Title
Authorization to Extend Professional Services Agreement with Molera Alvarez, LLC (Ordinance S-45888)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to extend the Professional Services Agreement 139598-3 with Molera Alvarez, LLC, for 60 days, and authorize the City Controller to disburse funds in an amount not to exceed $41,172 for the duration of the 60-day extension. There is no impact to the General Fund. Funding is available in the Downtown Community Reinvestment Fund.
Report
Summary
The City has established a recognized leadership position in Mexico as it relates to key relationships and economic opportunity. Maintaining this leadership position requires a sustained effort to leverage the success to date and position Phoenix for increased economic opportunity as Mexico remains the top trading partner for both the City and State of Arizona.
On March 20, 2019, City Council authorized staff to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Mexico Trade Development Consulting Services to facilitate economic activity between Mexico and Phoenix in anticipation of the July 31, 2019 expiration of the current contract for similar services. The RFP was issued on March 21, 2019 and an award recommendation was posted on June 10, 2019. On June 17, 2019, the City received two protests of the award recommendation. Staff is unable to submit the award recommendation for City Council consideration until the protest process and any subsequent appeal process have been completed.
To avoid any lapse in these important economic development consulting services, staff requests authorization to extend the current Mexico trade development representative professional services agreement 139598-3, with Molera Alvarez, LLC, which expires on July 31, 2019, for an additional 60 days. If approved, the contract extension would be in effect until City Council has approved an award recommendation for the current RFP or Sept. 30, 2019, whichever occurs first. Without this extension, trade development activities conducted by the consultant will cease and the City will no longer have contract staff in the Mexico City and Hermosillo offices. This could have a negative impact on the progress the City has made to establish its leadership position regarding Mexico trade.
Contract Term
The term of the contract extension is for a maximum of 60 days.
Financial Impact
Funding for this contract extension will not exceed $20,585.56 monthly, for a maximum total cost of $41,172. There is no impact to the General Fund. Funding is available in the Downtown Community Reinvestment Fund.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Deanna Jonovich and the Community and Economic Development Department.