HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-12-08 - AGENDA REPORTS - FED ADVOCACY SERVICES MMO PARTNERS (2)Agenda Item: 5
DATE: December 8, 2020
SUBJECT: FEDERAL ADVOCACY SERVICES: MMO PARTNERS
DEPARTMENT: City Manager's Office
PRESENTER: Masis Hagobian
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council:
1. Award a two-year contract to MMO Partners for the period of January 1, 2021, through
December 31, 2022, concurrent with the term of the 1171h Congress, in the amount not to
exceed $77,000 annually.
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents
subject to City Attorney approval.
BACKGROUND
The City of Santa Clarita retains the Washington, D.C. based firm of MMO Partners, formerly
known as Murray, Montgomery and O'Donnell, for federal advocacy services. MMO Partners'
current contract with the City of Santa Clarita (City) expires on December 31, 2020, concurrent
with the conclusion of the 1161h Congress.
The City Council is requested to approve continuation of professional services with MMO
Partners for the period of January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2022, concurrent with the term
of the upcoming 1171h Congress.
During the upcoming session of Congress, federal advocacy activities will focus on working with
the City's federal delegation and their staff to inform the offices of the City Council's federal
legislative priorities, particularly as outlined in the adopted 2021 Legislative Platform.
With the ever -changing circumstances and policies related to the COVID-19 pandemic, time will
be spent working with the City's federal delegation and administrative staff on combatting the
virus and responsibly initiating the economic recovery process. Additionally, City staff will
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continue to work with MMO Partners on matters to safeguard or advance the City's interests,
consistent with the City Council's adopted policies. This includes coordination with the City's
federal delegation to secure enactment of legislation designating the Rim of the Valley Unit of
the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and protecting local authority of the
installation of communications equipment and leasing of public infrastructure in the public right-
of-way.
During the most recent contract period, MMO Partners worked with the City to establish positive
relationships with City's federal delegation and administration. Specific accomplishments
include briefings related to federal legislative actions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic;
arranging grant application briefings with Department of Transportation (DOT) staff regarding
the City's grant submissions for the Vista Canyon Metrolink Station under the Better Utilizing
Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program; and working with the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regarding potential funding opportunities to better
prevent and respond to wildfires.
The firm also provided significant technical assistance and strategic advice on implementation of
the CARES Act. MMO Partners supported the City during this unprecedented time in ensuring
the City had full access to all federal resources related to COVID-19 response and served as a
valuable resource for City staff.
MMO Partners' retainer will remain at the same compensation level as their current contract:
$6,000 per month plus reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, which are not to
exceed $5,000 annually. This results in an annual contract maximum of $77,000. The overall
contract authorization for the two-year period is $154,000.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Other action as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of the recommended action will result in a total maximum expenditure of $77,000
annually for an overall expenditure not to exceed $154,000 over the term of the contract.
Adequate funds for federal advocacy services are contained in the adopted Fiscal Year 2020-21
budget in City Manager's Office Contractual Services expenditure account 11000-5161.001.
Funding for the contract in subsequent fiscal years is contingent upon future budget
appropriations by the City Council.
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