PROPOSAL:

Execute Contracts for Data Collection to Evaluate Voluntary Ridesharing

SYNOPSIS:

SB 836 (Lewis) requires that AQMD and SCAG report to ARB on the effectiveness of voluntary ridesharing on January 1, 1998. A methodology to assess the effectiveness of voluntary ridesharing has been developed over the past six months by a team of consultants selected by the Regional Transportation Agencies’ Coalition (RTAC). This methodology calls for AQMD to conduct two surveys: a telephone survey of deregulated employers to ascertain the trip and emission reduction strategies currently being implemented at deregulated worksites; and an employee travel behavior survey to assess ridesharing participation. Data collection must be completed no later than November 14, 1997.

COMMITTEE:

Mobile Source, July 25, 1997, reviewed.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Authorize the Chairman of the Board to execute a contract with Godbe Research & Analysis and Ryan Snyder Associates for the employer activity survey for a total amount not to exceed $35,000 and execute a separate contract, also with Godbe Research & Analysis and Ryan Snyder Associates for the employee travel behavior survey for a total amount not to exceed $45,000.

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

Background

Health & Safety Code Sections 40458 and 44243.5 became effective on January 1, 1997 [ SB 836 (Lewis) was passed by the State Legislature on August 28, 1996, and signed by the Governor on September 27, 1996 (Chapter #96-993).] . On November 8, 1996, Rule 2202 - On-Road Motor Vehicle Mitigation Options was amended to be consistent with the new law, which calls for the phase-out of Rule 2202 in three phases, provided that voluntary ridesharing and/or other replacement measures can achieve equivalent emission reductions to those achievable under Rule 2202.

The first phase, in which the Rule 2202 compliance threshold was raised to 250 employees, began on January 1, 1997. On January 1, 1998, the AQMD and SCAG are required to report to the ARB on the effectiveness of voluntary ridesharing efforts in reducing emissions equivalent to what employers having worksites with 100-249 employees would have achieved had they remained under Rule 2202.

In order to comply with the reporting requirements, the Regional Transportation Agencies’ Coalition (RTAC) selected a consultant to develop a methodology to assess the effectiveness of voluntary ridesharing. The methodology development was directed by an oversight committee with members from SCAG, AQMD, ARB, U.S. EPA, transportation commissions, and the academic community. In general, the evaluation methodology calls for a "before and after" comparison of data gathered from deregulated employers to determine the change in travel and air quality impacts during 1997.

Proposal

The evaluation methodology calls for the AQMD to collect survey data from employers and employees exempted from Rule 2202. To fulfill this request and because of the need to complete the data collection no later than November 14, 1997, staff prepared two RFPs which the Mobile Source Committee approved for release on July 25, 1997. RFP #9798-04 sought to conduct a telephone survey of 600 deregulated employers to ascertain the trip and emission reduction strategies currently being implemented at deregulated worksites. RFP #9798-05 sought to conduct a travel behavior survey of 2,500 deregulated employees to assess their travel behavior and ridesharing participation. The funding for these two RFPs was limited to a maximum of $35,000 and $45,000, respectively.

Outreach

In accordance with the AQMD’s consulting and contracting policies, a public notice advertising the RFP and inviting bids was published in the following publications:

1. Antelope Valley Press

2. The Black Voice News

3. Chinese Daily News

4. Eastern Group Publications

5. El Chicano

6. The Excelsior

7. Inland Empire Hispanic News

8. Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

9. Korea Central Daily

10. La Opinion

11. La Voz

12. Los Angeles Daily News

13. Los Angeles Sentinel

14. Los Angeles Times

15. M/W/DVBE Source

16. Orange County Register

17. Palm Springs Desert Sun

18. Philippine News

19. Precinct Reporter

20. Rafu Shimpo

21. Riverside Press Enterprise

22. San Bernardino Sun

23. Santa Clarita Signal

24. State of California Contracts Register.

Additionally, potential bidders were 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 were mailed to the Black and Latino Legislative Caucuses and various minority chambers of commerce and business associations; and were placed on the Internet at AQMD’s Web site [http://www.aqmd.gov "Business and Job Opportunities"] and on AQMD’s bidder’s 24-hour telephone message line. Public service announcements were sent to local radio, TV, and cable stations.

A Bidders Conference was convened at the District on August 13, 1997 to highlight the requirements of the proposals and to answer questions from the thirteen prospective bidders in attendance.

Evaluation Panel

The evaluation panel was comprised of one woman, two men; one Caucasian and two African-Americans, all AQMD staff members: Laki Tisopulos, Ph.D., Planning Manager; Kathryn Higgins, Program Supervisor; Charles Blankson Ph.D., Transportation Specialist.

Bid Evaluation

In response to RFP #9798-04, four proposals were received by the August 26, 1997 closing date. In response to RFP #9798-05, three proposals were received by the August 26, 1997 closing date. All proposals submitted were reviewed and scored by the evaluation panel based on the information in the proposals as submitted to the AQMD, and according to the selection criteria described in the RFPs. Attachment 1 identifies the ratings for each proposal submitted in response to RFP #9798-04 and RFP #9798-05.

For the Employer Activity Survey RFP, two of the four proposals were deemed not to be technically qualified for further consideration in the review process due to the fact that they scored below the required rating of 70 points within this category. Godbe Research & Analysis and Ryan Snyder Associates’ proposal for RFP #9798-04 is recommended to be awarded this contract, as it scored highest in the evaluation process.

For the Employee Travel Behavior Survey RFP, two of the three proposals were deemed not to be technically qualified for further consideration in the review process because they scored below the required rating of 70 points within this category. Godbe Research & Analysis and Ryan Snyder Associates’ proposal for RFP #9798-05 is recommended to be awarded this contract also, because it scored highest in the evaluation process for this RFP.

Each of the three proposals deemed technically qualified was certified as a MBE, WBE, or/and DVBE. Godbe Research & Analysis and Ryan Snyder Associates’ is recommended to be awarded the contracts for both RFPs:# 9798-04 and #9798-05 for a total amount of $80,000.

Proposition 209 Compliance

It is AQMD policy to award up to 10 additional points or cost benefits to 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 August 28, 1997, a stay of enforcement of Proposition 209 was lifted. The District is currently evaluating the effect of Proposition 209 on its contracting and purchasing policy. Should it be determined that any portion of the policy violates Proposition 209, 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 Impact

Sufficient funding for these data collection contracts is available in the FY 1997-98 budget.

Attachment

Summary of Evaluation of Responses to Requests for Proposals #9798-04 and #9798-05.

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