Title
Resolution authorizing a one year contract, with up to four one-year renewals, with Quercus Consulting, Chicago, Illinois, for sustainability consulting for Lake County in the amount of $189,616.
Staff Summary
• On December 8, 2015, the Lake County Board approved a resolution adopting the Strategy for a Sustainable Lake County.
• This strategy is the operation or implementation plan for County departments to implement the Strategic Goal of promoting a sustainable environment.
• As highlighted in the strategic goal update to the Committee of the Whole in August 2017, the Strategic Goals of a Sustainable Lake County have paved the way for additional action steps toward achieving the County’s goals and guiding principles for sustainability.
• In an effort to assist in the support, management, and achievement of specific strategies for sustainability initiatives within Lake County, a Request for Proposal (RFP) was extended to 31 vendors resulting in sealed proposals from and interviews with three vendors.
• Based on the criteria set forth in the RFP, an evaluation committee selected Quercus Consulting, Chicago, Illinois, as the most favorable proposal for Lake County.
• This contract, in the amount of $189,616, provides for the following specific sustainability tasks: (a) research and development of realistic grant opportunities with at least five grant applications completed; (b) completion of energy audits for a list of selected County facilities; (c) develop and implement a waste reduction program that achieves cost savings through food scrap collection (composting) pilot program at Lake County Jail; and (d) completion of a baseline carbon footprint for Lake County.
• Items anticipated for inclusion in these first specific tasks showcase sustainability aspects of current plans and projects, and identify goals, actions steps and performance measurements for future implementation programs and projects.
• The first year of the contract, which will be managed through the County Administrator’s Office, is funded through the 2017 budget and carry-over process.
Body
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, in accordance with Section 5-102 of the Lake County Purchasing Ordinance, proposals were called for by publication for; Sustainability Consulting for Lake County; and
WHEREAS, a need for a Request for Proposal (RFP) was identified for the purpose of establishing a contract with a qualified professional consulting firm to support, manage, and maintain specific strategies for sustainability initiatives in Lake County.
WHEREAS, the Strategic goals of a Sustainable Lake County have paved the way for additional action steps toward achieving the County’s goals and guiding principles for sustainability.
WHEREAS, subsequent to said publication, requests for proposals were extended to 31 vendors; and
WHEREAS, sealed proposals were received from three vendors and opened in the County Building, Waukegan, Illinois, on June 22, 2017 at 2:00 p.m.; and
WHEREAS, an evaluation committee made up of representatives from Finance and Administration, the Sheriff’s Office, SWALCO, and the County Administrator’s Office held interviews with all three firms; and
WHEREAS, based on the criteria set forth in the RFP, the evaluation committee selected Quercus Consulting, of Chicago, Illinois, as the most favorable proposal for Lake County; and
WHEREAS, as part of the 2017 budget and carry-over process, the County Administrator’s Office budgeted for this service and will also manage this contract.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by this County Board of Lake County, Illinois, that that the Purchasing Agent is authorized to enter into a contract with Quercus Consulting, of Chicago, Illinois, for sustainability consulting for Lake County in the amount of $189,616 for a one-year term with up to four one-year renewals, charging to the following account numbers: 101-1101055-71150: $140,000 and 101-1102040-71150: $49,616
DATED at Waukegan, Illinois, October 10, 2017.