Title
Requisition No. REQ-0005484
Dye Dilution Testing and As-Needed Engineering Services
O&M
Body
Agenda of: March 11, 2026
Item No.: 2026-107
Amount: $1,780,000.00
TO: The Honorable
Board of Directors
Great Lakes Water Authority
FROM: Suzanne R. Coffey, P.E.
Chief Executive Officer
Great Lakes Water Authority
DATE: February 27, 2026
RE: Requisition No. REQ-0005484
Dye Dilution Testing and As-Needed Engineering Services
Vendor: Applied Science Inc.
Status: New Contract/PO
MOTION
Upon recommendation of Jody Caldwell, Chief Planning Officer, the Board of Directors (Board) of the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA), authorizes the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to enter into Requisition No. REQ-0005484, “Dye Dilution Testing and As-Needed Engineering Services” with Applied Science Inc., at a cost not to exceed $1,780,000.00 for a duration of 1,825 days; and authorizes the CEO to take such other action as may be necessary to accomplish the intent of this vote.
BACKGROUND
Regional wastewater flows and contributions from member partners have been evaluated since 1991. The metering network consists of 28-member partner metering locations, 13 system metering locations, and approximately 70 meters. The sewer metering system is essential for determining a member partner’s share and resultant sewage disposal charge. To ensure accurate billing practices, the metering system must be continuously maintained, monitored and updated to account for technology and utility changes. To promote transparency and accountability, the Wastewater Analytics, Planning and Metering Group administers three (3) contracts to provide comprehensive meter evaluation and analysis, operations and maintenance, and calibration services. This structure was developed collaboratively with member partners through the Wastewater Analytics Task Force, and is currently comprised of the following contracts:
• Sewer Meter Evaluation and Analysis, Contract 2303882, 10/2024 to 10/2030, with Wade Trim Associates, Inc.
• Operations and Maintenance, Contract 2202956, 08/2023 to 07/2028, with Process Controls & Instrumentation, LLC
• Calibration and Validation Services, Contract 2003785, 06/2021 to 05/2026, with Applied Science, Inc.
JUSTIFICATION
The existing contract providing calibration services is expiring and this Dye Dilution Testing and As-Needed Engineering Services contract will continue to augment GLWA team member expertise by providing project management, dye testing services, and as-needed engineering services. The project management scope, in addition to standard tasks, includes participation at the Wastewater Analytics Task Force meetings to present dye test results to member partners, answering questions and addressing concerns prior to adopting new results, and promoting transparency in the meter calibration and validation process. The dye testing services scope is the core component of this contract, comprised of dye test coordination, field testing, laboratory analysis, computations, and reporting necessary to validate meter calibration. Each sewer meter has a defined dye test frequency and fixed cost over the duration of the contract, with an allowance for additional tests. The as-needed engineering services scope provides the ability to deliver engineering studies, design, and construction related services for sewer meter projects. It is important for GLWA to have a robust and high-quality sewer metering program because data from the meter network is used to diagnose the system on an ongoing basis and is used in a variety of important initiatives such as the annual sewer share calculation, master planning, and modeling for wet weather operations.
FINANCIAL PLAN IMPACT
The proposed agreement for dye testing services is included as a regular component of the budget for Planning Services. The current proposed contract exceeds the current financial plan. Spend under this contract varies year to year. Should the contract be used to its maximum value a budget amendment may be required, first offsetting other contract services within Planning Services, then other positive variances, and finally from the unallocated reserve.
Fund: 5910 (Water)
Cost Center: Wastewater Analytics, Planning & Metering (886100)
Expense Type: Contractual Operating Services- All Sewer
Estimated Cost by Year and Related Estimating Variance: See table below.
Fiscal Year Amount
FY 2027 Budget $355,400.00
FY 2028 Financial Plan 355,400.00
FY 2029 Financial Plan 355,400.00
FY 2030 Financial Plan 355,400.00
FY 2031 Financial Plan 269,000.00
Total Financial Plan 1,690,600.00
Proposed Contract Award 1,780,000.00
Estimated Variance to Plan ($ 89,400.00)
COMMITTEE REVIEW
This item was presented to the Operations and Resources Committee at its meeting on March 11, 2026.
SHARED SERVICES IMPACT
This item does not impact the shared services agreement between GLWA and DWSD.