TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF JANUARY 23, 2020
COMMITTEE ON PROCUREMENT
Mr. Brian A. Perkovich, Executive Director
Title
Authorization for payment to the Water Research Foundation for the 2020 Annual Research Commitment in an amount not to exceed $152,290.00, Account 101-15000-612280
Body
Dear Sir:
Authorization is requested for payment, by direct voucher, to the Water Research Foundation (WRF) (formerly, Water Environment and Reuse Foundation) for the 2020 Annual Research Commitment, in an amount not to exceed $152,290.00.
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (District) is in receipt of the 2020 annual subscription renewal notice from WRF for the period January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020.
WRF is currently sponsoring 125 projects, of which 97 projects totaling approximately $17 million of expenditures are applicable to the District. The list of 97 projects is attached.
By remaining a subscriber to WRF, the District will reap the benefits of the findings from various projects in a timely manner through WRF's excellent progress reports and final reports. The information that will be gathered particularly in the areas of water quality, wastewater treatment, energy recovery, sludge processing, and nutrient removal will be highly beneficial to the District's current operations and future planning of capital improvement projects. It is estimated that the District's annual investment of $152,290.00 for a WRF subscription saves the District many times that amount if this research were to be conducted in-house.
WRF, the sole-source of supply, has submitted pricing for the amount of the research commitment requested. 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 WRF, in an amount not to exceed $152,290.00. Funds are available in Account 101-15000-612280.
Requested, Eileen McElligott, Administrative Services Officer, EMcE:EWP:KB:HZ:AC:kq
Recommended, Darlene A. LoCascio, Director of Procurement and Materials Management
Respectfully Submitted, Barbara J. McGowan, Chairman Committee on Procurement
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners for January 23, 2020
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