As instructed by the Executive Committee, a Request for Proposal (RFP) for legislative relations services was prepared and distributed on July 24, 2013. The RFP was sent to eight firms in the DC area that offer legislative relations services including the incumbent, John Chwat, now operating as The Chwat Group. Four firms responded. One of them did not merit further discussion. Three were visited last month by Dave Sumner, Chris Imlay, and me. The plan was for Director Woolweaver to be part of the group visiting the firms, because of his many years of relevant experience, but at the last minute he was unable to participate for personal reasons. While we value our longstanding relationship with John Chwat, it was our unanimous conclusion following the interviews that it is time for a change. We thought that both The Keelen Group and Miller/Wenhold Capitol Strategies, LLC, the other two firms with whom we conducted in-person interviews, are better equipped to assist us in the pursuit of our legislative objectives at this time and in the future. All three of us could picture the ARRL working effectively and productively with either firm. References were checked regarding both The Keelen Group and Miller/Wenhold. In the interviews with The Keelen Group and Miller/Wenhold, we drew on some of the questions suggested earlier this year by Vice Director Woll, and I want to thank Marty for that contribution. We also talked with both organizations about developing in-person advocacy skills among members willing to meet with their Representatives and Senators, or their staff members, and both firms responded well. Our CC&R issue is by far the most important legislative objective for the ARRL. The inadequacy of the FCC study that was ordered by Public Law 112-96 is an issue with a finite "shelf life" that may not extend into the 114th Congress. Therefore, we believe that in the next 12 months we must make the strongest possible effort to achieve our goal regarding CC&Rs. On that basis, The Keelen Group's particularly strong relationship with Greg Walden offers an opportunity that led Dave, Chris, and me to conclude that The Keelen Group is the best choice for the present time. The firm is very results-oriented and businesslike in their attitude. If at the end of one year we are not satisfied with the results they produce, they fully expect us to move on. Following consultation with the EC, today I asked Dave to contact The Keelen Group and begin discussion about a one-year contract for legislative relations representation for the year 2014. As required by policy, the contract will be reviewed by our General Counsel. Dave left voice mail for the principal at Miller/Wenhold and will thank him for his interest when the call is returned. Dave spoke with John Chwat to thank him for his company's help in the past and to inform him that we will be making a change in 2014. That is the reason you may have received an e-mail from John Chwat. It did not occur to me that he would do that before we had a chance to inform you about the impending change of representation for legislative relations, and I regret that you may have been caught off guard. The Keelen Group's web page is at http://www.keelengroup.com/. 73 - Kay N3KN