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PROPOSAL:

Execute Contract for Phase II Assessment Study of Architectural Coatings

SYNOPSIS:

The AQMD requires a study to assess the application and durability characteristics of architectural coatings within the categories of industrial maintenance; non-flats; primers, sealers, and undercoaters; quick-dry enamels; quick-dry primers and sealers; and waterproofing sealers. Proposals from firms specializing in analysis of coatings were evaluated by a technical advisory committee, composed of industry representatives and other interested parties. This action is to execute a contract with the successful bidder at a cost not to exceed $150,000.

COMMITTEE:

Stationary Source, April 17, 1998, Reviewed
Technology, April 24, 1998, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Authorize the Chairman to execute a contract with National Technical Systems for analytical services not to exceed $150,000.

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

Background

On March 13, 1998, the Board approved the release of RFP #9798-34, Phase II Assessment Study of Architectural Coatings. The study is necessary to assist AQMD staff in assessing options for future implementation of 1997 AQMD Control Measure #97CTS-07, Phase II. The purpose of this RFP was to solicit and identify vendor(s) capable of conducting side-by-side comparisons for various coating categories, and assessing the current state of the application and durability properties of the coatings.

Staff met with industry and sought industry co-sponsorship for the study. Industry representatives elected not to co-sponsor the study, but agreed to participate as members of the seven person Technical Advisory Committee (formerly referred to in the RFP as a Project Steering Committee) to oversee the technical aspects of the study. In addition, industry has offered to purchase the coatings to be evaluated during the study.

Outreach
In accordance with the AQMD’s consulting and contracting policies, a public notice advertising the RFP 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 RFP 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 and Job Opportunities" icon] and AQMD’s 24-hour telephone message line for bidders (909) 396-2724.

Copies of the RFP were also mailed to forty-nine vendors with expertise in the field of architectural coatings.

Bid Evaluation
When the bidding closed on April 17, 1998, responses had been received from four firms. Of these, three responses were judged technically qualified by the Technical Advisory Committee.

The evaluation results are shown in the Attachment. Staff, based on recommendations made by the Technical Advisory Committee, recommends awarding the contract to National Technical Systems

The Stationary Source Committee reviewed this letter, but did not consider information pertaining to the bid evaluation. The Technology Committee reviewed this item and approved selection of National Technical Systems on April 24, 1998.

Panel Composition
The bid evaluation panel consisted of seven individuals, one internal to the AQMD and six external. External panel participants represented industry, California Air Resources Board, academia, and a local environmental organization. Of these seven panelists, one is a woman and the remaining six are men; one of the panelists is Asian-Pacific, and six are Caucasian.

Resource Impacts
Sufficient funds are available in the FY 1997-98 Budget. This includes funding under Coatings Research, Technology Assessment Studies, and Control Equipment Evaluation contracts listed in the budget.

Attachments
Evaluation of Bids for Contract

ATTACHMENT

Four proposals were received in response to this RFP. Of these four proposals, one of the proposers was deemed non-responsive on a technical basis. The remaining three were considered competitive to proceed to the cost evaluation.

Step 1 - Technical Criteria (70 points minimum, 100 points maximum)

	Proposer
	Eastern Michigan University	Harlan & Associates	National Technical Systems	Southwest Research Institute
Panel Average	80	65	87	84
Carry-over (50% of points > 70)	5	0	8.5	7

Step 2 - Cost and Other Factors (80 points maximum)

Criteria	Proposer
	Eastern Michigan University	National Technical Systems	Southwest Research Institute
Cost (Maximum = 70 points for lowest cost) (Actual Amount)	70 $150,000	70 $149,953	70 $150,000
Certified DVBE/Joint Ventures Points (Maximum = 10)	No 0	No 0	No 0
Total	70	70	70

Total Score (80 points maximum)

Criteria	Proposer
	Eastern Michigan University	National Technical Systems	Southwest Research Institute
Step 1 Carry-over Points (Maximum = 15)	5	8.5	7
Step 2 Points (Maximum = 80)	70	70	70
Total	75	78.5	77

Summary of Evaluation

Criteria	Proposer
	Eastern Michigan University	National Technical Systems	Southwest Research Institute
Step 1 Total	80	87	84
Step 2 Total	75	78.5	77
Overall Total	155	165.5	161

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