Title: 1.  FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE INTERVENTION SERVICES

Requested Action:
THAT THE DUVAL COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH ALCALDE & FAY FOR FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE INTERVENTION SERVICES IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $50,000, AND AUTHORIZE THE CHAIRMAN AND SUPERINTENDENT TO AFFIX THEIR SIGNATURES, SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY GENERAL COUNSEL.

Summary Explanation and Background:

The Duval County Public School system seeks to obtain the services of ALCALDE & FAY, a Washington, DC, based firm that serves more than 40 public clients throughout Florida.  ALCALDE & FAY would provide federal legislative intervention services to the Duval County School Board to assist the District in advocating the Board's interests before the South Florida Congressional Delegation, Federal legislative committees, and the Executive Branch, including the Secretaries of Education, Commerce, Health and Human Services and Justice, and other pertinent regulatory agencies.  These interests may include efforts that influence FCAT assessments, alignment of high school graduation requirements (SAT), and clear accountability measures in the legislature's role in standardizing academic achievement goals.  Reports show that since 2001, $9.8 million in lobbying fees earned by ALCALDE & FAY translated into $17 million in earmarks, or a return of $18.41 on every dollar spent.

ALCALDE & FAY submitted a proposal for Federal legislative services in response to an RFP issued by Miami-Dade Public Schools in Jun 24, 2004.  Duval County Public Schools seeks to enter into an agreement with ALCALDE & FAY based upon the terms and conditions specified in the Miami-Dade contract.

Financial Impact (Including HR/headcount/Source of Funds):
Funds are budgeted in the Operating Budget

For Additional Information, contact:
Mr. David Sundstrom, Chief of Staff - 390-2010