TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF DECEMBER 18, 2008
COMMITTEE ON PURCHASING
Mr. Richard Lanyon, General Superintendent
Title
Issue purchase order and enter into an agreement with the University of Florida, for Phase II Studies on the Fate of Triclosan and Triclocarbon in the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago Biosolids, in an amount not to exceed $146,500.00, Account 101-16000-601170, Requisition 1261202
Body
Dear Sir:
Authorization is requested to issue a purchase order (PO) and enter into an agreement with the University of Florida, for Phase II Studies on the Fate of Triclosan and Triclocarbon in the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (District) Biosolids at the Lue-Hing Research and Development Complex for the Environmental Monitoring and Research Division of the Research and Development Department. This purchase order will expire on December 31, 2010.
Under this agreement, the University of Florida, with Dr. George O’Connor as the Principal Investigator, will conduct Phase II of the Studies on the Fate of Triclosan and Triclocarbon in the District biosolids. Both of these compounds, categorized as large-volume chemicals, are active ingredients in anti-bacterial soaps, detergents, and other personal care products, and are discharged into wastewater streams. The fate of these compounds is an emerging issue and the United States Environmental Protection Agency is evaluating possible regulations to minimize the impact of these compounds in the environment. Information on the fate of these compounds in District biosolids will help minimize the impact of future regulations and potential concerns on the District’s biosolids management program.
Phase I of this project began in April 2007 and will conclude on December 31, 2008. The scope of work includes the quantification of the levels of Triclosan and Triclocarbon in District biosolids and evaluation of the fate of these compounds when biosolids are land-applied. The cost of Phase I is $50,000.00. In Phase II, the studies that began in Phase I will be continued to ultimately develop an improved risk assessment for biosolids-borne Triclosan/Triclocarbon.
The University of Florida, the sole service provider of Phase II Studies on the Fate of Triclosan and Triclocarbon in the District biosolids, has submitted pricing for the services required. Since Dr. O’Connor has been studying the fate of organic pollutants in land applied biosolids for over 20 years, the work to be performed by him under the auspices of the University of Florida is for the service of individuals possessing a high degree of professional skill where the ability or fitness of the individual plays an important part. Inasmuch as the University of Florida is the only analytical laboratory capable of performing the analysis required, nothing would be gained by advertising for bids (Section 11.4 of the Purchasing Act).
The University of Florida is not required to register with the State of Illinois because it is a non-profit organization.
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 Purchasing Agent be authorized to issue a purchase order and enter into an agreement with the University of Florida in an amount not to exceed $146,500.00.
Funds for the 2009 expenditure in the amount of $72,500.00 are available in Account 101-16000-601170. The estimated expenditure for 2010 is $74,000.00. Funds for the 2010 expenditure are contingent on the Board of Commissioners’ approval of the District’s budget for that year.
Requested, Louis Kollias, Director of Research and Development, LK:WJS:MPC:KB:op
Recommended, Darlene A. LoCascio, Purchasing Agent
Respectfully Submitted, Barbara J. McGowan, Chairman Committee on Purchasing
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners for December 18, 2008