DATE: April 15, 2024
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Stefan Chatwin, City Manager
Kevin Ortiz, Management Analyst
DEPARTMENT: City Manager
SUBJECT: AWARD OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
DAVID TURCH AND ASSOCIATES, A FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
RELATIONS FIRM, IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $270,000
FOR AN INITIAL THREE-YEAR TERM
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a Professional Services Agreement with David Turch and Associates, a federal government relations firm, in an amount not-to-exceed $270,000 for an initial three-year term, for consulting services for assistance with advice and counseling to federal governmental affairs.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
At the January 30, 2024 City Council Vision and Policy Summit (City Council Special Meeting), David Turch and Associates, a federal government relations firm, provided a presentation as an informational item. Topics included a brief overview of the firm, breadth of professional services provided by the firm, governmental agencies and special districts that the firm currently and has previously contracted with, and their ability to advocate for and secure federal grant funding for a wide range of projects and programs for their clients. Following the presentation, Council had an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the firm. While no action was taken at the time by the City Council, the presentation served as an informational item and introduction of the firm to the City.
A Federal government relations firm is tasked with representing the interests of the City in Washington D.C. and advocating on policy and funding opportunities with the House,
Senate, congressional committees, and federal agencies. The firm will help the City to pursue, secure, and maximize funds for local projects through the federal authorization/appropriation process and competitive grant programs.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS
Established in 1987, David Turch and Associates is a successful and respected federal government relations firm based in Washington D.C. The firm provides a range of professional services, which include comprehensive strategic planning, legislative goal setting, serving as an intergovernmental liaison, and preparing political analyses. David Turch and Associates has established key relationships with federal legislators in the legislative and executive branches of the federal government and is considered an expert in federal policy and government affairs. In addition, the firm has developed strong relationships with clients, including a wide range of municipalities across the country.
David Turch and Associates has been proactive in engaging and developing a consultant-client relationship with the City. Specifically, they provide the City with updates pertaining to the federal government and federal grant funding opportunities available for the City. This consistent communication and resource-sharing will be instrumental as the City continues to strengthen its legislative advocacy efforts and pursue federal grant funding opportunities. Per the proposed agreement (Exhibit A of Attachment 2), David Turch and Associates will advise, counsel, and represent the City with, principally, but not limited to, its affairs with the Legislative and Executive Branches of the Federal Government. The firm will promote and represent the City and its interests with federal legislative proposals which could have a substantial impact on the City or the conduct of its operations.
The City already has a lobbyist for state legislative advocacy and optional grant writing services. Having a federal lobbyist on board will complement these existing services, strengthen the City’s legislative advocacy efforts, establish relations with higher levels of government and legislators, and position the City to seek grant funding opportunities at the federal level that would be beneficial to the City. The proposed initial agreement with David Turch and Associates is for a three-year term in an amount not-to-exceed $270,000.
California Environmental Quality Act
Not Applicable
FISCAL IMPACT
The quote for the agreement with David Turch and Associates includes a flat fee retainer for federal consulting services of $7,500 per month for a total of $90,000 per year. Therefore, the total cost for an initial three-year agreement with David Turch and Associates is in an amount not-to-exceed $270,000 ($90,000 per year) starting on May 1, 2024 through April 30, 2027.
Funding is available and recommended to be utilized from the Community Benefits Program Fund, Contract, Professional, and Specialized Services Account No. 005- 0110-413-4251. In compliance with the City’s Purchasing Policy, David Turch and Associates has been identified as a Sole Source consultant. Staff will prepare a Sole Source form accordingly as per the City’s Purchasing Policy.
CITY COUNCIL VISION, MISSION, AND VALUE/PRIORITY AREA
Smart Planning, Development, and the Local Economy
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1 – Resolution
Attachment 2 –Agreement