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

PROPOSAL:

Issue RFPs for Technical Assistance for Advanced, Low- and Zero-Emissions Mobile and Stationary Source Technologies and Technical Assistance for Implementation of Incentive Programs

SYNOPSIS:

This action is to issue two RFPs to solicit statements of qualifications from individuals and organizations capable of providing technical expertise in a variety of specialized areas to support AQMD’s technology advancement activities and implementation efforts. It is anticipated that multiple awards for level-of-effort contracts will be made from these solicitations.

COMMITTEE:

Technology, May 22, 2009, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Approve the release of the attached RFP #P2009-22 for technical assistance for advanced, low- and zero-emissions mobile and stationary source technologies and RFP #P2009-23 for technical assistance for implementation of incentive programs with multiple awards for both solicitations anticipated to total approximately $1,000,000.
 

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

The Technology Advancement Office (TAO) administers and manages both the implementation of incentive programs as well as the pre-commercial research, development, demonstration, and deployment (RDD&D) of low- and zero-emission technologies. The TAO program is a far-reaching effort, incorporating a mix of short-, medium-, and long-term goals, representing a continuum of technology improvements to achieve clean air in the Basin.

TAO periodically releases Request for Proposals (RFPs) for consultants to augment in-house expertise and assist staff in technical reviews, coordination of projects, comparative analyses, and implementation of incentive programs. Due to the rapid pace at which technologies are evolving, additional assistance is required for advanced, pre-commercial technology demonstration programs. In addition, there are multiple state incentive programs, specifically the Carl Moyer, Proposition 1B and Lower Emission School Bus Programs, which are anticipated to provide over $200 million to the South Coast region. Expert consultants and administrative resources are required to assist staff in establishing the procedures and renewing applications implementing these programs.

Request for Proposals

The RFPs for technical assistance solicit experts in the following areas:

Mobile Applications

Low and zero-emissions technologies for light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles (on- and off-road applications), including:

• Fuel cells, hybrids (electric, plug-in, hydraulic, and others), and alternative fuels;
• Component (e.g., batteries and ultracapacitors) and system expertise (e.g., software controllers); and
• Engines and exhaust treatment technologies (e.g. catalyst and trap systems).

Fuels

Fuel processing, reformulation, and emission analyses for:

• Alternative and conventional fuels;
• Biofuels (ethanol, biodiesel, and biomass);
• Hydrogen infrastructure; and
• Gas to liquid (GTL) fuels.

Stationary Applications

• Advanced combustion technologies;
• Advanced or innovative aftertreatment control technologies;
• Renewable technologies; and
• Fuel cell, hybrid, and hydrogen-energy co-production.

Emissions and Analyses

• Toxic air contaminants from motor vehicles and their potential formation;
• Health and safety issues related to new technologies;
• Mobile source data compilation and analyses;
• Advanced technology transition (bridging) analyses; and
• Advanced technology assessments, including market penetration and consumer acceptance studies.

Incentive Programs

Support for implementing incentive program activities including but not limited to

• Technology analyses and comparisons, including cost-effectiveness;
• Development, evaluation and implementation of program guidelines;
• Proposal evaluations and emission analyses;
• Infrastructure evaluation and inspections; and
• Outreach to fleets for implementing clean technologies.

These RFPs will solicit statements of qualifications from individuals and organizations capable of providing technical assistance in a variety of areas to support AQMP implementation and TAO activities. In each case, it will first be determined whether the work can be performed in-house.
 

Bid Evaluation

Consultants will be selected through an open bidding process according to AQMD's Consultant Selection Policy and Proposals. Successful bidders shall be retained by level-of-effort contracts; therefore work assignments can be issued for specific needs and projects without requiring lengthy consultant selection processes for each individual project. It is anticipated that multiple awards for level-of-effort contracts will be made from these solicitations.
 

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 the Los Angeles County MTA Directory of Certified Firms, the Inland Area Opportunity Pages Ethnic/Women Business & Professional Directory; and 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.
 

Benefits to AQMD

The proposed project supports the implementation of TAO’s RDD&D and incentive programs. In addition, outside expertise will provide an effective means of evaluating new technologies and assessing emission reductions.
 

Resource Impacts

Due to the indefinite nature of the work, the actual contract amounts cannot be determined at this time. Multiple awards are anticipated from these RFPs. The total amount of AQMD funding for the level-of-effort contracts is expected to be approximately $1,000,000, with the amount of funding allocated to each contract dependent upon the consultant's qualifications and AQMD needs. The Clean Fuels Fund and incentive program funds will be used for awards made under these RFPs.
 

Attachments (EXE, 1.39m)

RFP #P2009-22 - Technical Assistance for Advanced, Low- and Zero-Emissions Mobile and Stationary Source Technologies

RFP #P2009-23 - Technical Assistance for Implementation of Incentive Programs