BOARD MEETING DATE: September 5, 2003
AGENDA NO. 5

Execute Contracts for Technical Assistance for Advanced, Low- and Zero-Emission Mobile and Stationary Source Pollution Control Technologies

SYNOPSIS:

On May 2, 2003, the Board approved the release of an RFP to solicit proposals to provide technical and public outreach support assistance for advanced, low- and zero-emission mobile and stationary source pollution control technologies. Twelve proposals were received and reviewed. Staff recommends executing contracts with seven technical experts to provide consultation services at a total cost not to exceed $255,000 to be funded from the Clean Fuels Program.

COMMITTEE:

Technology, August 22, 2003. Less than a quorum was present during the discussion of this item; Committee members present communicated their concurrence and recommendation that this item be forwarded for Board consideration with no approval or disapproval recommendation from the Committee.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

1. Authorize the Chairman to execute a contract with Breakthrough Technologies Institute, Inc. for technical assistance for the development, outreach and commercialization of fuel cells and the technical coordination with federal energy and transportation departments in an amount not to exceed $35,000 from the Clean Fuels Fund.
    
2. Authorize the Chairman to execute a contract with Burnett and Burnette for technical assistance for the development, outreach, and commercialization of CNG engine technology and the development and commercialization of the CNG infrastructure within the AQMD’s jurisdiction in an amount not to exceed $40,000 from the Clean Fuels Fund.
    
3. Authorize the Chairman to execute a contract with Marathon Technical Services for technical assistance for the development, outreach and commercialization of CNG/LNG infrastructure not to exceed $40,000.
    
4. Authorize the Chairman to execute a contract with USA Pro & Associates for technical assistance for the development, outreach and commercialization of LNG infrastructure and fuel production in an amount not to exceed $40,000.
    
5. Authorize the Chairman to execute a contract with Engine, Fuel and Emissions Engineering, Inc. for technical assistance for the development, outreach, and commercialization of alternative fuels engine technology in an amount not to exceed $40,000 from the Clean Fuels Fund.
    
6. Authorize the Chairman to execute a contract with Ms. Cindy Sullivan for technical assistance for the development, outreach, and commercialization of emission control technologies and alternative fuels projects in an amount not to exceed $30,000 from the Clean Fuels Fund.
    
7. Authorize the Chairman to execute a contract with Tiax, LLC. for technical assistance for the development, outreach, and commercialization of low-emission and alternative fuels technologies in an amount not to exceed $30,000 from the Clean Fuels Fund.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

The Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) is the comprehensive regional plan for attaining federal air quality standards in the South Coast Air Basin. In addition to full implementation of current technologies and management practices, there is a need to develop near-term advances in current technologies and to encourage and promote technological breakthroughs. Air quality projections indicate that the federal standards for ozone are not expected to be met without such breakthroughs.

In order to foster these types of technology breakthroughs, the Technology Advancement (TA) office administers the Clean Fuels Program to research, develop, and demonstrate pre-commercial technologies to accelerate achievement of the AQMP air quality goals. Due to the constant and rapid changes in technologies, and the sheer breadth of the potential projects, TAO staff require input from experts and practitioners in the field to aid in selecting and establishing projects under the Clean Fuels Program.

At the May 2003 meeting, the Board approved RFP #2003-35 for technical assistance to the Technology Advancement program. The purpose of that RFP was to update the list of qualified technical assistance contractors to ensure that the AQMD can obtain the best expertise available. The RFP solicited statements of qualifications from individuals and organizations potentially capable of providing technical assistance in a variety of areas to support AQMP implementation and TA activities. The RFP sought companies or individuals to provide assistance in preparation of AQMP control measures; technical assistance for feasibility studies of stationary and mobile emission control technologies; emissions assessment of new alternative-fuel technologies; evaluation of innovative emissions control systems; VOC control, and assessment of economic, regulatory and technical barriers to the commercialization of clean fuels and advanced technologies; and other activities as needed.

Proposal

Staff proposes to award level-of-effort contracts to seven individuals and organizations to provide technical expertise to the Clean Fuels Program on an as-needed basis. The proposed contractors, including areas of expertise, are described under Selection Process.

Outreach

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

1.	Angeles Mesa Wave, The	12.	Korea Central Daily	23.	Precinct Reporter
2.	Antelope Valley Press	13.	La Opinion	24.	Rafu Shimpo
3.	Black Voice News	14	La Prensa Hispana	25.	Press Enterprise
4.	Central News Wave	15.	La Voz	26.	San Bernardino Sun
5.	Chinese Daily News	16.	Los Angeles Daily News	27.	Santa Clarita Signal
6.	Eastern Group Publications	17.	Los Angeles Sentinel	28.	The Wave
7.	El Chicano	18.	Los Angeles Times	29.	State of California Contracts
8	El Informador	19.	M/W/DVBE Source		Register
9.	Excelsior, The	20.	Orange County Register	30.	The Daily Breeze
	Inland Empire Hispanic News	21.	Palm Springs Desert Sun
11.	Inland Valley Daily Bulletin	22.	Philippine News

Additionally, potential bidders were notified from 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 RFQ was 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.

Selection Process

Twelve proposals were received in response to the RFP. The proposals were reviewed and scored by four evaluators: Science and Technology Advancement’s Technology Demonstration Manager, Technology Implementation Manager, and Fleet Rules Implementation Manager and California Air Resources Board’s Chief of On Road Control Regulation Branch. The evaluators were all male, two were Asian and two were Caucasian.

Seven contractors were selected for recommendation, based on the selection criteria outlined in the RFP; which encompassed level of expertise, experience, cost effectiveness, and availability. Five proposers did not receive the required minimum points for technical expertise and, therefore, were disqualified prior to the second rating stage.

Upon review of the technologies being pursued by the AQMD and the technical expertise currently available, the areas of expertise were further defined at the time of evaluation. The Clean Fuels Program currently requires expert knowledge and experience in the areas of heavy-duty engine technologies, natural gas engine and infrastructure technologies, hydrogen reforming technology, and administration and coordination of fuel cell programs. The qualified proposers and scores, in rank order, are as follows:
 

Following is a synopsis for each of the proposed contractors:

Breakthrough Technologies will provide expertise in fuel cell technology and administrative coordination with the U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) and U.S. Department of Transportation, with funding in an amount not to exceed $35,000. Breakthrough Technologies currently has a contract in the amount of $50,000. Since 1990, Mr. Bob Rose, President of Rose Communications, has provided specialized support for the AQMD to assist with commercialization of fuel cells and other low- and zero-emission technologies. Mr. Rose is the founding Executive Director of the U.S. Fuel Cell Council and Executive Director of Breakthrough Technologies Institute.

Burnett and Burnette will provide technical assistance with CNG engine technology and the development and commercialization of the CNG infrastructure in the amount not to exceed $40,000. Mr. Herb Burnett has been involved with internal combustion engines and retail facilities for aviation, marine and vehicular fueling facilities for over 20 years. He worked extensively with vehicle manufacturers and conversion companies in the implementation of CNG vehicles. Mr. Burnett currently has a contract with the AQMD in the amount of $60,000 to provide technical assistance for refueling infrastructure projects in the AQMD’s jurisdiction.

Marathon Technical Services will provide technical expertise for CNG/LNG infrastructure not to exceed $40,000. Mr. Rob Adams has over 19 years of experience in the CNG market. Mr. Adams manufactured and constructed CNG stations since 1985. He currently is involved in CNG station research, design, and design of transit facility garage modifications to accommodate CNG buses.

USA Pro and Associates will provide expert consultation for LNG infrastructure and fuel production in the amount of $40,000. Mr. Gary Pope has over 35 years of automotive and cryogenic gas experience. Mr. Pope’s extensive experience includes working with fuel fleet operators with vehicle and refueling station procurement and operation, providing technical assistance to engine/chassis manufacturers and dealers with fleet product and expertise and specifications for engine/chassis development, refueling station design and implementation, site engineering, maintenance facility safety, and alternative fuels. Currently, USA Pro and Associates has a contract with the AQMD in the amount of $50,000 for refueling infrastructure projects.

Engine, Fuel, and Emissions Engineering, Inc. (EF&EE) will provide technical expertise for natural gas engine technology, with funding in an amount not to exceed $40,000. Mr. Christopher Weaver, the firm’s president, brings over 19 years of experience in the areas of internal combustion engine technology, fuels, combustion, and emission controls. Mr. Weaver will provide expertise with the measurement and control of fine particulate emissions from diesel vehicles; emission measurements and control technology for trucks, buses, railway locomotives, and other heavy-duty diesel vehicles; natural gas, and other "clean" fuels for vehicles. Mr. Weaver also has experience and can provide assistance with environmental economics, cost-effectiveness and policy analyses. EF&EE currently has a contract with the AQMD in the amount of $90,000.

Ms. Cindy Sullivan will provide expert consultation for emission control technologies and alternative fuels projects in the amount not to exceed $30,000. Ms. Sullivan currently has a contract in the amount of $45,000 to provide technical assistance and outreach for the Strategic Alliance Initiative No. 3, Natural Gas Vehicle Partnership, to provide technical assistance for natural gas vehicles, and to provide technical assistance for administration of the Carl Moyer Program. All of the contract funding has been assigned to specific task orders.

Tiax, LLC. will provide technical assistance for low-emission and alternative fuels technologies in an amount not to exceed $30,000. Mr. Jon Leonard has over 24 years experience with low- and zero-emission mobile source technologies, emissions testing, and alternative fuel vehicles. Mr. Leonard is knowledgeable in heavy-duty vehicle control technologies; off-road vehicles and equipment; and state and federal programs, policies, and regulations regarding off-road and alternative vehicles.

Benefits to AQMD

AQMD’s Clean Fuels Program has supported the development and demonstration of low emission, alternative fuel technologies since its inception in 1988. The broad range of technologies being developed--from alternative fuel cars to fuel cells--requires that the AQMD have access to specific expertise on an as-needed basis. The proposed level-of-effort contracts will provide this access. They will be utilized on a task order basis, and only after it is determined that the information or expertise required is not available in-house.

Resource Impacts

These contracts are included in the March 2003 Technology Advancement Plan under Technology Transfer and Assessment, CFT-1, Assessment and Technical Support of Advanced Technologies and Information Dissemination. Although the original proposed amount was not to exceed $250,000, the need to increase available fuel cell expertise during the next year was determined to be of high priority. Therefore, the total amount proposed for the level-of-effort contracts shall not exceed $255,000.

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 40448.5 and 40512 and Vehicle Code 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.

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