Agenda Item 8-B
Consent Agenda Item
To:
Chairman Smedberg and the VRE Operations Board
From:
Doug Allen
Date:
September 20, 2013
Re:
Authorization to Issue a Request for Proposals for
Federal Relations Services
________________________________________________________________
Recommendation:
The VRE Operations Board is being asked to authorize the Chief Executive Officer to
issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for federal relations services to assist with
federal agencies, institutions and elected officials.
Background:
From time to time VRE requires assistance on issues pending before Congress or
with the federal agencies. Federal relations services are needed to more effectively
communicate VRE’s issues, needs and perspectives on a variety of federal issues.
Descriptions of potential services that will be required are as follows:
1. Coordinate with VRE to address critical federal policies and/or regulations
that could impact VRE’s interests.
2. Advise VRE of federal policy or legislative issues that could significantly
impact VRE’s operations, powers and authorities and procedures.
3. Advise VRE on strategies to accomplish VRE's legislative agenda.
4. Upon request, assist in the development and implementation of VRE's annual
Legislative Program.
1
5. Help formulate testimony before committees and subcommittees of Congress
on behalf of VRE.
6. Interact with members of the Congressional staff or federal agencies staff to
explain and advocate VRE's policy/legislative interests.
7. Provide periodic status reports as to matters of interest to the VRE pending
before the Congress.
8. Assist with issues concerning VRE’s involvement with Amtrak and the
Northeast Corridor Commission.
Upon receipt of qualified proposals, VRE will return to the Operations Board with a
request for authorization to award the contract.
Fiscal Impact:
Funds are allocated in the annual FY 2014 operating budget based upon estimated
costs.
2
Virginia Railway Express
Operations Board
Resolution
8B-09-2013
Authorization to Issue a Request for Proposals
for Federal Relations Services.
WHEREAS, there is a need for VRE to effectively interact with federal agencies,
Congressional staff, committees and members on regulations, prospective legislation and
other VRE related issues; and,
WHEREAS, VRE Operations Board annually adopts a federal legislative agenda; and,
WHEREAS, that legislative agenda often calls for communicating a need or position on
behalf of VRE before Congress or a federal agency; and,
WHEREAS, it is in VRE’s interest to secure federal relations services to assist VRE in
addressing these federal issues.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the VRE Operations Board does hereby
authorize the VRE Chief Executive Officer to issue a Request for Proposals for federal
relations to assist VRE with federal issues.
Approved this 20th day of September 2013
________________________________
Paul Smedberg
Chairman
_______________________________
John Cook
Secretary
3