TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF NOVEMBER 1, 2018
COMMITTEE ON PROCUREMENT
Mr. John P. Murray, Acting Executive Director
Title
Issue a purchase order and enter into an agreement with Northwestern University, to conduct leading edge research using molecular methods to support the Sidestream Enhanced Biological Phosphorus Removal Test at the Calumet Water Reclamation Plant, in an amount not to exceed $139,443.00, Account 201-50000-612430, Requisition 1467356
Body
Dear Sir:
Authorization is requested to issue a purchase order and enter into an agreement with Northwestern University (NU), according to the terms and conditions of the NU Master Agreement, to conduct research on the application of molecular methods to quantify abundance, population structure, and functions of polyphosphate accumulating organisms and their impact on phosphorus (P) removal in the sidestream enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) test reactor at the Calumet Water Reclamation Plant (WRP). The project is part of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago’s (District) efforts to fulfil its obligation of phosphorus (P) removal to meet the effluent P limit at the Calumet WRP, as required by the renewed National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit.
Implementation of biological P removal at the Calumet WRP is challenging because of the carbon limited inflow conditions. This research will provide crucial technical support to the District’s effort of conducting a pilot test at the Calumet WRP on developing a carbon efficient biological P removal process. The research study will monitor the health, diversity, and abundance of the key microorganisms responsible for P removal during the pilot test and generate valuable information for guiding the test. Therefore, this research is beneficial to the District in understanding the application of sidestream fermentation in meeting the carbon challenge to achieve sustainable P removal. The research study is anticipated to begin on November 16, 2018. The purchase order will expire on December 31, 2019.
The Principal Investigator for this project will be Dr. George Wells, Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at NU, where he runs the Environmental Biotechnology and Microbial Ecology Laboratory. Dr. Wells’ post-doctoral researchers will be the primary staff on this research project, working mainly from District facilities. Dr. Wells and his post-doctoral researchers are best suited to conduct this work, because the team members are nationally recognized experts in sustainable biological wastewater treatment, molecular microbial ecology of activated sludge, and resource efficient nitrogen and P removal bioprocesses.
NU, the expert provider to perform crucial services to support the District’s biological P removal efforts, has submitted pricing for the services required. In as much as NU is the expert provider for the services, nothing would be gained by advertising for bids (Section 11.4 of the Purchasing Act).
NU is a non-profit educational institution and is, therefore, not required to register with the State of Illinois.
The Multi-Project Labor Agreement is not applicable due to the specialized nature of the services required.
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 Northwestern University, in an amount not to exceed $139,443.00.
Funds for the 2018 expenditure, in the amount of $64,481.00, are available in Account 201-50000-612430. The estimated expenditure for 2019 is $74,962.00. Funds for the 2019 expenditure are included in the 2019 Budget and contingent on the Board of Commissioners’ approval of the District’s budget for that year.
Requested, Edward W. Podczerwinski, Director of Monitoring and Research, EWP:KB:HZ:GR: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 November 1, 2018