BOARD MEETING DATE: April 10, 1998 AGENDA NO.10
PROPOSAL:
Authorize Purchase of Alternative Fuel Vehicles for AQMD Alternative Fuel Vehicle Loan Program
SYNOPSIS:
The AQMD Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) loan program demonstrates new AFVs to public and private organizations so that potential purchasers may familiarize themselves with available low-emission AFV products. As new technologies become available, vehicles are added to the program. It is proposed that AQMD purchase two CNG vehicles and one propane vehicle for use in the AFV loan program. The total cost of these purchases will not exceed $80,600.
COMMITTEE:
Technology, March 27, 1998, fewer than three members were present and therefore, pursuant to the Procedures for Standing Committees of the Governing Board, the Committee forwards this letter without recommendation.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
- Authorize the transfer of $80,600 from the Services and Supplies Major Object, Professional and Special Services for Technology Advancement to the Fixed Asset Major Object for Technology Advancement in the FY 1997-98 Budget.
- Authorize the Executive Officer to execute purchase orders as needed, for a total amount not to exceed $80,600, for the following alternative fuel vehicles: one CNG Ford Econoline van, one CNG Honda Civic, and one propane Ford Econoline van.
Barry Wallerstein, D.Env.
Acting Executive Officer
Background
The AQMD operates a number of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), including those powered by electricity, compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (propane), and methanol. Most of these vehicles are utilized in the AQMD's motor pool, and many perform "double duty" as part of the AQMD rideshare program.
The Technology Advancement office utilizes AFVs in a no-cost loan program to public and private organizations so that potential purchasers may familiarize themselves with available low-emission technologies. These vehicles are also used by AQMD staff for demonstration and display at meetings, conferences and workshops. As new technologies become available, new vehicles are purchased and the older AFVs are transferred to Automotive Services for use in the AQMD motor pool.
Proposal
Staff recommends that the following AFVs be purchased for the loan program:
1998 Ford CNG Econoline Van
1998 Ford Propane Econoline Van
1998 Honda CNG Civic
The Ford dedicated CNG Econoline van is certified by the ARB as "super" ultra-low emission vehicle (SULEV) under ARB’s medium-duty vehicle emission regulations. It has approximately half the emissions of a ULEV vehicle, less than 1.0 g/mi NOx. The proposed Ford propane van is a bi-fuel vehicle, certified as LEV when operating on propane. Ford is currently the only automotive manufacturer offering a propane vehicle. These vehicles will be configured as 12-passenger vans. The Honda Civic is a dedicated CNG vehicle, certified as a ULEV. When not being utilized in the AFV loan program or being used in displays, these vehicles can be utilized in the AQMD's rideshare program.
Benefits and Deliverables to AQMD
The AFV loan program is part of the Technology Transfer and Assessment component of the September 1997 update of the Technology Advancement Plan, and is specifically included in Project 97TT-1, "Assessment of Advanced Technologies and Information Dissemination." The AFV loan program is an important element in ensuring that low-emission passenger vehicle technology is actually implemented in the Basin by displaying and demonstrating the available alternative fuel low emission technologies to area fleets and other organizations.
Sole Source Justification
Section VIII(B)(2) of the Procurement Policy and Procedure identifies four major provisions under which a sole-source award may be justified. This request for sole source award is made under provision B.2.c.(2): the proprietary technology of the original equipment manufacturers.
Two vehicles will be purchased from Ford Motor Company, one propane Econoline van and one CNG Econoline van. Ford is the only manufacturer currently producing a propane light-duty vehicle. Ford’s dedicated CNG Econoline is certified as a SULEV, and is the only van thus certified. The AFV fleet currently includes a CNG Ford Crown Victoria, certified as a ULEV. The only other CNG ULEV is the proposed Honda Civic.
Resource Impacts
The total cost to the AQMD for purchase of the three AFVs will not exceed $80,600. Sufficient funds are available in the FY 1997-98 Budget from revenues received from the state-mandated Clean Fuels Program. The Clean Fuels Program, under Health and Safety Code Sections 40448.5 and 40512 and Vehicle Code Section 9250.11, establishes mechanisms to collect revenues from mobile and stationary sources to support projects to increase the utilization of clean fuels in both sectors, including the development of the necessary advanced enabling technologies. Funds collected from motor vehicles are restricted, by statute, to be used for projects and program activities related to mobile sources that support the objectives of the Clean Fuels Program.