City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: March 17, 2026
From: Brian Saeki, City Administrator
Department: City Administration
Submitted by: Lilia Hernandez, Assistant to the City Administrator Subject
Professional Services Agreement with Actum-E, LLC
Recommendation
A. Find that it is in the best interests of the City to award a contract directly to Actum-E, LLC without a competitive selection process, pursuant to Vernon Municipal Code Section
3.32.110(B)(2); and
B. Approve and authorize the City Administrator to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Actum-E, LLC, in substantially the same form as submitted, for government affairs related to the Big 4 cities, for a total amount not-to-exceed $45,000, through June 30, 2026.
Background
On September 16, 2025, the City Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the cities of Commerce, Irwindale, Santa Fe Springs, Industry, and Vernon for the purpose of uniting efforts to advocate for, advance, and plan shared priorities to seek state and federal funding, and advocate for and advance legislative and administrative policies that address the unique needs and benefits that their industrial and commercial activities offer Los Angeles County and the State of California. Since, the cities of Commerce, Santa Fe Springs, and Industry have executed the MOU along with Vernon and have initiated a plan for this multi-jurisdictional coalition of “The Big 4” cities.
The Big 4 agreed to utilize the services of Actum-E, LLC (Actum) to assist with government affairs and advocacy. Actum has substantial experience in these areas and will be instrumental in advancing the Big 4’s collective goals. Actum’s priority is to assist the Big 4 in the pursuit of legislative changes at the State level to increase SB1 (Road Repair and Accountability Act) allocations for each of the respective Big 4 cities.
Utilizing one firm is most efficient and cost-effective, as it allows the four cities to share expenses.
Thus, contracting with Actum is in the best interests of the City pursuant to VMC Section
3.32.110(B)(2), as it optimizes the use of resources and minimizes costs. The agreement with Actum provides the mechanism for the City to compensate Actum for Vernon’s ¼ share of costs associated with the Big 4 efforts. The term of the agreement is retroactive to December 15, 2025 when Actum initiated work on behalf of the Big 4, and will continue through June 30, 2026. As the Big 4 advance their shared interests, staff will reassess and determine if any services from Actum will be needed in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26.
The proposed agreement with Actum-E, LLC requires City Council approval pursuant to Vernon Municipal Code Section 3.32.030(B), as within the last 12 months, the City engaged this vendor on a different matter, bringing the total combined amount paid or awarded to this vendor over $100,000.
Fiscal Impact
The fiscal impact is estimated at $45,000. Although not included in the FY 2025-26 budget, this expense was included in the list of FY 2025-26 mid-year adjustments approved by City Council.
Sufficient funds are available in the General Fund, Industrial Development, Professional Services Account No. 011-010-150-529215 for the current fiscal year.
Attachments
1. Services Agreement – Actum-E, LLC