BOARD MEETING DATE: July 7, 2006
AGENDA NO. 9

Issue RFP for Pilot Study of Air Purifier Systems in Classrooms at Three Elementary Schools

SYNOPSIS:

On April 7, 2006, the Board directed staff to prepare RFPs for a pilot study of air purifier systems in classrooms and a demonstration of fenceline monitoring of refineries to be funded with Rule 1173 mitigation fees. The pilot study will involve design and installation of classroom air purifier systems and ambient air testing before and after the installation to determine the efficacy of the filtration systems. The fenceline monitoring project will demonstrate the feasibility of using fenceline monitoring to alert local schools of high air pollution levels. This action is to issue an RFP in the amount of up to $1,050,000 for a pilot study of classroom air purifier systems with Rule 1173 mitigation funds.

COMMITTEE:

Technology, June 23, 2006, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Issue RFP to pilot test classroom air purifier systems at Del Amo, Dominguez, and Hudson Elementary Schools in an amount not to exceed $1,050,000 from the Rule 1173 Mitigation Fee Special Revenue Fund #44.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

In December 2002, the Board approved amendments to Rule 1173 – Control of VOC Leaks and Releases from Components at Petroleum Facilities and Chemical Plants, which include an alternate compliance provision allowing the payment of a mitigation fee in lieu of connecting the pressure relief device (PRD) to a vapor recovery/control system.  Facilities subject to Rule 1173 may elect to pay a mitigation fee of $350,000 for each release of VOC from any PRD exceeding the thresholds specified in the rule.  In September 2003, the Board created a special revenue fund to account for the Rule 1173 mitigation fees collected and track projects funded through these fees.  Approximately $1.4 million in mitigation fees has been collected as a result of four release events that occurred at two refineries:  Shell Oil Products in Wilmington and BP West Coast Products in Carson.  Shell Oil Products paid $1,050,000 for three releases, and BP West Coast Products paid $350,000 for one release.  On April 7, 2006, the Board approved the set-aside of these Rule 1173 mitigation funds for a fenceline monitoring project at the refineries and a pilot study of classroom air purifier systems at three elementary schools.  Staff was also directed by the Board to prepare RFPs for these projects.

Proposals

Staff proposes to issue RFP #P2007-03 to solicit proposals to pilot test classroom air purifier systems at Del Amo, Dominguez and Hudson elementary schools in an amount not-to-exceed $1,050,000 (up to $350,000/school) from the Rule 1173 Mitigation Fees Special Revenue Fund.

The pilot study will involve the following main phases: 1) design, construction and installation of different air purifier systems in classrooms at three elementary schools, 2) ambient air testing before and after the installation to determine the effectiveness of the air purifier systems, 3) a report describing the details of the pilot study and test results, and 4) a detailed operation and maintenance program to ensure proper and efficient operation of the air purifier systems.

The scope of work for this RFP includes, but is not limited to the following:

• Research and Discovery – Review existing plans/HVAC specifications for each school that are on file with the school/school district.
• Verification Phase – Conduct site visits at each school to verify the existing HVAC systems/specifications.
• Design Classroom Air Purifier Systems – Select classrooms and determine the types of air purifier systems to be installed.  Develop the system’s design criteria and specifications, and prepare the plans for review/approval by each school/school district.
• Obtain Approvals/Permits
• Ambient Air Testing – Ambient air testing shall be conducted before and after the installation of the air purifier systems to determine the effectiveness of the different air cleaners.
• Construct/Install Air Purifier Systems -   The contractor shall purchase all required parts, and construct and install the air purifier systems in the classrooms. 
• Reporting – A report providing the details of the pilot study and test results shall be prepared and submitted to AQMD.
• Maintenance Program – A detailed operation and maintenance program, including the required frequency for cleaning or replacement of filters and other maintenance procedures, shall be addressed and prepared for each school/school district.

The intent of this study is to pilot test different air purifier systems to determine the most efficient and effective air cleaning system(s) for each school.  The air purifier systems may be installed as part of the central heating and/or air conditioning system or as stand-alone portable units.  Based on recent meetings with the community and school representatives, noise, energy efficiency, operation costs (electricity), low maintenance costs, and ease of operation and maintenance should be addressed in the design of the air purifier systems.

This RFP will solicit proposals from potential qualified contractors with strong technical expertise and experience in designing and installing air purifier systems and conducting ambient air testing of such systems.

Bid Evaluation

Proposals will be evaluated by a panel of seven members consisting of: 1) a representative from each school or school district, 2) a community member 3) a CARB staff member, and 4) two AQMD staff members familiar with the subject matter of the project.  The panel will evaluate the proposals and make a recommendation to the Executive Officer and/or Governing Board of the AQMD for final selection of a contractor(s).

Outreach

In accordance with AQMD’s Procurement Policy and Procedure, a public notice advertising the RFP/RFQ and inviting bids will be published in the Los Angeles Times, the Orange County Register, the San Bernardino Sun, and Riverside County Press Enterprise newspapers to leverage the most cost-effective method of outreach to the entire South Coast Basin.

Additionally, potential bidders may be notified utilizing AQMD’s own electronic listing of certified minority vendors.  Notice of the RFP/RFQ 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/ where it can be viewed by making menu selections “Inside AQMD”/“Employment and Business Opportunities”/“Business Opportunities” or by going directly to http://www.aqmd.gov/rfp/index.html).  Information is also available on AQMD’s bidder’s 24-hour telephone message line (909) 396-2724.

Benefits to AQMD

The successful implementation of this pilot program will meet a community need to address air quality impacts at local schools and provide mitigation for excess VOC releases from PRDs subject to Rule 1173.  The pilot program will also reduce particles from the indoor air, which is an additional benefit. 

Resource Impacts

The total cost of the proposed program shall not exceed $1,050,000 (up to $350,000/school).  Sufficient funds are available from the Rule 1173 Mitigation Fees Special Revenue Fund.

Attachment (EXE 644 KB)
RFP #P2007-03 - Pilot Study of Air Purifier Systems in Classrooms at Three Elementary Schools

ERRATA SHEET FOR THE
GOVERNING BOARD AGENDA
July 14, 2006

Agenda Item No. 9:  Issue RFP for Pilot Study of Air Purifier Systems in Classrooms at Three Elementary Schools

Since the Board meeting date for the approval of this item was moved from July 7, 2006 to July 14, 2006, the release as indicated in the RFP will change as follows:

SECTION III: SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

July 714, 2006                         Release of RFP

Sept. 8, 2006                           Proposals Due (no later than 1:00 p.m.)