City Council Memorandum
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: JULY 5, 2022 FROM: CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE WARDS: ALL
SUBJECT: AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANT SERVICES WITH THORN RUN PARTNERS TO PROVIDE FEDERAL ADVOCACY SERVICES FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2022 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2024 FOR $91,200 ANNUALLY, WITH THE OPTION TO EXTEND FOR THREE (3) ADDITIONAL ONE-YEAR TERMS, NOT TO EXCEED SIX (6) YEARS AND A CONTRACT TOTAL OF $547,200.
ISSUE:
Approve a Professional Consultant Services Agreement with Thorn Run Partners to provide Federal Advocacy Services for the period of July 1, 2022 through December 31, 2024 for $91,200 annually, with the option to extend for three (3) additional one-year terms, not to exceed six (6) years and a contract total of $547,200.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the City Council:
Approve a Professional Consultant Services Agreement with Thorn Run Partners to provide Federal Advocacy Services for the period of July 1, 2022 through December 31, 2024 for $91,200 annually, with the option to extend for three (3) additional one-year terms, not to exceed six (6) years and a contract total of $547,200; and Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute the Professional Consultant Service Agreement with Thorn Run Partners, including making minor and non-substantive changes and contract extensions subject to the terms, conditions and scope of services outlined in Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 2151.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Riverside adopts a legislative platform that provides overall policy guidance and is a valuable tool to assist the City’s legislative delegation in advancing policy and funding priorities. The priorities within the platform are categorized under the umbrella of the City Council’s Envision Riverside 2025 Strategic Priorities and help shape the City’s advocacy efforts.
The City of Riverside utilizes advocacy services both at the federal and state level to advance the City’s legislative agenda.
DISCUSSION:
On January 26, 2022, Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 2151 was released for professional consultant services - Federal Advocacy Services. The RFP was posted on the City’s Electronic Bidding System, PlanetBids Vendor Portal, and distributed to federal advocacy and public relations firms. There were 30 prospective bidders. Responses to the RFP were received from the following seven (7) firms: Alcalde &Fay, Carpi & Clay, Kadesh & Associates LLC, Kiley & Associates LLC, Porter Group LLC, Thorn Run Partners (TRP), and Townsend Public Affairs.
A technical evaluation committee consisting of evaluators from various City departments including the City Manager’s Office, Public Works Department, and Riverside Public Utilities, evaluated the proposals based on criteria in the RFP. The top three firms, TRP, Alcalde & Fay, and Carpi & Clay advanced to round two evaluations. After a thorough review, TRP received the highest score, has satisfactory references, and significant experience.
Thorn Run Partners (TRP) is a full-service government affairs firm that provides representation with federal agencies, departments, and associations, while incorporating traditional lobbying, policy depth, and strategic communications to ensure the City’s legislative agenda is advanced. TRP represents over 40 local governments from across the country, including several in California. TRP is well-versed in nearly all federal matters impacting local governments, including appropriations and grants, transportation, water, and sustainability.
In coordination with the City Manager’s Office, TRP will assist the City in implementing an effective federal advocacy strategy to influence federal laws and policies and increase funding opportunities as they relate to City priorities, programs, and operations.
The Purchasing Manager concurs that the recommendations to approve the agreement is in compliance with Purchasing Resolution No. 23812.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This item supports Strategic Priority 5 – High Performing Government and goals:
5.3. Enhance communication and collaboration with community members to improve transparency, build public trust, and encourage shared decision-making.
5.4. Achieve and maintain financial health by addressing gaps between revenues and expenditures and aligning resources with strategic priorities to yield the greatest impact.
5.5. Foster a culture of safety, well-being, resilience, sustainability, diversity, and inclusion across the city organization.
This item aligns with each of the five Cross-Cutting Threads as follows:
Community Trust – The federal advocacy firm will help to ensure the City’s unique community priorities are understood and promoted at the national level.
Equity – The federal advocacy firm will work to gain an equitable distribution of federal resources to the City.
Fiscal Responsibility – A competitive procurement was used to secure the best cost for services.
Innovation – Thorn Run Partners is a “next generation” advocacy firm that incorporates traditional lobbying, deep policy expertise, and innovative communications capabilities to meet its clients’ needs.
Sustainability & Resiliency – The federal advocacy firm will enhance the City’s preparedness for the future.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total fiscal impact of the two and a half-year agreement is $228,000 with $91,200 appropriated for Fiscal Year 2022/23. Thorn Run Partners will also provide grant writing services as needed at the City’s request at a rate of $225.00 hourly. Sufficient funds are budgeted and available in the General Fund, City Manager – Administration, Professional Services account no. 1100000-421000. Appropriations for future fiscal years will be included in the Department’s budget submissions for those fiscal years to be presented to the City Council for approval.
Prepared by: Chekesha Gilliam, Intergovernmental Relations Officer Certified as to
availability of funds: Edward Enriquez, Interim Assistant City Manager/Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer
Approved by: Kris Martinez, Assistant City Manager Approved as to form: Phaedra A. Norton, City Attorney
Attachments: Agreement
Professional Consultant Services Agreement - Federal Advocacy Services ● Page 2