Administration and Projects Committee STAFF REPORT Meeting Date: July 3, 2014 Subject Summary of Issues Recommendations Financial Implications Extension of Agreement 359 with Keystone Public Affairs, LLC for Federal Lobbying/Consultation Services This item concerns the proposed extension of Agreement 359 between the Authority and Keystone Public Affairs, LLC through June 30, 2015 at a rate of $2,200 per month, after which the Authority may, at its discretion, extend the agreement through 2016. Staff recommends the Authority authorize the Chair to execute Amendment No. 2 to Agreement 359 extending the contract through June 30, 2015 at a rate of $2,200 per month for a total of $26,400 for FY 2014-15. Payment for FY 2014-15 (July 1, 2014 June 30, 2015) will total $26,400. This amount has been budgeted for in the Authority s adopted FY 2014-15 Budget. Renewal of this contract beyond June 30, 2015 will be subject to future approval by the Authority. Options 1. Approve Amendment No. 1 through June 30, 2015. 2. Approve Amendment No. 1 for six months, and direct staff to conduct a competitive selection process. 3. Discontinue advocacy efforts at the Federal level. Attachments A. FY 2014-15 proposed scope of work for Keystone Public Affairs, LLC Changes from Committee Background In August 2012, the Executive Director, on behalf of the Authority, entered into an agreement with Keystone Public Affairs, LLC, a government relations and communications firm, to provide consulting services and advocacy with respect to transportation and related issues on the federal level. This decision was made in light of the passage of long-awaited legislation 15-1
Administration and Projects Committee STAFF REPORT July 3, 2014 Page 2 of 3 reauthorizing the federal transportation program (MAP-21), which marked a significant change in the way federal funding is allocated. The Authority members wanted assurance that they would be kept up to date as to changes in federal rules and policies and, in particular, that they would be alerted to opportunities to fund or facilitate delivery of transportation projects and receive solid advice as to how best to navigate the new processes. The agreement was to be effective for five months (through January 31, 2013), at which time staff was directed to provide a status report on this effort and offer recommendations going forward. In January 2013, the Authority Board unanimously authorized an extension of Agreement No. 359 with Keystone Public Affairs LLC through June 30, 2014, at a rate of $2,000.00 per month, including a 30-day cancellation clause and the option to renew the agreement for an additional two years at a rate to be negotiated. As facilitated by Keystone Public Affairs, members of the Board along with senior staff have made two visits to Washington, DC under the previous contract during which they met with senior leaders of the Department of Transportation and related agencies, Members of Congress, senior staff of both the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, as well was relevant trade associations. Additionally, Keystone Public Affairs has provided detailed and thorough analysis of the impact of sequestration, the impact of a potential government shutdown, the TIGER grant application and both the Administration s and Senate EPW s reauthorization drafts. Keystone Public Affairs drafted the 2014 CCTA Federal Advocacy Program, and provides monthly updates to senior staff as well as notification of pressing issues in Washington. With MAP-21 is set to expire at the end of the fiscal year, it is important for CCTA to remain updated on the progress of the reauthorization, as well as the implications of the new legislative language. As both the House and Senate reauthorization proposals move forward, the Board may wish to influence provisions that align with the Authority s transportation priorities. Keystone Public Affairs has provided optional tasks that may be activated during the contract term to provide assistance in advancing legislative and funding proposals through concentrated outreach to members of the Congressional delegation and relevant Committees. 15-2
Administration and Projects Committee STAFF REPORT July 3, 2014 Page 3 of 3 At this time, staff recommends that the Authority approve an amendment to Agreement 359 with Keystone Public Affairs, LLC, which includes the regular tasks as outlined in the attached scope of work for $2,200 a month. The Authority may, at its discretion, choose to activate the optional task now or in the future if the Authority wishes to actively lobby for an issue or initiative. 15-3
Keystone Public Affairs (KPA) is a government and public affairs firm that helps our clients develop new business opportunities, design strategic marketing campaigns, and represent their interests more effectively before Congress, Federal agencies and other key stakeholders. KPA recently expanded its team to strengthen the firm s transportation and technology expertise as the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) works with state DOTs and local governments to implement the surface transportation reauthorization bill, and as Congress begins looking at ways to finance the transportation system in the future. KPA brings significant experience in policy and regulatory development, appropriations lobbying, stakeholder outreach and media relations. KPA works regularly with U.S. DOT where we have close relationships within the Office of the Secretary, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and Research and Innovative Technology Administration. We also work closely with House and Senate Appropriations and Authorizing Committees, the Congressional ITS Caucus, State and local agency officials, transportation-related media, and a broad range of transportation, technology and business associations. The Contra Costa Transportation Authority has been a valued client for the past two years, and our firm looks forward to continuing this productive relationship. Below is a scope of work for the 2014-2015 fiscal year which is proposed at the rate of $2,200.00 per month for Task 1 and Task 2 as follows: Scope of Work for 2014-2015 Task 1 Assist in planning of annual CCTA Board and staff visit to Washington, D.C., including: o Provide input as to which legislators, staff, administration and pertinent association/organization representatives we should target during the visit; o Schedule appointments and develop an itinerary, including fallback plans in the event of schedule changes; ensure schedule is workable from time/distance standpoint and makes efficient use of time; provide directions, maps, transportation info, etc. o Provide general background information on the individuals to be visited, as it relates to the subject of the visits, plus any protocol or other issues we should be aware of with potential impact on our message or delivery, etc. o Include CCTA on distribution of any general 'Washington updates, if any, that our firm prepares for its lobbying clients. *Schedule for 2013 and 2014 annual trips attached to this scope of work. 20 F Street, N.W. Suite 700 Washington, D.C. 20001 phone: 202.570.3498 web: kpa-llc.com 15-4
Task 2 Provide general advice and assistance, including: o Review and assessment of CCTA's overall federal legislative strategy and messaging o Alert CCTA as to developments regarding specific legislation of potential interest/impact to the Authority o Provide regular reports for the Administration and Projects Committee and Authority Board on legislation and issues relevant to the Contra Costa Transportation Authority. o Review federal surface transportation program reauthorization and share analysis of the bill and any pertinent follow-up legislation, rules and policies. Make recommendations as to any action or communications the Authority should undertake in connection with any of the above. Optional Task Congressional Outreach - For an additional $2,000/month retainer Keystone Public Affairs will provide increased support to the Contra Costa Transportation Authority by actively engaging in the federal advocacy process on behalf of the Authority. Provide legislative outreach support for Board identified legislative or regulatory issues. o Prepare legislative and/or report language o Prepare or assist in preparation of materials, testimony o Work with members of the Congressional Delegation and relevant Committees to promote inclusion of initiative in relevant legislative vehicle (authorization, appropriation, stand alone bill) o Accompany CCTA delegation on additional visits to Washington, D.C.; provide introductions, etc., as necessary. Ascertain any potential opportunities associated with MAP-21 or other federal programs for discretionary non-competitive grants (using report language to support CCTA s allocation request); and identifying appropriate competitive grant sources. 15-5
2013 and 2014 Annual Trips 2013 Meetings HOUSE T&I CHAIRMAN SHUSTER (R-PA) SENATE EPW COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVE GEORGE MILLER REPRESENTATIVE JOHN GARAMENDI (D-CA) REPRESENTATIVE JERRY MCNERNEY (D-CA) DEPUTY SECRETARY PORCARI AND UNDER SECRETARY TROTTENBERG AASHTO ITS AMERICA APTA ARTBA 2014 Meetings DEPUTY SECRETARY MENDEZ DAVID KIM (FHWA) HENRIKA BUCHANAN-SMITH (FTA) ITS AMERICA DREW PRESTON (US CHAMBER) SENATOR FEINSTEIN STAFF TREVOR HIGGINS REPRESENTATIVE JOHN GARAMENDI T&I COMMITTEE SHANT BOYAJIAN GEORGE MILLER STAFF JACQUELINE SILVERS REPRESENTATIVE JERRY MCNERNEY MEETING WITH EPW COMMITTEE ANDREW DOHRMANN & DAVID NAPOLIELLO 15-6