TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF NOVEMBER 6, 2014
COMMITTEE ON PROCUREMENT
Mr. David St. Pierre, Executive Director
Title
Issue a purchase order and enter into an agreement with EcoLogic Planning, Inc. for mitigation banking services in connection with Contract 10-883-AF, Flood Control/Streambank Stabilization on Tinley Creek; Contract 10-883-BF, Flood Control Project at Arrowhead Lake; and Contract 13-248-3F, Streambank Stabilization on Melvina Ditch, in an amount not to exceed $75,000.00, Account 501-50000-645690, Requisition 1387579
Body
Dear Sir:
Authorization is requested to issue a purchase order and enter into an agreement with EcoLogic Planning, Inc. for mitigation banking services in connection with Contract 10-883-AF, Flood Control/Streambank Stabilization on Tinley Creek; Contract 10-883-BF, Flood Control Project at Arrowhead Lake; and Contract 13-248-3F, Streambank Stabilization on Melvina Ditch.
At the February 11, 2011, Board of Commissioners meeting, the Board of Commissioners provided policy direction regarding wetland mitigation on District projects. It concurred that the preferred approach to wetland mitigation would be a mitigation banking option where credits are purchased from an approved wetland bank. In order to obtain a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) permit for construction of the subject projects, the District is required to mitigate 0.794 acres of wetlands impacted by the projects.
Requests for Proposals to provide 0.794 acres of wetland credits were sent to all mitigation banks within the Northeast Illinois as identified on a list of approved mitigation banks maintained by the USACE. All banks listed meet the level of expertise required by USACE for mitigation banking. Proposals were due August 27, 2014. Two banks, owned by EcoLogic Planning, Inc. and Land and Water Resources, Inc., were responsive. Mitigation banks were evaluated strictly based on their price per credit. All mitigation credits fulfill the same purpose with respect to USACE permitting requirements and are of equal value to the District.
EcoLogic Planning, Inc provided the lowest proposal, at $75,000.00 for 0.794 credits from their Sauk Trail Wetland Mitigation Bank. Mitigation credits will be acquired as a one-time payment and will be effective the date the agreement, which shall be subject to the approval of the Law Department as to form and legality, is signed by EcoLogic Planning, Inc.
Inasmuch as the firm of EcoLogic Planning, Inc. possess the required qualifications, it is recommended that the Director of Procurement and Materials Management be authorized to issue a purchase order and enter into agreement with said firm without advertising, per Section 11.4 of the Purchasing Act, in an amount not to exceed $75,000.00.
Funds are available in Account 501-50000-645690.
Requested, Catherine A. O'Connor, Director of Engineering, WSS:JPM
Recommended, Darlene A. LoCascio, Director of Procurement and Materials Management
Respectfully Submitted, Barbara J. McGowan, Chairman Committee on Procurement
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners for November 6, 2014