BOARD MEETING DATE: March 7, 2008
AGENDA NO. 4
PROPOSAL:
Execute Contract for Leveraging AQMD Funds and Coordinating 2008 Southern California Clean Vehicle Technology Expo
SYNOPSIS:
For the past two years AQMD has hosted the Southern California Clean Vehicle Technology Expo. Gladstein, Neandross & Associates (GNA) have successfully leveraged AQMD funds into a successful two day event. This action is to execute a $54,000 sole source contract with GNA to assist AQMD staff in hosting the 2008 EXPO. Funding would be from the Clean Fuels Fund.
COMMITTEE:
Technology, February 15, 2008. Less than a quorum was present for the discussion of this item; the Chair communicated their concurrence and recommendation that this item be forwarded for Board consideration with no approval or disapproval recommendation
from the Committee.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Authorize the Chairman to execute a sole source contract with GNA for the 2008 Southern California Clean Vehicle Technology Expo in an amount not to exceed $54,000 from the Clean Fuels Fund.
Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer
Background
For the past two years Gladstein, Neandross & Associates (GNA) has successfully partnered with AQMD to leverage AQMD’s contribution to approximately five times the amount to organize, administer, advertise, and host the two day Southern California Clean Vehicle Technology Expo (EXPO). The purpose of the event is to assist AQMD outreach efforts to support the implementation of its Fleet Rules and incentive programs.
The past two EXPOs on October 10-11, 2006 and October 10-11, 2007, have brought together fleet operators, alternative/clean fuel vehicle and infrastructure technology providers, funding agencies and other industry experts to share information on alternative/clean fuel vehicle funding, policies and regulations. The EXPO has been well attended averaging 500 attendees both years. The 2007 EXPO, held at the Ontario Convention Center brought together about 550 attendees, representing over 35 cities, all four counties and industry representatives. Feedback from the attendees indicated the positive reception of the information and the impetus for an additional EXPO.
Proposal
For the past two years, these funds were part of separate level-of-effort (LOE) contracts with GNA that have been fully expended. This contract will provide immediate funding to permit GNA to secure the facilities and equipment necessary to host the EXPO in 2008.
Based on its past success in coordinating the EXPO in partnership with the AQMD, and providing a high quality, well attended event at a minimal cost to the agency, staff is recommending a sole-source contract with GNA, not to exceed $54,000, for the planning, advertising, coordinating and hosting of the 2008 Southern California Clean Vehicle Technology Expo. GNA has provided outside expertise to the two previous highly successful EXPOs where they demonstrated excellent abilities in securing conference sponsors, speakers and funding at five times AQMD’s investment, as well as providing assistance to staff with event planning and miscellaneous administrative support.
The focus of the EXPO is to provide a one-stop-shop for attendees to acquire information and build effective relationships with providers of state-of-the-art electric, fuel cell, natural gas, hybrid, propane and other alternative/clean fuel technologies. Additionally, the expo will enable operators to become aware of the many incentive programs currently available.
Benefits to AQMD
A major benefit to the AQMD is the ability to host a two day, highly successful conference at approximately one-fifth of the actual cost. It is anticipated that the EXPO will increase awareness of the Carl Moyer Program, the new guideline requirements and identify additional companies that may be eligible for the program. Additionally, new areas of potential emission reductions may be identified to assist in the further reduction of pollutants. The proposed conference will provide venues for further outreach and education in the area of alternative/clean fuels, funding opportunities and actual implementation of such technologies. This project was included in the Technology Advancement Office Clean Fuels Program 2006 Annual Report and 2007 Plan Update under the Outreach and Technology Transfer category, “Assessment and Technical Support of Advanced Technologies and Information Dissemination.”
Sole Source Justification
Section VIII.B.2 of the Procurement Policy and Procedures identifies four major provisions under which a sole source award may be justified. This request for sole source award is made under provision B.2.d (1): Projects including cost sharing by multiple sponsors. The EXPO will be developed in partnership with several other agencies as
major contributors. The 2007 EXPO had five Gold level sponsors at $10,000 each and over 48 sponsors in addition to the AQMD.
Resource Impacts
The total amount of AQMD funding for the LOE contract shall not exceed $54,000 from the Clean Fuels Fund.
The Clean Fuels Fund under Health and Safety Code Sections 40448.5 and 40512 and Vehicle Code 9250.11, establishes mechanisms to collect revenues from mobile sources and stationary sources to support projects to increase the utilization of clean fuels, including the development of the necessary advanced enabling technologies. Funds collected from motor vehicles are restricted, by statute, to be used for projects and program activities related to mobile sources that support the objectives of the Clean Fuels Program.