Sheriff's Policy Manual: Lobbying

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Questions and Answers

What happens to all registration forms?

They are only accessible to the Purchasing Bureau Director

They are destroyed after a certain period

They are kept confidential

They are subject to public records laws and open to inspection (correct)

When does the Cone of Silence begin?

When the contract is executed

When the Purchasing Bureau Director provides public notice

When all bids or proposals have been rejected

When the RFP, RLI, bid, or other competitive solicitation is posted (correct)

Who provides public notice of the Cone of Silence?

The Purchasing Bureau Director (correct)

The potential vendor or vendor’s representative

The Selection, Evaluation or Technical Committees

The Sheriff

What is prohibited during the Cone of Silence?

Discussing the RFP, RLI, bid, or other competitive solicitation with the media Signup and view all the answers

What is required of written communications with the Purchasing Bureau?

A copy must be filed with the Purchasing Bureau Director Signup and view all the answers

When does the Cone of Silence terminate?

When all bids or proposals have been rejected or when the contract is executed Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of separate registration?

To ensure each principal or client is represented Signup and view all the answers

What law governs public records?

Chapter 119, Florida Statutes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of lobbying as defined in the Sheriff's Policy Manual?

To influence the decision-making process in purchasing contracts Signup and view all the answers

Who is classified as a Senior Level Employee in the Broward Sheriff's Office?

Any sworn law enforcement or detention personnel having the rank of captain and above, and any sworn Fire Rescue personnel having the rank of battalion chief and above, and any civilian personnel having the position of manager and above Signup and view all the answers

Who needs to register with the Office of the General Counsel prior to engaging in lobbying activities?

Every lobbyist Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'Cone of Silence'?

A prohibition on any communication regarding a particular Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Letters of Interest (RLI), bid, or other competitive solicitation between certain individuals Signup and view all the answers

Who is considered a Vendor's Representative?

Any employee, partner, officer, or director of a potential vendor, or any consultant, lobbyist or actual or potential subcontractor, or sub consultant of a vendor Signup and view all the answers

What is a necessary step for a lobbyist to take prior to engaging in lobbying activities?

Registering with the Office of the General Counsel Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT part of the 'Cone of Silence'?

A lobbyist who is not registered with the Office of the General Counsel Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Lobbyist Registration Statement (BSO#A165)?

To register lobbyists prior to engaging in lobbying activities Signup and view all the answers

Who can initiate contact with a potential vendor or vendor's representative for the purpose of obtaining further information?

Purchasing Bureau employees Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of communication with the General Counsel and his or her staff?

To obtain clarification or information concerning the subject solicitation Signup and view all the answers

Who will be informed of any person who is alleged to have violated the requirements of the Lobbyist Registration section or the Cone of Silence section?

General Counsel Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of a vendor or vendor's representative violating the Cone of Silence?

The RFP, RLI, bid, or other competitive solicitation award to said potential vendor will be voidable, at the sole discretion of the Sheriff or designee Signup and view all the answers

Who will conduct an investigation into alleged violations of the Lobbyist Registration section or the Cone of Silence section?

General Counsel or his or her designee Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the General Counsel's report?

To document the results of the investigation, including a determination of violation, if any Signup and view all the answers

Who will receive the General Counsel's report?

Sheriff, Executive Director of Administration, and Purchasing Bureau Director Signup and view all the answers

What is the effective date of this policy?

07/09/2021 Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lobbying Policy

Lobbying is defined as communicating directly or indirectly with the Sheriff or any other employee of the Broward Sheriff's Office to influence the award of a purchasing contract or bid award.

Definitions

Lobbyist: Any person employed, retained, or compensated by a principal or client who engages in lobbying.
Senior Level Employee: Any sworn law enforcement or detention personnel having the rank of captain and above, any sworn Fire Rescue personnel having the rank of battalion chief and above, and any civilian personnel having the position of manager and above.
Vendor's Representative: Any employee, partner, officer, or director of a potential vendor, or any consultant, lobbyist, or actual or potential subcontractor, or sub-consultant of a vendor.
Cone of Silence: A prohibition on communication regarding a particular Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Letters of Interest (RLI), bid, or other competitive solicitation between any person who seeks an award from BSO and certain individuals, including the Sheriff, members of the Selection, Evaluation or Technical Committee, agency employees assigned purchasing responsibilities, and senior level employees.

Lobbyist Registration

Every lobbyist must register with the Office of the General Counsel on the Lobbyist Registration Statement (BSO#A165) prior to engaging in lobbying activities.
Separate registration is required for each principal or client represented.
Registration forms are subject to public records laws and open to inspection as permitted by Chapter 119, Florida Statutes.

Cone of Silence Provisions

The Cone of Silence begins when the RFP, RLI, bid, or other competitive solicitation is posted and available to the public to review.
The Cone of Silence terminates at the time the contract is executed or when all bids or proposals have been rejected.
The Cone of Silence does not prohibit certain types of communication, including:
- Making presentations at scheduled agency Purchasing Bureau meetings or before agency Selection, Evaluation or Technical Committees.
- Communicating in writing with any Purchasing Bureau employee for purposes of seeking clarification or additional information regarding the RFP, RLI, bid, or other competitive solicitation.
- Purchasing Bureau employees initiating contact with a potential vendor or vendor's representative and subsequent communication related thereto for the purpose of obtaining further information regarding the RFP, RLI, bid, or other competitive solicitation.

Violations and Investigations

The General Counsel will be informed of any person who is alleged to have violated the requirements of the Lobbyist Registration section or the Cone of Silence section of this policy.
The General Counsel or their designee will conduct an investigation and compile a report.
A determination of violation of the Cone of Silence on the part of the vendor or the vendor's representative will render the RFP, RLI, bid, or other competitive solicitation award to said potential vendor voidable, at the sole discretion of the Sheriff or designee.

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Description

This quiz covers definitions and policies related to lobbying in the Broward Sheriff's Office, including the award of purchasing contracts and bid awards. It's an essential part of the Sheriff's Policy Manual.