TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF JUNE 6, 2024
COMMITTEE ON PROCUREMENT
Mr. Brian A. Perkovich, Executive Director
Title
Authorization for payment to Unified Engineering LP for Accident Reconstruction Expert Consulting Services in an amount not to exceed $20,000, Account 901-30000-667220
Body
Dear Sir:
Authorization is requested to make payment, by direct voucher, to Unified Engineering LP for professional accident reconstruction expert witness services to assist in the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago’s (the “District”) defense of Lasonya Alexander v. Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, et al., Case No. 2023 L 4223, currently pending in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, in an amount not to exceed $20,000.00.
The District and its employee are the only defendants in this personal injury lawsuit seeking compensation for injuries Plaintiff allegedly suffered following a traffic accident. Despite a minor brush of the vehicles involved, Plaintiff is alleging injuries that have required substantial medical treatment, including multiple surgeries. To properly defend the District in this litigation, the Law Department must retain the services of an outside expert to reconstruct the accident, including through the use of video reconstruction, engineering analysis, site visit, and vehicle inspection.
The level of expertise required for this work is specialized, requiring experience in reviewing and analyzing police reports, video files, measuring damage to vehicles, and reviewing witness testimony. The selected expert is a reputable professional engineer who specializes in accident reconstruction and has served as an expert witness in the past, including for other government agencies. The expert’s proposed charges would be $320.00 per hour.
Unified Engineering LP possesses the requisite skill to provide these services. Since the services to be provided require a high degree of professional skill where the ability of the individual plays an important part, nothing would be gained by advertising for bids (Section 11.4 of the Purchasing Act).
It is hereby recommended that the Board of Commissioners authorize payment, by direct voucher, to Unified Engineering LP, in an amount not to exceed $20,000.00. Funds are available in Account 901-30000-667220.
Requested, Susan T. Morakalis, General Counsel, STM:JTM:ATF:nl
Recommended, Darelene A. LoCascio, Director of Procurement and Materials Management
Respectfully Submitted, Marcelino Garcia, 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 June 6, 2024