Proposal:
Award Bid for Enhancement of the RECLAIM NOx/SOx Central Station Computer System
Synopsis:
At the January 12, 1996 meeting, the Board authorized the release of an RFP to seek a contractor for Enhancement of the Current RECLAIM NOx/SOx Central Station Computer System. The RECLAIM NOx/SOx Central Station performs automated rule compliance analysis on emission and compliance data reported by RECLAIM facilities. The objective of this enhancement is to increase the emissions and compliance data that is captured, and perform additional compliance analysis.
Committee:
Administrative, April 19, 1996, Recommended for Approval (with no punctuation at the end)
Recommended Action:
Authorize the Chairman of the Board to execute a contract with Sierra Cybernetics, Inc., for Enhancing the Current RECLAIM NOx/SOx Central Station Computer System in an amount not to exceed $209,390.
Respectfully,
James M. Lents, Ph.D.
Executive Officer
BRW:VM:JCM:MH
Background
Over the last two years the AQMD has developed the RECLAIM Central Station Computer System which is made up of the following software applications:
The RECLAIM NOx/SOx Central Station Expert System performs automated rule compliance analysis on emissions and compliance data reported by RECLAIM facilities, and stores the results as alarms in a database. The NOx/SOx Central Station Front-End is a Windows-based application used by AQMD staff to view the reported emissions and compliance data, and interact with the alarms. The ERS and Interim reporting applications receive and store the emissions and compliance data submitted in electronic and paper formats respectively. The work performed under this RFP will enhance the existing RECLAIM NOx/SOx Central Station Computer System by increasing the emissions and compliance data that is captured, and performing additional compliance analysis. The additional compliance analysis will include the following: facilities which have not submitted Quarterly Certified Emission Reports; facilities which have not submitted Annual Permit Emission Program reports; devices that have emissions in excess of permit condition limits; and devices that have violated fuel usage conditions.
Bid Evaluation
In accordance with the District's Consultant Selection Policy and Procedure, a public notice inviting bids was published in the Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Sentinel, La Opinion, Orange County Register, Riverside Press Enterprise, San Bernardino Sun, M/W/DVBE Source, California State Contract Register, Rafu Shimpo, Chinese Daily News, Philippine News, Eastern Group Publ., Precinct Reporter, Los Angeles Sentinel, AQMD BBS, Purchasing RFP/RFQ 24-hr Phone Line, and World Wide Web.
At the close of bidding on March 5, 1996, four firms had responded to the RFP. The evaluation results for these vendors are:summarized as follows:
Overall Total
Rank Points
| Bidder | M/W/
DVBE | Small Business | Local Firm | Bid Amount | Total Points | Overall Rank |
| Sierra Cybernetics, Inc. | Yes WBE | Yes | Yes | $209,390 | 79.8 | 1 |
| NOVA Automation, Inc. | Yes WBE | No | Yes | $587,993 | 56.7 | 2 |
| Radian International LLC | No | No | Yes | $1,044,378 | 50.3 | 3 |
| Majesco Software Inc. | No | No | No | $90,000 | Not Responsive | N/A |
Note - the disparity in cost estimates results from (1) wide variation proposers' estimate of hours required to complete the project (Sierra 3740, NOVA 8379, Radian 9152) and (2) variation in proposers' average hourly rates (Sierra $55.06, NOVA $69.78, Radian $109.82).
The evaluation panel reviewed the proposals and determined that the most responsive firm to the requirements of the RFP was Sierra Cybernetics, Inc. This firm received the highest overall score by demonstrating: a clearer understanding of the problem, a superior solution to the District's objectives, a sound technical approach, and a competitive price of $209,390. The selection criteria used to determine vendor ratings included: technical responsiveness, technical expertise, project management staffing, previous experience, cost considerations, and MBE/WBE/DVBE - local business designation.
The 5-person evaluation panel consisted of three members of AQMD staff and one person each five people. Three of the panel members were from District staff, one from Hernandez Kroone & Associates, and one from LatinoNet.Science and Technology, Information Management, and Stationary Source and Compliance groups, and two non-District raters. One of the panel member was a female;woman, two were Hhispanic, two were Aasian, and one was Ccaucasian.CHERY NOTE: MISSING DATA HERE ON THE ETHNICITY AND GENDER OF THE PANEL MEMBERS (for example, 2 Hispanic, 1 African American, 2 Caucasian; 3 Male, 2 Female). SEE NICK NIKKILA'S E-MAIL GIVING GUIDANCE ON THIS ISSUE WHICH I WILL FORWARD TO YOU SEPARATELY. the most responsive firm to the requirements of the RFP was Sierra Cybernetics, Inc. This firm received the highest overall score by demonstrating: a clearer understanding of the problem, a superior solution to the District's objectives, a sound technical approach, and a competitive price of $209,390.
Resources
Sufficient funding is included in the FY 1995-96 Budget.
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CHERY NOTE - YOU DON'T NEED AN ATTACHMENT. THIS IS TOO LITTLE INFORMATION TO HAVE TO PRINT A SEPARATE PIECE OF PAPER.
(RFP 9596-33)
Enhancing the Current RECLAIM NOx/SOx Central Station Computer System