North Branch Chicago River Watershed Workgroup (NBWW) Microbial Source Tracking Services

The North Branch Chicago River Watershed Workgroup is requesting proposals for microbial source tracking consulting services to develop a two-year monitoring strategy identifying and tracing human-associated DNA markers related to elevated E. coli concentrations in the North Branch Chicago River watershed, with proposals due August 10, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. CST through the Lake County Purchasing Portal.

The scope encompasses microbial source tracking investigations across 25 NBWW monitoring sites within the entire North Branch Chicago River watershed planning boundary, and incorporation of the monitoring strategy into an Illinois EPA Section 604(b) grant application for submission during the contract year. The work builds on preliminary microbial source tracking investigations conducted in 2025. Qualified respondents must demonstrate technical expertise in microbial source tracking services, capacity to meet project schedules, and prior experience preparing and submitting successful Illinois EPA grant applications with documented awards.

The contract is designated NBWW-202601. No contract value, budget range, or contract term length beyond the stated two-year monitoring period is provided in the source. Questions are due July 27, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. CST. No presubmittal meeting is scheduled. The procurement contact is the Stormwater Management Commission at 847-377-7700 or stormwater@lakecountyil.gov, located at 500 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville, Illinois 60048. Respondents should reference the Scope of Services document and addendum blog link on the Lake County Purchasing Portal for complete project objectives and required tasks.