TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF JUNE 5, 2008
COMMITTEE ON PURCHASING
Mr. Richard Lanyon, General Superintendent
Title
Issue a purchase order to the University of Illinois at Chicago, under the University of Illinois Master Agreement, to conduct analyses of isotopic composition of nitrate in the Illinois Area Waterways, in an amount not to exceed $29,920.00, Account 101-16000-601170, Requisition 1241676
Body
Dear Sir:
Authorization is requested to issue a purchase order (PO) to the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), under the Master Agreement (MA), to conduct analyses of isotopic composition of nitrate in the Illinois Waterway. This work will be supervised by the Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Section of the Environmental Monitoring and Research Division of the Research and Development Department. This PO will end on December 31, 2008.
The principal investigator for this project will be Neil Sturchio, Ph.D., who is a professor in the Department of Environmental and Earth Sciences at the UIC. Dr. Sturchio is a reputable scientific investigator and researcher in the field of environmental pollutant source tracking and his laboratory is well equipped to perform the necessary analyses in a timely manner.
The purpose of this study is to conduct isotopic analysis of nitrate in water samples collected from the Illinois Waterway and tributary streams between the Stickney WRP and the Peoria Lock and Dam. The objective of the work is to provide a better understanding and monitoring of the relative contributions of wastewater effluent and agricultural runoff and the importance of the natural denitrification process. The results of the isotopic analyses will be interpreted and reported to the District.
The work performed by the UIC under the MA is for the services of individuals possessing a high degree of professional skill where the ability or fitness of the individual plays an important part. Therefore, the services obtained are not adaptive to award by competitive bidding pursuant to Section 11.4 of the District’s Purchasing Act.
In view of the above, it is requested that the Purchasing Agent be authorized to issue a PO to the UIC, in an amount not to exceed $29,920.00. Funds are available in Account 101-16000-601170, Corporate Fund.
Requested, Louis Kollias, Director of Research and Development, LK:WJS:MPC:KB:bk
Recommended, Darlene A. LoCascio, Purchasing Agent
Respectfully Submitted, Barbara J. McGowan, Chairman Committee on Purchasing
ORDERED passed by affirmative roll call vote of a majority of the Commissioners present this June 5, 2008. Approved, President Terrence J. O’Brien