BOARD MEETING DATE: January 8, 1999 AGENDA NO. 16
PROPOSAL:
Issue an RFP for Travel Agency Services
SYNOPSIS:
Annually, the AQMD spends approximately $200,000 in travel and related transportation and lodging services. Once every three years qualified travel service providers are given an opportunity to compete for the AQMD’s travel business. Due to changes occurring in 1998 in the airline industry and the lack of commission subsidy, our current travel agency has elected not to continue with the AQMD for a third year under the current terms and conditions.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Approve the attached RFP for Travel Agency Services.
Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer
Background
The AQMD will spend approximately $200,000 in travel and related transportation and lodging during FY 1998-99. The AQMD’s current travel services provider, in response to changes in the airline industry and lack of commission subsidy, has elected not to enter into an agreement with the AQMD for a third year under the current terms and conditions.
Proposal
This RFP will provide travel agencies with an opportunity to compete for the AQMD’s business while ensuring that the agency obtains the most cost-effective services available.
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 identified using the Los Angeles County MTA Directory 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. Notices of the RFP were mailed to the African-American 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.
Resources
Sufficient monies are budgeted by each division annually to cover their travel-related
expenditures.
Attachments
RFP for Travel Agency Services
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