Proposal:

Issue RFP to Enhance Electronic Permit Application Filing System

Synopsis:

The pilot system for filing electronic permit applications - Web-Actuated Request for Permits (WARP) - which implements one of the Board’s Regulatory Reform Initiatives, went on-line in November 1996. This action is to issue an RFP to solicit bids for system expansion and enhancement not to exceed $85,000. Sufficient funds are included in FY 1996-97 Budget.

Committee:

Administrative, November 22, 1996, Recommended for Approval

Recommended Action:

Approve the issuance of RFP #9697-19 to enhance the electronic permit application filing system at a cost not to exceed $85,000.

James M. Lents, Ph.D.
Executive Officer

Background

One of the Governing Board’s regulatory reform initiatives was to establish the capability of filing permit applications electronically over the Internet to make application filing easier and more interactive for the applicants. A pilot system - Web-Actuated Request for Permits (WARP) - was developed and implemented in November 1996. The pilot system allows participating facilities to file permit applications using a secure link on the Internet and to get information regarding the status/progress of their electronic application. The applicant accesses AQMD’s Web page and goes to the WARP screen. There, the applicant is guided through the process of filling out the permit application form with Help screens available at every level. Once the application information is completed by the applicant, the system calculates the applicable fees and gives the applicant a transaction number for each application entered. The applicant can then print a copy of the application form locally to submit with the fee payment.

The WARP pilot system presently is limited to applications for four equipment types: internal combustion engines, boilers and liquid heaters, negative air machines, and fuel storage and dispensing equipment, from facilities with total emissions less than 4 tons per year that are not in the RECLAIM program. With the successful implementation of the pilot program, it is appropriate to undertake the first phase of enhancements to the system to add features recommended by users (both AQMD staff and participating facilities) and to expand the system to include additional equipment types and more facilities. A phased approach to WARP enhancements will allow AQMD to incorporate additional requirements and other modifications identified as the use of WARP grows.

Proposal

Issue an RFP to identify a contractor for the first phase of WARP enhancements. In accordance with the AQMD’s Consulting and Contracting Policy, a public notice inviting bids will be published in the following publications: California State Contracts Register, Chinese Daily News, Eastern Group Publications, El Chicano, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Inland Empire Hispanic News, Korean Central Daily, La Opinion, La Voz, Los Angeles Sentinel, Los Angeles Times, M/W/DVBE Source, Orange County Register, Philippine News, Precinct Reporter, Rafu Shimpo, Riverside Press Enterprise, San Bernardino Sun, The Black Voice News, and The Excelsior.

Additionally, potential bidders will be identified through Los Angeles County’s Directory of Certified Minority, Women, Disadvantaged and Disabled Veterans Business Enterprises; the Directory of Certified Firms published by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority; The Inland Area Opportunity Pages Ethnic/Women Business & Professional Directory; the Caltrans electronic bulletin board listing of Disadvantaged and Women Business Enterprises; the AQMD’s own electronic listing of certified minority vendors; and the Purchasing mailing list. Copies of the RFP also will be mailed to the Black Caucus, Latino Caucus, and various minority chamber of commerce and business associations, and public service announcements will be sent out to local radio, TV and cable stations. The RFP also will be posted on the Internet. Further personal outreach efforts by staff will be made to various minority businesses and chambers of commerce to inform and invite prospective bidders to visit the Diamond Bar facility and to submit proposals. To avoid a potential violation of Proposition 209, preference points for minority- or woman-owned business enterprises (M/WBE) may not be given. Proposition 209 does not affect disabled veteran business enterprises (DVBE).

Attachment

RFP# 9697-19