BOARD MEETING DATE: June 4, 2010
AGENDA NO. 6

PROPOSAL:

Execute Contract for Technical Assistance for Advanced, Low- and Zero-Emission Mobile and Stationary Source Pollution Control Technologies under Clean Fuels Program

SYNOPSIS:

On December 4, 2009, the Board approved the release of an RFP to solicit proposals to provide technical assistance for advanced, low- and zero-emission mobile and stationary source pollution control technologies for the Clean Fuels Program. Two proposals were received in response to the solicitation. However, at this time, only one proposal was selected for award based on current technical needs. This action is to execute a contract with Engine, Fuel, and Emissions Engineering, Inc. to provide consultation services at a total cost not to exceed $100,000 from the Clean Fuels Program Fund.

COMMITTEE:

Technology, May 21, 2010, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:

Authorize the Chairman to execute a contract with Engine, Fuel, and Emissions Engineering, Inc. for technical assistance with emission control technologies, emission studies, and alternative fuels in an amount not to exceed $100,000 from the Clean Fuels Program Fund (31).
 

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

The AQMP is the comprehensive regional plan for attaining federal air quality standards in the South Coast Air Basin. In addition to full implementation of current technologies and control methods, there is a need to further develop and promote technological breakthroughs. Air quality projections indicate that the federal standards for PM2.5 and ozone are not expected to be met without aggressive implementation of commercial technologies and accelerated development of new technologies.

The Technology Advancement Office administers the Clean Fuels Program to support research, development, demonstration, and deployment of projects to accelerate commercialization of low- and zero-emission technologies. Due to constant and rapid changes in technologies and the sheer breadth of the potential projects, staff occasionally requires input from experts to aid in selecting and establishing projects for the Clean Fuels program.

At its December 2009 meeting, the Board approved RFP #P2010-14 for technical assistance for the Clean Fuels Program. The RFP solicited statements of qualifications from individuals and organizations potentially capable of providing technical assistance in a variety of areas to support staff activities. The RFP sought companies or individuals to provide assistance in preparation of AQMP control measures, technical assistance for mobile source emission control technologies, alternative fuels, stationary source applications, and emission analysis.

Outreach

In accordance with AQMD’s Procurement Policy and Procedure, a public notice advertising the RFP/RFQ and inviting bids was 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 have been notified utilizing AQMD’s own electronic listing of certified minority vendors. Notice of the RFP/RFQ has been 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. Information is also available on AQMD’s bidder’s 24-hour telephone message line (909) 396-2724. 

Proposal Evaluations

Two proposals were received from Engine, Fuel, and Emissions Engineering, Inc. and Sierra Research in response to RFP #P2010-14. The proposals were evaluated and scored by a four-member panel in accordance with established AQMD guidelines and using the technical criteria outlined in the RFP. The panel consisted of one Off-road Mobile Source Manager, one Technology Demonstration Manager, one Program Supervisor and one combustion expert on the Clean Fuels Advisory Group. The panel breakdown was as follows: four males; two Caucasians, one Asian, and one African American.

The average scores for the two proposals are listed in Table 1:

Table 1. Average Scores for Proposers

Proposed Award

Based on the current needs of the Clean Fuels Program, staff is recommending an award to Engine, Fuel, and Emissions Engineering, Inc. Although highly qualified, the areas of expertise offered by Sierra Research, such as emission inventories, regulations, data analysis, SIP and AQMP preparation, and control measure development, are adequately covered by existing contracts with technical consultants.

Staff recommends an award to Engine, Fuel, and Emissions Engineering, Inc. to provide technical assistance with emission control technologies, emission studies, heavy-duty emissions measurement and alternative fuels in an amount not to exceed $100,000 from the Clean Fuels Program Fund. Mr. Christopher Weaver (principal) is the President of Engine, Fuel and Emissions Engineering, Inc., and he has 28 years of professional experience in the areas of measurement and control of emissions from mobile sources as well as automotive fuels.

Benefits to AQMD

The proposed award will support the implementation of TAO’s Clean Fuels Program. In addition, outside expertise will provide an effective means of evaluating new technologies and assessing emission reductions.

Resource Impacts

Sufficient funds are available from the Clean Fuels Program Fund, established as a special revenue fund resulting from the state-mandated Clean Fuels Program to cover the proposed $100,000 for outside technical assistance. The Clean Fuels Program, under Health and Safety Code Sections 40448.5 and 40512 and Vehicle Code Section 9250.11, establishes mechanisms to collect revenues from mobile sources to support projects to increase the utilization of clean fuels, including the development of the necessary advanced enabling technologies. Funds collected from motor vehicles are restricted, by statute, to be used for projects and program activities related to mobile sources that support the objectives of the Clean Fuels Program.