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Agreement with MDG Associates, Inc. <br />August 19, 2025 <br />Page 3 <br />5 <br />2 <br />7 <br />3 <br />Consultant Company Average Score <br />MDG Associates, Inc.97 <br />Nan McKay and Associates 84 <br />Advanced Avant-Garde 83 <br />CohnReznick Advisory LLC 76 <br />Based on this competitive procurement process, staff recommends that the City Council <br />approve an agreement with the highest-ranked consultant, MDG Associates, Inc., to <br />provide comprehensive financial, grant monitoring, administrative, and technical support <br />services for the CDBG, HOME, and ESG Programs in an amount not to exceed $300,000 <br />over a three-year period, beginning August 19, 2025 and expiring June 30, 2028, with the <br />option for an extension (Exhibit 2). While cost competitiveness was considered as part <br />of the evaluation process, MDG Associates, Inc.’s superior qualifications and experience <br />with Santa Ana and comparable jurisdictions made them the highest-ranked firm. Their <br />pricing was found to be reasonable in light of their specialized expertise and the <br />comprehensive nature of the required services. <br />MDG Associates, Inc. <br />MDG Associates, Inc. (MDG) was selected based on their exceptional qualifications, <br />depth of experience with HUD-funded programs, and demonstrated understanding of <br />federal compliance requirements under 2 CFR Part 200. Their team includes nationally <br />recognized subject matter experts in grant compliance, program administration, and <br />monitoring, with a proven track record of delivering effective, timely, and collaborative <br />support to local governments throughout California and across the country. Several MDG <br />team members also serve as HUD-authorized trainers and contributors to the HUD “Ask <br />a Question” help desk, providing guidance to entitlement jurisdictions nationwide. This <br />reflects a unique level of regulatory fluency and positions MDG at the forefront of national <br />HUD compliance standards. <br />MDG has had agreements with the City of Santa Ana for over a decade, including the <br />same monitoring of various subrecipients and providing on-call technical assistance to <br />support the City’s CDBG, HOME, and ESG Programs. Their familiarity with the City’s <br />staff, systems, priorities, and past performance findings positions them to deliver <br />immediate and efficient support. In addition to their strong regulatory expertise, MDG has <br />consistently demonstrated a capacity-building approach that strengthens subrecipient <br />compliance and enhances the City’s overall grant compliance and administration. MDG’s <br />superior qualifications, technical expertise, and experience working directly with Santa <br />Ana distinguishes them as the most capable firm to provide these comprehensive <br />services. Staff recommends continuing this partnership with MDG to ensure high-quality <br />oversight of the City’s federal funds and to help mitigate compliance risks. <br />FISCAL IMPACT <br />Funds are available in the General Fund, HOME, and ESG Contract Services- <br />Professional account (nos. 01118810-62300, 13018780-62300, and 13518785-62300). <br />Subsequent funding will be budgeted in future fiscal years for expenditure as shown in <br />the table below: