Proposal:

Issue RFP to Conduct Performance Audit for FY Ending June 30, 1997

Synopsis:

Health & Safety Code Section 40453 requires the AQMD to contract by July 1, 1997 with a qualified auditing firm to conduct a performance audit of AQMD programs. This action is to issue an RFP to seek a qualified firm to perform the audit. Sufficient funds will be budgeted in the FY 1997-98 budget.

Committee:

Administrative February 21, 1997, Recommended for Approval

Recommended Action:

Issue RFP #9697-38 for the triennial performance audit for FY ending June 30, 1997.

James M. Lents, Ph.D.
Executive Officer

Health & Safety Code Section 40453 requires the AQMD to contract with a qualified firm, once every three years, to conduct a performance audit of the AQMD’s activities. The performance audit will focus on reviewing compliance with laws and regulations, economy and efficiency of operations, and effectiveness in achieving program results. This is the third performance audit to be conducted pursuant to Health & Safety Code Section 40453. The first audit was awarded in July 1991; the second audit was awarded in July 1994.

Proposal

Staff has prepared the attached RFP for the performance audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1997 and intends to advertise for bids. If approved, staff will proceed with distribution of the RFP, evaluate the proposal received, and return to the Board with a recommendation to award a bid.

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.

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

Sufficient funds will be budgeted in the FY 1997-98 budget.

Attachment

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