Label
Federal Government Affairs Services
Office of the Mayor/Grants
Simon Nyi Simon.Nyi@toledo.oh.gov
Revised
Title
Authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Smith Dawson & Andrews to provide the city with federal government affairs services for a term of one year with an option to renew for four (4) successive one-year terms; authorizing the expenditure of $77,000 for said purpose; waiving the competitive bidding requirements of TMC 187; and declaring an emergency.
Body
SUMMARY & BACKGROUND:
The City has a strong interest in improving federal advocacy efforts that will strengthen its strategic approach with federal agencies and Congress while continuing to build a strong relationship with the congressional delegation, the Administration, and across federal agencies.
Smith Dawson & Andrews (SDA) has the capacity, expertise, experience, and understanding of local government issues necessary to be a strong partner for the City. They have experience providing federal representation on issues and objectives common to local government entities similar in size and governance to the City of Toledo. SDA's expertise includes all domestic discretionary programs of interest to local governments, including water infrastructure, transportation, economic development, public safety and security, health and human services, workforce development, and housing, among others.
SDA is unique because its two current clients in the Toledo area, TARTA and Metroparks Toledo, are working with them to organize a coordinated federal lobbying effort around shared regional priorities. Other agencies considering participating in this effort include TMACOG, LMH, Lucas County, and Toledo Lucas County Public Library. No other firm would offer the City the ability to participate in this coordinated regional effort. Upon review of public records of federal lobbying expenditures by other municipalities in Ohio and southeast Michigan in 2023, SDA's proposed rate is competitive.
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