TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF AUGUST 12, 2010
COMMITTEE ON PROCUREMENT
Mr. Richard Lanyon, Executive Director
Title
Issue purchase order and enter into an agreement with Laboratory Synergy L.L.C., to Furnish, Deliver and Install an Auto Titration System, in an amount not to exceed $34,451.00, Account 101-16000-634970, Requisition 1307162
Body
Dear Sir:
Authorization is requested to issue a purchase order (PO) and enter into an agreement with Laboratory Synergy L.L.C. (Lab Synergy), to furnish, deliver and install an auto titration system at the Egan Analytical Laboratory (EAL). The EAL will use this equipment for the measurement of pH and alkalinity of treatment plant samples. The new equipment will replace an older model that is obsolete, which will be retained as a backup device. This PO will expire on December 31, 2010.
The new equipment will provide automated analyses of pH and alkalinity content of treatment plant samples and it is equipped with software that is fully compatible with the Laboratory Information Management System. This new system will provide better accuracy and precision in the results of laboratory analyses, by eliminating the need for the analyst to judge where the endpoint occurs. Because the instrument is automated, more samples can be analyzed, which will allow the operator to perform other duties at the same time.
Similar automated instrumentation is currently used at the Stickney and Calumet Analytical Laboratories. The use of the same instrumentation provides uniformity of procedures and data quality at all three labs. In addition, this instrumentation will be covered by an existing service agreement the District has with Lab Synergy.
Lab Synergy, the sole-service provider to furnish, deliver and install an auto titration system, has submitted pricing for the services, equipment and accessories required. Inasmuch as Lab Synergy is the only source of supply for the services, equipment and accessories required, nothing would be gained by advertising for bids (Section 11.4 of the Purchasing Act). In addition, the equipment and accessories provided under the PO/agreement are economically available from a single source.
Lab Synergy is registered and in good standing 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 PO and enter into an agreement with Lab Synergy, in an amount not to exceed $34,451.00.
Funds are available in Account 101-16000-634970.
Requested, Louis Kollias, Director of Monitoring and Research, LK:TG:MPC:KB:op\bk
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 August 12, 2010