South Coast Air Quality Management District

Issue RFP for Development and Demonstration of Two Hybrid-Electric Transit Buses

SYNOPSIS:

Local transit agencies have a growing need for larger transit buses with more passenger capacity in support of Bus Rapid Transit Programs. This action is to issue an RFP to further develop and demonstrate 45-foot composite body or 60-foot articulated hybrid-electric (HE) transit buses powered by an alternative fuel internal combustion engine (ICE) or microturbine. The RFP calls for the cooperative efforts of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in alternative fuel ICEs, microturbine, electric and HE chassis, bus, and technology integration experts. Staff anticipates receiving $1,000,000 from the Department of Water and Power to co-fund this project, with an additional $400,000 from the AQMD's Clean Fuels Fund.

COMMITTEE:

Technology, June 28, 2002, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Approve issuance of RFP #P2003-02, to solicit proposals to further develop and demonstrate two 45-foot composite body or 60-foot articulated transit buses powered with a hybrid-electric, alternative fuel internal combustion engine or a microturbine drivetrain.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

Over 60% of the Basin’s NOx emissions inventory can be attributed to mobile sources; heavy-duty trucks and buses account for approximately 20% of the NOx inventory. Low emission, alternative fuel heavy-duty engines have one-half or less the NOx emissions of their diesel counterparts and a fraction of the particulate emissions, without particulate traps.

Over the past two years, the AQMD adopted a series of fleet vehicle rules that require the purchase of lower-emitting vehicles upon replacement or addition to the fleet. Transit bus fleets are a part of those rules.

The AQMD has supported a number of development and demonstration projects for lower-emitting heavy-duty vehicles, and specifically transit buses. Additionally, the AQMD is a member of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority’s (MTA) Advanced Vehicle Transit Consortium, and has contributed towards the Advanced Technology Transit Bus program. Major bus OEMs offer commercially 45-foot composite body or 60-foot articulated transit buses, but none of these OEMs currently offer any hybrid-electric 45-foot composite body or 60-foot articulated transit buses. The local transit agencies have a growing need for higher-capacity transit buses for their Bus Rapid Transit Program. Additionally, there is a need for low-noise transit buses, since there is a potential for the buses to be utilized in residential neighborhoods.

The Department of Water and Power (DWP), under its Electric Bus Initiative Program, has participated in a similar project to develop hybrid-electric transit buses powered with two 30 Kw microturbines as well as CNG engines. DWP will participate in this project by providing funding and technical expertise. The MTA has the largest fleet of transit buses in the Basin, and has agreed to participate in the development and demonstration of 45-foot composite body or 60-foot articulated transit buses using HE drivetrain. Recently, the Capstone microturbine technology was certified by the CARB as a cleaner alternative engine for heavy-duty uses, indicating 75% reduction in NOx emissions, as compared to current heavy-duty diesel engines. A bus OEM has commercialized 22 foot HE transit buses (shuttles) powered by the Capstone microturbine.

Using an alternative fuel ICE or microturbine technology to charge a battery pack could achieve super-low emission levels. Therefore, it would be highly desirable to have a 45-foot composite body or 60-foot articulated bus developed by an OEM, using the microturbine or an alternative fuel ICE as a power generator.

Proposal

The proposed project will be the development and demonstration of two initial 45-foot composite body or 60-foot articulated hybrid-electric transit buses powered by an alternative fuel ICE or microturbine. An option for four additional buses will be included, and will be exercised at the discretion of the AQMD. The proposed project will be an 18 month effort to further develop and demonstrate the new buses at the MTA facilities, as well as provide training and on-site service of these buses for 12 months after deployment. Staff proposes to release a Request for Proposals soliciting proposals for the development and demonstration of the 45-foot composite body or 60-foot articulated transit buses using a hybrid-electric, ICE or microturbine-powered drive train. Funding for this development and demonstration project is $1,400,000. Staff recommends that the AQMD provide up to $400,000 in Clean Fuels Program funds to support this effort. The Department of Water and Power will provide an additional $1,000,000 and the MTA will provide in-kind services for this project. This project does not specifically require mandatory co-funding from the proposers, but proposals that include co-funding will receive additional points under the proposal review section.

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 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.

Bid Evaluation

Proposals received will be evaluated by a diverse, technically qualified panel in accordance with criteria contained in the attached RFP. Technical staff from LADWP and MTA will be invited to participate as panel members.

Benefits to AQMD

The AQMP relies on the expedited implementation of advanced technologies and clean-burning fuels in southern California to achieve air quality standards. This project will further develop technology for heavy-duty hybrid electric vehicles, and is expected to reduce NOx and PM emissions well beyond those required under existing regulations from on-road heavy-duty engines. The project will also assist the transit agencies by providing further opportunities to purchase cleaner-burning 45-foot composite body or 60-foot articulated transit buses.

Resource Impacts

This project is included in the March 2002 Technology Advancement Plan. Sufficient funds are available from the Clean Fuels Program Fund, established as a special revenue fund resulting from the state-mandated Clean Fuels Program. The Clean Fuels Program, under Health and Safety Code Sections 40448.5 and 40512 and Vehicle Code Section 9250.11, establishes mechanisms to collect revenues from mobile sources to support projects to increase the utilization of clean fuels, including the development of the necessary advanced enabling technologies. Funds collected from motor vehicles are restricted, by statute, to be used for projects and program activities related to mobile sources that support the objectives of the Clean Fuels Program.

Attachment

RFP #2003-02 - Development and Demonstration of Two Hybrid-Electric Transit Buses

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