Proposal:

Issue RFP to Develop and Demonstrate the Most Efficient and Cost-Effective Control Technology for Underfired Charbroilers

Synopsis:

There are approximately 10,000 restaurants in the Basin using underfired charbroilers. The AQMD's proposed Rule 1138 would control PM10 and VOC emissions from these charbroilers by establishing emissions limits. The proposed RFP asks for the development and demonstration of a cost-effective control technology to achieve the desired limits. The AQMD is the sole participant in this project, and the total funding shall not exceed $150,000.

Committee:

Technology, February 28, 1997, Recommended for Approval

Recommended Action:

Issue RFP # 9697-37, to Develop and Demonstrate Control Technology for Underfired Charbroilers, in an amount not to exceed $150,000 from the Advanced Technology Fund.

James M. Lents, Ph.D.
Executive Officer

Background

There are approximately 10,000 restaurants in the Basin using underfired charbroilers with a hood temperature of 100 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. It is estimated that the total emissions inventory from these operations are 9 tons per day of PM10, and 1.4 tons per day of VOC. The AQMD's proposed Rule 1138 would control both PM10 and VOC emissions from underfired charbroilers by establishing emissions limits. To achieve this goal, there is a need for development and demonstration of a control technology which would reduce both PM10 and VOC emissions by 90% or greater from baseline, and would be cost-effective according to the AQMD's best available control technology (BACT) guidelines.

Proposal

This RFP solicits proposals for development and demonstration of a cost-effective control technology for reducing PM10 and VOC emissions from underfired charbroilers. The major tasks to be accomplished by this project are: a) survey of commercial cooking operations to determine charbroiler process types and emissions baseline; b) evaluation of potential control options and possible suppliers; c) development of the most suitable control technology with the possible participation and cost-sharing of original equipment manufacturers; d) demonstration and emissions testing of the developed control technology; and e) evaluation of emissions benefits and cost effectiveness.

The proposed project is included in the Technology Advancement Plan, approved on October 11, 1996, as Project S3-1 "Advanced Controls for Restaurant Operations." The major benefit of this project is to assist the AQMD in the final development and implementation of Rule 1138. This will, in turn, result in significant reduction of PM10 and VOC emissions from restaurants within the Basin.

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 # 9697-37. 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 $150,000. Sufficient funds are available in the Technology Advancement Fund.

Attachment

RFP # 9697-37, Develop and Demonstrate the Most Efficient and Cost-Effective Control Technology for Underfired Charbroilers.

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