BOARD MEETING DATE: October 2, 2009
AGENDA NO. 15

PROPOSAL:

Issue RFP for Public Policy Consulting Regarding Local, State and Federal Transportation Issues

SYNOPSIS:

The Board has directed staff to participate in the development of the next federal surface transportation reauthorization legislation as it directly affects mobile source emissions. This effort is to strengthen and incorporate air quality considerations in transportation spending, at the policy level. This action is to issue an RFP for consulting services regarding air quality and transportation issues relative to the development of the federal surface transportation reauthorization legislation.  Total expenditures for the contract shall not exceed $100,000 for a one-year period.

COMMITTEE:

Administrative, September 18, 2009, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Approve the issuance of RFP #P2010-08 to solicit proposals for air quality and transportation policy consulting services for the next federal surface transportation reauthorization legislation, at a cost not to exceed $100,000 for a one-year period. 
 

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

Mobile sources, including on-road vehicles, create the vast majority of air pollution in the South Coast Air Basin and other areas of the country, and contribute to severe health impacts including thousands of premature deaths every year. Particulate pollution alone is estimated to cause 6,200 premature deaths per year in the Basin.

As part of AQMD’s 2009 Legislative Agenda, the Board directed staff to focus on efforts to participate in the development of the next federal surface transportation reauthorization legislation with a goal of changing federal law such that our efforts to reduce emissions are maximized.

Throughout 2010 and 2011, and possibly beyond, there will be local, state and national attention focused on the federal surface transportation reauthorization bill, as it will dictate the federal transportation policies and priorities through 2015. This bill will establish not only funding formulas and priorities, but will authorize funding for specific projects and could significantly change the process for what and how funding is allocated in the transportation sector for years to come. This effort will be directed at transportation spending so that air quality considerations are strengthened and incorporated at the policy level for reducing mobile source emissions.

While staff is knowledgeable about the transportation funding process and has access to federal advocates, it is necessary to understand and engage with individuals, organizations, and coalitions at the local, state and federal levels who will play significant roles in the formulation of the next reauthorization bill.
 

Proposal

The AQMD Governing Board (“Board”) directed staff to participate in the development of the next federal surface transportation authorization legislation. This effort is focused on achieving policy changes which will increase mobile source emissions reductions along with increased funding for programs and projects that are beneficial for cleaner air in the South Coast Air Basin. To accomplish this there will be a need to establish and build relationships at the local, state and federal levels, develop and implement comprehensive strategies, and understand the complexities of local, state and federal transportation policy and how they interact.

The intent of this RFP is to contract with an expert consultant, knowledgeable in transportation as well as air quality-related issues, to provide assistance with building coalitions with local transportation policy leaders, state officials and other stakeholders to advance AQMD’s agenda, and to actively assist in the implementation of the Board’s directives in the area of transportation funding and policy developments.

The selected firm will be expected to provide a variety of services, outlined in the work statement, and consistent with Board direction. Funding for the initial year shall be up to a maximum of $100,000. The contract will include options for two annual renewals, contingent on satisfactory performance and approval of subsequent budgets, at the discretion of the Board.
 

Bid Evaluation

Proposals received will be initially evaluated by a diverse panel of technically qualified individuals according to the criteria described in the attached RFP #P2010-08. The Administrative Committee of the Board may conduct oral interviews of the most highly qualified bidders and will make a recommendation to the full Board for approval.
 

Resource Impacts

Sufficient funds are available in the Public Affairs FY 2009-10 Budget for services for a one-year period.  Funding for the respective fiscal years in the future is contingent upon Board approval of the budget.
 

Attachment (DOC, 700k)

RFP #2010-08 – RFP for Public Policy Consulting Regarding Local, State and Federal
Transportation Issues