PROPOSAL:
Execute Sole Source Contract, and Issue RFP for Continuation of Air
Quality Institute Training Sessions
SYNOPSIS:
In January 2006, the Board approved implementation of the Air Quality
Institute (AQI). Based on the success of these sessions, staff is
proposing to embark on Phase II of the AQI, which would focus on the Fair
Share of Mobile Source Emissions Reductions as outlined in the Draft 2007
AQMP. This action is to execute a sole source contract with Cordoba
Corporation to conduct two training sessions in Sacramento and Washington,
D.C. in the near future, and to issue an RFP to select a contractor to
continue with the policy outreach through the AQI in 2007-2008.
COMMITTEE:
Administrative, January 12, 2007, Recommended for Approval
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:
- Authorize the Chairman to execute a sole source contract with Cordoba
Corporation to conduct two focused training sessions, one in Sacramento
and one in Washington, D.C., for an amount not to exceed $25,000, to be
completed within 90 days of contract execution. Funds are available in
the Public Affairs FY 2006-07 Budget, Professional and Special Services
account.
- Approve the release of RFP #P2007-24 to solicit proposals to continue
with additional Air Quality Institute training sessions, with an expanded
curriculum to include the Fair Share of Mobile Source Emission Reductions
as set forth in the Draft 2007 AQMP. Funding will not exceed $130,000 for
the initial 12-month period, with options for two one-year renewals at the
Board’s discretion.
Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer
Background
In October 2004, the Board approved an Environmental Justice Work Plan
for FY 2004-05, which included among its elements, initial steps toward the
creation of an Air Quality Institute (AQI) to address the educational needs
of newly elected and appointed local and state officials, policymakers, and
business and community leaders within AQMD. In January 2006, the Board
approved an implementation plan for the Air Quality Institute, including the
development of a series of educational outreach sessions to brief and engage
newly elected and appointed officials, policymakers, and business and
community leaders on critical air quality issues.
A course curriculum was developed and a series of eight Air Quality
Institute training sessions were held throughout the AQMD jurisdiction from
August through December 2006, under a contract with Oralia Michel Marketing
and Public Relations (OMMPR) and its subcontractor, Cordoba Corporation.
Each training session consisted of a four-hour seminar, focused on: 1) Air
Quality Overview; 2) Environmental Justice and Public Health; 3) Effects on
the Southland Economy and Clean Technology Solutions. The training sessions
were highly successful, with participation of over 160 leaders from
different sectors. Participants included two state senators, four state
assemblymembers, AFL-CIO and Teamsters union representatives, Commissioners
from Los Angeles World Airports and the Ports of Long Beach, and several
mayors and city councilmembers.
To continue the dialog begun with the initial trainings, staff is
proposing to embark on Phase II of the Air Quality Institute which will
continue the policy outreach and expand the curriculum to address further
emissions reductions from mobile sources as outlined in the Draft 2007 Air
Quality Management Plan (AQMP).
Proposal
1) Sole Source Contract with Cordoba Corporation
Staff recommends that the Board approve a sole source contract with
Cordoba Corporation to conduct two one-day training sessions in Sacramento
and Washington, D.C. Cordoba Corporation is a consulting and project
management firm specializing in planning, education, transportation, and
other areas. Cordoba has successfully completed hundreds of projects
throughout its 23 year history, and has evolved into one of the leading
consulting firms in the region. As a subcontractor to AQMD, Cordoba
Corporation has successfully completed the Air Quality Institute training
sessions throughout the South Coast Basin. The training sessions were well
attended, with active involvement of AQMD Board Members as well as elected
officials, city managers, business and community leaders, and environmental
entities. Initial feedback from participants demonstrated a high level of
satisfaction and all parties expressed the desire to remain engaged with
clean air issues and AQMD.
The proposed sole source contract also directs the contractor to expand
the training curriculum to include the fair share of mobile source emission
reduction pursuant to the Draft 2007 AQMP. This contract is to be completed
within 90 days of contract execution for an amount not to exceed $25,000.
Sole Source Justification
A sole-source award is authorized under Sections IV.B. of the Procurement
Policy and Procedure when such award does not lend itself to substitution.
Section VIII, (B) (2) of the Procurement Policy and Procedure identifies
four major provisions under which a sole-source award may be justified.
This request for a sole- source contract is made under provision (d), other
circumstances exists identifying sole-source as in the best interests of the
AQMD.
The briefing sessions conducted successfully in 2006 were joint efforts
between Cordoba Corporation and AQMD staff. Cordoba Corporation has a solid
track record and is experienced in hosting and holding AQI briefing
sessions. The two briefings (one each in Sacramento and Washington, D.C.)
are important steps in providing the most current update of the Chairman’s
Initiative to important decision makers in Sacramento and Washington, D.C.
To continue the dialog begun with the initial trainings, and to encourage
greater cooperation, communication and cohesion between elected officials
and AQMD, such briefings are extremely valuable to AQMD. It is for these
reasons that Cordoba’s services are deemed to be in the best interest of the
Board’s Clean Air Goals and the Chairman’s Initiative for 2007. It should
also be noted that Phase I of the AQI project was completed on time, within
budget, and in a professional manner.
2) Request for Proposal
Under the RFP, eight Air Quality Institute training sessions would be
conducted within the four-county region (two per county, including courses
offered in disproportionately impacted areas). AQMD staff and the
contractor(s) would be involved in ongoing oversight and implementation of
the Phase II training sessions. For Phase I, the AQI curriculum consisted
of Air Quality Overview, Environmental Justice and Public Health, and
Effects on the Southland Economy and Clean Technology Solutions. For Phase
II, the curriculum will be expanded to include the fair share of mobile
source emission reductions, needed to attain AQMD's clean air goals. By
engaging elected officials through the AQI briefings, greater cooperation
and communication may result, to assist the Board’s objective to clean the
air in the Southland.
Staff recommends that the Board approve the RFP as part of its ongoing
community outreach, education, and environmental justice programs to
facilitate implementation of the Board’s Clean Air Goals and Objectives, and
the Chairman’s Initiative for 2007. This contract is to be completed within
12 months of contract execution, in an amount not to exceed $130,000, and
with two options for one-year renewals at the Board’s discretion and upon
satisfactory performance.
Resource Impacts
Sufficient funds are available in the Public Affairs FY 2006-07 Budget,
Professional and Special Services account for the Sole Source Contract and
appropriate allocation will be proposed in the Public Affairs FY 2007-08
Budget to cover the award of contract(s) pursuant to the RFP.
Attachment
(DOC 819kb)
RFP #P2007-24
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