Proposal:

Establish List of Prequalified Vendors to Provide Compressed Gases and Cryogenics

Synopsis:

On February 14, 1997, the Board approved the issuance of an RFQ to establish a list of prequalified vendors from whom the AQMD may obtain needed compressed gases and cryogenics for laboratory use. In response to the RFQ, eight bids were received and reviewed. This action is to prequalify seven vendors of compressed gases and three vendors of cryogenics for AQMD use. Funds, $130,000, for these services have been included in the draft FY 1997-98 budget.

Committee:

Administrative, April 18, 1997, Recommended for Approval

Recommended Action:

Approve the list of pre-qualified vendors for compressed gases and cryogenics and authorize the Executive Officer to establish blanket purchase order agreements through June 30, 1998.

James M. Lents, Ph.D.
Executive Officer

Background

On February 14, 1997, the AQMD released RFQ #1912 which was used to establish a list of pre-qualified vendors from whom competitive bids may be solicited for the purchase of compressed gases (pure gases and standard mixtures) and cryogenics (liquid nitrogen and liquid argon). The AQMD requires compressed gases and cryogenics to operate and calibrate, monitoring and analytical instruments. The compressed gases are used for the air monitoring stations, program evaluations, source test field work and chemistry laboratory sample analysis. The cryogenics are needed to achieve ultra-low temperatures for laboratory sample analyses by gas chromatography. The need for these items is ongoing, but storage space is limited so gases and cryogenic liquids cannot be stored in large numbers and have to be ordered on a regular basis. Staff has determined that there is a cost and time efficiency savings by establishing open purchase orders with multiple vendors of these materials.

Outreach

In accordance with AQMD’s Contracting and Purchasing Policy, a public notice inviting bids was published in The Los Angeles Times, Chinese Daily News, Hispanic News (Inland Empire), M/W/DVBE Source, Contracts Register on February 19, 1997, Orange County Register, Riverside Press-Enterprise, San Bernardino Sun, and La Opinion, Korea Central Daily, Rafu Shimpo, Philippine News on February 19 & 26, 1997, L.A. Sentinel, Eastern Group Publication, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin (San Bernardino area), Precinct Reporter, El Chicano, The Black Voice News, La Voz on February 20 & 27, 1997, The Excelsior on February 21 & 28, 1997. In addition, the RFQ was listed on the Internet, the AQMD’s Bidder Hotline and mailed to the Latino and Black Legislative Caucuses and Chambers and to various known vendors.

Bid Evaluation

Eight companies responded to the RFQ. Companies were free to bid on one, several or all of the types of compressed gases and cryogenic liquids needed by the AQMD. All eight bidders qualified according to the process established in the RFQ. Seven companies were determined to be qualified as compressed gases vendors and six companies qualified as cryogenics vendors. Staff recommends that an open purchase order be established for the seven compressed gas vendors and the three most competitively priced cryogenic liquid vendors. Orders will be placed so as to minimize the cost for each compressed gas or cryogenic liquid needed, taking into account the specified delivery schedule and product availability. The bidding period for compressed gases and cryogenics was open from February 14, 1997 and closed on March 28, 1997.

Proposal

Based on this information, the following vendors should be pre-qualified for the purchases of gases and cryogenic liquids: Air Liquide (Etiwanda, CA), Cameron Welding Supply (Stanton, CA), Gilmore Liquid Air Company (South El Monte, CA), MG Industries (Riverside, CA), Praxair (Santa Ana, CA), Scott Specialty Gases (San Bernardino, CA), Scott-Marrin, Inc.(Riverside, CA), and So Cal Air Gas (Lakewood, CA). Two of the vendors recommended for pre-qualification are certified as M/W/DVBE by the Women & Minority Enterprise (WMBE) Clearinghouse.

Resource Impacts

The term of the open purchase orders is for the FY 1997-98. The price quotations are valid until June 30, 1998. Staff estimates that $130,000.00 will be needed for the purchase of compressed gases and cryogenics for FY 1997-98. Sufficient funding is included in the draft FY 1997-98 budget, subject to approval by the Board.