BOARD MEETING DATE: January 9, 2009
AGENDA NO. 5

PROPOSAL:

Greenhouse Gas Reduction Program Services

SYNOPSIS:

The AQMD anticipates the need for services to facilitate, or otherwise broker, trades between participants in its greenhouse gas emission reduction programs. This RFP seeks to solicit bids from qualified parties to provide these services. The exact scope and manner of the services will be determined as part of the competitive bidding process.

COMMITTEE:

Administrative, December 12, 2008, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:

Authorize the issuance of RFP #2009-09 for the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Program services for a period of three years in an amount to be determined, with a renewal option.
 

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

The AQMD is currently developing rules to encourage voluntary reductions in GHG emissions that will enhance the Southern California economy and capture needed co-benefits. Pre-approved project protocols will be used to quantify these emission reductions. Upon verifying the emission reductions, the AQMD will issue certified emission reductions in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent units (MTCO2E) per year to the entity responsible for the emission reductions. After being issued, certified emission reductions can be traded. Selling these certified emission reductions can provide a source of revenue to the entity reducing emissions, and thus create an incentive for voluntary emission reductions. The staff report for Rules 2700—General and 2701—SoCal Climate Solutions Exchange describes the program design in more detail.
 

Proposal

It is proposed that the AQMD staff explore the possibility to contract with one or more qualified individuals or firms to provide services for participants in the AQMD’s voluntary greenhouse gas reduction programs. The contractor(s) will facilitate transactions of AQMD certified emission reductions among interested parties, and otherwise promote liquidity in the market for certified emission reductions issued by the AQMD. The initial contract will cover a period of three years with an option of renewal for subsequent years.
 

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, the State of California Contracts Register website, 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.
 

Bid Evaluation

Proposals will be reviewed and evaluated by a diverse, technically qualified panel in accordance with criteria contained in the attached RFP. In addition, the most qualified firms may be interviewed by the Administrative Committee of the Board for the purpose of final recommendation.
 

Consultant Selection Process

Staff recommends that a consultant or consultants be selected through an open bidding process, according to the AQMD’s Consultant Selection Policy and Procedure, Section I (B): Due to the nature of the work to be performed or the staffing level required, it may, from time to time, be necessary to utilize the services of outside contractors/consultants who are not employees of AQMD.
 

Proposed Budget

The total funding from the AQMD for this RFP will be determined as part of the selection process and will be subject to subsequent budget approval by the Board, if applicable.
 

Attachment (DOC, 822k)

RFP #2009-09