Agency Pollution Control Agency

Contractor Holland & Hart

SWIFT Contract Number 178408

Project Name Holland & Hart-Legal Services

Project Number (if applicable) {Empty}

Summarize purpose of the contract, including why it was necessary: FY21 Legal services from Holland and Hart for NorthMet Project (PolyMet)

Project Duration

Start Date Wed, 07/01/2020 - 00:00

Original end date Wed, 06/30/2021 - 00:00

Actual end date Wed, 06/30/2021 - 00:00

Did project finish on time? Yes

Total billable hours utilized (if applicable) {Empty}

Contract Amounts

Original contract: $1000000.00

Amendments {Empty}

Contract total $493939.57

Did project finish within budget? Yes

What was the funding source? State

Is this a sole source contract? Yes

If this was a single source contract, explain why the agency determined there was only a single source for the services (if applicable) Holland & Hart was retained by MPCA and MDH to represent our agencies after vetting a number of law firm vendors. MMB, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Legislative Advisory Commission (LAC). The contract was approved in 2017 as sole source and through subsequent renewals. Since February 2017, the Holland and Hart has represented the DNR and the MPCA in legal challenges to the NorthMet Project Environmental Impact Statement, the Permit to Mine, Dam Safety Permits, the National
Pollution Discharge and Elimination System Permit, and the Air Permit. The NorthMet Project is a very complex project and to shift legal counsel in the middle of litigation would significantly prejudice the state. It is for this reasons that the DNR and the MPCA, after consultation with the Attorney General’s Office approval from the LAC, renewed our contract with Holland & Hart. Work on the permitting matters and associated litigation challenges is ongoing and Holland & Hart continues to provide legal services under the supervision of the two agencies and in consultation with the Attorney General’s Office.

Evaluator Name Adonis A. Neblett, General Counsel

Evaluator Email Address adonis.neblett@state.mn.us

Evaluate the contractor's timeliness Satisfied

Evaluate the contractor's quality Very Satisfied

Evaluate the contractor's cost Very Satisfied

Evaluate the contractor's overall performance Very Satisfied- H&H has served us well. We are in regular communication. Work product and legal advice are always high quality. We have a strong working relationship.

Would you engage the contractor's services again? Yes

Describe any negative action taken during the duration of this contract (i.e., termination, pursuit of suspension, etc.): {Empty}

Please rate the overall experience with the contractor 5 - very satisfied