SUBJECT
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Consideration to renew contract FY23-062 with Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld LLP, Washington, D.C. to provide federal legislative and lobbying consulting services for the City of Laredo. The contract amount should not exceed $240,000.00 annually. This contract shall be for one year, this is the second of three extension periods, to commence September 1, 2025. All legislative and lobbying consulting services will be on a continuous basis. Funding is available in the General Fund.
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PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
Contract originally approved by City Council on 07/31/23.
BACKGROUND
The City went out on Request for Proposals (RFP) through Cit-E-Bid for providing professional federal legislative and lobbying consulting services for the City of Laredo. Legislative and lobbying services include, but are not limited to: scheduled, extended, or special legislative sessions and meetings; state administrative and agency hearings, meetings, or rule making proceedings; all in accordance with the terms, conditions, and scope of work identified in this request for proposal. Contract awarded to Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld LLP, Washington, D.C. The contract amount should not exceed $240,000.00 annually; Monthly retainer fee is set at $16,000.00 plus travel reimbursement expenses, if necessary. Akin assists with grant applications, federal agency communication and serves as the city’s primary contact with legislative offices at the federal level. They are most well-known for helping during our annual legislative trip, but assist in drafting legislature that affects Laredo with our Federal representatives, provide real-time updates and recommendations throughout the year and facilitate as-needed requests. They also actively support Port Laredo and its role in the Country’s economy and international standing.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
None
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
It is recommended to approve this renewal. This is a annual renewal so if this does not get approved, we may have to pause services and go out for new RFP. Due to new state law, lobbying services cannot be considered professional services and have to go through the RFP process.
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Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Year: 2025
Budgeted Y/N?: Y
Source of Funds: General Funds
Account #: 101-9810-593-5526
Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: n/a
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Funding is available in the following accounts: 101-9810-593-5526.