PROPOSAL:

Issue RFQ to Purchase Fourier Transform InfraRed Microscope and Workstation Upgrade

SYNOPSIS:

AQMD Laboratory performs microscopic analysis for the forensic analysis of fallout samples in response to public complaints and rule enforcement actions. The acquisition of a Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) microscope would allow the Laboratory to identify and confirm sources on a per-particle basis, which would significantly improve the current capabilities. This action is to issue an RFQ to purchase an FTIR microscope and FTIR workstation upgrade to make the Gas Chromatograph/FTIR usable for VOC analysis of paints, coatings, and other products. The total amount for these items is not to exceed $80,000. Sufficient funds are available in the FY 1997-98 budget.

COMMITTEE:

Administrative, October 24, 1997, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Issue the attached RFQ# 2010 for the purchase of FTIR microscope and FTIR workstation upgrade for the Laboratory.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D. Env.
Acting Executive Officer

Background

Many samples submitted to the Laboratory by AQMD inspectors in response to citizen dust complaints and other particulate enforcement actions require matching of fallout particles with reference samples from possible sources. In many cases, the particles can be compared morphologically based on optical properties determined by polarized light microscopy, but this process limits AQMD’s ability to resolve sources of the particles. To confirm a match to a specific source, the samples are sent to outside laboratories for micro-FTIR analysis which matches the particles based on chemical composition. Using outside laboratories is costly, at approximately $200 per particle, and the analysis turnaround time often extends to several weeks. Over several years, the ability to perform these analyses in-house will be less costly than current practice, and will improve the response time to complaints.

More specifically, the addition of an FTIR microscope to our present Nicolet FTIR spectrometer will provide the definitive identification or complementary data to the polarized light microscopy analysis of asbestos, small particles, fallout, natural and man-made fibers/materials, powder coating and overspray as required by certain AQMD rules. The microscope will allow the laboratory to analyze a greater array of particles which are now prohibitive because of the costly per-particle analyses by outside laboratories. Analysis by an FTIR microscope could supply the confirmatory data needed to successfully resolve public complaint samples by identifying the emission source in accordance with AQMD compliance rules.

The present workstation on the laboratory’s Nicolet Model 710 FTIR spectrometer is obsolete and is no longer supported by the manufacturer or vendor, which means the spectrometer cannot be used to full technical capabilities. The workstation upgrade will reinstate the laboratory’s capability of analyzing paints, coatings and other products by Gas Chromatography/FTIR analysis.

Proposal

Issue an RFQ to competitively select a vendor(s) for the purchase of an FTIR microscope and an FTIR workstation upgrade for the Laboratory.

Outreach

In accordance with AQMD's consulting and contracting policies, a public notice advertising the RFQ and inviting bids will be published in the following publications:

1.	Antelope Valley Press	10.	La Opinion	19.	Precinct Reporter
2.	Black Voice News	11.	La Voz	20.	Rafu Shimpo
3.	Chinese Daily News	12.	Los Angeles Daily News	21.	Riverside Press Enterprise
4.	Eastern Group Publications	13.	Los Angeles Sentinel	22.	San Bernardino Sun
5.	El Chicano	14.	Los Angeles Times	23.	Santa Clarita Signal
6.	Excelsior, The	15.	M/W/DVBE Source	24.	State of California Contracts
7.	Inland Empire Hispanic News	16.	Orange County Register		Register
8.	Inland Valley Daily Bulletin	17.	Palm Springs Desert Sun
9.	Korea Central Daily	18.	Philippine News

Additionally, potential bidders will be identified using the Los Angeles County MTA, and Cal Trans Directories of Certified Minority, Women, Disadvantaged and Disabled Veterans Business Enterprises; the Inland Area Opportunity Pages Ethnic/Women Business & Professional Directory; AQMD’s own electronic listing of certified minority vendors; and AQMD Purchasing’s mailing list. Copies of the RFQs will be mailed to the Black and Latino Legislative Caucuses and various minority chambers of commerce and business associations; and placed on the Internet at AQMD’s Web site [http://www.aqmd.gov, "Business & Job Opportunities" icon] and AQMD’s 24-hour telephone message line for bidders (909) 396-2724.

Bid Evaluation

Quotations received will be evaluated by an ethnic- and gender-diverse panel of technically qualified individuals according to the criteria described in attached RFQ #2010.

Proposition 209 Compliance

On August 28, 1997, Proposition 209 went into effect when a stay of enforcement was lifted. Proposition 209 prohibits granting of preferential treatment based upon race, ethnicity, color, sex or national origin in the operation of public employment, public education, or public contracting. On October 10, 1997, the District’s Board adopted an Interim Contracting & Purchasing Policy and Consultant Selection Policy. The Interim Policy eliminates the granting of preference points based upon race or gender and only requires a good faith effort to subcontract with minority and women-owned businesses if subcontracts are to be let, when contracts are funded in whole or in part by EPA grant funds. Proposition 209 does not prohibit actions necessary to maintain eligibility for federal funding. In addition, in compliance with federal requirements, local preference points are allowed only if the contract does not involve federal funding. This contract award will be based on the interim policy. The remainder of the District’s Contracting and Purchasing Policy and Consultant Selection Policy remains unchanged.

Resource Impacts

Total costs for the purchase of the FTIR microscope and the FTIR workstation upgrade are not to exceed $80,000. Sufficient funds are included in the approved FY 1997-98 budget for these items as Fixed Asset #23.

Attachments

RFQ #2010

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