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PROPOSAL:

Execute Contract to Purchase Scientific Computer

SYNOPSIS:

On October 18, 1998, the AQMD released an RFQ to select vendors capable of providing a scientific computer for AQMD's air quality modeling. This action is to issue a purchase order with McBride and Associates, Inc. for the purchase of a DEC Alpha Server 4100 for a total amount of $87,488. Funds for this fixed asset purchase are provided in a PAMS U.S. EPA grant.

COMMITTEE:

Administrative, December 18, 1998, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Authorize the purchase of a DEC Alpha Server 4100 with McBride and Associates, Inc. for a total amount of $87,488.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

Currently, one Digital Alpha Server Model 2100 is used to run the Urban Airshed Model (UAM), the photochemical grid model used for ozone air quality analysis. However, staff is finding this unit to be an increasingly insufficient resource to meet the District's expanded modeling needs, as this computer is nearing maximum utilization. In addition, the U.S. EPA recommends that more detailed data analysis be performed on the PAMS data collected over the last four years and has provided $109,000. In July 1997 the U.S. EPA promulgated new ozone and fine particulate air quality standards that will require greater computing resources to analyze. This procurement will provide an additional computer system, which will allow staff to perform concurrent modeling at a faster rate. In addition to faster processing, the additional computer will interoperate with the existing scientific computer, affording greater protection to AQMD’s computer resources.

On October 13, 1998 the AQMD released RFQ #2104 to identify and select vendors capable of providing a scientific computer for AQMD's air quality modeling.

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:

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

Eight-eight copies of the RFQ were mailed out and six bids were received in response to the RFQ when final bidding closed at 1:00 p.m. on November 13, 1998. Of the six bids, two were from certified women-owned business enterprises, two were from certified minority-owned business enterprises, and none were from disabled veteran-owned business enterprises.

Attachment 1 reflects the evaluation of the bids and the respective ratings/costs for vendors who submitted bids. Of the responsive quotes, the lowest was from McBride and Associates, Inc., and is recommended for acceptance and purchase.

Panel Composition

The panel consisted of a Planning Manager and Information Management staff as follows: a Technology Implementation Manager; a Program Supervisor; a Computer Operations Supervisor; and a Computer Operator. Of these five panelists, one is female and four are male; two are Asian/Pacific Islander; one is Caucasian; and two are Hispanic.

Resource Impacts

Fixed asset funds for this contract are included in the FY 1998-99 Budget for the PAMS Program approved by the Board on August 14, 1998, utilizing EPA Section 103 and 105 grant funding.

Attachment(s)

Attachment 1 - Evaluation of Respondents to RFQ #2104

ATTACHMENT 1

Evaluation of Respondents to RFQ #2104

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