AGENDA NO. 7
Proposal:
Execute a Contract to Cost-Share the Development and Demonstration of Electric Airport Ground Support Equipment
Synopsis:
The AQMP, as part of an emission control strategy for airlines and airports, calls for airport ground support equipment (GSE) to operate on alternative fuels, including electricity. In response to the RFP, AQMD received only one bid, from United Airlines (UAL), to develop an electric push-out tractor for wide-body aircraft and an inductive charging system for electric baggage tractors. The total estimated cost of this demonstration project is $759,363; AQMD cost-share will not exceed $379,463.
Committee:
Technology, April 10, 1996, Recommended for Approval
Recommended Action:
Authorize the Chairman to execute a contract with United Airlines to develop and demonstrate electric ground support equipment for an amount not exceed $379,463.
James M. Lents, Ph.D.
Executive Officer
CSL:ARA:MXB
Background
The AQMP, as part of an emission control strategy for airlines and airports, calls for airport GSE to operate on alternative fuels, including electricity. The ARB has statutory authority to control the emissions of airport GSE, but there are no plans to promulgate emission-control regulations for this equipment at this time. To promote the development of zero-emission, electrified GSE, the AQMD issued RFP #9596-10, "Airport Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Electrification." This RFP was approved by the Governing Board on October 13, 1995, and issued on October 20, 1995. Responding proposals were due January 11, 1996. The distribution of the RFP is summarized in Attachment 1.
UAL, in partnership with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, submitted the only proposal received in response to this RFP. This proposal was reviewed by an evaluation panel that included staff from the ARB, CEC and AQMD, and was found to meet the minimum requirements of the RFP. The panel and its evaluation are summarized in the following attachments: Attachment 2, demographics of the evaluation panel; Attachment 3, summary of proposal scoring, and Attachment 4, sample scoring sheet.
Proposal
UAL proposes to develop two types of GSE. First, an electric conversion of a diesel push-out tractor for wide-body aircraft. This will involve designing a retrofit electric drive system and battery pack, converting a UAL push-out tractor, testing the converted tractor, and demonstrating the tractor in aircraft service at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The demonstration period for the electric tractor in actual service will be about 13 months. Second, an inductive-couple charging system for electric baggage tow tractors. Such a system will not require electric tractor operators to manually plug-in for recharging, but simply to park the equipment in a specified area. This phase will involve re-designing an existing inductive-couple charging system to increase charging efficiency and to meet Federal Aviation Agency standards to protect communication and navigation equipment from electrical interference. This re-designed equipment will then be fabricated and installed in three parking areas for electric baggage tow tractors at LAX. The demonstration period for the inductive charging equipment in actual service will be about 16 months.
This proposed project is included in the Technology Advancement Plan for Clean Fuels Program as Project MS-01, "Airport Ground Support Equipment Electrification." The expected benefits of this project are direct emission reductions during the demonstration period. The emissions reductions for both the electric push-out tractor for wide-body aircraft and the three baggage tow tractors will be approximately 1.5 tons/year of VOC, CO, NOx and particulate matter. Should all related equipment at UAL's LAX facility be converted to electric power, this emission reduction benefit could increase to about 29 tons/year. If successfully demonstrated, the resulting zero-emission technology will become commercially available for various uses in Southern California with commensurate emission benefits.
This project involves the significant participation of a Woman Business Enterprise (WBE) and a Minority-owned Business Enterprise (MBE). Flintridge Consulting of Pasadena, a certified WBE, will provide the monitoring, reporting and regulatory liaison for this project. ISE Research of San Diego, a certified MBE will provide the design and expertise for converting the diesel pull-out tractor to an electric drive system.
Resource Impacts
The total estimated cost of this development and demonstration project is approximately $759,363. The cost to the AQMD will not exceed $379,463. The funding breakdown is as follows:
| Cash | In-Kind | Total | |
| UAL | $ 26,000 | $317,650 | $343,650 |
| Los Angeles DWP | 14,000 | 20,250 | 34,250 |
| Flintridge Consulting | 2,000 | 2,000 | |
| AQMD | 379,463 | ---------- | 379,463 |
| Total | $419,463 | $339,900 | $759,363 |
There is sufficient funding in the FY 1995-96 budget to fund this project.
1. Distribution of RFP #9596-10 GSE Mailing List
2. Demographics of Evaluation Panel for Proposals under RFP #9596-10
3. Scoring of UAL Proposal under RFP #9596-10
4. Bid Evaluation Scoring Sheet
BD13:5-96G