TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF DECEMBER 18, 2025
COMMITTEE ON PROCUREMENT
Mr. John P. Murray, Executive Director
Title
Authorization for payment to the Water Research Foundation for the 2026 Annual Research Commitment in an amount not to exceed $190,663.00, Account 101-15000-612280
Body
Dear Sir:
Authorization is requested to make payment, by direct voucher, to the Water Research Foundation (WRF) as a member of WRF, for the 2026 Annual Research Commitment, in an amount not to exceed $190,663.00.
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (District) is in receipt of the 2026 annual subscription renewal notice from the WRF for the period January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026.
Attached is a summary report outlining the District’s ongoing involvement with the WRF. The report highlights the District’s participation in twenty-two active research projects, demonstrating our continued commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and collaboration in the water sector.
Among these efforts, the District received a $150,000.00 grant under WRF Project 5271, titled “Balancing Carbon Management, Energy Management, Energy Production, Nutrient Removal, and Densification.” This funding supports a pilot study at the Egan Water Reclamation Plant focused on evaluating energy and infrastructure tradeoffs related to enhanced nutrient removal. This area is becoming increasingly important for regulatory compliance and long-term sustainability.
In addition to the projects listed in the report, the broader WRF research portfolio includes other initiatives that provide valuable insights relevant to District operations. For example, the District is currently supporting WRF Project 5362, which focuses on reducing emissions from equipment used at water reclamation facilities. This work supports our environmental stewardship goals and efforts to improve air quality and operational efficiency.
Maintaining our WRF subscription ensures timely access to high-quality research findings through detailed progress and final reports, as well as interactive resources such as webinars, workshops, and technical forums. These tools are essential in guiding our strategies across a range of critical areas, including stormwater management, water quality, wastewater treatment, energy recovery, biosolids processing, nutrient removal, and utility sustainability.
The District’s annual investment of $190,663.00 in WRF membership continues to deliver strong value. It is conservatively estimated that conducting comparable research independently would cost the District several times more. Continued participation in WRF supports our mission and represents a fiscally responsible approach to advancing our strategic goals.
The WRF, the sole source of supply, has submitted pricing for the amount of the District’s 2026 annual research commitment. Inasmuch as the research benefits are not available through any other source of supply, 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 the WRF, in an amount not to exceed $190,663.00.
Funds have been budgeted in Account 101-15000-612280 and are contingent on the Board of Commissioner’s approval of the District’s budget for that year.
Requested, Shellie Riedle, Administrative Services Officer, SR:EWP:HZ:AC:RA:jb
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 December 18, 2025
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