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PROPOSAL:

Issue RFP for CEQA Documentation Support

SYNOPSIS:

The AQMD requires additional resources as part of ongoing CEQA document preparation for rule development and permits where the AQMD serves as lead agency, or other regionally significant projects where the AQMD serves as responsible or commenting agency. This action is to issue an RFP to select qualified contractors experienced in CEQA analysis and documentation to assist staff in preparing or commenting on CEQA documents.

COMMITTEE:

Mobile Source, August 28, 1998, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Approve the release of the attached RFP to solicit proposals for CEQA documentation support at a cost not to exceed $100,000.

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

Background

Pursuant to the state Public Resources Code, CEQA applies to projects undertaken by, funded by, or requiring discretionary approval from public agencies. Consequently, CEQA analyses and documents or notices are required for most AQMD rules, regulations, or plans prior to their adoption or modification by the Governing Board. The AQMD also occasionally assumes the CEQA lead agency role for non-AQMD projects within the jurisdiction of the AQMD, where the AQMD has discretionary permit authority. In addition, the AQMD serves as a Commenting Agency to review non-AQMD projects to determine if the air quality analysis is sufficient. Consultant services may assist in this effort also.

Public Resources Code §21082.1 allows public agencies to prepare or have prepared by consultants CEQA documents. The public agency must retain independent review of all documents prepared by consultants. To augment current staff resources, staff recommends securing the services of one or more qualified consultants to prepare portions of, or entire CEQA documents for AQMD and non-AQMD projects where the AQMD is the lead agency.

Proposal

In order to assist the AQMD CEQA staff in preparing CEQA documents, staff proposes that the Board approve the release of the RFP to solicit proposals for CEQA documentation support at a cost not to exceed $100,000.

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 notified from the Los Angeles County MTA and Caltrans Directories of Certified Minority, Women, Disadvantaged and Disabled Veterans Business Enterprises; the Inland Area Opportunity Pages Ethnic/Women Business and Professional Directory; AQMD’s own electronic listing of certified minority vendors; and AQMD Purchasing’s mailing list. Copies 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 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 the attached RFP.

Fiscal Impacts

Funds for this proposal in an amount not to exceed $100,000 are available in Planning and Policy’s FY1998-99 Budget, Professional and Special Services Major Object.

Attachments

RFP #9899-09 CEQA Documentation Support

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