Proposal:

Issue RFP to Assist AQMD in Developing Low-VOC Solvents

Synopsis:

Solvent cleaning and degreasing operations contribute significantly to the South Coast Air Basin's VOC emissions. Technological advancements are needed to reduce these emissions and to meet the goals of the 1997 AQMP as well as the future limits of existing rules. The proposed RFP asks for development and a thorough evaluation of zero- and low-VOC solvents to fulfill these requirements. The AQMD is the sole participant in this project, and the total funding shall not exceed $200,000.

Committee:

Technology, January 17, 1997, Recommended for Approval

Recommended Action:

Issue RFP # 9697-31 to Assist the AQMD in Developing Low-VOC Solvents, in an amount not to exceed $200,000.

James M. Lents, Ph.D.
Executive Officer

Background

VOC emissions generated from solvent cleaning and degreasing operations contribute significantly to the South Coast Air Basin's emissions inventory. The recently adopted 1997 AQMP calls for significant reduction in VOC emissions from these operations by year 2010, in order to meet air quality standards. Some of the current VOC rules have future compliance limits for which specific technology has not been developed or demonstrated. To comply with future limitations of specific rules and achieve the AQMP's goals, it is necessary to assist certain segments of industry in the timely development and commercialization of zero or low-VOC cleaning systems comprised of aqueous solvents and appropriate equipment by use of advanced technologies that fulfills both AQMD and end users’ requirements in a cost-effective way.

Proposal

This RFP solicits proposals for development and evaluation of zero- or low-VOC systems comprised of aqueous solvents and appropriate equipment subject to future requirements of the AQMP, Rules 442, 1122, 1171, and other potential rules related to solvents. The RFP focuses on the development of aqueous solvents in specific application areas with evaluation of their performance in actual operating conditions and their cost effectiveness. In addition, whenever applicable, aqueous solvents will be evaluated for qualification under the AQMD's Clean Air Solvent Certification program.

The proposed project is included in the Technology Advancement Plan, approved on October 11, 1996, as Project S3-2. The major benefit of this project is to assist industry in developing zero- or low-VOC products for solvent cleaning and degreasing operations. This will, in turn, result in significant reduction of VOC emissions due to product enhancement, certification, and commercialization of newly developed aqueous solvents, with cost-effective and satisfactory operational characteristics for end users.

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.

Bid Evaluation

Proposals received will be evaluated according to the criteria spelled out in the attached RFP # 9697-31. Due to the particular importance of technical qualifications in awarding advanced technology contracts, staff has proposed in the RFP to weigh a significant portion of the cost component of the scoring by technical strength, in effect a form of cost effectiveness. This form of scoring differs from the general practice of using total costs as the sole criterion, which the Board’s Consultant Selection Policy may be interpreted to call for. This change was brought to the attention of the Technology Committee, which approved this revision.

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

Total cost for the proposed RFP is estimated to be $200,000. Sufficient funds are available in the Technology Advancement Fund.

Attachment

RFP # 9697-31 to Assist the AQMD in Developing Low VOC Solvents.