BOARD MEETING DATE: May 4, 2007
AGENDA NO. 9

PROPOSAL:

Issue RFQ to Acquire CNG Van To Be Used for Service Station Vapor Recovery System Testing

 SYNOPSIS:

The periodic testing of gasoline dispensing facility vapor control systems by AQMD staff identifies system defects and ensures the proper operation of this equipment.  The introduction of enhanced vapor recovery and in-station diagnostic vapor control systems has necessitated the acquisition of new testing equipment.  At present, AQMD’s existing vehicles are inadequate to accommodate this new oversized test equipment.  This RFQ would solicit bids for a CNG van to transport the new testing equipment to the required test sites.

COMMITTEE:

Administrative, April 13, 2007, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Approve the issuance of RFQ #P2007-10 for a CNG van to be used for service station vapor recovery system testing.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

An important component of the service station compliance program is the comprehensive testing of gasoline dispensing facility (GDF) vapor recovery systems. Periodic testing of vapor recovery systems identifies system defects and ensures the proper operation of the vapor control system. The introduction of enhanced vapor recovery (EVR) and in-station diagnostic (ISD) systems are designed to further ensure the proper operation of these control systems in collecting and storing gasoline vapors.

The arrival of these new technologies places additional responsibilities on compliance staff, due to the comprehensive testing that is required to fully assess the effectiveness of these vapor recovery systems. While AQMD staff are currently in the process of acquiring the needed testing equipment, the heavy and oversized nature of this new equipment requires a larger vehicle to transport the units to the required testing sites.

In March 2007, the Board approved appropriation of $50,000 from AQMD’s FY 2006-07 Budget, under Designation for Enhanced Compliance Activities, for the purchase of this testing van. In the event that the purchase can not be made within the current fiscal year, the unused $50,000 will be returned to the designation and AQMD staff will return to the Board requesting appropriation of the requiring funding from this designation in FY 2007-08.

Proposal

Additional equipment is being acquired to meet the testing requirements established for the newer vapor recovery systems. Like CARB and private testing contractors conducting the same testing activities, AQMD compliance staff require a specialized vehicle that can accommodate the larger test equipment needed to test these new control systems. The requested van would be equipped with a custom cab, providing adequate storage for the required equipment and a hydraulic lift to minimize injury to staff while loading and unloading the equipment.

Consistent with AQMD’s ongoing commitment to use alternative fuel vehicles, specifications for the new van include the conversion to CNG.

It is recommended that RFQ #P2007-10 be issued to acquire bids for the CNG-fueled van.

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.

Resource Impacts

A total of $50,000 has been appropriated from the Designated Fund for Enhanced Compliance Activities for this purchase.

Attachment (DOC 561kb)

RFQ #P2007-10 – Request for Quotation for a CNG Van for Service Station Vapor Recovery Testing