Amendment 1 Questions and Answers_0001.pdf

Questions & Answers:

Question # 1: USBR indicates the Consultant will assist, but the actual level of Consultant involvement and specific tasks are unclear. Can USBR provide more guidance on the specific scope of work that they are requesting the Consultant to perform?

Answer # 1: Although the tasks will be centered on modeling support and analysis during implementation of the existing Biological Opinions and development of a new BiOp, they will vary depending on issues that arise during the course of these activities, including responding to other federal agencies or non-federal stakeholders.

Question # 2: The RFQ includes a budget schedule that requires information on unit price (monthly costs) and the total annual cost. Since the specific tasks and extent of the Consultant involvement throughout the duration of the five-year period is not clearly defined, can USBR provide more guidance on how they would like the cost information to be presented in the proposals?

Answer # 2: In order to compare estimated budgets between different proposals, we need projected personnel, cost per hour of those personnel, and number of estimated hours. Descriptions of proposed personnel and their experience with similar projects should be included.

Question # 3: The RFQ calls for a fixed-price contract, however, given the uncertainty of the scope, it would be difficult for the bidders to provide fixed-price quotes. Can USBR provide more guidance on how the costs should be determined and presented in the proposals?

Answer # 3: The request is to provide support services and as outlined in the response to Question #1, the exact demands of the tasks will vary from month-to-month. However, providing the details specified in the response to #2 will help decide which firm can offer the most value.

Question # 4: What is the cut-off date for submitting questions on this solicitation to USBR?

Answer # 4: The cut-off date for submitting questions on this solicitation to USBR is July 29, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST).

Question # 5: Does USBR have a preference on which hydrologic model they would like to use for inflow forecasting?

Answer # 5: Time constraints will likely require using the existing model, the Klamath Basin Planning Model (KBPM), which is an implementation of the WRIMS model to analyze scenarios for the reconsultation effort. The consultant will also help maintain the PA Calculator, a spreadsheet implementation of the KBPM which is used by Reclamation to determine day-to-day operations.

Reclamation is in the process of developing a RiverWare model to replace KBPM and the PA Calculator, but this will not be ready in time for the Reconsultation process.

Question # 6: Is there an estimate on the extent of and/or the split of the RiverWare model development between the USBR staff and the Consultant?

Answer #6: There is a spilt now with Cad west and TSC Denver with operation model, but would be collaborative with Reclamation.

Question # 7: Is there an estimate on the extent of and/or the split of the inflow forecast model development between the USBR staff and the Consultant?

Answer # 7: Consultant would be primary developing model with reclamations input or needs.

Question # 8: Is BOR requesting a budget for NEPA work regardless of the outcome of our evaluation of the need for NEPA compliance?

Answer # 8: We are not anticipating a budget for NEPA as part of this project.

Question # 9: Please confirm that NMFS and USFWS Biological Opinions dated March 29, 2019 are the documents we will by relying on to assess take and other ESA compliance requirements.

Answer # 9: The 2019 BiOp, as amended by the 2020 Interim Ops plan, are what are currently directing our actions. This contract will help with implementing those, plus modeling for the next BiOp, which should be completed by 2022.

Question # 10: How much interaction takes place with NRCS (water supply) and NOAA/NWS/CNRFC (flood control) to complete the stated tasks?

Answer # 10: Minimal interactions and we do reach out for questions or clarifications.

Question # 11: How are the terms “natural flow” and “near real time” defined for the scope of this work?

Answer # 11: We have investigated natural flow studies, for our environmental basis. Assessing hydrologic condition requires that we quantify the attributes of the flow regime that would be expected in the absence of anthropogenic modifications. Near real time refers to the time delay introduced, by automated data processing or network transmission, between the occurrence of an event and the use of the processed data, such as for display or feedback and control purpose.

Question # 12: How many and which types of climate change scenarios are anticipated regarding “effects of climate change” tasks?

Answer # 12: We would like to consider more of these scenarios in future Biop’s, but a thorough analysis is not anticipated for the current reconsultation which is expected to produce a new Biological Opinion by 2022.

Question # 13: Does the term “routine operations” imply one-time only tasks or are additional tasks anticipated for routine operations?

Answer # 13: Operations refers to routine daily tasks such as documenting existing hydrologic conditions and estimating future conditions in compliance with BiOp requirements. Reclamation Water Operations staff does most of this, but occasionally checks with other members of the modeling team if questions arise about consistency with BiOp modeling and analysis.

Question # 14: Do “new procedures” involve coordination with other Klamath groups (NMFS, Klamath Water Users, Tribes, etc.) or is this internal to USBR? Coordination to outside groups (Task 4) would imply additional time and costs needed to complete tasks.

Answer # 14: Coordination would mainly be done by Reclamation. Vendor may assist with information needed in coordination meetings.

Question # 15: How many presentations/workshops per year to stakeholder groups is anticipated? More presentations represent additional costs and time needed to complete tasks.

Answer # 15: We have worked collaborative with current vendor and usually BOR will make presentations.

Question # 16: The solicitation requires prospective vendors to submit a firm fixed price that covers potential services to be determined by Reclamation personnel. Since the solicitation does not list a definitive number of hours for each task, it is commercially impossible to develop a fixed price that would be fair and reasonable to the government. Please provide additional guidance on the quantity of services that can be requested in order for us to provide a fair and reasonable firm fixed price.

Answer # 16: See answers to questions 1, 2, and 3.