BOARD MEETING DATE: May 19, 2000 AGENDA NO. 45

On November 5, 1999, AQMD released RFP #9900-10 for a Management Firm to Operate the Diamond Bar Headquarters Childcare Center. Under the terms of the existing contract, AQMD provides utilities and other operating costs, without any charge to the contractor for use of the facility. Recent decreases in AQMD enrollments and budget constraints prompted staff to evaluate the program. As a consequence, subsequent to evaluation of proposals submitted in response to the RFP, AQMD initiated discussions with the firm selected by the RFP evaluation panel, National Pediatric Support Services, Inc. (NPSS), to find a means, within AQMD budgetary constraints, to continue to provide quality childcare to employees and the community.

Staff recommends AQMD enter into a lease agreement with NPSS, the firm selected by the panel evaluating proposals submitted in response to AQMD’s RFP. (The RFP selection process is described below.) Under the terms of the lease, NPSS would assume responsibility for direct operating costs (including utilities, janitorial services, waste management, security and landscape services, and repair and maintenance of facility interior, interior plumbing lines and fixtures, and exterior sprinkler system) and would pay annual rent of approximately $34,000, which would fund needed facility repairs and on-going maintenance. In return for the below-market rent, AQMD families would be guaranteed priority enrollment at reduced tuition rates for up to 25% of available spaces.

In accordance with AQMD's consulting and contracting policies, a public notice advertising RFP #9900-10 and inviting bids was placed in the following publications:

1. Antelope Valley Press	9. Korea Central Daily	17. Palm Springs Desert Sun
2. Black Voice News	10. La Opinion	18. Philippine News
3. Chinese Daily News	11. La Voz	19. Precinct Reporter
4. Eastern Group Publications	12. Los Angeles Daily News	20. Rafu Shimpo
5. El Chicano	13. Los Angeles Sentinel	21. Riverside Press Enterprise
6. Excelsior, The	14. Los Angeles Times	22. San Bernardino Sun
7. Inland Empire Hispanic News	15. M/W/DVBE Source	23. Santa Clarita Signal
8. Inland Valley Daily Bulletin	16. Orange County Register	24. State of California Contracts Register

Additionally, potential bidders were 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; AQMD Purchasing's mailing list; and AQMD Human Resources' list of interested food service providers. Copies of the RFP were mailed to the Black and Latino Legislative Caucuses and various minority chambers of commerce and business associations; and were placed on the Internet at AQMD's Web site [http://www.aqmd.gov, "Business and Job Opportunities" icon] and on AQMD's 24-hour telephone message line for bidders (909) 396-2724.

Thirty-seven copies of the RFP were mailed out, in response to which four companies attended the mandatory bidders conference on December 10, 1999. Three bids were received by the deadline of 3 p.m., Friday, January 7, 2000.

A panel evaluating the proposal consisted of four AQMD staff members (Affirmative Action Officer, Air Quality Engineer II, Financial Analyst, and Intergovernmental Affairs Officer) and one childcare consultant, who holds a doctorate in early childhood education. Two of the panel members are male and three are female. Of the five panel members, two are African-Americans, one Asian-Pacific Islander, one is Caucasian, and one is Hispanic.

After reviewing proposals and conducting site visits, panel members evaluated proposals based on criteria specified in the RFP, which included: educational philosophy/curriculum, previous experience, center phase-in transition plan, budget and tuition, and Small Business, DVBE and Local Business status.

The evaluation panel recommended the childcare management contract be awarded to the top-rated firm, National Pediatric Support Services, Inc. (See Attachment A).

In addition to eliminating approximately $60,000 in AQMD subsidies for childcare center operations, this lease agreement would generate annual rent revenue of approximately $34,000 to cover the costs of needed facility repairs and on-going maintenance.

TOTAL POINTS AWARDED
National Pediatrics Support Services	89.2
Knowledge Beginnings	84.7
Cumorah	70.2