TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF NOVEMBER 20, 2014
COMMITTEE ON Procurement
Mr. David St. Pierre, Executive Director
Title
Authority to increase purchase order and amend the agreement with Schiff Hardin LLP to represent and counsel the District in connection with renewable energy projects, in an amount of $200,000.00, from an amount of $150,000.00, to an amount not to exceed $350,000.00, Account 201-50000-601170, Purchase Order 3081196
Body
Dear Sir:
On March 20, 2014, the Board of Commissioners authorized the Director of Procurement and Materials Management to issue a purchase order and enter into an agreement with Schiff Hardin LLP to represent and counsel the District in connection with renewable energy projects, in an amount not to exceed $150,000.00. The contract has no expiration date.
This purchase order has no prior change orders.
The reason for the requested change order is to enable Schiff Hardin LLP to continue to assist the District in multiple contract negotiations related to the Biogas Renewable Energy Project at the Calumet Water Reclamation Plant. Schiff Hardin LLP is also working to ensure that the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's regulatory requirements for the Project are fulfilled. Finally, the additional funds will enable Schiff Hardin LLP to retain the services of a financial consultant with expertise in the renewable energy sector to perform an independent financial analysis of the Project.
This change order is in compliance with the Illinois Criminal Code because the change is germane to the original agreement as signed and due to circumstances not reasonably foreseeable at the time the contract was signed, and is in the best interest of the District.
It is hereby recommended that the Board of Commissioners authorize the Director of Procurement and Materials Management to execute a change order to increase the purchase order and amend the agreement in an amount of $200,000.00 (133% of the current contract value) from an amount of $150,000.00 to an amount not to exceed $350,000.00.
Funds are available in Account 201-50000-601170.
Requested, Ronald M. Hill, General Counsel, RMH:LLD:JJZ:EMA:TN:crb
Requested, Catherine A. O'Connor, Director of Engineering
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 20, 2014