Placement: Consent Agenda
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Approve Contract #20260110 for Consultant Services for Federal Legislative Program with Mercury Public Affairs LLC.
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Submitted By: Shelby Dolan, Procurement Contracts Manager, Procurement Division.
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal of a high-performing city government organization.
Summary Brief (Agreements/Contracts only)
1. Prepared by: Shelby Dolan, Procurement Division.
2. Parties: City of Port St. Lucie and Mercury Public Affairs LLC. (“Mercury”).
3. Purpose: To retain the current consultant to provide federal legislative consulting services for the City.
4. New/Renewal/Modified: New.
5. Duration: January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026, one (1) year.
6. Benefits to Port St. Lucie: Help the City pursue federal funding opportunities aligned with strategic goals.
7. Cost to Port St. Lucie (Annual and Potential): Estimated annual expenditure is approximately $93,600.
Presentation Information: N/A.
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council waive formal bidding, per City Code of Ordinances, Section 35.08 (c) for good cause shown, and approve Contract #20260110 with Mercury.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and approve Contract 20260110.
2. Move that the Council not approve and provide staff with direction.
Background: The City of Port St. Lucie has received exceptional federal legislative consulting services from Mercury since 2025, significantly strengthening the City Manager’s Strategic Initiatives and Innovation team in advancing the City’s federal legislative program. As the City’s federal consultant, Mercury provides expert guidance and direct engagement with congressional offices, federal agencies, and key decision-makers in Washington, D.C., ensuring the City is well-positioned to pursue federal funding opportunities aligned with its strategic goals. Their support includes specialized advice on navigating the federal appropriations process, as well as timely insights into federal policy developments and their potential impacts on the City.
Issues/Analysis: Saff has reviewed the agreement and scope submitted by Mercury and recommends entering into a contract for continued consultant services with Mercury.
Financial Information: General Fund / City Manager / Professional Services (001-1200-531000-00000).
Special Consideration: Although Contract #20260110 is below the threshold required for City Council approval, since the City also had a contract with Mercury last year, the cumulative total will exceed $100,000. Therefore, staff is requesting that Council waive formal bidding for good cause shown under Section 35.08(c). The support for this request is as follows. Mercury offers extensive expertise in federal legislative strategy, appropriations, and relationship building with key policymakers. Their proven track record, supporting the City’s federal legislative program has delivered a strong return on investment by expanding the City’s access to federal resources and strengthening engagement with the federal appropriators in Washington, D.C. Although the City was on track to receive appropriations this year, the federal government shutdown and ongoing negotiations surrounding community projects have delayed final decisions circumstances beyond the control of any federal consultant. Despite these challenges, Mercury has consistently provided timely updates, strategic guidance, and effective meetings throughout the past year. Continued utilization of their services will ensure the City remains well positioned as the federal process moves forward. Additionally, it will ensure that there are no potential challenges or delays in getting another consultant up to speed during a very dynamic appropriation process.
Location of Project: N/A.
Attachments:
1. Contract.
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: 25323-06.
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by Alyssa Lunin, Senior Deputy City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by Richard Berrios, City Attorney.