BOARD MEETING DATE: November 4, 2005
AGENDA NO. 8

Issue RFP to Solicit Bids from Qualified Vendors to Purchase Global Positioning System Units

SYNOPSIS:

In order to enhance enforcement activities on mobile source projects that are funded under AQMD and State programs, staff proposes to install global positioning system (GPS) units on on-road and off-road equipment. The GPS units will record data and also transmit data to the AQMD as needed. This action is to approve issuance of an RFP to solicit bids from qualified vendors so that the AQMD can acquire GPS units at a competitive price.

COMMITTEE:

Technology, October 28, 2005. Less than a quorum was present during the discussion of this item; the Acting Chairman communicated his concurrence and recommendation that this item be forwarded for Board consideration.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Approve issuance of RFP # P2006-10, to solicit bids from qualified vendors so that AQMD can purchase at a competitive price global positioning system units that will be used to track and monitor AQMD and State funded mobile source projects that operate in the South Coast Basin.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

As one facet of its attainment efforts, AQMD seeks to reduce harmful emissions from on-road and off-road heavy-duty diesel vehicles. The AQMD administers voluntary incentive based programs to reduce NOx and PM emissions from mobile sources and agricultural equipment. The number of recipients of such public funding have progressively increased to the extent that it is evident that a more efficient and comprehensive system is necessary for tracking and monitoring mobile source activity levels is necessary in order to verify the expected emission reductions.

Under incentive programs, emissions reduction credits (ERCs) are used in some instances to offset emissions from mobile and stationary sources, and in other instances the ERCs are retired to benefit the environment. One of the important factors in quantifying ERCs is the activity level of these sources within AQMD and California boundaries. The activity level is determined using global positioning system (GPS) units along with electronic monitoring units (EMUs) to gather, store, and transmit data to the AQMD. The GPS units and EMUs will also be used by the AQMD for enforcement purposes by remotely viewing real-time data.

The basic function of the GPS units is to determine location (latitude, longitude), time, and date on a continuous or periodic basis as required by the project. The EMUs provide the capability to store data collected by the GPS (magnetically, optically), and transmit data to the AQMD as required on a continuous or periodic basis.

Proposal

The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is to solicit bids from qualified vendors to purchase GPS units equipped with EMUs for on-road, off-road, agricultural equipment, and marine vessel applications within the South Coast Basin.

The GPS-EMU systems shall accurately collect miles traveled within the AQMD boundary, geo-fence regions, determine percent of operation within AQMD boundaries, track distance within any AQMD boundary, and operate in all ambient temperatures and weather conditions in California. This applies to land based and marine vessel projects. Monitoring data will be transmitted to the AQMD in real time and on a periodic basis.

Bids are solicited from qualified vendors for GPS-EMU systems that can meet the above requirements. From the bids received, AQMD will choose the most cost competitive product. If the bids do not meet AQMD requirements, AQMD reserves the right not to choose any bid from this RFP. Qualified contractors shall install GPS-EMU on projects and also provide all data recording and data transmittal services. The system requirements related to data collection, reduction, and transmission are described in detail in the attached RFP.

Outreach

In accordance with AQMD’s Procurement Policy and Procedure, a public notice advertising the RFP/RFQ and inviting bids will be published in the following publications:
 

Additionally, potential bidders may be notified utilizing the Los Angeles County MTA Directory of Certified Firms, the Inland Area Opportunity Pages Ethnic/Women Business & Professional Directory; and 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 Web site (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.

Benefits to AQMD

The installation of GPS-EMU systems on on-road and off-road mobile sources that are funded under AQMD and State contracts will provide added enforcement capability to the AQMD to monitor the location, miles traveled, and hours of operation of vehicles. The installation of these systems will provide monitoring data to the AQMD in real time and on a periodic basis.

Bid Evaluation

Proposals received will be evaluated by a diverse, technically qualified panel in accordance with criteria contained in the RFP.

Resource Impacts

Funding for the GPS-EMU hardware and services will be available from the State and AQMD incentive funding programs.

Attachment (DOC* 581KB)

RFP #P2006-10 - Solicit Bids for Global Positioning Systems

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