Procurement Strategy

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1513879292700{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Understanding the needs and preferences of public agencies is essential to formulating a winning procurement strategy and crafting a proposal that is recommended by agency staff and ultimately approved. Also, it is essential that the client understand both the formal and informal decision-making processes as well as any political factors that may affect the procurement and approval process. EKA created and executed the right strategy for a Fortune 500 company to win a signature multi-year, multi-million-dollar service contract. Our work included advice and counsel on approach, communications and messaging. The strategy and tactics were successful.

EKA has provided similar strategic advice to other Fortune 500 companies as well as smaller businesses, enabling our clients to successfully navigate complex procurement processes for high-profile, high–dollar value services in many jurisdictions and agencies in Southern California.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_fancy_title color=”#000000″ size=”16″ force_font_size=”true” size_smallscreen=”16″ size_tablet=”12″ size_phone=”12″ font_weight=”bold” txt_transform=”uppercase” letter_spacing=”2″ font_family=”Montserrat” font_type=”google” responsive_align=”left”]CONTACT EKA NOW[/mk_fancy_title]

[/vc_column][/vc_row]

Litigation Settlement

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1586880318892{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]At many public agencies, there are formal rules or informal practices prohibiting them from contracting with companies they are litigating. As a result, the cloud of litigation can prohibit a client from securing future work. This includes winning work through competitive procurement, contract options and extensions and assignment of task orders to companies on a services bench. Litigation also damages and usually precludes, a client’s ability to form joint ventures or serve in a subcontracting role on a larger team. Englander Knabe & Allen (collaborating with another consultant) worked with a client to resolve a legal dispute with a major public agency, ending the litigation and enabling the client to win new work.

The client also wanted to avoid negative media coverage and reputation damage, including any description of the allegations, which they vigorously disputed. The legal issue and underlying facts were highly complex and technical and did not lend themselves to clear messaging. And, if discussed publicly—were likely to cause agency leadership to defend its position.

Prior to EKA’s involvement, both sides were entrenched and previous settlement offers were rejected. EKA’s advice and counsel enabled corporate leadership to assess their options and likely outcomes and make an informed decision to settle the litigation in a way that was acceptable to both sides. While the settlement was announced at a public meeting (as required by law), there was no media coverage and the relationship between the client and agency management was restored. The client continues to work for the agency.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_fancy_title color=”#000000″ size=”16″ force_font_size=”true” size_smallscreen=”16″ size_tablet=”12″ size_phone=”12″ font_weight=”bold” txt_transform=”uppercase” letter_spacing=”2″ font_family=”Montserrat” font_type=”google” responsive_align=”left”]CONTACT EKA NOW[/mk_fancy_title]

[/vc_column][/vc_row]

Development Challenge

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1586880348624{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]A notable hotel required substantial conversion done to an adaptive re-use office commercial building. The building was built in the 1970s, so most of the elements—including structural, Fire Life Safety, mechanical, plumbing, electrical and ADA code requirements—were out of code. The building could not be converted without simplification and modification of code because of excessive cost. In addition to the cost factor driven by onerous code requirements, the hotel needed to meet an opening date according to proforma and investors’ timelines.

EKA was retained by the major hotel developer to work with relevant city Agencies in coordination with their architect and GC team to review code requirements, explore and obtain modifications to code and ultimately open on time.

EKA arranged for a series of internal technical meetings with consultants—including architects, structural engineers, fire life safety consultants and the general contractor (which included mechanical, electrical and plumbing subcontractors)—to review building conversion plans. A strategic timeline was created as well as a list of elements of the building upgrade which did not meet current code in the disciplines above.

EKA facilitated significant cost savings ($2.5 million estimated) through the eight modifications obtained for the project and allowed for the client to meet their investors’ deadlines.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_fancy_title color=”#000000″ size=”16″ force_font_size=”true” size_smallscreen=”16″ size_tablet=”12″ size_phone=”12″ font_weight=”bold” txt_transform=”uppercase” letter_spacing=”2″ font_family=”Montserrat” font_type=”google” responsive_align=”left”]CONTACT EKA NOW[/mk_fancy_title]

[/vc_column][/vc_row]

Legislative Advocacy

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1513877542920{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]In 2013, 63 percent of Los Angeles voters approved Proposition D, which granted limited immunity to 135 medical marijuana dispensaries. Since the passage of Proposition D, more than 1,000 illegal operators have impacted neighborhoods. Many of the illegal locations are open within close proximity to schools, churches and parks—and few, if any, illegal dispensaries pay state and local taxes.

This led to the creation of the United Cannabis Business Alliance (UCBA), formed with over twenty-five of the Proposition-D compliant medical marijuana dispensaries operating legally within the City of Los Angeles. Besides being the interim executive director for UCBA, EKA played a direct role in placing Proposition N on the city ballot. Our scope included rolling out a full campaign from signature gathering to fundraising. We also lobbied the city on behalf of UCBA, in order to keep the council informed of what UCBA was doing and to prepare for the city’s next steps.

Within six weeks, UCBA needed to have over 100,000 valid registered voter signatures. To ensure UCBA reached their goal. UCBA collected over 104,000 signatures and Proposition N was placed on the ballot for March 2017. UCBA ended up abandoning support for this measure to support the City’s own measure, which was placed after UCBA ended their campaign. Although Proposition M was not authored by UCBA, they believed supporting the city was important. Proposition M was passed overwhelmingly by voters. The city is now on its way to creating cannabis regulations that give priority to Prop D shops, open the industry through a licensing system, create a social equity program and increase enforcement measures against illegal shops.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_fancy_title color=”#000000″ size=”16″ force_font_size=”true” size_smallscreen=”16″ size_tablet=”12″ size_phone=”12″ font_weight=”bold” txt_transform=”uppercase” letter_spacing=”2″ font_family=”Montserrat” font_type=”google” responsive_align=”left”]CONTACT EKA NOW[/mk_fancy_title]

[/vc_column][/vc_row]

California Alliance For Golf

A view of Pebble Beach Golf Course

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1513877073673{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]The golf industry has been facing a number of issues that have encouraged the California golf industry to join together to focus on advocacy, legislative participation and the growth of the game.

EKA was hired to provide strategic counseling, public affairs, government relations and advocacy services for the golf industry by creating and maintaining the California Alliance for Golf. This includes serving as an advocate in Sacramento via EKA’s partner, Tony Rice. To help grow the game, Englander Knabe & Allen used legislative days, monthly newsletters and other tactics to share the great work the golf industry is doing, as well as to develop CAG’s membership ensuring the industry is united, informed and protected.

Englander Knabe & Allen assisted CAG with planning golf-related seminars for electeds, golf industry members and the general public to attend. These events include speakers on water conservation, growth of the game and more. EKA’ s work to expand the CAG membership involves reaching out and meeting with golf-related companies, informing them of what CAG is doing and why it is crucial for them to join CAG.

CAG continues to grow as an organization and promote the game. By constantly monitoring legislative activity, CAG is always prepared to support a bill or fight for their industry. EKA continues to partner with CAG to increase their membership, track state legislation, connect golf industry leaders and more.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_fancy_title color=”#000000″ size=”16″ force_font_size=”true” size_smallscreen=”16″ size_tablet=”12″ size_phone=”12″ font_weight=”bold” txt_transform=”uppercase” letter_spacing=”2″ font_family=”Montserrat” font_type=”google” responsive_align=”left”]CONTACT EKA NOW[/mk_fancy_title]

[/vc_column][/vc_row]

710 Coalition

710 Long Beach Freeway Sign

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1646503856962{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]The 710 freeway was developed over six decades ago and runs north to south from the City of Long Beach to the City of Alhambra. Plans for construction of the 710 freeway to extend north to the 210 freeway were never completed.

As a result, commuters traveling north on the 710 were forced to utilize local streets to reach their destinations. Several cities continued to be impacted by severe gridlock as commuters made their way through local arterials. EKA was retained by the Coalition formed by the affected cities to advocate and engage with relevant local agencies, officials and other organizations to pursue completion of the 710 freeway.

EKA worked with the Coalition to develop a public relations outreach plan that involved key agencies and stakeholders as well as labor and other organizations impacted by and/or involved with the issue. It was critical that we understood not only the perspective of local officials and agencies but also the sentiments of the local community. Through polling and research, we were able to identify geographic support for the Coalition’s position. Forming strategic alliances and engaging with and responding to media was also a key component of the Coalition’s efforts.

Through our program we were able to find local spokespeople who agreed to sign letters to the editor and who also agreed to comment at the public hearings. Coalition cities continue to work with local agencies to minimize gridlock and severe traffic in their neighborhoods.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_fancy_title color=”#000000″ size=”16″ force_font_size=”true” size_smallscreen=”16″ size_tablet=”12″ size_phone=”12″ font_weight=”bold” txt_transform=”uppercase” letter_spacing=”2″ font_family=”Montserrat” font_type=”google” responsive_align=”left”]CONTACT EKA NOW[/mk_fancy_title]

[/vc_column][/vc_row]

Restaurant Permitting

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1586880432704{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]A well-known restaurant chain was in need of multiple location openings in the larger LA City and LA County areas, within a certain timeline.

EKA was retained by the restaurant chain to create and implement comprehensive outreach strategy inclusive of elected offices and community stakeholders. EKA also facilitated thorough plan check engineering and rough and final inspections to get all the restaurants approved and opened on time. This truly full-service scope is not offered by many firms.

We created a profile for each project site that included elected and relevant stakeholders and created a presentation and meeting strategy with possible restaurant layouts, operational conditions, etc. Some sites required a public hearing for a conditional-use permit dealing with drive-thrus. EKA represented those projects at all public hearings and community meetings and wrote and submitted all required documents. EKA continued to facilitate the client through various public hearing processes. Within two years, ten restaurants have been successfully opened in the larger LA City and LA County areas.

The elected and community support generated by EKA led to the approval of restaurant drive-thru requests, successful negotiation of operational conditions in the conditional-use permit and on-time opening of projects.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_fancy_title color=”#000000″ size=”16″ force_font_size=”true” size_smallscreen=”16″ size_tablet=”12″ size_phone=”12″ font_weight=”bold” txt_transform=”uppercase” letter_spacing=”2″ font_family=”Montserrat” font_type=”google” responsive_align=”left”]CONTACT EKA NOW[/mk_fancy_title]

[/vc_column][/vc_row]

Ports, Commerce and Transportation

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1586880462551{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]In order to meet new federal and state mandates relating to air quality, the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles proposed a progressive ban for the 16,000 drayage trucks entering the port complex every day. The progressive ban proposal barred the oldest, dirtiest trucks from entering the port first, followed by a series of annual bans that would ultimately require the truck fleet to deploy truck models no older than 2014. Although generally supportive of the ports’ environmental goals, the local trucking industry would be disadvantaged competitively if it were forced to purchase newer, more expensive trucks to meet the ports’ new requirements.

EKA was retained by a consortium of over 100 local trucking companies (eventually forming the Harbor Trucking Association) to advocate before the Port Commissions in LA and Long Beach to find a workable solution that would allow the ports to meet their stated environmental goals while allowing smaller and mid-sized trucking companies to continue doing business.

As a result of our efforts, the Ports adopted a new environmental program that allowed for older trucks to remain competitive while incentivizing those who wanted to invest and deploy newer, cleaner truck models. As a result, the trucking industry remained strong and the Ports were able to reduce harmful air emissions (NOx and SOx) by 90%—over two years ahead of schedule. In addition, the formation of the HTA has solidified the political strength of the port trucking industry on dozens of issues in the last few years, including additional environmental regulations, new tariff provisions and the expansion of port terminal facilities.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_fancy_title color=”#000000″ size=”16″ force_font_size=”true” size_smallscreen=”16″ size_tablet=”12″ size_phone=”12″ font_weight=”bold” txt_transform=”uppercase” letter_spacing=”2″ font_family=”Montserrat” font_type=”google” responsive_align=”left”]CONTACT EKA NOW[/mk_fancy_title]

[/vc_column][/vc_row]

Consensus Building Consulting

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1586880487519{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]With the passage of the new Federal Highway Bill (FAST ACT), Congress mandated that the logistics industry identify a way to measure productivity at our ports around the country. With each segment of the supply chain—labor, terminals, shipping lines—measuring productivity differently, this new mandate presented a significant challenge.

EKA was retained by a group of terminals to lead an industry effort to determine what the metrics should be, which agency should measure them and how they should be reported.

Achieving a consensus among a disparate group of industry members was not easy. Our tactics included outreach to elected officials (members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee), several NGOs (National Retail Federation, Retail Industry Leaders Association, etc.) and importers (Home Depot, Target, etc.) to identify the top-ten productivity issues facing the supply chain and how those issues be measured. EKA then took the lead in reducing those issues to a written proposal; circulating it among stakeholders and advocating for a consensus position. EKA then determined that the DOT would be the proper agency to implement these measures and led the advocacy effort before the DOT in order to have the measures adopted.

As a result of our efforts, the FAST ACT mandate on measuring port productivity is well on its way to implementation. In the process EKA was able to facilitate an industry-wide consensus on a matter previously viewed as too sensitive or controversial to find common ground.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_fancy_title color=”#000000″ size=”16″ force_font_size=”true” size_smallscreen=”16″ size_tablet=”12″ size_phone=”12″ font_weight=”bold” txt_transform=”uppercase” letter_spacing=”2″ font_family=”Montserrat” font_type=”google” responsive_align=”left”]CONTACT EKA NOW[/mk_fancy_title]

[/vc_column][/vc_row]

Company Lobbying in Los Angeles Dipped in Third Quarter to $16.2 Million

Los Angeles Business Journal reported on December 27, 2017, that:

Developers with projects pending in Los Angeles and other companies with business in the city spent $16.2 million to lobby various city agencies during the third quarter, according to a city lobbying report released Tuesday.

The dollar amount dipped down from the $16.9 million that developers and other businesses paid in lobbying dollars in the prior quarter and from the $16.5 million spent during last year’s third quarter, according to the report from the Los Angeles City Ethics Commission.

In addition:

Next was Englander Knabe and Allen, which took in $1.2 million from a wide range of companies, including BNSF Railway Co., Motorola Inc. and Waste Management Inc.

Click here to read the complete article.