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PROPOSAL:

Issue RFQ to Acquire Telemetry Computer and Data Loggers

SYNOPSIS:

The AQMD Telemetry System currently uses a Data General MV7800 host computer and Environmental Systems Corporation data loggers to perform ambient air monitoring. This 11-year-old equipment has reached its maximum utilization and is obsolete. This action is to issue an RFQ to obtain a computer and data loggers to adequately support the Telemetry System, which collects air quality data from 35 air monitoring stations throughout the Air Quality Basin. A total of $263,500 is available for this purchase. $71,000 is available from a PAMS U.S. EPA grant, and $42,500 from a 105 U.S. EPA grant. In addition funding in the amount of $140,000 is available in the AQMD FY 1998-99 Budget.

COMMITTEE:

Administrative, January 22, 1999, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Approve the release of the attached RFQ to purchase an air monitoring Telemetry computer and data loggers at a cost not to exceed $263,500.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

In October 1988 the AQMD purchased a Data General MV7800 computer and Environmental Systems Corporation Data Loggers to support the Air Monitoring Telemetry System. The AQMD operates an Ambient Air Quality Data Handling system that collects and manages the data from more than 35 remote sites at a minute-by-minute rate. From each of these sites, 8 to 32 variables are collected, analyzed, and stored in a secure database. Federal regulations require that the AQMD update all these raw data to the EPA’s Aerometric Information retrieval system on a regular basis. The MV7800 and associated data loggers are 11 years old and obsolete; they have reached their maximum utilization and can no longer be enhanced or upgraded. In order to assure a reliable air quality data collection and management activity, it is necessary to replace the MV7800 and the data loggers with a new equipment that is fault-tolerant and has enough computer capacity for telemetry applications and historical data.

Proposal

The attached RFQ will allow the AQMD to identify the vendor with the most competitive computer system and data loggers capable of supporting our air monitoring Telemetry System for its ambient air quality data collection activities. The outcome of the RFQ will be a staff recommendation to enter into a purchase agreement with the selected vendor for the products and services identified in the RFQ.

Outreach

In accordance with the AQMD’s consulting and contracting policies, a public notice advertising the RFQ 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 RFQ 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

Quotations received will be evaluated by a diverse panel of technically qualified individuals according to the criteria described in attached RFQ.

Resource Impacts

Funds for this purchase ($228,500) are provided by U.S. EPA and AQMD. A total of $113,500 of funding from U.S. EPA is provided from a PAMS grant ($71,000) and a 105 grant ($42,500). Funding of $140,000 are provided and allocated in the approved FY 1998-99 AQMD Budget.

Attachments

RFQ # 2112 - Request for Quotation for Telemetry Computer and Data Loggers

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