TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF MARCH 19, 2026
COMMITTEE ON PROCUREMENT
Mr. John P. Murray, Executive Director
Title
Authority to advertise Contract 26-103-11 Laboratory Analysis of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, estimated cost $93,000.00, Account 101-16000-612490, Requisition 1654793
Body
Dear Sir:
Contract documents and specifications have been prepared to advertise contract to provide laboratory analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in wastewater and biosolids samples for compliance purposes and monitoring by the Monitoring and Research Department. This contract will end on December 31, 2026.
The purpose of this contract is to obtain services for analyzing PFAS in water and biosolids samples collected from industrial facilities and/or water reclamation plants located throughout the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago's (District's) service area, using the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Method 1633A. Method 1633A is approved by the USEPA and is the sole PFAS analysis method validated across multiple laboratories for various matrices including wastewater, surface water, groundwater, landfill leachate, as well as soil, sediment, biosolids, and fish and shellfish tissue. Renewed National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits expected in 2026 will require quarterly analysis of PFAS utilizing USEPA Method 1633A for influents and effluents, as well as biannual biosolids analysis.
The Monitoring and Research Department also plans to continue its study of PFAS in the District’s service area by conducting targeted sampling of specific industrial facilities to facilitate source control efforts and identification of PFAS sources impacting influent streams at District Water Reclamation Plants.
Conducting this monitoring is essential for complying with anticipated regulatory requirements, characterizing PFAS sources, and establishing appropriate pretreatment programs aimed at mitigating any potential adverse impacts on the District and its rate payers.
The District's Analytical Laboratories Division is not equipped to employ this analytical method, so contract laboratory service is necessary.
The estimated cost for this contract is $93,000.00.
A bid deposit is not required for this contract.
The Multi-Project Labor Agreement (MPLA) is not applicable because the classification of work does not fall under the provision of the MPLA.
The Affirmative Action Ordinance (Ordinance), Revised Appendix D and Appendix V is not included in this contract because the estimate is less than the threshold established by Section 4 of the Ordinance.
The tentative schedule for this contract is as follows:
Advertise April 22, 2026
Bid Opening May 12, 2026
Award June 4, 2026
Completion December 31, 2026
Funds are available in Account 101-16000-612490.
In view of the foregoing, it is recommended that the Director of Procurement and Materials Management be authorized to advertise Contract 26-103-11.
Requested, Edward W. Podczerwinski, Director of Monitoring and Research EP:JW:HS:RA:lm
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 March 19, 2026