Back

PROPOSAL:

Execute Contract to Purchase High-Speed Remote Access Upgrade

SYNOPSIS:

On February 19, 1998 an RFQ was released for a High-Speed Remote Access Upgrade for AQMD’s voice and data systems. This upgrade will allow AQMD to consolidate its access to the Public Switched Network, lowering annual fees and enhancing calling features. This action is to execute a contract with GTE California Incorporated for the purchase of the network equipment, at a cost of $56,701.92, and a contract with Starcom for the purchase of the testing and diagnostic equipment at a cost of $15,005.62. Funds for these items are included in the FY 1997-98 Budget.

COMMITTEE:

Administrative, April 17, 1998, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Authorize the Executive Officer to execute a contract with GTE California Incorporated for the purchase of the network equipment at a cost of $56,701.92, and a contract with Starcom for the purchase of the testing and diagnostic equipment at a cost of $15,005.62 to upgrade AQMD’s voice and data systems.

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

Background

On February 19, 1998 the AQMD released RFQ #2016 for High-Speed Remote Access Upgrade to competitively select a vendor or vendors capable of providing equipment and services required to upgrade the AQMD’s voice and data systems for high-speed remote access. This upgrade will enable AQMD to take advantage of contemporary offerings such as Integrated Services Digital Network and other low-cost, high-throughput technologies to provide high-speed access to remote users of the AQMD’s voice and data network.

The AQMD currently uses 28.8 kbps (kilobits per second) analog modems for remote access, limiting usable bandwidth to dial-in users. This upgrade will allow remote users to connect to base speeds of 56 kbps with maximum connection and throughput rates of 128 kbps. In addition to greater bandwidth, the upgrade incorporates industry standard security features, affording greater protection to AQMD’s computer resources against unauthorized access.

Outreach

In accordance with the 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 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 and Job Opportunities" icon] and AQMD’s 24-hour telephone message line for bidders (909) 396-2724.

Bid Evaluation

Forty-two (42) copies of the RFQ were mailed out and four bids were received in response to the RFQ when final bidding closed at 1:00 p.m. on March 20, 1998. Of the four bids, one was from a minority-owned business enterprise; none were from women- and/or disabled veteran-owned business enterprises. Attachment 1 reflects the evaluation of the bids and the respective ratings/costs for contracts.

The four bids were evaluated based on their responses to the criteria specified in the RFQ and lowest cost offered. The evaluation panel scored GTE California Incorporated the highest for the network equipment category, and Starcom was scored the highest for the testing and diagnostic equipment category. Neither entity is a certified DVBE, therefore no consideration was given with regard to scoring.

Staff recommends that the Board award the contract to GTE California Incorporated for the purchase of the network equipment and award the contract to Starcom for the testing and diagnostic equipment.

Panel Composition

Quotations were evaluated and scored by a five-member evaluation panel consisting of two members from the Claremont Chamber of Commerce, an AQMD Telecommunications Technician II, an AQMD Senior Air Quality Chemist, and an AQMD Administrative Services Air Quality Specialist. Of these five panelists, two are female and three are male; two of the panelists are Black, three are White.

Resource Impacts

Total amount for this expenditure will be $71,707.54. Funds have been allocated in the District General Fixed Asset Account in the FY 1997-98 Budget.

Attachment(s)

Attachment 1 - Evaluation of Respondents to RFQ #2016

Vendor	Bid Amount		Certified DVBE* (Yes/No)	Meet Minimum Requirement/Score
	Category 1	Category 2		Category 1	Category 2
1. GTE California Incorporated	$56,701.92	No Bid	No	Yes	No
2. Starcom	$29,291.37	$15,005.62	No	No	Yes
3. Comp USA	$64,013.64	$14,872.47	No	No	No
4. Nova Quest Information Systems	$33,866.01	$2,885.00	No	No	No

Category 1 - Network Equipment
Category 2 - Testing and Diagnostic Equipment

* Certified DVBEs shall be granted a preference in an amount equal to 3% of the lowest cost responsive bid, respectively.

/ / /