PROPOSAL:
Issue RFQ to Acquire Continuous NOx Analyzers for the Ambient Air Monitoring Network
SYNOPSIS:
The streamlining and modernization of AQMD’s air monitoring network is necessary to accomplish mandated requirements in the face of declining revenue and resources. This RFQ is for the replacement of 17 NOx analyzers with modern, state-of-the-art equipment. The newer technology is more reliable, easier to maintain, and less costly to operate with proposed staffing levels. A total of $156,000 is available in the FY 1996-97 budget.
COMMITTEE:
Administrative, December 20, 1996, Recommended for Approval
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Approve the issuance of the attached RFQ to acquire Continuous NOx Analyzers for the Ambient Air Network.
James M. Lents, Ph.D.
Executive Officer
Background
As AQMD approaches air quality attainment and the air monitoring operations evolve into a maintenance mode, replacement of aging NOx analyzers is necessary. The current analyzers, which are more than 14 years old, are well beyond their expected lifetimes of 5 to 7 years. The replacement instrumentation is of newer technology and will require less maintenance, parts, servicing, and be will more automated and compatible with computer systems. To insure the air monitoring capability is continued at acceptable levels as required by EPA, ARB and AQMD regulations, this equipment replacement is necessary.
Proposal
The purpose of this RFQ is to competitively select a vendor(s) from which to purchase the Ambient NOx Analyzers for the air monitoring network.
AQMD staff will advertise this RFQ in the following publications:
Los Angeles Times; Los Angeles Sentinel; Eastern Group Publications; La Voz; Orange County Register; The Excelsior; San Bernardino Sun; Precinct Reporter; El Chicano; Inland Valley Daily Bulletin; Inland Empire Hispanic News; Riverside Press-Enterprise; The Black Voice News; La Opinion; Rafu Shimpo; Chinese Daily News; Korea Central Daily; Philippine News; The M/W/DVBE Source and the California State 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 the Purchasing mailing list. Copies of the RFQs will be sent to the Black and Latino Legislative Caucuses and various minority chambers of commerce and business associations, and public service announcements will be sent out to various local radio, TV, and cable stations. The RFQ also will be posted on AQMD’s Internet Web Site. The preference to be awarded under Section IIC of this RFQ for MBE/WBE firms may not be awarded if it is determined that this is in violation of Proposition 209.
Resource Impacts
A total of $156,000 is allocated for the purchase of the Continuous NOx Analyzers in the FY 96-97 budget. In the Fixed Asset account, $36,000 has been appropriated for this equipment. At its July 12, 1996 meeting, the Board recognized $120,000 from the EPA 105 Supplemental Grant, as follows: $45,000 for the fourth year implementation of Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Stations (PAMS) program and $75,000 for the equipment replacement program of the existing NOx analyzers.
RFQ #1910