ITEM:		CONSENT CALENDAR
15.	CONSIDER RENEWAL OF CONTRACT WITH THE FERGUSON GROUP FOR LEGISLATIVE AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
Meeting Date:			June 14, 2020	Budgeted:	Yes
From:			David J. Stoldt	Program/	Services & Supplies
			General Manager	Line Item No.:	Professional Fees
Prepared By:			David J. Stoldt	Cost Estimate:	$99,500
General Counsel Approval: N/A
Committee Recommendation: The Administrative Committee reviewed this item on June 14, 2021 and recommended ___________________.
CEQA Compliance: This action does not constitute a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378.

SUMMARY: At its March 15, 2021 meeting the District Board adopted the 2021 Legislative Advocacy Plan to establish District legislative and government affairs priorities for FY 2021-22. The first four items in the Plan are in regard to the District’s Federal strategy and includes a continued relationship with The Ferguson Group (TFG.) TFG has shown a deep understanding of the federal budget, legislative process, funding opportunities, and regulatory setting. TFG has helped the District and Monterey One Water (M1W) advance relationships with both Congress and regulatory departments related to water, including but not limited to BLM, NOAA (NMFS), USBR, USDA, and EPA. The Pure Water Monterey project was notified it will receive over $19 million in federal grants, a result of the joint efforts of the District and M1W, assisted by TFG.

The FY 2021-22 scope of work will include, but is not limited to:

· Identifying legislation or proposed regulatory changes that may impact the District.

· Track additional Title XVI and WIIN Act funding for Pure Water Monterey

· Track Biden Administration budget actions and Infrastructure Funding/Financing Proposals

· Consult with staff to develop positions on relevant legislation.

· Advocate the District’s position on bills and matters of interest.

· Identify funding opportunities and notify of timing, requirements, and advocate on behalf of District or District’s partners (e.g. WaterSMART) for, but not limited to:

ü Fisheries and watersheds

ü Pure Water Monterey Expansion

ü CSIP Annexations

ü Desalination (if proceeding)

· Prepare materials for briefing – talking points, briefing books, letters, as necessary

· Coordinate with other water district lobbyists and organizations

· Maintain close relationships with Monterey legislative delegation

· Represent the District in meetings with staff, directors, or independently with congressional members and staff, administration officials, regulatory agencies.

· Coordinate federal outreach with District’s State governmental outreach

· Identify funding opportunities and notify of timing, requirements, and advocate on behalf of District

· Direct contact with associations including ACWA, WateReuse, etc.

· Prepare materials for briefing – talking points, briefing books, letters, as necessary

· Coordinate with other water district lobbyists and organizations

· Maintain close relationships with Monterey legislative delegation

· Organize timely trips as needed, but at least once a year separate from ACWA trip.

· Provide similar services for the District’s project partner(s), as needed and at the direction of the District.

· Periodic reporting of activities

RECOMMENDATION: The Administrative Committee should recommend that the Board authorize the General Manager to enter into an agreement with TFG for FY 2021-22.

IMPACT TO DISTRICT RESOURCES: The estimate for services includes $96,000 in monthly retainer fees of $8,000 per month, and $3,500 for chargeable expenses. The $8,000 retainer has remained unchanged over the District’s five-year relationship with TFG. Funds for this expenditure are included in the FY 2020-2021 budget under Services and Supplies, Professional Fees.

DISCUSSION: In 2016, three consultants provided statements of qualifications that were evaluated with equal weight in 4 criteria: (i) Experience - with municipalities, special districts, agency’s & other governmental entities; (ii) Experience - with specific federal agencies; (iii) Experience - with specific water-related issues; and (iv) Personnel assigned. The General Manager and each of the Legislative Advocacy Committee members were asked to perform their own evaluation, to inform the Committee recommendation. Additionally, qualitative factors such as professional appearance of the submittal, overall quality of the submittal, consultant familiarity with the District, outside third-party references, and so on were considered. Finally, the proposing firms’ cost proposals were considered. TFG was the recommended firm.

EXHIBIT

15-A Form of Engagement Letter for TFG for FY 2021-2022

U:\staff\Board_Committees\Admin\2021\20210614\15\Item-15.docx