Agenda 05/13/2008 Item #16F10
Agenda Item No. 16F10
May 13, 2008
Page 1 of 3
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Recommendation to waive formal competition and authorize staff to negotiate a new
federallobbyist services contract with The Ferguson Group.
OBJECTIVE: To maintain and further develop the County's federal lobbying strategy
so as to continue to obtain favorable results for Collier County and its citizens.
CONSIDERATION: The Ferguson Group is a professional Washington, D.C.-based
lobbying firm that has provided services to the BCC and county staff since August 2005.
Since that time the BCC, Congressional Delegation, and county staff have developed a
mutually successful and beneficial relationship that it is in the best interest of the county
to continue. Collier County is in the process of receiving about $3 million in federal
appropriations in Fiscal Year 2008 for six of nine county projects that were on the Board-
approved Fiscal Year 2008 Federal Legislative Agenda. Most of these projects are
continuing on the Fiscal Year 2009 Federal Legislative Agenda with the exception of
one. A federal legislative program and the relationships between the BCC, the
Congressional Delegation, county staff and the county's lobbyist representatives are
based on continued collaboration, communication and cooperation year after year. In
addition, in the 2007 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) Collier County
received more than $25 million in authorizations. These authorizations will hopefully
turn into appropriations in the future and result in successful County improvements, The
continuation of the federal legislative program with all the participants contributing to its
success is key, including The Ferguson Group.
The County Manager's Office has Teceived no complaints or criticisms from the BCC,
the Congressional Delegation, county staff, or the community regarding The Ferguson
Group. Their track record thus far with the county has been positive and impTessive.
Most importantly, The Ferguson Group representatives have an understanding of the
issues that are critical to Collier County and the needs of the community.
When the county resourcefully initiated its federal legislative program four years ago to
identify formerly untapped federal funding opportunities during challenging budgetary
times, it was never imagined the benefits actually achieved by 2008: - $28 million. The
teaming of the Board with The Ferguson Group has without a doubt seen a positive return
on investment for the citizens of Collier County.
While a contract of this nature would typically be let for formal competition, the Board
has discretion to waive competition wherein the best interests of the County to do so, In
this instance, staff believes that maintaining the same lobbyist at this time will best
enable the County's federal lobbying program to continue to progress and develop.
Therefore, staff is recommending that the Board waives competition in accordance with
Section V.A.4 of the County's Purchasing policy and authorizes staff to negotiate a new
contractual agreement with The Ferguson Group. Staff intends to negotiate an agreement
Agenda Item No. 16F10
May 13, 2008
Page 2 of3
with an initial term of one year with the option to renew the contract annually for up to
five years, which affords increased Board latitude in the future.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funds for the federal lobbyist contract are available in the County
Manager Board-Related Costs budget, General Fund (001), The FeTgUson Group contract
presently is $107,000 annually. There is no fiscal impact associated with the
recommended action, Staff will negotiate a contract with the recommended firm and
bring the agreement to the Board for subsequent approval.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: There is no growth management impact
associated with this executive summary.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: There are no legal considerations associated with this
executive summary,
RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of County Commissioners waives the formal
competitive bidding process and authorizes staff to negotiate a new lobbyist services
agreement with The Ferguson Group for subsequent Board approval.
Prepared by Debbie Wight, Assistant to the County Manager
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Agenda Item No. 16F1 0
May 13, 2008
Page 3 013
COLLIER COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Item Number:
16F10
Item Summary:
Recommendation to waive formal competition and authorize staff to negotiate a new federal
lobbyist services contract with The Ferguson Group
Meeting Date:
5/13/200890000 AM
Approved By
James v. Mudd
County Manager
Date
Board of County
Commissioners
County Manager's Office
5/6/20083:33 PM
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