BOARD MEETING DATE: July 11, 2003
AGENDA NO. 5

Issue RFP for Demonstration of Low Emission, Alternative Fuel Heavy-Duty Vehicles Within South Coast Air Basin and Public Awareness Program

SYNOPSIS:

This RFP is to solicit and cost-share proposals to provide support for the implementation of low emission, clean fuel and heavy-duty vehicles and supporting infrastructure within the Basin. Low emission, alternative fuel heavy-duty engines produce one-half or less the NOx emissions of their diesel counterparts and a fraction of the particulates. AQMD is specifically seeking both technical and public outreach support for a public-private effort to implement and increase widespread penetration of these technologies in public, commercial and private fleets. Total cost from the AQMD’s Clean Fuels Funds will not exceed $125,000.

COMMITTEE:

Technology, June 27, 2003, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Approve issuance of RFP #P2004-02 to solicit cost-shared proposals to provide both technical and public outreach support for the implementation of low emission, clean fuel, heavy-duty vehicles in an amount not to exceed $125,000.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

In the past, the AQMD has supported a number of outreach efforts to private and public fleets encouraging the purchase of low emission engines and vehicles, including a number of workshops and conferences. Part of this support included the implementation of the Interstate Clean Transportation Corridor (ICTC), a public-private partnership to link Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, and Sacramento in a triangle of clean fuel vehicles and infrastructure. Participating agencies included CARB, CEC, DOE and the AQMD. The ICTC helped stakeholders obtain funding for natural gas fueling stations, liquefied natural gas (LNG) truck tractors and light-duty compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles in the designated ICTC areas.

In recognition of the contribution of heavy-duty vehicles to the emissions inventory, and the difficulty in implementing low emission technologies, CARB has distributed $19.5 Million this program year to be used in the Carl Moyer Program to provide incentives for low emission technologies. Finally, the 1190-series Clean Fleet rules require implementation of alternative fuel heavy-duty vehicles in public fleets in the Basin. These important programs have set the stage for widespread penetration of clean fuel, low emission technologies.

Proposal

The proposed project will be an 18-month effort to implement and increase widespread penetration of low emission, alternative fuel, and heavy-duty vehicles in public, commercial and private fleets. Staff recommends that any contract emanating from this RFP have the option to be extended an additional 18 months, pending Board approval. The focus of the proposed effort will be on Class 5, 6, 7 and 8 natural gas vehicles because of near-term engine availability and vehicle driving range. Bidders must also illustrate their ability to address other alternative fuel options for all classes of vehicles. A principle task within the project is to develop and implement a "Ride and Drive" program. Most fleet operators continue to have a lack of hands-on experience in operating alternative fuel heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) that can offer diesel-equivalent performance and durability. Bidders will propose to develop and implement a comprehensive program that will provide ready short-term, on-road testing access to alternative fuel HDVs for fleet operators in the Basin. Staff proposes to release an RFP soliciting cost-shared proposals to provide support for the implementation of low emission, clean fuel, heavy-duty vehicles within the Basin in an amount not to exceed $125,000 from Clean Fuels Funds. Proposers will be required to provide a portion of the proposed project cost.

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.	Korea Central Daily	19.	Precinct Reporter
2.	Black Voice News	11.	La Opinion	20.	Press Enterprise
3.	Chinese Daily News	12.	La Prensa Hispana	21.	Rafu Shimpo
4.	Desert Sun	13.	La Voz Publications	22.	San Bernardino Sun
5.	Eastern Group Publications	14.	Los Angeles Daily News	23.	State of California Contracts
6.	El Chicano	15.	Los Angeles Sentinel		Register
7.	El Informador	16.	Los Angeles Times	24.	The Excelsior
8.	Inland Empire Hispanic News	17.	Orange County Register	25.	The Signal
9.	Inland Valley Daily Bulletin	18.	Philippine News	26.	Wave Community Newspapers

Additionally, potential bidders will be notified utilizing the Los Angeles County MTA Directory of Certified Firms, the Inland Area Opportunity Pages Ethnic/Women Business & Professional Directory; and AQMD’s own electronic listing of certified minority vendors. 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, or http://www.aqmd.gov/busjob/ ] 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.

Benefits to AQMD

The proposed project is included in the March 2003 update of the Technology Advancement Plan under Project CFT 4 Assessment and Technical Support of Advanced Technologies and Information Dissemination. The AQMP relies on the expedited implementation of advanced technologies and clean-burning fuels in Southern California to achieve air quality standards. Low emission, heavy-duty vehicles used in daily service within Southern California have the potential of providing meaningful emissions reductions to the Basin. This program is a fundamental element in the AQMD’s outreach efforts to expedite the implementation of low emission and clean fuels technologies and to coordinate these activities with other organizations. Additional benefits can be gained through other alternative fuel trucks traveling into or through the Basin via the corridors.

Although the 1190-series of Fleet rules requires the purchase of alternative fuel heavy-duty vehicles by public fleets, private fleets operate the majority of heavy-duty vehicles. In addition to informing public fleets of the alternative fuel vehicle options available, the proposed outreach effort will attempt to engage major private fleets.

Resource Impacts

Total cost for this program shall not exceed $125,000. 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 # P2004-02 - RFP for Demonstration of Low Emission, Alternative Fuel
                        Heavy- Duty Vehicles Within the South Coast Air Basin and
                        Public Awareness Program

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