BOARD MEETING DATE: March 1, 2002
AGENDA NO. 13

Appropriate Funds and Reissue RFQ to Purchase Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer System

SYNOPSIS: 

On February 16, 2001, the Board recognized subvention funding from CARB and allocated funds for fixed asset purchases to improve laboratory analysis equipment. As part of the AQMD's compliance efforts, the laboratory routinely analyzes samples from point, fugitive, and area sources for VOC and other emissions. A gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer system (GC/MS) is essential for accurate sample analysis. This GC/MS will replace an instrument that is over 15 years old and will ensure continued capabilities to analyze these samples. The original RFQ was issued on August 17, 2001, but due to insufficient bids, staff recommends the reissuance of the RFQ. This action is to appropriate $120,000 from the Reserve for Subvention Compliance to the FY 2001-02 Budget and to reissue the RFQ for the purchase of the GC/MS.

COMMITTEE: 

Administrative, February 8, 2002, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

1. Appropriate $120,000 from the Reserve for Subvention Compliance to the Science & Technology Advancement FY 2001-02 Budget, Capital Outlay Major Object for the purchase of a Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer System.
   
    
2. Approve reissuance of RFQ #Q2001-19R for the purchase of a Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer System.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D. Env.
Executive Officer

Background

On February 16, 2001, the Board recognized subvention funds from CARB and allocated funds for fixed asset purchases to improve laboratory analysis equipment. As part of the compliance efforts of the AQMD, the laboratory routinely analyzes samples from point, fugitive, area sources for VOC and other pollutant emissions. A gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer system (GC/MS) is essential for accurate sample analysis. The replacement of an over 15 years old existing GC/MS will ensure continued ability to analyze samples collected from various emission sources. RFQ #Q2001-19 was originally issued on August 17, 2001. Although the original RFQ was released with sufficient time for response, several vendors did not indicate their interest until late in the process and were not able to submit bids at that time. As such, staff is recommending the reissuance of the RFQ. The RFQ will be modified to include additional sample introduction modules.

Proposal Evaluation

Proposals received will be evaluated by a diverse panel of technically qualified individuals familiar with the equipment and may include outside public sector or academic community expertise.

Outreach

In accordance with the AQMD’s consulting and contracting policies, a public notice advertising the RFQs will be published in the following publications:
 

A listing of open RFQs will be made available to various legislative caucuses, community groups, trade organizations, chambers of commerce and other interested parties at the time the Notice Inviting Bids/Proposals is submitted for publication.

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 and Professional Directory; AQMD’s own electronic listing of certified minority vendors; and AQMD Purchasing’s mailing list. Notices of the RFQs will be 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.

Resource Impact

Sufficient funds are available from the Reserve for Subvention Compliance. Staff is recommending that the funds be appropriated to the Science & Technology Advancement FY 2001-02 Budget for the purchase of a Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer System.

Attachment

RFQ #Q2001-19R

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