TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR THE BOARD MEETING OF FEBRUARY 21, 2008
COMMITTEE ON PURCHASING
Mr. Richard Lanyon, General Superintendent
Title
Issue a purchase order and enter into an agreement with Black & Veatch Corporation for consulting services to certify the performance of the MBM biosolids processing facility at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant, in the amount of $334,000.00, Account 101-69000-612590, (Req. 1237497)
Body
Dear Sir:
Authorization is requested to issue a purchase order and enter into an agreement with Black & Veatch Corporation for consulting services to certify the new Metropolitan Biosolids Management, LLC (MBM) biosolids processing facility at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant (WRP) for commercial operation. The objective and scope of work is to determine whether or not the new facility passes the performance test specified in the MBM Contract (98-RFP-10), and also to recommend whether or not the new facility is fit for commercial operation.
As authorized by the General Superintendent, the Maintenance and Operations Department (M&O) solicited four firms to present an un-priced proposal to provide the consulting services. These firms were chosen from the Engineering Department's Consolidated Consultant Selection Process list and are as follows: Black & Veach Corporation (B&V); Camp Dresser and McKee, Inc. (CDM); CH2M Hill, Inc.; and Malcolm Pirnie, Inc.
All four firms confirmed that they would submit proposals, however, CDM stated that a conflict of interest may exist because CDM was hired by Morgan Stanley to perform due diligence for the financing of MBM's original proposal. The Law Department later determined that CDM's involvement with MBM's original proposal creates an appearance of, if not an actual, conflict of interest. Therefore, CDM was eliminated from further consideration.
The three remaining firms made their presentations on January 23, 2008, to a Selection Advisory Committee (the Committee) composed of six District registered Professional Engineers. The Committee evaluated the presentations and ranked the three firms in three general categories: experience, qualifications, and the firm's understanding and approach to the project.
B&V was selected by M&O to provide the consulting services because B&V's team has a far better understanding of both the project, and the District's needs, than the other two firms.
The firms Milhouse Engineering and Construction, Inc., and M.P.R. Engineering Corp., Inc., are Minority-Owned Business Enterprises (MBE)/Small Business Enterprises (SBE) and the firm Environmental Design International, Inc., is a Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE)/Small Business Enterprise (SBE), and will actively participate in providing services required by the Agreement. Also, Clean Water Solutions, LLC, will actively participate in providing services required by the Agreement as a non-PCE Subconsultant. The work to be performed by PCE Subconsultants represents approximately 25.0% of the total dollar value of the Agreement.
The Affirmative Action Section reviewed the Agreement and concluded that B&V is in accord with the District's Affirmative Action Policy.
The performance test is currently expected to commence and be completed before December 31, 2008.
In view of the foregoing, and in accordance with Section 11.4 of the Purchasing Act, it is recommended that the Purchasing Agent be authorized to issue a purchase order and enter into an agreement with Black & Veatch Corporation, in the amount of $334,000.00. Funds are available in Account Number 101-69000-612590.
Requested, Osoth Jamjun, Chief of Maintenance and Operations, MPS:SO'C:MAG:JK
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 February 21, 2008. Approved, President Terrence J. O'Brien