It is recommended that the Mayor and Commission of the City of Miami Beach, Florida authorize the issuance of RFQ 2023-521-ND for federal governmental consulting services.

On February 1, 2018, the City executed an agreement with Ballard Partners, Inc. for the services. The initial term of the Agreement was three (3) years and included two (2) one (1) year renewal options. All renewal options have been exercised and the agreement will expire on February 4, 2024.

In order to consider a replacement agreement, RFQ seeks responses from qualified firms or individuals interested in being considered to provide governmental consulting services, including lobbying services, to represent the City’s interests before the legislative and executive branches of the Federal Government, including all federal agencies.

The services generally include assistance and advise on legislation, policy, and regulations that may impact the City, including but not limited to:

·         Confer with the Mayor, City Commission, City Manager, City Attorney, and other City personnel on all organizational planning and program activities which have a bearing on the ability of the City to make the best use of federal programs.

·         Travel to Miami Beach at least bi-annually to meet with City Commission and the City’s Executive Team.

·         Maintain liaison with the City's Congressional delegation and assist with the delegation in any matter which the City determines to be in its best interest.

·         Counsel with the City regarding appearances by City personnel before Congressional Committees and Federal Administrative agencies.

·         Identify and notify the City in advance of opportunities such as grant opportunities and funding available for transportation, community and economic development, environment and resiliency, beach re-nourishment, infrastructure improvement, emergency management, housing and urban development, homeless programs, intermodal programs and any other areas of interest to the City.

·         Review, identify, and monitor federal legislative, executive, and regulatory policy changes or developments for the purpose of advising the City on those items which may have a significant bearing on City policies, funding, and programs.

·         Other services mutually agreed upon.

A draft of the RFQ is attached. Following the receipt of proposals, an Evaluation Committee will review proposals in accordance with the criteria established in the RFQ.

It is important to note that Section 2-485.2 of the City Code prohibits a lobbyist retained by the City from lobbying any City officer or staff member on behalf of a third party during the term of its agreement with the City.