Santa Monica’s Ambitious Solid Waste Management Plan Moves Forward
GBB Assisted with Strategic Plan; Now Heads Procurement Efforts

(Fairfax, VA – September 13, 2006) – Gershman, Brickner & Bratton, Inc. (GBB) announced today that it has recently concluded its review of solid waste services for the City of Santa Monica, CA, and has been retained by the City to spearhead the procurement efforts resulting from the strategic review. GBB was originally selected in late 2005 to assist the City with its ambitious diversion goals, service improvements and rate equity plan. GBB evaluated current solid waste service delivery methods, finances and rates, and identified and evaluated alternative methods of structuring services and rates.

The first phase of the assignment concluded in July 2006 with GBB assisting City staff by making two presentations to brief City Council on the strategic plan and the recommended procurement approach. Potential operating efficiencies and service delivery alternatives were presented and their potential effect on expenditures and revenues, if implemented, were gauged. A comparison of the City’s current solid waste rate structures with those of surrounding communities and an analysis of equity between customer classes was also presented. Armed with a clear understanding of their options, the City Council examined the long-range policy implications of the alternative service delivery models and provided specific direction about what models to address in the future. This guidance was for the City to issue two separate Requests for Proposal (RFP); one for collection services for businesses and commercial establishments in the City and a second for transfer services. Both RFPs have several options. For example, the transfer services can include construction of a complete new facility. The City Council’s goals for the RFPs are threefold; to reduce the environmental impacts of waste management in the City, to increase the diversion of materials from disposal into recycling and to maintain equitable rates for all customers.

As part of the second phase, GBB will assist the City, for both procurements, in preparing RFPs; reviewing the Proposals received; making recommendations to Council; negotiating with chosen Proposers; and drafting contracts. The RFPs are slated for publication in early 2007, with late June 2007 as the target date to award contracts for transfer station operations and commercial collection.

“GBB has extensive experience procuring services and, most importantly, approaching the process strategically in order to maximize Proposers’ response and creativity,” noted Lamont Ewell, City Manager for the City of Santa Monica. “Together with GBB, we are committed to making things happen in Santa Monica and succeed with the ambitious plan put forward.”

Santa Monica, with a population of approximately 84,000, is comprised of 8.3 square miles with a balance of vibrant commercial districts and neighboring residential communities. It is bordered by the City of Los Angeles on three sides and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The City currently operates traditional solid waste collection and transfer services for a customer base of 62,000 with a fleet of 128 vehicles and a staff of 121. The City directly provides all residential and much commercial solid waste and recycling collection citywide and operates a transfer station. Processing of commingled recycling and operation of a buy-back center are provided to the City via contract.

GBB is a national solid waste management consulting firm founded in 1980 that works on solid waste collection, processing, recycling and disposal issues, including construction waste and demolition debris projects at the local, state, and national levels for both the public and private sectors. For more information on the firm and its products and services, visit www.GBBinc.com or call 1-800-573-5801.

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