Submitted By: Jeannine Robbins
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Presentation By: Jeannine Robbins
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Department: Strategic Engagement
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Approve the award of a three-year contract to Thorn Run Partners for federal lobbying and advocacy services with an aggregate expenditure amount of $216,000
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Operational Excellence
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
The City of Ocala has an ongoing need for federal lobbying services to develop and deploy a unique strategy to elevate its profile and increase awareness among federal legislators representing the state of Florida, federal administrative agencies, and others as necessary.
Lobbying services may include acquiring sponsors and supporters for the City’s legislative, financial, or administrative initiatives in areas such as regulatory issues, water and transportation infrastructure, energy, aviation, utility infrastructure, public services, housing, public safety, and disaster relief.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
Political lobbying services are exempt from competitive procurement requirements under Procurement Policy PRO-070. However, to ensure best value for the City, an attempt was made to secure competitive market rates from three qualified firms. One firm was unresponsive. Of the remaining two, the rates offered by Thorn Run Partners were found to be highly competitive for the scope of services needed. Additionally, the partner who will oversee the services to be provided by Thorn Run Partners successfully represented the City’s federal lobbying interests at another firm from 2017 through 2024. Staff recommends approval.
FISCAL IMPACT:
$72,000 has been budgeted for Fiscal Year 2024-25 in account 001-012-011-511-51-34010. Future Fiscal Year 2025-26 and 2026-27 budgets will include $72,000 annually.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
These services were procured in compliance with the City’s Procurement Policy.
LEGAL REVIEW:
This Agreement will be reviewed and approved for form and legality by City Attorney, William E. Sexton.
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny