BOARD MEETING DATE: September 12, 1997 AGENDA NO. 15
PROPOSAL:
Issue RFQ to Acquire Instruments for Continuous Measurement of Ambient Carbon Monoxide Concentrations
SYNOPSIS:
Eight aging carbon monoxide analyzers should be replaced with modern, state-of-the-art equipment. Such analyzers are needed as part of the AQMD’s ambient air quality network. The newer technology is more reliable, easier to maintain, and less costly to operate than existing monitors. This action is to issue an RFQ for this purpose. A total of $56,000 is available in the FY 1997-98 budget.
COMMITTEE:
Administrative, August 22, 1997, Recommended for Approval
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Issue the attached RFQ #2004 for the acquisition of eight instruments for continuous measurement of carbon monoxide concentrations.
Barry R. Wallerstein, D. Env.
Acting Executive Officer
Background
Ambient air monitoring is one of the fundamental responsibilities of the AQMD. To meet both federal and state monitoring requirements in light of decreasing resources, newer and more technologically advanced instrumentation is needed as part of the streamlining and modernization focus. The replacement of aging CO analyzers is consistent with this process. The current analyzers, which are more than 10 years old, are well beyond their expected lifetime of 5 to 7 years. The replacement instrumentation will require less maintenance, parts, servicing, and will be more automated and compatible with computer systems. To ensure that the air monitoring capability is continued at acceptable levels as required by EPA, ARB and AQMD regulations, this equipment replacement is necessary.
Proposal
Issue an RFQ to competitively select a vendor(s) for the acquisition of instruments for continuous measurement of carbon monoxide concentrations.
Outreach
In accordance with AQMD's consulting and contracting policies, a public notice advertising the RFP and inviting bids will be published in the following publications:
1. Antelope Valley Press
2. Black Voice News
3. Chinese Daily News
4. Daily News
5. Eastern Group Publications
6. El Chicano
7. Excelsior, The
8. Inland Empire Hispanic News
9. Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
22. Riverside Press Enterprise
25. State of California Contracts Register
Additionally, potential bidders will be notified from Los Angeles County MTA and Cal Trans Directories of Certified Minority, Women, Disadvantaged and Disabled Veteran 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 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 AQMD's bidder's 24-hour telephone message line [(909) 396-2724].
Quotations received will be evaluated by a ethnic- and gender-diverse panel of technically-qualified individuals according to the criteria described in attached RFQ #2004.
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 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.
A total of $56,000 is allocated in the FY 1997-98 Budget for the purchase of eight instruments for continuous measurement of ambient carbon monoxide concentrations.
RFQ #2004
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