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PROPOSAL:

Issue RFP to Cost-Share Development and Demonstration of Zero- and Low-VOC Resin Technology for Advanced Control Measure Development

SYNOPSIS:

Coatings are a major source of VOC emissions in the South Coast Air Basin. Emissions from architectural and industrial maintenance coatings account for over 49 tons of emissions per day. This action is to issue an RFP to solicit proposals to develop and demonstrate zero- and low-VOC resin technology to reduce emissions from many of these coating categories, including stains, sealers, and clear wood finishes. The total AQMD cost-share will not exceed $250,000.

COMMITTEE:

Technology, October 16, 1998. Less than a quorum was present; those Committee Members who were present communicated their concurrence.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Approve release of attached RFP #9899-14 to cost-share the development and demonstration of zero- and low-VOC resin technology for advanced control measure development for a total amount not to exceed $250,000.

Barry Wallerstein, D.Env.
Acting Executive Officer

Background

One of the measures included in the 1997 AQMP is a long-term control measure for near-zero or zero-VOC coating formulations for architectural coatings (CM #97ADV-ARCH). Staff has identified candidate coating formulations for several categories. However, development and demonstration of formulations is needed for many of these coating categories.

According to ARB estimates, architectural and industrial maintenance coatings contribute over 49 tons per day of VOC emissions in the Los Angeles Basin. Sales are estimated at over twelve million gallons per year in the basin. The development and demonstration of clean coatings in these categories is a critical need of the 1997 AQMP.

Proposal

Staff proposes to release an RFP to identify and develop zero- and low-VOC resin systems for the identified coating categories (e.g., stains, sealers, and clear wood finishes). Once developed, the resin systems would be used in coating formulations. Coatings would be tested for application, rheology, adhesion, hardness, durability, coverage and performance. Specific performance issues to be addressed include the film thickness of the applied coating; thinning necessary to apply the coating; need for priming of the substrate; amount of topcoats required for finishing; need for any touch-up and repair of the applied coating; and the reactivity of the solvents used in the coating formulation.

Careful analysis of the performance of the resin/coating system is needed to adequately assess the candidate formulations. The contractor will be required to demonstrate each system in a real-world environment to provide as complete a picture as possible on coating performance.

Benefits to AQMD

The proposed project is included in the September 1997 update of the Technology Advancement Plan under Project 97S3-1, Development and Demonstration of Near-Zero or Zero-VOC Coating and Solvent Formulations. The AQMP relies on the development of clean coatings for further emission reductions from both near-term and long-term control measures. The coating categories covered by this RFP represent over 12 tons per day of VOC emissions in the Basin according to ARB estimates. If successfully developed and implemented, new coating systems could reduce over 10 tons per day of VOC emissions.

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:

Additionally, potential bidders will be 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. Notice of the RFP will be 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 bidder’s 24-hour telephone message line (909) 396-2724.

Bid Evaluation

A diverse panel of technically qualified individuals will evaluate the proposals received, in accordance with the scoring criteria described in attached RFP #9899-14.

Resource Impacts

The total amount of AQMD funding for the proposed RFP will not exceed $250,000. Staff anticipates that the proposers will seek additional co-funding and cost-sharing will be used as an evaluation criterion as specified in the RFP.

Sufficient funds are available in the Technology Advancement Fund. This fund was established as trust fund for revenues received as a result of fines, penalties, and settlements from air pollution violations. These settlements were legally binding agreements that linked payment by the violators to use by AQMD to support the development and demonstration of advanced technologies, and the assessment of resulting emissions benefits.

Attachments

RFP #9899-14 – Issue RFP for to Cost-Share Development and Demonstration of Zero-
and Low-VOC Resin Technology for Advanced Control Measure Development

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