Laserfiche WebLink
NCDA Executive Committee Agenda Item #4 <br /> NCDA Agenda Item #2a <br /> <br />MEMORANDUM <br /> <br />Date: May 6, 2004 <br /> <br />To: <br /> <br />NCDA Committee / Capital Budget Committee <br />Northstar Corridor Development Authority <br /> <br />From: Evaluation Team <br /> <br />Subject: <br /> <br />Selection of Legal Services Firm for BNSF Negotiations <br /> <br />Three firms responded to the request for proposals to provide legal services to the Northstar <br />Corridor Development Authority (NCDA) for commuter rail negotiations: <br /> · Greene Espel, PLLP with subcontractor Maslon, Edelman, B0rman and Brand, LLP <br /> · Lindquist & Vennum, PLLP with subcontractor Harkins Cunningham, LLP, and <br /> · Leonard Street and Deinard <br /> <br />Written proposals were evaluated and scored based on the following criteria: experience of the <br />proposing firms, experience of personnel, quality of response and approach to the negotiations, <br />disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) participation, ability to meet contractual requirements, and <br />price. The evaluation team selected the Lindquist & Vennum team and the Greene Espel team for <br />interviews, which took place on April 26 and April 28, 2004 respectively. <br /> <br />The Greene Espel team's response to the RFP was unanimously scored equal to or higher than the <br />Lindquist & Vennum team's response in all criteria. Further, Greene Espel's response to interview <br />questions provided further detail about their approach to BNSF negotiations, which the evaluation <br />team believes to be more effective than the approach outlined by Lindquist & Vennum. Finally, Cliff <br />Greene has effectively advanced BNSF negotiations under Greene Espel's current contract with the <br />NCDA and proved to be responsive to the NCDA's needs and respected by the BNSF. The Greene <br />Espel proposal calls for Mr. Greene to continue in this lead rote. <br /> <br />Greene Espel's team includes the law firm Maslon, Edelman, Borman and Brand, LLP.' The lead <br />attorney to participate on the negotiation team from the Maslon law firm is Joe Alexander, a leading <br />transactional attorney in the Twin Cities. The references for Joe Alexander and the Maslon firm, <br />contacted by the NCDA evaluation team, gave Mr. Alexander and the Maslon law firm their highest <br />recommendations and indicated that Maslon brings a significant contribution to the Greene Espel <br />team. <br /> <br />The Linquist & Vennum proposal demonstrated significant expertise in railroad taw, environmental <br />law, and other related areas of the law. It is recommended that the NCDA not reject the Lindquist & <br />Vennum proposal, but reserve the right to enter into contract with Lindquist & Vennum should <br /> <br /> 1 <br /> Northstar Corridor Development Authority <br />2100 3rd Avenue, Anoka, Minnesota 55303-2265 (763) 323-5700 Fax: (763) 323-5682 www. northstartrain.org <br /> <br /> <br />