Item 09 - Agreement for Administrative Hearing Officers Services

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Administrative Hearing Officers October 15, 2024 Page 3 4 6 0 6 Firm Location Rank Richard D. Jones, A Professional Law Corporation Fullerton, CA 1 Michael Raneses Administrative Hearings Tustin, CA 2 Serviam By Wright, LLP Irvine CA 3 Nastich Law, a Professional Corporation Berkeley, CA 4 Palacios Law Office Riverside, CA 5 JL Group, LLC Laguna Niguel, CA 6 The evaluation committee evaluated proposals in accordance with the RFP criteria, and determined that Richard D. Jones, A Professional Law Corporation; Michael Raneses Administrative Hearings; Serviam by Wright, LLP; Nastich Law, a Professional Corporation; and Palacios Law Office best met the City’s specifications, demonstrated vast experience working with public agencies, the capacity to provide Administrative Hearing Officer services on-site and remotely to various City Departments, and can meet the City’s needs as set forth in the RFP documents. Due to the nature and sensitivity of these services, the City performed further reviews to confirm the highest- ranked proposers’ ability to provide independent hearing officer services absent of any potential conflicts of interest. As a result, staff rescinded their initial intent to award an agreement to Richard D. Jones, A Professional Law Corporation, and Michael Raneses Administrative Hearings. Staff recommends awarding agreements to Serviam By Wright, LLP (Exhibit 1), Nastich Law, a Professional Corporation (Exhibit 2), and Palacios Law Office (Exhibit 3) to ensure sufficient resources are available for all using departments. Approval of agreements to the abovementioned recommended firms will allow the City to contract with qualified, experienced consultants for specific administrative hearings in a timely manner and ensure sufficient resources are available to hold hearings on an as-needed basis by various Agencies citywide. Staff will also be better able to respond quickly to fluctuating demands and ultimately provide better service to customers of the City of Santa Ana. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT There is no environmental impact associated with this action. FISCAL IMPACT Funding for services performed by June 30, 2025 were already included in the adopted FY 2024-25 budget. Funding for subsequent fiscal years will be included in the appropriate proposed budget for City Council consideration. Fiscal Year Accounting Unit – Acct #Fund Description Accounting Unit, Acct Description Amount 2024- 25 01110130- 62300 FMSA General Funds Contact Services Professional $15,000