Proposal:

Issue RFQ to Pre-qualify Providers of Compressed Gases and Cryogenics for Laboratory Use

Synopsis:

The AQMD annually purchases approximately $130,000 of compressed gases and cryogenics for use in AQMD's laboratory for a wide variety of analytical needs. Cryogenics are used to concentrate samples for gas chromatographic analysis for PAMS and other network samples. Compressed gases are utilized as carrier gas and purging agents. This action is to release RFQs and establish a list of pre-qualified vendors from whom competitive bids may be solicited for the purchase of compressed gases and cryogenics for use in FYs 1996-97 and 1997-98.

Committee:

Administrative, January 24, 1997, Recommended for Approval

Recommended Action:

Approve the issuance of RFQ #1912 to pre-qualify providers of compressed gases and cryogenics for laboratory use.

James M. Lents, Ph.D.
Executive Officer

Background

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) is a regional governmental agency responsible for meeting air quality health standards in Los Angeles and Orange counties and parts of Riverside and San Bernardino counties. The AQMD uses compressed gases (pures and specialty mixes) and cryogenic liquids for sampling and analysis of air pollutants. The expenditure for the compressed gases and cryogenic liquids for the fiscal year 1997-98 is estimated to be $130,000.

Proposal

This RFQ is to establish a list of pre-qualified vendors from whom competitive bids may be solicited for the purchase of compressed gases and cryogenics for AQMD laboratory use for FY 1996-97 and FY 1997-98.

Outreach

awarded if it is determined that this is in violation of Proposition 209.

In accordance with the AQMD’s consulting and contracting policies, a public notice advertising the RFP and inviting bids will be published in the following publications: The Black Voice News, Chinese Daily News, Eastern Group Publications, El Chicano, The Excelsior, Inland Empire Hispanic News, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Korea 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, the San Bernardino Sun, and the State of California Contracts Register. 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 AQMD Purchasing’s mailing list. Copies of the RFP will be mailed to the Black and Latino Legislative Caucuses and various minority chambers of commerce and business associations; and will be placed on the Internet at AQMD’s Web site [http://www.aqmd.gov] and on AQMD’s bidder’s 24-hour telephone message line.

Proposition 209 Compliance

It is AQMD policy to award additional points or cost benefits for minority-owned, woman-owned, and/or disabled veteran-owned business enterprises. On November 5, 1996 California voters approved Proposition 209 which prohibits discrimination or granting preferential treatment based upon race, ethnicity, color, sex or national origin in the operation of public employment, public education, or public contracting. (Proposition 209 does not address disabled veteran-owned business enterprises.) On December 16, 1996, the Federal District Court issued an order applicable to all government agencies in California prohibiting enforcement of Proposition 209. Therefore, the AQMD’s existing policy remains in effect. Should the status of the law change at any point during the process of issuing an RFP or RFQ or entering into a contract pursuant to a previously issued RFP or RFQ, the AQMD will abide by the law in effect at the time the action is taken and any RFP or RFQ will be deemed modified to comply with existing law and any provisions in conflict with existing law will not be enforced.

Resource Impacts

It is estimated that $60,000 will be needed for these these gases and liquids for the remainder of FY 1996-97, which is included in the FY 1996-97 budget. It is estimated that $130,000 will be required in FY 1997-98 and this funding will be subject to approval of the FY 1997-98 budget.

Attachment