Recommend approval to award a two-year contract for legislative services to ConnectSouth in the amount of $120,000.00. The cost of the contract per year will be $60,000.00.

This contract will be used to provide professional representation and liaison with the Georgia General Assembly, Chatham County Legislative Delegation, and the executive departments and agencies of the State of Georgia. The liaison will assist in preparing the City's annual legislative agenda, and will attend legislative sessions, committee meetings, and work groups. The liaison will work with the City in drafting and monitoring legislation, as well as preparing periodic reports throughout the year updating the City on the status of matters of interest.

The method used for this procurement was the Request for Proposal (RFP), which evaluates criteria in addition to costs. The criteria evaluated for this RFP were the qualifications and experience of the consultant, methodology, references and fees.

Nine proposals were received. Of those nine, three were selected for interviews and asked to provide a best and final offer.

ConnectSouth, the recommended proposer, has consistently been ranked one of the top legislative lobbying firms in the State of Georgia, with a diverse range of political, policy and legal expertise. The team has a unique focus on municipal interests, and currently represents the City of Atlanta, the City of Dunwoody, the City of Marietta, and the City of Tucker, in addition to the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), the Georgia Retail Association, and the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.

The contract term runs from Oct. 12, 2017 through Oct. 11, 2019. 

Approval