TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF MAY 3, 2018
COMMITTEE ON PROCUREMENT
Mr. David St. Pierre, Executive Director
Title
Issue purchase order to Skalar, Inc., to Furnish and Deliver Two Auto-Samplers, in an amount not to exceed $27,450.00, Account 101-16000-634970, Requisition 1490268
Body
Dear Sir:
Authorization is requested to issue a purchase order to Skalar, Inc. (Skalar) to furnish and deliver two auto-samplers. The Monitoring and Research Department’s Industrial Waste Analytical Laboratory (IWAL) at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant will use this equipment. This purchase order will expire on July 31, 2018.
The equipment will be used to replace current auto-samplers, which are coupled to the two existing Skalar automated analyzers already in use in the laboratory. Skalar computer controlled auto-samplers are the only auto-samplers that will work with the IWAL’s existing Skalar instrumentation and software. Rather than purchase entirely new instrumentation to analyze for cyanide, weak acid dissociable cyanide, phenol, and total organic carbon, it is a more cost effective and budget conscious option to only replace the components of the instruments that are repeatedly breaking down.
The auto-samplers are critical components of the Skalar automated analyzers. They allow samples to be fully automatically analyzed without any operator supervision. Furthermore, they provide for extended operation outside working hours with automatic start up and shut down.
The District’s seven NPDES permits require that the District monitor for cyanide, phenol and total organic carbon, so it is essential that this instrumentation remain fully functional and operational. Moreover, the IWAL supports the Industrial Waste Division’s enforcement program and the Environmental Monitoring and Research Division’s research studies through analysis of samples for the previously mentioned parameters.
Skalar, the manufacturer and sole source of supply, has submitted pricing for the equipment required. Inasmuch as Skalar is the sole source of supply for the computer controlled auto-samplers required, nothing would be gained by advertising for bids (Section 11.4 of the Purchasing Act).
Skalar is registered and in good standing with the State of Illinois.
The Multi-Project Labor Agreement is not applicable to this contract because it is primarily a furnish and deliver contract.
In view of the foregoing, it is recommended that the Director of Procurement and Materials Management be authorized to issue a purchase order and enter into an agreement with Skalar, in an amount not to exceed $27,450.00.
Funds are available in Account 101-16000-634970.
Requested, Edward W. Podczerwinski, Director of Monitoring and Research, EWP:KB:DB:vp/ae
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 May 3, 2018
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