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Merced County board selects Dentons for federal advocacy contract, requests quick execution
Summary
After hearing presentations on two federal advocacy firms, the Board of Supervisors voted Feb. 11 to proceed with Dentons US LLP under a standard three‑year agreement with two one‑year extension options; staff was asked to finalize the contract before a late‑February federal advocacy trip.
The Merced County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 11 instructed staff to begin contracting with Dentons US LLP for federal advocacy services and to finalize the engagement quickly so supervisors can use the firm’s support on an upcoming trip to Washington, D.C.
Assistant County Executive Officer Mark Hendrickson summarized why the board regularly uses a federal advocate to secure earmarks, grants and other funding. He presented two firms that expressed interest: Townsend Public Affairs and Dentons US LLP. Hendrickson provided high-level details about each firm’s size and experience; he noted Townsend’s existing work with the Merced County Association of Governments and described Dentons as led in part by former Congressman Jeff Denham and former Congressman Joe Crowley.
Supervisors discussed local relationships and the need for the contract to be in place before a federal advocacy trip at month’s end. County counsel and procurement staff indicated the county’s standard engagement term is three years with two one‑year extension options. Supervisors said they valued both firms’ qualifications but supported Dentons for its Capitol Hill connections and local ties. The board moved and unanimously approved directing staff to finalize a contract with Dentons.
The board did not disclose contract dollar amounts during the discussion; staff will return with the formal contract language and execution once negotiations are complete.
