TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF APRIL 16, 2026
COMMITTEE ON PROCUREMENT
Mr. John P. Murray, Executive Director
Title
Authorization to make payment to Current Innovation, NFP (Current) for the 2025 and 2026 annual membership dues, in the amount of $200,000.00, Account 101-15000-612280
Body
Dear Sir:
Authorization is requested to make payment by direct voucher to Current, in the amount of $200,000.00 for 2025 and 2026 annual membership dues. The term of the District’s 2025 membership is January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, in the amount of $100,000.00, and the term of the District’s 2026 membership is January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026, in the amount of 100,000.00.
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 Metropolitan Water Reclamation 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 enhances the efficiency and resiliency of water systems, accelerate innovative water technology solutions to safeguard clean water and improve wastewater treatment, raise global awareness of water, and grow an inclusive blue economy for all. Current accelerates innovation by maintaining a water technology database, facilitating technology pilot sites, and conducting demonstration projects.
In 2025, the District supported key Current programs, including H2NOW and the Great Lakes ReNEW initiative, through in-kind contributions of staff time, technical expertise, laboratory services, equipment, and boat support. The District also participates in the Great Lakes ReNEW initiative, a National Science Foundation-funded Regional Innovation Engine, through committees, workshops, and technology testbed opportunities. In addition, the District provided input on Current’s Inclusive Blue Economy Strategy, including the Upstream Illinois plan, which focuses on inclusive growth and job pathways in the water sector.
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 the amount of $200,000.00.
Funds are available in Account 101-15000-612280.
Requested, Shellie A. Riedle, Administrative Services Officer, CO
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 16, 2026