new key terms: (1) 24 month contract with one 24 month renewal option; (2) Flat retainer of $8,333 per month plus a monthly expense reimbursement of $350/ month for client-related business meal expenses with legislators/staff that Focused Advocacy incurs for a total of $8,686.33 per month; (3)90 day cancellation/opt out clause; and (4) Guaranteed no conflicts of interest with private sector clients and a guarantee to resolve in city’s favor.
Focused Advocacy is requesting a flat retainer of $8,333 per month plus a monthly expense reimbursement of $350/ month for client-related business meal expenses with legislators/staff that Focused Advocacy incurs for a total of $8,686.33 per month. This will help them to normalize our revenues for business operating purposes. The company's “cost of business” has, unfortunately, been on the rise. However, their rates remain very competitive and very much within the market norm - especially when one considers that our firm offers its clients four (4) lobbyists for one rate. Bottom line, an $8-9K/ month retainer is a very competitive rate in the Austin lobby market. The amounts reflect a “friends and family discount” rate that they offer their long-term clients. By way of comparison, rates for new clients beginning in 2016 start at $10K/ month.
Financial Consideration
Funding for the remaining 6 months of FY 2015/2016 is $52,117.98, leaving a necessary Available in the FY 2015/2016 General Fund (1001) for Legislative Legal Services (181110-61360) is $44,000, leaving a necessary contingency transfer of $8,117.98. Additional funds will need to be budgeted for in the next fiscal year to accommodate the increase.