Back

PROPOSAL:

Execute Contract to Purchase Lab-Based Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer

SYNOPSIS:

On November 14, 1997, the Board approved an RFQ to acquire a lab-based Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer for use in the PAMS program to identify VOCs in the ambient air of the South Coast Air Basin. The EPA has provided funding for this analytical instrument as part of the fifth-year PAMS allocation. This action is to execute a contract with Entech Instruments, Inc., in the amount not to exceed $88,856 for the purchase of a lab-based Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer. For this purchase, $90,000 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 Entech Instruments, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $88,856 for the purchase of a lab-based Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer for use in the PAMS Program.

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

Background

On November 14, 1997, the AQMD released RFQ #2011 for the purchase of a lab-based Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer (GC/MS) to be used in the PAMS program. The AQMD’s Laboratory is responsible for the analysis of ozone precursors at six sites in the basin with a seventh site, Santa Clarita, scheduled to come on-line in 1998. By 1998, the Laboratory is expected to process 1,500 canister samples per year which exceeds the capacity of the Laboratory’s existing instrumentation. The GC/MS will allow the Laboratory to meet the increased workload and to speciate the PAMS hydrocarbons to further the understanding of the role of ozone precursors.

Proposal

This action is to purchase a lab-based GC/MS from the successful bidder, Entech Instruments, Inc., to increase the analytical capacity of the AQMD Laboratory. In the fifth-year PAMS cost estimate for equipment acquisition and staffing, the EPA has accepted the need for the GC/MS to positively identify PAMS compounds as well as the non-PAMS hydrocarbons found in the basin.

Outreach

In accordance with the AQMD’s consulting and contracting policies, a public notice advertising the RFQ and inviting bids were 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 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 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 bidder’s 24-hour telephone message line (909) 396-2724.

Bid Evaluation

Three bids and one no-bid were received in response to the RFQ when final bidding closed at 2:00 p.m. on December 16, 1997. Of the three bids, two were from certified women-owned businesses. The recommended vendor was selected based on meeting the required specifications, and cost.

Panel Composition

The proposal was evaluated by a four-member panel of AQMD staff: a Principal Air Quality Chemist; a Senior Air Quality Chemist; and two Air Quality Chemists. Of these four panelists, one is Hispanic, two are Asian, and one is Caucasian; in addition, two are female and two are male.

Resource Impacts

Sufficient funds are allocated in the FY 1997-98 Budget for the purchase of the lab-based GC/MS as part of the Board’s recognition of the EPA PAMS funds in July, 1997.

Attachments

Attachment - Evaluation of Respondents to RFQ #2011

Purchase of Lab-based Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer

/ / /