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PROPOSAL:

Issue RFQ to Purchase Instruments for Automatic Gas Calibration Systems

SYNOPSIS:

As part of the air monitoring network, gas calibration systems, now over 20 years old, need to be replaced with modern, state-of-the-art equipment. The newer technology is more reliable and will improve staff efficiency. This action is to issue an RFQ to purchase up to 10 gas calibration systems. There is $69,400 allocated in the FY 1998-99 Budget for 5 gas calibration systems, and $70,000 for up to 5 additional systems will be contingent upon the Board's appropriation of PAMS unexpended funds from the fourth year implementation.

COMMITTEE:

Administrative, July 24, 1998, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Issue the attached RFQ #2100 for the acquisition of up to 10 automatic gas calibration systems for the ambient air monitoring network and the PAMS program, for a total amount not to exceed $139,400.

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. Gas calibration systems are an integral part of the air monitoring process, as they automatically perform federally required precision checks and daily calibrations of the carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide instruments. The current systems are more than 20 years old and replacement parts are no longer available. The new 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 systems for the automatic gas calibration of the ambient air network.

Outreach

In accordance with the 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 vendors will be notified from 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 RFQ 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 bidder’s 24-hour telephone message line (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 #2100.

Resource Impacts

There is $69,400 allocated for 5 gas calibration systems in the FY 1998-99 Budget, and $70,000 for up to 5 additional systems will be contingent upon the Board's appropriation of PAMS unexpended funds from the fourth year implementation.

Attachments

RFQ #2100 – RFQ for Automatic Gas Calibration Systems

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