BOARD MEETING DATE: October 2, 2009
AGENDA NO. 17

PROPOSAL:

Issue RFP for Development of Land Use Emission Model Software

SYNOPSIS:

Due to the recent legal dispute with Rimpo and Associates, Inc. over the software rights for the Urban Emissions Model (URBEMIS), this action is to issue an RFP to provide for the development of a land use emission model software.  As background, URBEMIS is a computer model that calculates the potential criteria and CO₂ emissions associated with land use development in California.   The software, once developed from this RFP, will be used by AQMD staff and will be made available to the public, at no cost, for estimating project air emissions.  This item also seeks Board approval to appropriate funds not to exceed $200,000 from the Undesignated Fund Balance for the resulting contract(s). 

COMMITTEE:

Mobile Source, September 25, 2009, Reviewed

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:

1. Approve the issuance of RFP #P2010-10 to solicit proposals for the development of land use emission model software.
2. Authorize appropriation of $200,000 from the Undesignated Fund Balance to Planning, Rule Development and Area Sources Budget, for FY 2009-10, Services and Supplies Major Object, Professional and Special Services Account for the land use emission model software contract.
    

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

The Urban Emissions Model (URBEMIS) is a computer model that calculates the potential criteria and CO₂ emissions associated with land use projects in California. The model estimates construction and operational air pollution emissions from a wide variety of land use development projects, such as residential dwelling units, shopping centers, recreational centers, and office buildings. The model also identifies and calculates emission reductions from mitigation measures selected for each land use development project for criteria pollutants and CO₂ emissions. This model is widely used by local governments, private parties, and California air districts. The model was developed with public funds, including monies from AQMD. A dispute over ownership rights has occurred with Rimpo and Associates, the contractor who worked on the model. Under separate action, staff is recommending litigation to enforce AQMD’s contract with Rimpo and Associates to deliver the source code for URBEMIS. This litigation will likely take some time to resolve.
 

Proposal

AQMD seeks the service of contractor(s) to develop land use emission model software which will estimate criteria and GHG emissions from construction, and operational activities. In addition the model shall calculate emission reductions from mitigation measures selected for each land use development project.

The overall goal is to create a computer based user friendly model which will calculate criteria and GHG emissions associated with land use development projects in California. In addition, this model is to be made available to all interested parties at no charge.

The RFP will solicit qualified individuals and organizations capable of providing technical knowledge in the following areas: land use planning, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), software development, and analyzing air quality impacts resulting from a variety of different types of land use projects and related mitigation measures.
 

Bid Evaluation

Proposals received will be evaluated by a diverse panel of technically qualified individuals according to the criteria described in the attached RFP.
 

Outreach

In accordance with AQMD’s Procurement Policy and Procedure, a public notice advertising the RFP 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 website (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
Funding for this RFP shall be up to a maximum of $200,000 and is proposed to be taken from the Undesignated Fund Balance and appropriated to the Planning, Rule Development and Area Sources FY 2009-10 Budget.
 

Attachment (DOC, 76k)
RFP #P2010-10 - Development of Land Use Emissions Model Software