Title
Recommendation to Approve the First Amendment to Services Provider Agreement with Nossaman LLP, a California Corporation, that has been Providing the City with Grant-Seeking, Writing, and Active Lobbying Since 2014. (City Manager 2110)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Jill Keimach, City Manager
Re: Recommendation to Approve the First Amendment to Services Provider Agreement with Nossaman LLP, a California Corporation, that has been Providing the City with Grant-Seeking, Writing, and Active Lobbying Since 2014
BACKGROUND
Grant funding is critical to the City being able to serve our community. Since 2013, the City has contracted with Nossaman LLP for grant-seeking, grant writing, and active lobbying.
In 2013, the City entered into an agreement with Nossaman LLP with compensation not to exceed $18,000. (Exhibit 1) In 2014 and 2015, Nossaman services compensation totaled $9,000. In 2016, the City entered into an agreement with Nossaman LLP with compensation not to exceed $24,000. (Exhibit 2)
The City has proposed a First Amendment to this agreement, modifying the agreement to extend the term to the 31st day of May 2019. (Exhibit 3) The modification reflects two additional years of service with total compensation not to exceed $48,000. The total amount of the agreement from 2013-2019 is $99,000.
DISCUSSION
Since 2013, Nossaman worked in partnership with the City to secure over $12.2 million in grant funding. These successes include:
• In 2014, Nossaman worked with the City to secure over $200,000 for Estuary Park through the Housing Related Parks Program;
• In 2014, Nossaman worked with the Alameda Recreation and Parks Department to submit two applications for funding for Jean Sweeney Open Space Park through the Outdoor Recreation and Legacy Partnership Program and the Active Transportation Program, successfully securing over $2.7 million combined;
• In 2015, Nossaman worked with the Alameda Recreation and Parks Department to submit an application for funding through the Land and Water Conservation Fund and were successfully awarded $2 million for the Jean Sweeney Open Space Park; and
• In 2016, Nossaman worked with the City to submit an Active Transportation Program application for Central Avenue and successfully secured over $7.3 million.
City staff and Nossaman are currently working on two grant applications that are under review:
• A Housing Related Parks Program application through the California Department of Housing and Community Development, requesting $220,000 for the Littlejohn Park rehabilitation project; and
• An Urban Greening Program application through the California Natural Resources Agency, requesting over $2.2 million to complete two contiguous sections of the Cross Alameda Trail: the one-block Atlantic Avenue street section and the Ralph Appezzato Memorial Parkway (RAMP) urban trail section.
The team at Nossaman has experience securing tens of millions of dollars in state funding for local projects, and has the ability to assist the City of Alameda in the continued development of competitive proposals that will provide grant funding for priority projects. Nossaman’s services include:
• Meet with City representatives to discuss the priority projects for which we are seeking grant funds;
• Develop a strategic plan to seek grant funding for the City’s priority projects that outlines the opportunities, timing, and probability of securing funds;
• Provide timely updates regarding upcoming grant opportunities;
• Coordinate meetings with grant making agencies and organizations to review potential City projects;
• Review grant applications and related materials and provide feedback on approach;
• Coordinate support for grant applications from Legislative Representatives;
• Maintain regular communication with City representatives and the grant making agency regarding the progress of the grant review process; and
• Assist the City with any follow up needed once the grant funds have been secured.
Four areas have increased focus this year among the City’s list of high priority projects. Those areas that Nossaman will be seeking grant funding include:
• Homelessness for Enhanced Social Services and Community Based Transitional Housing
• Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter for Spay, Neuter and other Services
• Energy Efficiency: Solar and Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure
• Stormwater and Sea Level Rise Infrastructure and Initiatives
FINANCIAL IMPACT
For the above scope of services, Nossaman will continue to receive a monthly retainer of $2,000, terminating on May 31, 2019. For grant writing services, a flat fee per application will be negotiated once the opportunity has been identified. The budget for this contract is included in the General Fund Non-departmental program.
MUNICIPAL CODE / POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
This action is in conformance with the Alameda Municipal Code.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action is exempt under California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3).
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the first amendment to services provider agreement with Nossaman LLP, a California Corporation, which has been providing the City with grant-seeking, writing, and active lobbying since 2014
Respectfully submitted,
Sarah Henry, Public Information Officer
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Elena Adair, Finance Director
Exhibits:
1. 2013 Services Provider Agreement
2. 2016 Services Provider Agreement
3. First Amendment and Scope of Services