BOARD MEETING DATE: February 2, 2007
AGENDA NO. 3

Execute Sole Source Contract, and Issue RFP for Continuation of Air Quality Institute Training Sessions

SYNOPSIS:

In January 2006, the Board approved implementation of the Air Quality Institute (AQI).  Based on the success of these sessions, staff is proposing to embark on Phase II of the AQI, which would focus on the Fair Share of Mobile Source Emissions Reductions as outlined in the Draft 2007 AQMP.  This action is to execute a sole source contract with Cordoba Corporation to conduct two training sessions in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. in the near future, and to issue an RFP to select a contractor to continue with the policy outreach through the AQI in 2007-2008.

COMMITTEE:

Administrative, January 12, 2007, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:

1. Authorize the Chairman to execute a sole source contract with Cordoba Corporation to conduct two focused training sessions, one in Sacramento and one in Washington, D.C., for an amount not to exceed $25,000, to be completed within 90 days of contract execution.  Funds are available in the Public Affairs FY 2006-07 Budget, Professional and Special Services account.
2. Approve the release of RFP #P2007-24 to solicit proposals to continue with additional Air Quality Institute training sessions, with an expanded curriculum to include the Fair Share of Mobile Source Emission Reductions as set forth in the Draft 2007 AQMP.  Funding will not exceed $130,000 for the initial 12-month period, with options for two one-year renewals at the Board’s discretion.

 Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

In October 2004, the Board approved an Environmental Justice Work Plan for FY 2004-05, which included among its elements, initial steps toward the creation of an Air Quality Institute (AQI) to address the educational needs of newly elected and appointed local and state officials, policymakers, and business and community leaders within AQMD.  In January 2006, the Board approved an implementation plan for the Air Quality Institute, including the development of a series of educational outreach sessions to brief and engage newly elected and appointed officials, policymakers, and business and community leaders on critical air quality issues.

A course curriculum was developed and a series of eight Air Quality Institute training sessions were held throughout the AQMD jurisdiction from August through December 2006, under a contract with Oralia Michel Marketing and Public Relations (OMMPR) and its subcontractor, Cordoba Corporation.  Each training session consisted of a four-hour seminar, focused on: 1) Air Quality Overview; 2) Environmental Justice and Public Health; 3) Effects on the Southland Economy and Clean Technology Solutions.  The training sessions were highly successful, with participation of over 160 leaders from different sectors.  Participants included two state senators, four state assemblymembers, AFL-CIO and Teamsters union representatives, Commissioners from Los Angeles World Airports and the Ports of Long Beach, and several mayors and city councilmembers.

To continue the dialog begun with the initial trainings, staff is proposing to embark on Phase II of the Air Quality Institute which will continue the policy outreach and expand the curriculum to address further emissions reductions from mobile sources as outlined in the Draft 2007 Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP).

Proposal

1)  Sole Source Contract with Cordoba Corporation

Staff recommends that the Board approve a sole source contract with Cordoba Corporation to conduct two one-day training sessions in Sacramento and Washington, D.C.  Cordoba Corporation is a consulting and project management firm specializing in planning, education, transportation, and other areas.  Cordoba has successfully completed hundreds of projects throughout its 23 year history, and has evolved into one of the leading consulting firms in the region.  As a subcontractor to AQMD, Cordoba Corporation has successfully completed the Air Quality Institute training sessions throughout the South Coast Basin.  The training sessions were well attended, with active involvement of AQMD Board Members as well as elected officials, city managers, business and community leaders, and environmental entities.  Initial feedback from participants demonstrated a high level of satisfaction and all parties expressed the desire to remain engaged with clean air issues and AQMD.

The proposed sole source contract also directs the contractor to expand the training curriculum to include the fair share of mobile source emission reduction pursuant to the Draft 2007 AQMP.  This contract is to be completed within 90 days of contract execution for an amount not to exceed $25,000.

Sole Source Justification

A sole-source award is authorized under Sections IV.B. of the Procurement Policy and Procedure when such award does not lend itself to substitution.  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 contract is made under provision (d), other circumstances exists identifying sole-source as in the best interests of the AQMD.

The briefing sessions conducted successfully in 2006 were joint efforts between Cordoba Corporation and AQMD staff.  Cordoba Corporation has a solid track record and is experienced in hosting and holding AQI briefing sessions.  The two briefings (one each in Sacramento and Washington, D.C.) are important steps in providing the most current update of the Chairman’s Initiative to important decision makers in Sacramento and Washington, D.C.  To continue the dialog begun with the initial trainings, and to encourage greater cooperation, communication and cohesion between elected officials and AQMD, such briefings are extremely valuable to AQMD.  It is for these reasons that Cordoba’s services are deemed to be in the best interest of the Board’s Clean Air Goals and the Chairman’s Initiative for 2007.  It should also be noted that Phase I of the AQI project was completed on time, within budget, and in a professional manner.  

2)  Request for Proposal

Under the RFP, eight Air Quality Institute training sessions would be conducted within the four-county region (two per county, including courses offered in disproportionately impacted areas).  AQMD staff and the contractor(s) would be involved in ongoing oversight and implementation of the Phase II training sessions.  For Phase I, the AQI curriculum consisted of Air Quality Overview, Environmental Justice and Public Health, and Effects on the Southland Economy and Clean Technology Solutions.  For Phase II, the curriculum will be expanded to include the fair share of mobile source emission reductions, needed to attain AQMD's clean air goals.   By engaging elected officials through the AQI briefings, greater cooperation and communication may result, to assist the Board’s objective to clean the air in the Southland.

Staff recommends that the Board approve the RFP as part of its ongoing community outreach, education, and environmental justice programs to facilitate implementation of the Board’s Clean Air Goals and Objectives, and the Chairman’s Initiative for 2007.  This contract is to be completed within 12 months of contract execution, in an amount not to exceed $130,000, and with two options for one-year renewals at the Board’s discretion and upon satisfactory performance.

Resource Impacts

Sufficient funds are available in the Public Affairs FY 2006-07 Budget, Professional and Special Services account for the Sole Source Contract and appropriate allocation will be proposed in the Public Affairs FY 2007-08 Budget to cover the award of contract(s) pursuant to the RFP. 

Attachment  (DOC 819kb)
RFP #P2007-24