Proposal:

Issue RFP for Electronic Alternatives to Strip Chart Recorders

Synopsis:

State law allows facilities to keep records from CEMS electronically rather than with strip chart recorders. The law further allows the AQMD to require that electronic alternatives have the same degree of signal path security as existing strip chart recorders. A jointly funded Western State Petroleum Association (WSPA)/ AQMD study is proposed to investigate electronic alternatives and define performance specifications to ensure at least equivalent signal path security. WSPA has tentatively indicated its intent to fund up to 50% of the study, the total for which is not to exceed $37,500.

Committee:

Administrative, February 21, 1997, Recommended for Approval

Recommended Action:

1. Approve the issuance of RFP #9697-36 to evaluate and recommend electronic alternatives to strip chart recorders that have at least the same degree of signal path security as existing chart recorders, for an amount not to exceed $37,500, contingent upon a formal commitment by WSPA to share equally in the funding for this project, in an amount not to exceed $18,750 by either party.

2. Approve the reallocation of up to $18,750 within the ASTD Professional and Special Services account to fund the project under this RFP.

James M. Lents, Ph.D.
Executive Officer

Background

Historically, strip chart recorders have been used on Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) to satisfy enforceability and legal admissibility requirements. The RECLAIM regulations require that each CEMS have a back-up chart recorder in addition to electronic data acquisition, archiving and transmission equipment. Industry has maintained that these chart recorders create a document storage and retrieval problem, require frequent maintenance, and an unnecessary additional capital cost to facilities. The issue was resolved when SB 2170 (Mountjoy) became law on January 1, 1997. That law requires that the AQMD "endeavor to provide sources with the option to keep records by way of electronic or computer data storage systems, rather than mechanical devices such as strip chart recorders." The law also provides the AQMD with the ability to "require the electronic or computer data storage system to have the same degree of signal path security as with existing strip chart recorder systems." WSPA has proposed to co-fund with the AQMD a study to identify electronic means as alternatives to strip chart recorders that would benefit facility operations without compromising data security.

Proposal

Acknowledge WSPA’s intent to provide 50% of the funding for this project not to exceed $18,750. Staff will return to the Board with a request to recognize revenue from WSPA for this work at a later date and within 30 days of receiving the funds. This will occur either prior to or simultaneously with staff’s recommendation to the Board to enter into an agreement for this work. Staff’s recommendation to issue this RFP and to enter into any contractual agreement is contingent upon receiving WSPA’s share of the funding. Upon a formal commitment by WSPA to co-fund the project, staff proposes to issue an RFP to identify a contractor to recommend performance specifications for data acquisition and archiving (historization) protocols and, as necessary, hardware/firmware/soft-ware specifications for electronic alternatives to strip chart recorders, which have the same degree of signal path security as strip chart recorders, for a cost not to exceed $37,500.

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 may be sent to local radio, TV and cable stations, if warranted by the nature of the procurement. 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 comprised of AQMD staff and WSPA representatives, with expertise in RECLAIM requirements, software/-firmware/hardware systems, project management, and legal evidence. The Panel will evaluate the 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

This is an unbudgeted item, but there are sufficient funds in FY 96-97 budget for the proposed contract work if the funding for another budgeted item, RECLAIM CEMS Audit Program Development, is reduced. Staff believes that the scope of the field testing portion for that item can be reduced and still provide a complete product.

Attachment

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