BOARD MEETING DATE: July 8, 2005
AGENDA NO. 4

Execute Sole-Source Contract with to Conduct Locomotive Emissions Testing

SYNOPSIS:

This action is to award a sole-source contract to Southwest Research Institute to conduct emissions testing at start-up and during idling of a locomotive at a cost not to exceed $150,000.

COMMITTEE:

Technology, June 24, 2005, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

1. Authorize the Executive Officer to execute a contract with Southwest Research Institute for measuring locomotive start-up and idling emissions in an amount not to exceed $150,000 from the Advanced Technology, Outreach and Education Fund.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

Rail operations, characterized primarily by activities associated with operation of diesel locomotives, are a significant source of diesel PM emissions and criteria pollutants (NO_x, VOC, CO, and SO_x). The 2003 Air Quality Management Plan estimates train particulate matter less than 10 microns (PM₁₀) emissions of 1.01 tons per day and emissions of particulate matter less than 2.5 microns (PM_2.5) of 0.93 tons per day. Diesel exhaust is listed by CARB as a Toxic Air Contaminant and has the potential to cause cancer in humans.

Proposal

Under this proposal, Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) will conduct emissions testing on up to four locomotives. Testing will include start-up and idling emissions of particulate matter, oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons. SwRI, in cooperation with AQMD staff, will finalize a test procedure to be used in this project, which will specify locomotive models to be evaluated, the locomotive test procedure and test cycle, testing equipment to be used, and duration of testing. Following the testing phase, SwRI will analyze the data.

Benefits to AQMD

The successful implementation of this project will provide valuable information for AQMD, other regulatory agencies, railroads, and locomotive manufacturers.

Sole Source Justification

Section VIII.B.2. of the Procurement Policy and Procedure identifies four major provisions under which a sole source award may be justified. This request for a sole source award is being made under provision B.2.d.: Other circumstances exist which in the determination of the Executive Officer require such waiver in the best interest of the AQMD. Specifically, this circumstance is and B.2.d.(8): research and development efforts with educational institutions or nonprofit organizations.

SwRI is an independent, nonprofit applied research and development organization. The staff of 2,900 specializes in the creation and transfer of technology in engineering and the physical sciences. SwRI’s Locomotive Technology Center (LTC) was established in cooperation with the AAR in 1992. SwRI has performed over 120 locomotive exhaust emission tests at the LTC, in projects for EPA, CARB, original equipment manufacturers, engine component suppliers, the American Association of Railroads (AAR), and for individual railroads. The LTC provides a centralized location, direct access to a Class 1 main line, two U.S. EPA certification-capable locomotive emissions test tracks, and a full-time professional staff with over 55 man-years of experience in locomotive exhaust emissions testing. SwRI routinely performs locomotive exhaust emission tests in support of EPA certification. With experience in performing exhaust emissions testing of over 120 locomotives, the fixed facilities and personnel have unmatched experience in measuring emissions from the large variety of in-use locomotives, from low-power switchers with multiple exhaust stacks and requiring an external load grid, to today’s new production, electronically-controlled EPA Tier 2 locomotives.

Resource Impacts

The total cost of the program shall not exceed $150,000 from the Advanced Technology, Outreach and Education Fund. Sufficient funds are available from the Advanced Technology, Outreach and Education Fund.

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