Proposal:
Execute Contract with CARB to Cost-Share Heavy-Duty Vehicle Fleet Characterization for Reduction of NOx and Particulate Matter Emissions in the South Coast Air Basin
Synopsis:
The objective of this project is to obtain detailed activity and usage data for heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) operating in the Basin to enable the design of incentive programs to increase the percentage of HDVs with low-emitting engines. The incentive programs supported by the CARB will assist the AQMD’s efforts to attain ambient air quality standards for ozone and particulates in the South Coast Air Basin. AQMD funding for this $200,000 project shall not exceed $100,000. The remaining balance will be funded by the CARB.
Committee:
Technology, November 15, 1996, Recommended for Approval
Recommended Action:
Authorize the Chairman to execute an agreement with the CARB in an amount not to exceed $100,000 to conduct heavy-duty fleet characterization and design of incentive programs for reduction of HDV NOx and particulate matter emissions in the South Coast Air Basin.
James M. Lents, Ph.D.
Executive Officer
Background
Heavy-duty vehicles contribute significantly to the South Coast Air Basin's mobile source emissions inventories for NOx and PM. Emissions reduction measures for NOx, VOC, and PM from HDVs have been specified in the SIP.
Knowledge of the specific makeup of the South Coast Air Basin's HDV fleet will assist the regulatory agencies in designing appropriate implementation programs for these control measures. For instance, if there are large numbers of HDVs in fleets that do not leave the Basin, then alternatively fueled HDVs could be a viable option; or if a large proportion of HDVs consist of older, high-emitting vehicles, then a buyback, retrofit, or rebuild program might be effective.
The proposed action is to jointly fund a project with CARB to obtain detailed activity and usage data for HDV operations in the South Coast Air Basin. The scope of work is comprised of three main parts: 1) a detailed characterization of the HDV fleet in the South Coast Air Basin, including vehicle population, usage patterns, maintenance practices, and retrofit or repower options; 2) the development of an emissions estimate in the South Coast Air Basin for each of the years 1997 through 2010 and the year 2020; and 3) the development of an incentive/implementation strategy to accelerate the introduction of low-emitting heavy-duty engines, and an estimation of emissions benefits derived from each specified alternative.
The proposed project is included in the Technology Advancement Plan, approved on October 11, 1996, as Project T1-2, "Heavy-Duty Characterization for Reduction of NOx and Particulate Matter Emissions." The expected benefit of this project would be the potential acceleration of the introduction of low-emitting heavy-duty engines by the use of clean burning fuels. Specifically, targeting specific duty cycles of HDVs can identify suitable applications for clean fuels usage by those sources indicated as large contributors to the emissions inventory.
Sole Source Justification
Section II, Step 3(C) of the Consultant Selection Policy identifies four provisions under which the Governing Board may award a sole-source contract: (1) cost to prepare documents exceeds the cost for consultant; (2) delay would result in the endangerment of public health; (3) services are only available from the sole source; and (4) other circumstances exist identifying the sole source as in the best interest of the AQMD. This request for sole source award is being made under provision (4).
CARB will be the primary contractor and will be responsible for overall management of this project. The CARB has regulatory authority to establish and implement emissions standards for on-road engines. In this capacity, the CARB is well acquainted with the industry and issues related to incentive programs and regulatory development. As a lead agency for developing on-road equipment and engine regulations, the CARB is well positioned to oversee the characterization of HDV fleets and development of incentive programs for enhancement of low-emitting engines. This ability is critical to the successful execution of this project. In addition, the CARB has had extensive experience in managing and administering projects involving on-road engines.
It is important that this project be funded as an effective incentives program could shape future regulations which, in turn, would provide a direct emissions benefit in the Basin. By providing co-funding for this project, the AQMD will participate in all administrative and technical aspects including review of the proposals and selection of a contractor to complete work specified under the contract, and will meet regularly with CARB staff and representatives from other contractors involved with this project.
California State law (Public Contract Code, Section 10115 et seq. and Title 2, California Code of Regulations, Section 1896.60 et seq.) requires that "goals of participation" involving Minority, Women, and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises be met for each contract entered into by and between the State and outside contractor(s). The minimum percentages of participation that must be obtained for this contract are: Minority Business Enterprises (15%), Women-Owned Business Enterprises (5%), and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (3%). Bidders that will be considered responsive to this requirement are those that either attain the entire participation goal percentages, or provide sufficient documentation to demonstrate that a sincere good-faith effort was made to attain the goals.
Resource Impacts
The total cost of the project is $200,000, with AQMD's co-sponsorship amount not to exceed $100,000. The CARB intends to provide the $100,000 balance of funding for this project. Sufficient funds are available in the FY 1996-97 budget to fund this project.