HomeMy WebLinkAbout20100802_3033.pdfDECISION MEMORANDUM
TO: COMMISSIONER KEMPTON
COMMISSIONER SMITH
COMMISSIONER REDFORD
COMMISSION SECRETARY
COMMISSION STAFF
FROM: DON HOWELL
DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL
DATE: JULY 26, 2010
SUBJECT: PROFESSIONAL RESEARCH CONTRACT WITH THE NATIONAL
REGULATORY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
The Staff is recommending that the Commission approve a professional services
contract for research and consulting services provided by the National Regulatory Research
Institute (NRRI). Under the proposed contract, the Commission will compensate NRRI for
providing specific public utility research projects, services, teleseminars, and published reports
between July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011. For example, the Commission and its Staff have
signed up to attend NRRI’s teleseminar regarding FERC’s regional planning rules on August 3,
2010.
Idaho Code § 61-206 provides that the Commission has the power to employ such
“experts” as “it deems necessary to carry out the provisions of [the Public Utilities Law] or to
perform the duties and exercise the powers conferred by law upon the commission.” In addition,
the Commission has the power to establish the compensation for its expert. Idaho Code § 61-
212. The total price for the contract is $18,000.
The Department of Administration Purchasing Rules permit state agencies to acquire
professional services so long as the contract does not exceed $75,000 or exceed one year in
length. Rule 44.07, IDAPA 38.05.01.044.07.
COMMISSION DECISION
Does the Commission agree with Staff’s recommendation to contract with NRRI?
bls/M:NRRI contract renewal_dh