CITY OF HAWAIIAN GARDENS
CITY COUNCIL
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item #B7
DATE: May 27, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Ernesto Marquez, City Manager
BY: Linda Hollinsworth, Finance Director
RECOMMENDATION:
RECOMMENDATION TO AWARD A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT TO MICHAEL BAKER INTERNATIONAL, INC. TO PROVIDE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
FOR THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM IN A NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT OF $27,930 FOR A PERIOD OF ONE YEAR, WITH THE
OPTION TO RENEW FOR FOUR ADDITIONAL ONE-YEAR PERIODS AT THE
DISCRETION OF THE CITY MANAGER, AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT
SUMMARY
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is funded by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered by the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA). The City of Hawaiian Gardens (City) receives an annual allocation of approximately $247,589 through the program. The funds must be used to benefit low and moderate income persons, aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight, or meet an urgent need. Compliance with all CDBG regulations and requirements is essential to the continued success of the CDBG program.
The City retains a consultant for administration services to work with City staff to provide oversight and monitoring for compliance with all CDBG program guidelines. Michael Baker International, Inc. has provided these administrative services for over 10 years. The current contract expires June 30, 2026. LACDA requires that at a minimum of every five years the City engage in a competitive procurement process to assure the City has the appropriate support for these programs.
On February 17, 2026, the City issued a request for proposals (RFP) for CDBG administrative services. The RFP was posted on the City website and distributed to Agenda Item #B7
May 27, 2026
multiple companies. There were three (3) proposals received from MVN & Associates, The Ramsay Group and Michael Baker International.
Staff reviewed the qualifications of the firms based on the criteria established in the RFP.
All firms have experience in various capacities with LACDA and CDBG. After reviewing the proposals and interviewing the principals of each organization, it is recommended that Michael Baker International, Inc. be awarded a professional services agreement for CDBG administrative services based on the competitiveness of the bid and the demonstrated experience and knowledge of the processes, procedures and requirements associated with participation in the CDBG program. The firm has provided administrative services to the City for over 10 years and has consistently met the program and financial requirements set forth by LACDA and HUD. In addition, the firm is an effective liaison between the City and LACDA to ensure compliance with all aspects of CDBG administration.
A one year contract for FY 2026-2027 is proposed for award, with four one-year options to renew at the City Manager’s discretion with mutual written consent of both parties. The not to exceed amount for the contract is $27,930, which may be adjusted following any annual adjustment of hourly rates implemented in January of each year.
FISCAL IMPACT
The administrative service costs are included in the annual budgets and are funded with CDGB grant funds.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve Recommendation.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Agreement with Michael Baker International, Inc.