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PROPOSAL:

Issue RFP for AQMD Fee Structure and Equity Study

SYNOPSIS:

Regulation III - Fees sets forth the fees by which AQMD funds its activities. This action is to issue an RFP to conduct a fee structure and equity study. The data from the study will be used to revise or replace the current fee structure with one that is simple, equitable, and sufficient to fund AQMD’s stationary source-related activities.

COMMITTEE:

Administrative, February 20, 1998, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Approve the issuance of RFP #9798-33 for AQMD Fee Structure and Equity Study.

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

Background

Changes in the regulatory environment such as the adoption of Health and Safety Code Sections 40510.5 and 40523 capping AQMD's revenue and the implementation of the Federal Title V program have impacted the AQMD’s programs and administrative responsibilities in recent years. In 1995, AQMD conducted a Fee Assessment Study to evaluate the existing fee structure and review long-term funding options. There is an urgent need to update the 1995 study to gather information that can be used to formulate future fee proposals.

Proposal

The consultant shall perform the tasks outlined on pages 7 and 8 of the RFP. At the conclusion of the study, the consultant shall propose a manner to modify, revise, and if necessary, redesign AQMD’s stationary source fee structure to make it simpler, equitable to all fee payers, administratively feasible to implement, and legally permissible within the constraints of Health and Safety Code Sections 40510.5 and 40523.

The AQMD will organize a working group representing industries including small business, environmental organizations, and government to provide input into the process.

Staff has prepared the attached RFP to conduct such a fee study and intends to advertise for bids. If approved, staff will proceed with distribution of the RFP, evaluate the proposals received, and return to the Board with a recommendation to award a bid.

Outreach

In accordance with the 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	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 will be identified using the Los Angeles County MTA Directory 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 RFP were mailed to the African-American 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 and Job Opportunities" icon] and AQMD’s 24-hour telephone message line for bidders (909) 396-2724.

Bid Evaluation

Proposals received will be evaluated by a diverse panel of technically qualified individuals according to the criteria described in attached RFP # 9798-33.

Resource Impacts

Funding for this RFP has not been included in the FY 1997-98 Budget. The total cost for this project, based on past fee assessment work, is estimated to be between $150,000 and $250,000. Staff will be requesting the use of a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the El Monte facility to fund this project.

Attachments

RFP #9798-33 AQMD Fee Structure and Equity Study

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