2005 NS Purchasing - Indoor Air Quality Testing Professional Services Contract -

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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: February 1, 2005 Action Agen,`da~ Item No. SUBJECT• Professional Services Contract -Indoor Air Quality Testing DEPARTMENT: Purchasing and Central Services/Public Works PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No ATTACHMENT(S): Proposal INFORMATION CONTACT: Pam Jones (919) 245-2652 Wilbert McAdoo (919) 245-2626 TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Hillsborough 732-8181 Chapel Hill 968-4501 Durham 688-7331 Mebane 336-227-2031 PURPOSE: To consider authorizing staff to contract with The Solutous Group for professional services associated with air quality and other testing at the Southern Human Services Center and the Whiffed Human Services Center in an amount not to exceed $12,990. BACKGROUND: Staff has solicited a proposal to examine the validity of perceived air quality issues at the Southern Human Services Center and the Whitted Human Services Center. The Solutous Group, which has previously provided similar services to the County, has provided a proposal that includes amulti-prong approach to the issues. Solutous has recommended the following plan of action: • Both air and surface samples will be taken at agreed upon locations within the buildings. The samples will assess air quality, as well as mold and other bioaerosols that may be present in and around the building, and particularly those in use in the Health Department Clinic areas. Solutous has indicated that approximately 70 tests are needed in the two facilities. • The analysis will also include an assessment of the chemicals used in the maintenance and operations of these facilities and recommendations for alternatives, if more suitable options exist. • Airflow at numerous supply and return locations within the Southern Human Services Center will be tested to evaluate the air handling capacity of this building, particularly in the Clinic area of the Health Department. Dr. Rosemary Summers, Orange County Health Director, has contacted the State to determine their availability to carry out some or all of the testing work. At this point, it does not appear likely that the State will be able to accommodate the request, particularly in a timely manner. Should the State be able to provide a portion of the services, the Public Works staff will coordinate to ensure the full slate of testing is carried out at the most reasonable cost.