BOARD MEETING DATE: May 5, 2006
AGENDA NO. 3

Amend Existing Contract Funding for Organic Compound Tracers Analyses of Particulate Matter Samples Collected Under MATES-III

SYNOPSIS:

In March 2005, the Board approved a contract with Desert Research Institute to analyze particulate samples collected under MATES-III to determine diesel emission contribution. The existing contract is to analyze one year of samples collected. However, the MATES-III study has been extended for an additional year of monitoring as approved by the Board in May 2005. As part of the May 2005 Board action, $200,000 was budgeted to extend the analyses to the second year samples based on results reported for the first year set of particulate matter samples. Analyses to-date indicate that diesel emission contributions are discernable and analysis of the second year samples will provide valuable additional information necessary to complete MATES-III. This action is to extend the contract with Desert Research Institute to analyze the second year samples and to increase the existing contract at a cost not to exceed $200,000.

COMMITTEE:

Technology, April 28, 2006, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Authorize the Chairman to amend the existing contract funding with Desert Research Institute for contract on “Organic Compound Analyses of Particulate Matter Samples Collected under MATES-III,” increasing the existing contract value in an amount not to exceed $200,000 from the FY 2005-06 Science and Technology Advancement Budget, Professional Major Object.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

The MATES-III study was originally planned for one year of ambient air monitoring slated to end in April 2005.  Due to unusually high levels of rainfall in the winter of 2005, an additional year of air toxics monitoring under the MATES-III study was approved by the Board in May 2005.  This additional year of monitoring should provide information on how air toxics levels vary from year to year and indicate what current levels are in a more normal meteorological year.

The MATES-III Technical Advisory Group recommended a supplemental analysis of organic compounds be conducted on the particulate filter samples to better characterize sources contributing to ambient fine particulate matter.  Analyses of particulate bound organic compounds are utilized as tracers to identify and better estimate contributing sources of fine particulate matter.  This analysis used in conjunction with source profiles is useful in identifying levels of diesel exhaust from other combustion sources within the basin.  Other combustion sources being taken into consideration include automobile exhaust, meat charbroiling, road dust, wood smoke and fuel oil combustion. 

The original contract awarded to Desert Research Institute (DRI).  To ensure consistency of analysis, it is recommended that DRI perform the second year MATES-III particulate bound organics analysis.  DRI has agreed to honor the sample analysis quote as provided in the current contract.  This contract extension with DRI will cover the analysis of particulate bound organic compounds for the second year of MATES-III monitoring.

Benefits to AQMD

Results of the contract extension with Desert Research Institute will provide a more complete, scientifically sound estimate of ambient levels of diesel particulate matter, as well as levels of fine particulate matter from other significant sources for the entire MATES-III two year time horizon.  This will allow a better estimation of potential exposures and health effects from toxic air contaminants in the South Coast Basin and identify other significant sources of fine particulate matter.

Sole-Source Justification

Section VIII B.2 of the South Coast AQMD’s Procurement Policy and Procedure identifies four major provisions under which a sole-source award may be justified.  This request for a sole-source contract extension with Desert Research Institute is made under provision VIII B.2.d which allows a sole-source contract for projects requiring compatibility with existing specialized equipment and projects involving a commitment to multiple project phases.  In this case, the MATES-III study has been extended for an additional year and to ensure consistency of analysis for a specific set of compounds; it is recommended Desert Research Institute perform the second year MATES-III particulate bound organics analysis.  Desert Research Institute has agreed to honor the sample analysis quote as provided in the current contract.

Resource Impacts

The increased amount of the requested contract extension with DRI is $200,000.  Sufficient funds are available in the FY 2005-06 Science and Technology Advancement, Professional Services Object Budget.  The total contract valued will be $400,000 with approval of this request.