South Coast Air Quality Management District

Issue RFP for Demonstration of Technologies to Reduce PM Emissions From Airport Ground Support Equipment in South Coast Air Basin

SYNOPSIS: 

As air travel demands increase, the use of ground support equipment (GSE) to support airport operations has steadily grown and contributed to relatively uncontrolled airport emissions. This action to release an RFP is in response to the need to demonstrate control technologies on GSE to reduce particulate matter emissions. On June 4, 2002, CARB provided $500,000 to the AQMD from the NOx and PM Emission Reduction Credit Program for the purpose of funding ground support equipment emission reduction projects at airports located in the South Coast Basin. The Air Transport Association (ATA) is expected to provide a $500,000 match funding. Of that amount, ATA may use up to 15 percent for its oversight. Total funding available for this RFP may amount up to $1,000,000.

COMMITTEE: 

Technology, November 22, 2002. Less than a quorum was present during the discussion of this item; the Chairman communicated his concurrence and recommendation that this item be forwarded for Board consideration with no approval or disapproval recommendation from the Committee.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Approve issuance of RFP # P2003-18, to demonstrate technologies to reduce particulate matter emissions from airport ground support equipment in the South Coast Air Basin in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000, of which $500,000 will be funded from the AQMD’s State Emissions Mitigation Fund.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

As air travel demands increase the use and operation of GSE to facilitate and support the industry has steadily grown in fleet size and in diversity of equipment, and for the most part, along with aircraft, they are a relatively uncontrolled source of pollution.

In June 2002, CARB provided the AQMD $500,000 in funding to implement Ground Support Equipment (GSE) emission reduction projects under the NOx and PM Emission Reduction Credit Program. CARB's agreement with AQMD requires the Air Transport Association to contribute a $500,000 match to fund GSE projects. It is anticipated that all projects funded with the total amount of up to $1,000,000 will be executed by May 31, 2003.

Proposal

The objective of this RFP is to solicit cost-shared proposals to demonstrate the use of technologies to achieve at least 85% reduction in particulate matter emissions in GSE that operate at airports within the South Coast Air Basin. The demonstration program will identify whether the technology is technically feasible and cost-effective for retrofit on GSE taking into consideration GSE duty cycle and activity. The categories of GSE to be considered for inclusion in the Technology Demonstration Program include, but are not limited to: air conditioners, air starts, ground power units, aircraft tractors, cargo loaders, belt loaders, baggage and cargo tractors. The Technology Demonstration Program will focus on 1990 and newer equipment with a minimum rating of 50 horsepower, and will consider variations in the age of the unit, horsepower and load, duty cycle, and the exhaust temperature.

A total of $1 million may be available for the demonstration program with $500,000 from CARB and $500,000 matching fund from the ATA. ATA may use up to 15 percent of its contribution for administrative and management responsibilities associated with the demonstration project.

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:

Additionally, potential bidders will be notified utilizing 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 RFP 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 bidder's 24-hour telephone message line (909) 396-2724.

Benefits to AQMD

The successful implementation of this demonstration program at local airports will result in mitigation of excess particulate matter emissions produced by GSE operating within the South Coast Air Basin. It is expected that such projects funded through the CARB NOx and PM Emission Reduction Credit Program will also produce concurrent toxic compounds emission reductions (e.g., lower diesel exhaust particulate), which is an additional benefit. Finally, administration of this demonstration program at local airports will help to advance the technological expertise in controlling emissions from airline operations, which will ultimately contribute to the progress AQMD has made in achieving clean air standards.

Resource Impacts

AQMD's contribution to this project shall not exceed $500,000 as provided by CARB. It is expected that the ATA will cost share with $500,000. Sufficient funds are available in the State Emissions Mitigation Fund.

Attachment

Attachment 1: RFP #P2003-18 - Demonstration of Particulate Matter Emission Reduction Technologies on Airport Ground Support Equipment in the South Coast Air Basin

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