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Commission approves $196,800 procurement consulting agreement after public questions about vendor track record
Summary
After questions from commissioners about references and the firm's online information, the commission approved a one‑year professional services agreement with LPRM Ascend Advisors LLC (not to exceed $196,800) for procurement consulting and administrative services. The firm's president joined remotely to answer questions.
The Deerfield Beach City Commission approved by roll call a professional services agreement with LPRM Ascend Advisors LLC to provide procurement consulting and administrative services for a one‑year term (with a possible one‑year renewal), in an amount not to exceed $196,800.
Commission discussion and concerns: Commissioner Shanetzky pulled the item for discussion and said he was uncomfortable approving the item without more documentation of the company's track record and client references. He told the commission he had called the CFO and reviewed the item and remained concerned because LPRM appeared to be a recently incorporated firm with a sparse public web presence.
Company response: Luis Perez, LPRM's president, joined remotely after technical difficulties and described a team with decades of procurement experience and an active engagement in Pompano Beach, where the company said it has worked on complex solicitations and procurement process improvements. Perez said LPRM would run a six‑step program for Deerfield Beach including a gap analysis, SOP development, technology integration (IonWave), outreach to local vendors, and contract tracking. "Part of our work is outreach — in Pompano we brought more than 500 new vendors into the solicitation process," Perez said.
Staff justification: CFO Oleg Gorakhovsk explained the city used the "best interest" acquisition provision in the procurement code for a limited scope of services and said the proposed contract is tailored to address procurement challenges such as backlog, inconsistent processes and limited staff capacity. The city indicated the firm's principals have prior individual experience in procurement and that the contract contains performance expectations.
Outcome and oversight: Commissioners approved the contract; several members noted the city can terminate the agreement if performance is unsatisfactory and that the item will be closely monitored. Commissioner Shanetzky said staff should ensure LPRM presents references and additional documentation quickly and that the company's website be completed to show prior work.
Next steps: LPRM will begin an assessment and initial outreach; staff will monitor and report progress and may seek further commission action for any contract extensions or additional procurement related budget items.
