APCD 1.

SUBJECT:

SOLE-SOURCE CONTRACT FOR ELECTRIC LAWNMOWER INCENTIVE PROGRAM (DISTRICT: ALL)
 

On July 11, 2000 (APCB #1), Supervisor Ron Roberts proposed the first lawnmower trade-in program for San Diego County, with the goal of reducing air pollution generated by gas mowers. Under this program, an owner of a working gas lawnmower can trade it in for a $200 voucher from the Air Pollution Control District toward the price of a brand new rechargeable electric mower. On October 25, 2000 (APCB #1), following the first successful trade-in event, your Board authorized an annual electric lawnmower exchange program, appropriated up to $150,000 from over-realized penalties for this event, and adopted program guidelines. Those guidelines recommended using a request for proposal (RFP) process to obtain the best mower selection and price from electric lawnmower suppliers. However, because Black and Decker is now the only maker of electric, cordless, rechargeable lawnmowers, a sole-source approval is requested for this contract.

District staff contacted all manufacturers who had previously made electric mowers and found that only Black and Decker still manufactures this product. Other districts reported the same findings. The Sacramento air district solicited an RFP and found that no other manufacturer provides an equivalent product. The San Joaquin Valley Unified APCD is currently under a sole-source contract with Black and Decker for events in Fresno, Bakersfield, and Modesto.

Accordingly, approval for a sole-source contract with Black and Decker is requested under the exemption from competitive procurement provisions of Board Policy A-87. Because Black and Decker is the sole manufacturer of electric, cordless lawn mowers, continuing this program depends on their participation. Black and Decker's corporate program has consistently provided customer satisfaction and product quality based on the July 2000 event in San Diego and events at other air districts.

This program is funded by over-realized penalties projected mid-year, which are currently projected at $120,000. Therefore, the sole-source contract will be for approximately 500 lawnmowers and will not exceed $100,000. Up to $20,000 will be used for other event costs including facilities, printed materials, advertising, and disposal of gasoline lawnmowers and their contents.

Upon approval of the sole-source contract, final event arrangements will be made. The event is tentatively scheduled for June 2, 2001. Approximately 200 customers have left their name on file with the District to be notified when it is scheduled.
 

On July 11, 2000 (APCB #1), Supervisor Ron Roberts proposed the first lawnmower trade-in program for San Diego County, with the goal of reducing air pollution generated by gas mowers.  Under this program, an owner of a working gas lawnmower can trade it in for a $200 voucher from the Air Pollution Control District toward the price of a brand new rechargeable electric mower.  On October 25, 2000 (APCB #1), following the first successful trade-in event, your Board authorized an annual electric lawnmower exchange program, appropriated up to $150,000 from over-realized penalties for this event, and adopted program guidelines.  Those guidelines recommended using a request for proposal (RFP) process to obtain the best mower selection and price from electric lawnmower suppliers.  However, because Black and Decker is now the only maker of electric, cordless, rechargeable lawnmowers, a sole-source approval is requested for this contract. 
 

The recommended actions would result in a contract not to exceed $100,000.  Up to $150,000 was appropriated for this purpose on October 25, 2000 (APCB #1) depending on the amount of over-realized penalty revenue for FY 2000-01.  The current over-realized penalty revenue projection is $120,000.  Therefore, the FY 2000-01 program is limited to that amount, including $100,000 for lawnmowers and up to $20,000 for facilities, printed materials, advertising, and disposal of gasoline lawnmowers and their contents.
 

AIR POLLUTION CONTROL OFFICER

1.   In accordance with Board Policy A-87, Competitive Procurement, approve and authorize the Purchasing and Contracting Director to enter into negotiations with Black & Decker of San Diego and, subject to determination of a fair and reasonable price, award a contract for the purchase of electric lawn mowers for the District’s lawnmower trade-in program.  Additionally, waive the advertising requirement of Board Policy A-87.
 

ON MOTION of Member Slater, seconded by Member Jacob, Members of the Air Pollution Control Board took action as recommended, on Consent.