BOARD MEETING DATE: June 3, 2005
AGENDA NO. 12

Approve Transfer of Funds for Purchase of Modeling Computer Workstations

SYNOPSIS:

AQMD staff uses computer-based air quality models for MATES, AQMP development, SIP development, rule and control measure effectiveness analyses and other strategic planning efforts. Computer workstations using clustered microprocessors have proven to be both time and cost effective for these modeling purposes and an initial cluster system has been purchased. The purchase of additional computer workstations will further enhance this modeling capability, allowing improved analyses with state-of-the-science air quality models. The cost will not exceed $25,000. This action is to: (1) transfer $21,300 from the Services and Supplies Major Object, Professional and Special Services Account to the Fixed Asset Major Object and (2) reallocate $3,700 in unspent funds from Fixed Asset #26 for the purchase of two additional modeling computer workstations.

COMMITTEE:

Administrative, May 13, 2005, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

1. Transfer $21,300 from the Services and Supplies Major Object, Professional and Special Services Account, to the Fixed Asset Major Object for the purchase of two modeling computer workstations.
    
2. Reallocate $3,700 in unspent funds from Fixed Asset #26 to this Fixed Asset purchase of two modeling computer workstations, for a total cost not to exceed $25,000, and authorize the Procurement Manager to purchase the two modeling computer workstations.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

Staff in the AQMD Air Quality Modeling and Meteorology Section is currently conducting the air toxic modeling for MATES-III and is preparing air quality modeling for the 2007 AQMP. As more sophisticated state-of-the-science air quality models are employed and annual modeling analyses are conducted, more computing power, faster processing and higher data storage capabilities have become essential to accomplish the necessary tasks. The most cost effective way to accomplish these tasks is the use of multi-processor Linux-based personal computer (PC) work stations. The Comprehensive Air Quality Models with Extensions (CAMx) and Pennsylvania State University/National Center for Atmospheric Research Mesoscale Model (MM5) are specifically designed to use multi-processor Linux based PCs or multiple PC clusters. Two initial PC workstations were recently approved to be purchased in a February 2005 Board action. Two additional systems were originally planned to be purchased with FY 2005-06 funds, but funds were available to expedite this purchase in order to further enhance the ongoing regional modeling for MATES-III and the 2007 AQMP efforts. The purchase of the proposed two final computer workstations will further enhance the modeling capability with faster processing and greater disk storage capacity, allowing improved analyses with the state-of-the-science air quality models.

Proposal

Transfer $21,300 from the Services and Supplies Major Object, Professional and Special Services Account to the Fixed Asset Major Object, Reallocate $3,700 in unspent funds from Fixed Asset #26 to this purchase, and approve the purchase of two additional modeling computer systems, consisting of software, computers, and disk drives compatible with model requirements, system integration, installation and maintenance support.

Resource Impacts

The total costs of the two modeling computer systems and software will not exceed $25,000. Sufficient funds are included in the Planning, Rule Development and Area Sources FY 2004-05 Budget, Services and Supplies Major Object, Professional and Special Services Account for transfer to the Fixed Asset Major Object.

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