Proposal:

Issue RFP for Source Emissions Testing by Outside Contractors

Synopsis:

AQMD has used private sector source emission testing services since 1987 to augment its source testing capabilities. This action is to continue this contracting effort at a level between 125-150 compliance tests annually, beginning on July 1, 1997. Testing will be required to be conducted using AQMD test methods in accordance with AQMD quality assurance practices and subject to AQMD review. The maximum total dollar amount to be contracted out is $300,000. Sufficient funds are included in the FY 1996-97 budget.

Committee:

Administrative, January 24, 1997, Approved

Recommended Action:

Approve the issuance of RFP #9697-17 for Source Emissions Testing by Outside Contractors.

James M. Lents, Ph.D.
Executive Officer

Background

The Contract Source Emissions Testing program provides a cost-effective way to increase the AQMD's source testing capacity. Between 125 and 400 tests have been contracted out in each of the last eight years as a supplement to our in-house testing capacity. Staff has prepared the attached Request for Proposals (RFP) to secure the services of outside contractors to conduct emissions testing and reporting beginning July 1, 1997. The agreements entered into as a result of this RFP will mark the end of the Source Testing Contracts Program as currently structured. This next year will be a transition period to greater privatization of source testing as AQMD staff reductions take effect. An in-house core of source testing expertise and resource capability will be maintained with a contingency for using a pre-approved list of private testing laboratories to assist in meeting special testing needs of the AQMD.

Proposal

Issue an RFP for contracting out a number of source tests that can be completed for a cost not to exceed $300,000 for rule compliance using AQMD test methods. Staff estimates that between 125 to 150 source tests can be completed for this amount of money.

In addition to the attached RFP, the following attachments will be mailed to the prospective contractors following Board approval of the RFP:

Attachment
Attachment A Certifications and Representations
Attachment B Source Test Listing by Categories
Attachment C Requirement for Stationary Source Sampling and Testing Facilities
Attachment D Source Testing Methods
Attachment E Contractor-Generated Source Test Report Requirements
Attachment F Contractor's Qualifications Questionnaire

Outreach

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. In addition, public service announcements will be sent to local radio, TV and cable stations. Further personal outreach efforts by staff will be made to various minority businesses and chambers of commerce to inform and invite prospective bidders to submit proposals.

Bid Evaluation

The proposals will be evaluated by a Proposal Evaluation Panel (Panel) comprised of members of the AQMD, the California Air Resources Board, and another local Air Pollution Control District with expertise in source testing, laboratory analysis, engineering, project management, and contract administration. The Panel will evaluate all proposals based on the evaluation criteria specified in the RFP.

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

The funds required for the proposed contracting work have been included in the FY 1996-97 Budget. Staff anticipates that one or two contractors will be recommended to the Board for contract awards at the June 1997 Board meeting.