MEMORANDUM

To: City Council

From: David J. Deutsch, City Manager

Subject: Request to Waive the Bidding Requirements of Section 61 of the City Charter to Allow the City Manger to Enter into a Contract with the Maryland State Archives for Research Services Pertaining to the “Belair-at-Bowie Flight to Freedom”

Date: April 7, 2008

The City of Bowie has received a grant from the U.S. National Park Service (NPS) in the amount of $13,300 to conduct a study relating to the “Research and Interpretive Development for the Belair-at-Bowie Flight to Freedom.” A key resource and repository of historic data relating to the existence and movement of slaves in the City of Bowie (the “Belair-at-Bowie Flight to Freedom”) is the Maryland State Archives. The NPS grant will enable the City to obtain case studies, significant historic data, and references to individuals and institutions and their roles in the quest of enslaved people for freedom, shelter, and safety. A website will also be created that will provide extensive data that can also be used for educational purposes.

The City’s grant request to NPS pointed out the following:

“The Underground Railroad research in many ways is still in its infancy, and fullest development of the rich texture of who promoted and assisted the enslaved to freedom continues to emerge”.

On April 1, 2008, Ms. Diane Miller, National Coordinator, NPS, National Underground Railroad, Network To Freedom Program, approved the City’s request for a “Sole Source Procurement” with MSA and authorized the City to contract with MSA for research and educational tools envisioned under the NPS grant.

DISCUSSION: Staff has evaluated MSA’S resources and capability, and concludes that MSA will enable the City to meet its obligations and fulfill the requirements of the City’s grant from NPS.

RECOMMENDATIONS: We recommend that Council adopt Resolution R-18-08 waiving the bid requirements of Section 61 of the City Charter, and authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with MSA as set forth herein.

Attachments:

Contract documents for “Research and Interpretive Development for the Belair-at-Bowie Flight to Freedom” Services with Maryland State Archives, Annapolis, Maryland.

Resolution R-18-08 waiving the bid requirements of Section 61 of the City Charter, and authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with the Maryland State Archives