Recent staff reorganizations within the City have left the Community Relations Manager as the sole individual in the City who will manage the day-to-day governmental affairs functions in addition to the public relations/information, marketing, and other assigned duties. The City of Sparks (City) is engaging CHG and Associates (Consultant) to provide lobbying and legislative services to represent the City on legislative and political issues of importance to the City.

In conjunction with the City, the Consultant will develop appropriate strategies and advocate for Sparks’ priorities in Washington, DC. The Consultant’s principal objective is to maintain and build relationships with key federal officials and administration offices, and work to identify possible funding sources in an effort to secure federal capital and operating funding for a variety of project and programs sought by the City. The Consultant will work with staff and Members of the Sparks’ federal congressional delegation as well as staff of the congressional committees to secure project funding and federal policy that will benefit the City of Sparks.

The Consultant shall perform the following duties and others as assigned:

• Develop short term and long term strategies with the City pertaining to funding and other federal issues.

• Work with the City regarding the political and financial feasibility of its legislative priorities and develop appropriate strategies in consultation with Sparks Legislative Committee with input with the Sparks Council and Department Managers.

• Draft materials and correspondence to support advocacy for the City’s legislative platform, appropriations, federal requests, and grant applications.

• Assist the Mayor, City Council Members, and City staff with coordination and interfacing with federal agencies and congressional officials.

• Represent the City in Washington, DC by communicating the City’s legislative and funding agenda to the appropriate elected representatives, key committee members, federal agencies and other individuals as needed.

• Provide written updates to the City on pertinent legislation, progress on City priorities at least once a month, or as requested by the City.

• Participate in the crafting of itineraries and facilitate meetings between City officials, council members and Washington DC delegate staff and various agencies.

• Track the development of federal statutes and regulations that may affect the City, advise on positions the City may take and help communicate these positions to congress and administration departments.

• Provide timely telephone or e-mail updates to designated City staff, provide status reports during the legislative session, and attend meetings as requested.

Budget and Terms The contract shall cover the period of December 1, 2013 through November 31, 2014 (one year) and contains the option to renew these services for an additional four years under mutual consent of both parties. The proposed budget for the work outlined above will be a reduction from the last contract term of $4750, to $4,500 per month ($54,000 annually) for the period of December 1, 2013 through November 31, 2014 with the option for budget negotiation for the period December 1, 2014 through November 31, 2015 and subsequent extensions.

This represents the basic fee for professional services and will be billed and paid monthly. The Contractor may bill the City up to $6,000 per year for direct, documented expenses including travel to Sparks to meet with City officials, business meals, overnight express, telephone, and messenger service. A summary of work performed will accompany each invoice that must be received monthly.