TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF APRIL 3, 2025
COMMITTEE ON PROCUREMENT
Mr. John P. Murray, Acting Executive Director
Title
Authority to Advertise Contract 25-105-11 Laboratory Analysis of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Adsorbable Organic Fluorine in Wastewater Samples, estimated cost $98,000.00, Account 101-16000-612490, Requisition 1635925
Body
Dear Sir:
Contract documents and specifications have been prepared to advertise Contract 25-105-11 to provide laboratory analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and Adsorbable Organic Fluorine (AOF) in wastewater samples for compliance purposes and monitoring by the Industrial Waste Division (IWD). This contract will end on December 31, 2025.
The purpose of this contract is to obtain services for analyzing PFAS in water and biosolids samples collected from interceptors, industrial users, 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) Methods 1633 and/or 1621. Method 1633 is recommended by the USEPA and is the sole PFAS analysis method validated across multiple laboratories for various aqueous matrices including wastewater, surface water, groundwater, landfill leachate, as well as soil, sediment, biosolids, and fish and shellfish tissue. USEPA Method 1621 is for determination of AOF in aqueous matrices and detects other fluorinated compounds not specifically identified by Method 1633. Laboratory analyses using USEPA Methods 1633 and 1621 are anticipated to be required as part of a nationwide USEPA-required study to assess the presence of PFAS in various locations of wastewater collection and treatment processes. In addition, renewed National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits expected in 2025 will require quarterly analysis of PFAS utilizing USEPA Method 1633 for influent and effluent, as well as biannual biosolids analysis.
The IWD also plans to continue its study of PFAS in the District’s service area by conducting targeted sampling of specific industrial facilities, or interceptors to further delineate PFAS sources impacting influent streams at District Water Reclamation Plants.
Conducting this monitoring is essential for complying with anticipated regulatory requirements, characterizing PFAS sources within the District's wastewater collection systems, 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 $98,000.00.
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 May 7, 2025
Bid Opening May 27, 2025
Award June 26, 2025
Completion December 31, 2025
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 25-105-11.
Requested, Edward W. Podczerwinski, Director of Monitoring and Research EP:JW:MG:RA:HW
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 April 3, 2025