BOARD MEETING DATE: October 1, 2010
AGENDA NO. 4
PROPOSAL:
Approve Purchase of Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer/Flame Ionization Detector Instrument
SYNOPSIS:
On July 9, 2010, the Board approved issuance of an RFQ for a Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer/Flame Ionization Detector (GC/MS/FID) instrument. This GC/MS/FID is required to increase analytical capacity for low VOC paint, solvents, lubricants, architectural coatings subject to Rule 1113 and Rule 314, and other VOC containing materials. As a result of successful responses to this RFQ, Agilent was identified as meeting bid specifications at the lowest cost. This action is to authorize the purchase of an Agilent GC/MS/FID. Funds for this purchase in the amount of $99,306 are included in the FY 2010-11 Budget.
COMMITTEE:
Administrative, September 17, 2010, Recommended for Approval
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Approve purchase of Agilent GC/MS/FID for a cost not to exceed $99,306.
Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer
Background
A gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer/flame ionization (GC/MS/FID) instrument is the primary instrument used by the AQMD Laboratory for the analysis of low VOC paint, solvents, lubricants, architectural coatings subject to Rule 1113 and Rule 314, and other VOC containing materials as part of the VOC Compliance Program. The phasing in of new AQMD Rules with lower VOC limits is leading to an expansion of the compliance program and the need for more analytical equipment with greater sensitivity and capacity to accommodate the increased throughput of samples for analysis. On July 9, 2010, RFQ #2011-02 was issued to solicit bids for this GC/MS/FID instrument. Bids were due to the AQMD at 2:00 PM on August 10, 2010.
Proposal Evaluation
Proposals received were evaluated by a diverse panel of GC/MS experts comprised of one AQMD Senior Chemist, three AQMD Chemists, and one CARB Engineer; three Asian, one Caucasian, and one Hispanic; five male.
Outreach
In accordance with AQMDs 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 AQMDs 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 AQMDs website (http://www.aqmd.gov). Information is also available on AQMDs bidders 24-hour telephone message line (909) 396-2724.
Bid Evaluation
Three responses were received when final bidding closed at 2:00 PM on August 10, 2010. Attachment A reflects the evaluation of the bids and the respective ratings/costs for the
contracts. Of the responsive quotes, the lowest bid was from Agilent. Staff recommends that the Board award Agilent the purchase of a GC/MS/FID instrument at a cost not to exceed $99,306.
Resource Impact
Sufficient funds are available from the Science & Technology Advancement FY 2010-11 Budget for the purchase of a GC/MS/FID Instrument.
Attachment (DOC, 34k)
A - Evaluation of Bids from Respondents to RFQ #2011-02