TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF FEBRUARY 18, 2016
COMMITTEE ON Procurement
Mr. David St. Pierre, Executive Director
Title
Authorization to amend the scope of work and agreement with MWH Americas, Inc., for professional engineering services for Contract 12-055-5C Preliminary Engineering for a Flood Control Project on the West Fork of the North Branch of the Chicago River, Account 501-50000-601410, Purchase Order 3072526
Body
Dear Sir:
On April 19, 2012, the Board of Commissioners authorized the Director of Procurement and Materials Management to issue a purchase order and enter into an agreement with MWH Americas, Inc. (MWH), for professional engineering services for Contract 12-055-5C, Preliminary Engineering for a Flood Control Project on the West Fork of the North Branch of the Chicago River, in an amount not to exceed $2,805,007.13. The contract expires on June 30, 2016.
There have been no prior change orders. There has been one prior scope amendment, which was approved by the Board of Commissioners on January 7, 2016 to authorize MWH to assist the District in updating the Emergency Action Plan for the dam at Techny B Reservoir in the Village of Northbrook.
The work proposed under this request will lead to the development of a Lake Michigan Watershed Restoration and Flood Management Plan for portions of the historic Lake Michigan watershed in Cook County. Several recent flood management efforts, including the work performed under this contract by MWH, have highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to the development of effective solutions and to avoid interbasin transfer of clear stormwater that currently is conveyed to the combined sewer system. In particular, potential solutions must consider both quality and quantity issues related to stormwater management and flood control if they are to be acceptable to regulatory agencies and the public. The Illinois EPA is proceeding with the development of new Total Maximum Daily Load requirements for Lake Michigan and inland waterways and the update of the general National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Phase 2 Stormwater Permit program for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems. These regulations will require an increased focus on water quality outcomes related to stormwater and flood management projects.
The work will include a comprehensive approach to these issues and will lead to the formulation of a high level, overall strategy for improved management of wet weather flows in the Lake Michigan watershed. The preliminary engineering work already completed under this contract, as well as recent experience gained by MWH during its development of preliminary design documents for a stormwater management project in the Village of Winnetka, will be utilized in the development of the Watershed Restoration and Flood Management Plan. Data collected and hydrologic/hydraulic models developed previously by the District during its preparation of the Detailed Watershed Plan for the North Branch Chicago River and Lake Michigan Watershed will also be used extensively in the analysis. In addition, early outreach to key regulatory and environmental groups will occur.
This work can be completed with the remaining funds of this contract.
This change order is in compliance with the Illinois Criminal Code since the change is 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 an amendment to amend the scope of work and amend the agreement with MWH, with no change in total contract amount.
Funds are available in Account 501-50000-601410.
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 February 18, 2016