WRCOG approves sole‑source extension with Best Best & Krieger for PACE legal services

WRCOG members voted to approve a professional services agreement with Best Best & Krieger (BBK) to continue providing PACE administrative and bond‑counsel legal services. Casey Daley presented background explaining the firm’s long history on the program, the scope of services (bond counsel, demand letters, review of bankruptcy proceedings and related administrative work), and that program funding — not WRCOG’s general fund — pays BBK under current contract terms.

Daley described prior procurement efforts, saying BBK was the only responsive bidder in earlier RFPs and that a second firm later proposed to take the work only if awarded WRCOG’s broader legal services, a condition outside the solicitation. Committee members raised questions about the phrasing “determined to be the only responsible bidder,” and Daley clarified that was a staff determination reflecting responsiveness and experience. Bob (Speaker 13) asked how staff ensured other firms had equal opportunity; Daley reiterated the RFP history and explained BBK’s unique institutional knowledge of the PACE program.

The committee then approved the sole‑source agreement by roll call. The approved arrangement keeps the program’s administrative fee structure intact and assigns BBK continued responsibility for PACE demand letters, payment requisitions and other specialized services.