BOARD MEETING DATE: January 10, 2003
AGENDA NO. 5

PROPOSAL:

Execute Contract for Development of Hydrogen Fueling Station Templates

SYNOPSIS:

At its May 3, 2002 Meeting, the Board authorized the Executive Officer to issue a RFP for the development of a hydrogen fueling station template, including equipment specifications, layout, construction guidance and an optimization study for a future hydrogen fueling network within the South Coast Air Basin. The RFP was issued and four proposals were received. After evaluation by an outside panel of experts, one proposal was selected for contract. Project funding not to exceed $68,554.

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:

Authorize the Executive Officer to execute a contract with SunLine Services Group for development of hydrogen fueling station templates and an optimization study for siting a future hydrogen fueling network in the South Coast Air Basin not to exceed $68,554 from the Clean Fuels Fund.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

At its October 2001 meeting the Governing Board approved the preparation of an RFP for development of a hydrogen fueling station template provided, however, that staff first conduct an extensive literature search to determine if that work had been done by others. Forty articles from technical journals, association papers, government agencies and conferences have been identified as potentially pertaining to hydrogen refueling. None of the articles reviewed revealed work being conducted by others completely covering the type of hydrogen fueling station template outlined in the RFP. There are some unresolved technical and safety issues surrounding the development of hydrogen refueling stations which will be addressed in the template design.

On May 3, 2002, the Governing Board approved the issue of the RFP for development of a hydrogen fueling station template. This template would include equipment specifications, equipment and station layout, construction guidance with respect to both present and future codes and standards, and an optimization study for site selection of a future hydrogen fueling network in the South Coast Air Basin. The templates were to be developed for stand-alone hydrogen stations, CNG/hydrogen stations and gasoline/hydrogen stations. The RFP package also contained a draft contract for the review by prospective bidders.

Proposal

The purpose of this award is to contract with a qualified contractor for development of hydrogen fueling station templates and an optimization study for siting a future hydrogen fueling network in the South Coast Air Basin. The goal of this program is to initiate a broad spectrum of support for a Basin-wide hydrogen fueling infrastructure. The templates would include specifications for: commercially available, fully demonstrated and appropriately sized equipment that can be used for hydrogen fueling of fleet vehicles; equipment and station layout(s); a summarized consolidated master list that includes key data (i.e. equipment locations, schedules, and costs); development of plot plans and schematics; a hydrogen fueling station program reference guide for refueling of vehicles; construction guidance with respect to both present and future codes and standards; and an optimization study for siting a future hydrogen fueling network in the South Coast Air Basin.

The resulting work products including the templates and optimization study should offer economical and flexible designs with respect to different refueling formats, i.e. liquid or gaseous hydrogen storage and dispensing, liquid or gaseous hydrogen stored on board a vehicle, and liquid-to-gaseous hydrogen dispensing, etc. Contractor will be required to poll automobile manufacturers regarding their suggested refueling configuration(s) platforms necessary to provide fuel to individual vehicles as well as potential area fleets strategically located that will demonstrate hydrogen fueling technologies. From that information the contractor should derive templates that future fleet and refueling station owners can use to estimate the costs and complexities in providing hydrogen refueling services.

The contractor has demonstrated: an extensive background in California pressure vessel rules for both temporary and permanent siting of vessels; extensive experience in the design, permitting, operation, and maintenance of cryogenic and gaseous automotive refueling stations and alternate fuel vehicle specifications and selection; working familiarity with local, state and federal building and fueling station codes, standards and regulations; working familiarity with local and state permitting authorities pertaining to recommended practices and local building issues as they may apply.

The hydrogen refueling station template equipment specifications and design should be in accordance with the most economic and most feasible fuel storage and dispensing technologies available and meet industry compatible equipment specifications and regulations. Proposed equipment and system specifications and designs must meet all applicable health and safety codes. All safety design parameters and assumptions should be clearly identified for each scenario. All engineering, equipment, installation and operation costs should be identified and estimated for each scenario.

The template shall include a fire safety plan to include both methane and hydrogen detection that addresses all pertinent codes and regulations.

The template shall also identify auto makers guidance on type of fueling system they recommend with respect to their proposed fueling systems.

Finally, the template report should identify various fuel storage, reforming, pumping and dispensing issues and scenarios based on information supplied by auto manufacturers and their recommendations for refueling strategies necessary to provide fuel to their vehicles. Fueling strategies would include volume of fuel necessary to provide potential area fleets with fuel at strategic locations throughout the Basin. The template shall also include, but not be limited to: 

a)	Definition of fueling system capabilities, system pressures, dispensing pressure, equipment R&D issues if any.
b)	Reliability of equipment, fuel supply, dispensing, and any necessary equipment modifications.
c)	Define the proposed permitting/construction schedule(s) and operation of the facility
d)	Description of the permitting process
e)	Description of how the site will accommodate all fueling transactions

Based on the number of potential fleets that will use hydrogen, Contractor shall perform an optimization study for to plan a future hydrogen fueling network within the SCAB.

Benefits to AQMD

AQMD’s Clean Fuels Program has been active in funding the development and demonstration of low emission, alternative fuel technologies within its Technology Advancement Office. The AQMD has also supported a number of activities directed to commercialization of low-emission alternative fuel technologies. The Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) for the South Coast Air Basin states that motor vehicles are the most significant source of air toxic and criteria pollutant emissions in the region. The use of hydrogen fuel or mixtures of hydrogen and natural gas (Hythane™) provides a viable, environmentally friendly option for the future. Efforts to facilitate hydrogen fueling infrastructure can provide long-term environmental benefits as well as help in meeting the requirements of the Federal Clean Air Act.

Outreach

In accordance with the AQMD’s consulting and contracting policies, a public notice advertising the RFP and inviting bids were published in the following publications:
 

1.	Angeles Mesa Wave, The	11.	Inland Valley Daily Bulletin	21.	Palm Springs Desert Sun
2.	Antelope Valley Press	12.	Korea Central Daily	22.	Philippine News
3.	Black Voice News	13.	La Opinion	23.	Precinct Reporter
4.	Central News Wave	14	La Prensa Hispana	24.	Rafu Shimpo
5.	Chinese Daily News	15.	La Voz	25.	Press Enterprise
6.	Eastern Group Publications	16.	Los Angeles Daily News	26.	San Bernardino Sun
7.	El Chicano	17.	Los Angeles Sentinel	27.	Santa Clarita Signal
8	El Informador	18.	Los Angeles Times	28.	The Wave
9.	Excelsior, The	19.	M/W/DVBE Source	29.	State of California Contracts
10.	Inland Empire Hispanic News	20.	Orange County Register		Register

Additionally, potential bidders were 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

RFP packages were mailed out in May 2002 and, as a result, four viable proposals were received (USA Pro & Associates, UC Riverside-College of Engineering, Project Technical Liaison Associates and SunLine Services Group). These proposals were reviewed by an independent panel of experts with members from the USDOE Hydrogen Program, a major fuel provider, a major industrial hydrogen producer and a private consultant with expertise in hydrogen and associated technologies. Following the evaluation criteria included in the RFP, one of the candidates, SunLine Services Group, was recommended for selection based upon their project plan, demonstrated experience with the development and demonstration of hydrogen fueling stations and their extensive experience with vehicle fueling technologies and equipment. The average score for this proposal was 103.50 based upon a total possible score of 115 (70 for Technical Qualifications, 30 for Cost Share & Effectiveness and up to 15 Additional Points). The following table shows the average scores for each of the four proposals in the following categories: 1) - Background in California pressure vessel rules for both temporary and permanent siting of vessels; experience in the design, permitting, operation and maintenance of cryogenic and gaseous automotive refueling stations and alternative fuel vehicle specifications and selection; working familiarity with local, state and federal building and fueling station codes, standards and regulations; and working familiarity with local and state permitting authorities; 2) - Identification and description of applicant experience in the siting, construction and permitting of fleet fueling facilities pertaining to alternative gaseous and liquid fuels and other cryogenic/gaseous fuels; 3) - A description of the applicants experience with specifying fueling station equipment and systems design with respect to alternative fuel gaseous and liquid fuels and other cryogenic/gaseous fuels as they relate to refueling of fleet vehicles; 4) - Cost share and cost effectiveness; 5) - Additional points (small business, DVBE, use of DVBE or small business subcontractors or local business); and 6) - Total points from all five categories.
 

Category	1)	2)	3)	4)	5)	Total
Max Points	25	25	20	30	15	115
USA Pro & Associates	19.25	20.25	18.50	26.75	15.00	99.75
UC Riverside-College of Engineering	17.00	14.50	12.75	25.75	5.00	75.00
Project Technical Liaison Associates	16.00	15.75	15.25	26.50	0	73.50
SunLine Services Group	23.00	23.50	18.25	27.00	11.75	103.50

Resource Impacts

SunLine Services Group in conjunction with Burnett and Burnette and ENRG will complete the project by reviewing hydrogen literature and production methodologies; interviewing industry hydrogen vehicle and station experts; compiling and analyzing information into performance standards for vehicles and stations; listing research; design and development issues; developing five hydrogen fueling station templates; and, developing a hydrogen optimization study of potential sites.

Funding for this project, in the amount of $68,554 will come from the Clean Fuels Fund.

/ / /