Back

PROPOSAL:

Execute Contract to Purchase Fourier Transform InfraRed Microscope and Workstation Upgrade

SYNOPSIS:

On November 14, 1997, the Board approved an RFQ to procure a Fourier Transform InfraRed Microscope and workstation upgrade. The Fourier Transform InfraRed Microscope and workstation upgrade will significantly improve the Laboratory’s forensic analysis of fallout samples and VOC analysis of paints, coatings, and other products. This action is to execute a contract with Nicolet Instrument Corporation to purchase a Fourier Transform InfraRed Microscope and workstation upgrade for the amount of $79,998. For this purchase, $80,000 has been appropriated in the FY 1997-98 Budget.

COMMITTEE:

Administrative, January 23, 1998, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Authorize the Chairman to execute a contract with Nicolet Instrument Corporation for the purchase of a Fourier Transform InfraRed Microscope and workstation upgrade for an amount not to exceed $79,998.

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 Fourier Transform InfraRed Microscope (FTIR) analysis which matches the particles based on chemical composition. Using outside laboratories is a costly process 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 replace 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 and will provide a greater capability to support the monitoring program/enhancement identified in Environmental Justice Initiative No. 2.

The present workstation for 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

Execute a contract with Nicolet Instrument Corporation, the RFQ sole respondent, for the purchase of an FTIR microscope and 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 was 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 were 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 were 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

One quotation was received in response to RFQ #2010 when final bidding closed at 2:00 p.m. on December 16, 1997.

Panel Composition

The proposal was evaluated by a panel of technically qualified AQMD staff for responsiveness to general and technical specifications and costs: a Principal Air Quality Chemist; and two Air Quality Chemists. Of these three panelists, two are Caucasian and one is Asian; in addition, two are female and one is male.

Resource Impacts

Total cost for the purchase of the FTIR microscope and the FTIR workstation upgrade is $79,998. Sufficient funds are included in the approved FY 1997-98 Budget for these items as Fixed Asset #23.

/ / /