| April 14, 1995
South Coast Air Quality
Management District Board
Recommendation to Purchase a Scientific Computer
for Regional Air Quality Modeling and Analysis
At its December 9, 1995 meeting, the Board approved the release
of a Request For Proposal (RFP) for the acquisition of a scientific
computer. This new system will replace three obsolete Multiflow
Trace computers, and as its main function will run the District's
Urban Airshed Model (UAM) software. The UAM is an integral component
of the District's strategic planning in that it allows staff to
forecast rule impacts on air quality and to meet federal requirements
for attainment demonstrations. The Multiflow Trace computers
are hard pressed to keep up with the District's expanded modeling
needs as these systems use seven-year-old technology. Moreover,
since Multiflow Inc. filed for bankruptcy in 1992, service/support
and replacement parts are difficult to locate. The sole remaining
service provider, in fact, is located east of the Mississippi
River. Newer technology will be more reliable, easier to maintain,
less costly to operate, and allow models to run up to 20 times
faster; this in turn will provide more timely decision making
support under tight rule making schedules.
The RFP was publicly noticed and circulated to 40 firms in accordance
with the District's Consultant Selection Policy and Procedures.
By close of bidding on January 13, 1995, five proposals were
received. These were reviewed by a three-member District evaluation
panel consisting of representatives from Information Management,
Planning and Policy, and Finance. Proposals were first scored
based on technical criteria as listed in the RFP. Those proposals
receiving 70 points or more were considered technically qualified
and were then scored based on cost and on MBE//WBE/DVBE/Local
Business designation. A summary of the evaluation ranking is
attached along with a copy of the scoring sheet. The Evaluation
Panel rated Mikon Computer System's bid of a Digital Computer
AlphaServer 2100 4/275 the highest, based on its overall high
rating in all categories.
Staff recommends that a bid be awarded to Mikon Computer Systems
for an amount not to exceed $100,000. Sufficient funding is available
in the current Fiscal Year (FY) 1994-95 Fixed Asset Account.
This recommendation was reviewed and approved by the Administrative
Committee on March 23, 1995.
THEREFORE, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOUR BOARD
--Award the bid to Mikon Computer Systems;
--Authorize the Chairman to execute an agreement with Mikon Computer
Systems in the amount not to exceed $100,000.
Respectfully,
James M. Lents, Ph.D.
Executive Officer
BRW:VCM:RKV:ag
Attachment
(a:Mikonbrd.doc)
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