BOARD MEETING DATE: December 3, 2010
AGENDA NO. 7
PROPOSAL:
Amend Contract with Cordoba Corporation to Add Four Air Quality Institute Briefings and Issue RFP for Continuation of AQI in 2011
SYNOPSIS:
Since January 2006, the Board has authorized the implementation of several Air Quality Institute (AQI) programs to disseminate information and educate community, business and industry leaders and elected officials on air quality issues. On January 8, 2010, the Board approved the continued implementation of the AQI program through a contract with the Cordoba Corporation that expires on January 31, 2011. This action is to amend the existing contract with Cordoba Corporation to implement an additional four (4) AQI briefings to be completed by June 2011, at a cost not to exceed $68,000, and to also issue an RFP to select a contractor to continue the AQI program for a one-year period at a cost not to exceed $135,300, with options for two one-year extensions, upon satisfactory performance, at the Board’s discretion.
COMMITTEE:
Administrative, November 12, 2010, Recommended for Approval
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:
Appropriate $68,000 from the Undesignated Fund Balance to the Legislative & Public Affairs FY 2010-11 budget, Services and Supplies Major Object Account 67450 – Professional and Special Services.
Authorize the Chairman to amend the existing contract with Cordoba Corporation to add four (4) additional briefings to be completed by June 2011, at a cost not to exceed $68,000.
Approve the issuance of RFP #P2011-11 to solicit proposals for consulting services regarding the continuation of the AQI, at a cost not to exceed $135,300 for a one-year period, with options for two one-year extensions, upon satisfactory performance, at the Board’s discretion.
Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer
Background
Since 2006, the Board has authorized the implementation of several Air Quality Institute (AQI) briefings for education and outreach to community organizations, business and industry leaders, and elected officials on air quality issues. Since then, many meetings and briefings have been successfully held to increase public participation and knowledge in health and air quality issues. On January 8, 2010, the Board authorized the latest series of eight (8) AQI briefings for 2010. These sessions have been instrumental in disseminating information on the Board’s initiatives and priorities with emphasis on the critical need to reduce mobile source emissions, as well as other related health and air quality issues. The present contract with Cordoba Corporation expires on January 31, 2011.
The objective of the AQI is to educate and inform the public, and, in particular, first-tier opinion leaders and policy makers, including, but not limited to, elected and appointed officials, business and community leaders, editorial boards, media representatives, and faith-based organizations, about relevant air quality policy issues.
The curriculum for the AQI included discussions on ports and goods movement as it relates to air quality impact and solutions; air quality health studies including, MATES III, the USC Children’s Health Study; health effects of diesel exposure; environmental justice issues; advanced technology solutions, energy issues; wildfire response; and other key Board initiatives. The AQIs have also provided the attendees with information and tools for action necessary to support our clean air mission at the policy level.
The AQI briefings have been highly successful. Participants included federal, state and local elected officials, education and community leaders, faith leaders, labor leaders, health care professionals, and hundreds of business representatives. Discussions at these meetings were at the policy level, extensive and in-depth, leading to many important discussions being established between AQMD Board members, staff and important stakeholders.
Over the course of the program, many briefings were held in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties as well as in Sacramento and Washington, D.C, delivering our messages to more than 1,000 leaders across the region. These briefings have led to the establishment of relationships with various organizations and individuals who have been beneficial in helping AQMD move its state and federal policy priorities forward.
From its inception, the AQI briefings have not only provided AQMD the opportunity to educate these individuals, and to build relationships with them and their organizations, but attendees have also alerted AQMD to various air quality issues of concern in their communities or organizations. Thus, the briefings have established a means of engaging in a dialogue with the leadership of the communities served by AQMD.
Proposal
- Amend existing contract
Staff recommends amending the existing contract with Cordoba Corporation to augment the current program with an additional four (4) briefings to be completed by June 2011 at a cost not to exceed $68,000. The immediate need for an additional four AQI briefings is multifold. First, the round of briefings contemplated in the current contract have already been completed or programmed. Second, should the Board authorize the issuance of an RFP to continue the program, the additional briefings allow for the continued momentum of the AQI program. Third, the additional briefings allow the District to educate various policy leaders, including new state and federal legislators and their staff, early in 2011 while the elected officials are still setting their policy agendas.
- Request for Proposal
Staff also recommends the Board authorize the release of Request for Proposals to solicit bids for consulting services regarding the continuation of the AQI program in 2011, at a cost not to exceed $135,300. The objective of the AQI is to continue the development of partnerships with community leaders, elected officials and stakeholder groups to provide high-level informational and educational briefings with the intent of working together towards mutual public policy goals of importance to AQMD. Such partnerships are intended to facilitate movement towards the Board’s strategic policy objectives as related to air quality, climate change and public health.
Resource Impacts
Funds for the amendment of the existing contract with Cordoba Corporation will be appropriated from the Undesignated Fund Balance to Legislative & Public Affairs’ FY 2010-11 budget, Services and Supplies Major Object, Professional and Special Services Account in an amount of $68,000. The anticipated new contract resulting from the RFP will also be funded out of the Undesignated Fund Balance. Sufficient funds are available in the Undesignated Fund Balance.
Attachment (DOC, 854k)
Request for Proposals #P2011-11 – Continuation of the Air Quality Institute