TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF JUNE 4, 2026
COMMITTEE ON PROCUREMENT
Mr. John P. Murray, Executive Director
Title
Authority to Increase purchase order and amend agreement with attorney Patrick Blanchard to continue his service as the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago’s Interim Inspector General, in an amount of $150,000.00 from an amount of $279,137.50, to an amount not to exceed $429,137.50. Account 101-11000-612430, Purchase Order 3135089
Body
Dear Sir,
On April 3, 2025, the Board of Commissioners adopted Ordinance O25-010 establishing the Officer of Interim Inspector General and authorizing the Director of Procurement and Materials Management to issue a purchase order and enter into an agreement with attorney Patrick M. Blanchard to serve as the MWRD’s Interim Inspector General (“Interim IG”) and perform inspector general services for MWRD and establish policies and practices for a non-interim inspector general, in an initial amount of $175,000.00.
As of May 29, 2026 the attached list of change orders has been approved.
Original Contract Amount $175,000.00
Date of Board Approval 04/03/2025
Cumulative Change Order $104,137.50
% Change of Original Contract Value 59.51%
Current Contract Value $279,137.50
Requested Increase $150,000.00
New Contract Value $429,137.50
% Change of Current Contract Value 53.74%
Total % Change of Original Contract Value 145.22%
The continued services of the Interim IG are necessary as MWRD is not currently ready to appoint a non-interim inspector general. Increasing the purchase order is necessary to compensate Mr. Blanchard for continued service as Interim IG for an additional six-month period until December 31, 2026. 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 a change order to increase the purchase order to Patrick Blanchard in an amount of $150,000.00 (53.7% of the current contract value) from an amount of $279,137.50, to an amount not to exceed $429,137.50.
Funds are available in Account 101-11000-612430.
Requested, Susan T. Morakalis, General Counsel, STM:mmv
Recommended, Darlene A. LoCascio, Director of Procurement and Materials Management
Respectfully Submitted, Precious Brady Davis, Chairperson Committee on Procurement
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners for June 4, 2026.
Attachment