TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF JUNE 17, 2021
COMMITTEE ON PROCUREMENT
Mr. Brian A. Perkovich, Executive Director
Title
Authorization to make payment to Current Innovation, NFP (Current) for the 2021 annual membership dues, in an amount not to exceed $100,000.00, Account 101-15000-612280 (Deferred from the June 3, 2021 Board Meeting)
Body
Dear Sir:
Authorization is requested to make payment by direct voucher to Current, in an amount not to exceed $100,000.00 for annual membership dues in 2021.
Current is a non-profit water entity based in Chicago, Illinois, and was launched in 2016 as a public-private partnership of the City of Chicago, the District and World Business Chicago. Current leverages Chicago’s world-class utilities, research institutions, industries and innovation community for global environmental and economic impact. Through this collaborative platform, Current aims to enhance the efficiency and resiliency of water systems, develop innovative water technology solutions to safeguard clean water and improve wastewater treatment, and raise global awareness of water to increase investment and employment in the water industry. Current has developed and is working to thrive on the following three programs: (1) a public/private Research Consortium to engage leading researchers focused on developing innovative solutions to the most pressing water challenges faced by industry and utilities, (2) a network of at least five demonstration sites throughout the region to evaluate, validate and test new water technologies and (3) a connection across public and private entities to connect validated technologies with innovators, investors and customers. Through these programs, Current will help the Chicago region catalyze national and global progress toward secure, sustainable, efficient, and resilient water systems. These programs are consistent with the District’s strategic business plan, particularly the District’s efforts toward resource recovery and nurturing strategic partnerships.
Current is the sole source of supply. Inasmuch as participation in this membership is 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 Current, in an amount not to exceed $100,000.00.
Funds are available in Account 101-15000-612280.
Requested, Brian A. Perkovich, Executive Director, CO:PS
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 June 17, 2021