AGENDA NO. 9

Proposal:

Establish List of Pre-Qualified Vendors for Providing Mailing Services

On February 9, 1996, the Board approved the release of RFQs to solicit bids from various vendors in order to establish a list of pre-qualified vendors from whom the AQMD may purchase various nonconsultant services and supplies. Staff is recommending three vendors to be placed on a pre-qualified vendor list for providing mailing services.

Administrative, May 24, 1996, Recommended for Approval

Approve the following as pre-qualified mailing services vendors through June 30, 1998.

1. Direct Connection Mailing
2. A & M Services
3. Mini Mailers

James M. Lents, Ph.D.
Executive Officer

Background
In accordance with the District�s Contracting and Purchasing policy, a Public Notice Inviting Bids was published in the Los Angeles Times, La Opinion, Orange County Register, Riverside Press Enterprise, San Bernardino Sun, Korea Central Daily, Rafu Shimpo, and Philippine News on February 14 and 21, 1996; Los Angeles Sentinel, Eastern Group Publication, Precinct Reporter, El Chicano, The Black Voice News, and La Voz on February 15 and 22, 1996; The Excelsior on February 16 and 23, 1996; Chinese News on February 14, 15, and 16, 1996 and the M/W/DVBE Source on February 15, 1996. In addition, a PSA (Public Service Announcement) was sent to 77 various radio, TV and cable stations as well as being placed on the AQMD�s Bulletin Services (BBS) and RFP/Bid Information Line. A total of 267 RFQs were distributed to independent mail service vendors, identified by the AQMD as potential bidders (including 17 minority or women-owned firms and 39 to various minority caucuses) and other vendors responding to the advertisements.

Proposal
Bid responses were received from 6 vendors that attended the mandatory bidder�s conference and were evaluated by a five member panel. Out of the six vendors, one is a certified MBE (Hispanic) and another provided a list of MBE/WBE vendors that are used as subcontractors. The panel consisted of four District employees and a representative from the U. S. Post Office. Three panel members are female and two are male. Of the five members, three are Hispanic. The results of that evaluation are listed on the Attachment. Staff is recommending that the following vendors be approved as pre-certified mailing service vendors through June 30, 1998.

1. Direct Connections Mailing Uses MBE/WBE Subcontractors
2. A & M Services
3. Mini Mailers Certified MBE

Resource Impacts
The anticipated costs associated with mailing services are budgeted by the various organizational units that use the service.

Attachment
Evaluation Summary - RFQ 1804