TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF OCTOBER 17, 2024
COMMITTEE ON PROCUREMENT
Mr. Brian A. Perkovich, Executive Director
Title
Authority to increase payment to Inspe Associates LLC for Medical Expert Consulting Services, in an amount not to exceed $30,000.00, from an amount of $50,000.00, to an amount not to exceed $80,000.00, Account 901-30000-667220
Body
Dear Sir:
On June 6, 2024, the Board authorized a payment, by direct voucher, to Inspe Associates LLC in an amount not to exceed $50,000.00 for medical expert consulting and 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.
There have been no prior changes orders on this contract.
Original Contract Amount $50,000.00
Date of Board Approval 6/6/2024
Cumulative Change Order (10/09/2024) $0
% Change of Original Contract Value 0%
Current Contract Value $50,000.00
Requested Increase or Decrease $30,000.00
New Contract Value $80,000.00
% Change of Current Contract Value 60.00%
Total % Change of Original Contract Value 60.00%
The District and its employee are the only defendants in this personal injury lawsuit seeking compensation for injuries Plaintiff allegedly suffered following a traffic incident. Despite a minor brushing between the vehicles involved, Plaintiff claims that her injuries sustained in the incident require both substantial and long-term medical treatment.
Initially, the District believed that the expert assistance of one medical doctor specializing in orthopedic surgery would be required. However, after deposing Plaintiff’s treating physicians, the District now also requires the assistance of a medical doctor specializing in long term pain management and any potential connection to the incident.
The level of expertise required for this work is specialized, requiring experience in reviewing and analyzing medical records, radiographic images, and medical doctor testimony. This expert may also conduct an independent medical examination of the Plaintiff. The selected expert is a reputable medical doctor and has served as an expert witness in the past. The expert’s proposed charges would be $600.00 per hour for record review and preparation of an expert report, and $1,200.00 per hour for deposition or trial testimony.
Inspe Associates LLC 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 the District to increase payment to Inspe Associates LLC, in an amount not to exceed $30,000.00, from an amount of $50,000.00, to an amount not to exceed $80,000.00. Funds are available in Account 901-30000-667220.
Requested, Susan T. Morakalis, General Counsel, STM:JTM:ATF:nl
Recommended, Darlene A. LoCascio, Director of Procurement and Materials Management
Respectfully Submitted, Marcelino Garcia, Chairman Committee of Procurement
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners for October 17, 2024