South Coast Air Quality Management District

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Issue RFP for Coordinator for International Conference on Air Quality Technology and Education to Implement Board Initiative from the Millennium Board Retreat

SYNOPSIS: 

This action is to release an RFP for consultant services to coordinate a two-day International Conference on Air Quality Technology and Education to be held in the Southland by the fall of 2001. The event would feature speakers from the international community and AQMD to provide the latest information on advanced air pollution technologies and public education programs, and opportunities to visit various technology demonstration projects and sites in the area. The estimated cost of the consultant services is $75,000, with funding available from the Clean Fuels Program ($15,787) and Fuel Cells Conference ($59,213) Special Revenue Funds.

COMMITTEE: 

Administrative, July 14, 2000. Less than a quorum was present during the discussion of this item; those Committee Members who were present communicated their concurrence.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Approve the issuance of RFP #P2001-12 for a coordinator, at a cost not to exceed $75,000, to plan and present an International Conference. on Air Quality Technology and Education.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

AQMD is the premier air quality agency in the country and its programs are used as models by agencies worldwide when considering adopting advanced technologies and creating their own educational programs to reduce air pollution. Over the past decade, some 600 delegations representing over 100 countries have visited AQMD to learn about the latest advances in clean fuels, toxic controls, innovative marketing programs, air monitoring strategies, health risk studies, and educational efforts to promote these programs. These topics and others are also frequently presented and discussed at international conferences and meetings sponsored by others. Speakers and staff from the AQMD are also in high demand to make presentations and participate in international conferences on technology and air pollution controls. Since the international dissemination and implementation of AQMD advanced technologies and educational programs assist in promoting their widespread commercialization and acceptance, it is both beneficial and productive for the AQMD to seek to host such a conference. In March of this year, the Governing Board adopted several Millennium Goals resulting from the Board's retreat in December of 1999. One of those suggested by Chairman Burke was to host an international conference. This action is to implement that initiative.

Proposal

It is proposed that the AQMD host an International Conference on Air Quality Technology and Education to be scheduled no later than the fall of 2001. The two-day event would feature speakers from the international community and the AQMD to provide the most recent information on advanced air pollution technologies, clean fuels, and educational support programs. Attendees, as part of their conference participation, would also have opportunities to visit various technology demonstration projects and sites in the area. The conference would be held in a suitable area hotel or conference center. An attendance fee and corporate sponsorship would be sought to help cover event costs.

Existing AQMD staff and financial resources are allocated to other tasks and it is appropriate to engage a consultant to act as Conference Coordinator to complete such a project. Therefore, staff recommends the Board approve the issuance of the proposed Request for Proposal to hire an outside event coordinator. The consultant will also provide assistance in securing corporate sponsors and exhibitors.

Consultant Selection Process

Staff recommends that a consultant be selected through an open bidding process according to the AQMD’s Consultant Selection Policy and Procedure, Section I (B): Due to the nature of the work to be performed or the staffing level required, it may, from time to time, be necessary to utilize the services of outside contractors/consultants who are not employees of the District.

Bid Evaluation

Proposals will be evaluated by a diverse, technically qualified panel in accordance with criteria contained in the RFP.

Proposed Budget

The total funding from the AQMD for this RFP will not exceed $75,000.

Resource Impacts

Funding for these services is available from the Clean Fuels Program Special Revenue Fund ($15,787) and the Fuel Cells Conference Special Revenue Fund ($59,213).

Attachment

RFP #P2001-12

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