TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF FEBRUARY 15, 2024
COMMITTEE ON PROCUREMENT
Mr. Brian A. Perkovich, Executive Director
Title
Issue purchase order and enter into a tailored research collaboration grant agreement with the Water Research Foundation for the study of balancing carbon management, energy management, energy production, nutrient removal, and densification, in an amount not to exceed $150,000.00, Account 101-16000-612490, Requisition 1613837
Body
Dear Sir:
Authorization is requested to enter into a tailored research collaboration (TRC) agreement with the Water Research Foundation (WRF) for a study on balancing carbon management, energy management, energy production, nutrient removal, and densification, in an amount not to exceed $150,000.00. The total estimated cost of the project is $872,136.00. This research project will be conducted at the John E. Egan Water Reclamation Plant (Egan WRP) starting in the summer of 2024 and is planned to end in 2026.
The study will be conducted by the Monitoring and Research Department in collaboration with Black & Veatch and Wastewater Microbial Solutions, a women and minority owned business, as part of the project proposal. It is anticipated that interns from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago’s (District’s) internship program will be utilized for this project and will provide a unique learning experience.
The culmination of the WRF TRC will provide valuable insight into operation and design at the Egan WRP and this study will produce a final report with greater understanding of energy management, nutrient removal, and activated sludge densification to optimize phosphorus removal for dissemination throughout the wastewater community. The District will monetary contribution $150,000.00 in direct funding and will provide in-kind support of $365,000.00, as part of the terms of the TRC. Black & Veatch will contribute in-kind support of $207,136.00, and WRF will provide co-funding support in the amount of $150,000.00, to match the District’s contribution. The funding contributions will be managed by WRF.
The WRF, the sole provider of the TRC grant, has submitted a co-funding and in-kind summary of the study. Inasmuch as the grant and 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).
The WRF is not registered to do business in the State of Illinois, but has submitted a certificate of good standing from the State of Colorado. The Director of Monitoring and Research has approved moving forward with this vendor.
The Multi-Project Labor Agreement (MPLA) is not applicable, as the classification of work does not fall under its provisions.
The Affirmative Action Ordinance is not included, as the WRF is the sole provider of the grant.
Therefore, it is respectfully requested that the Director of Procurement and Materials Management be authorized to issue a purchase order and enter into a TRC agreement with WRF, in an amount not to exceed $150,000.00.
Funds are available in Account 101-16000-612490.
Requested, Edward W. Podczerwinski, Director of Monitoring and Research, EWP:JSG:JAK:LLS:ae
Recommended, Darlene A. LoCascio, Director of Procurement and Materials Management
Respectfully Submitted, Marcelino Garcia, 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 February 15, 2024