Discrimination, Part 1
by Larry Gilbert

Vendor selection discrimination in Mission Viejo.

For several years, as a contract city issuing millions every year for contracted services, I have monitored our vendor selection, corresponding project awards, and related Check Register payments.

One category that jumps off the page that warrants transparency and justification is our selection of vendors for landscape architectural services. To that end I've just looked at the two potential pre-screened vendors to see if we are fair and balanced in our awarding of Contracts.

Let's begin with Richard Fisher Associates based in Santa Ana. For FYE June 30, 2012, they received payments for services performed of $1,169.99. The following credentials are taken directly from their web site:

“SERVICES INCLUDE: Landscape Architectural Design, Community Workshops & Presentations, Native Vegetation Preservation, Standards & Guidelines Development, Feasibility Studies, Construction & Maintenance Specifications and Plan Check Services

“SPECIALISTS IN: Master Planning and Design, Neighborhood Parks, Community Parks, Sports Parks, Play Areas, Park Renovations, Nature Interpretive Parks, Trails and Pathways, Streetscapes and Medians"

Now let's look at the other Mission Viejo approved vendor, RJM Design Group. During the same 9-month timeframe, RJM has received $132,286.70 for their services, which are no different from those available from Richard Fisher. If I were to go back in time in my rear view mirror, where I have some prior related data, the picture is even worse comparing dollars to dollars awarded to these two firms, yet this pattern continues.

At some point, if you win every bid, regardless of fluff negotiations to shave a few bucks, if that happens, RJM must feel pretty good about their chances at winning almost every contract for services that both firms are qualified to perform. And should some of the work fall outside Richard Fisher's capabilities or staffing availability, then Mission Viejo should qualify another vendor to drive the competitive process just as we do in the private sector. Bottom line. If Fisher is not competitive, find a third option.

Included in their photos of Orange County projects, Richard Fisher Associates includes work performed in the cities of Laguna Hills, San Clemente, Yorba Linda and Mission Viejo. The photo on the left (below) is a Fisher Design project and the one on the right is RJM confirming that each is qualified and capable of performing the same tasks.