PWS_2.docx

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR THE LONG-TERM OPERATION OF THE CENTRAL VALLEY PROJECT AND STATE WATER PROJECT (SWP)

1.0 SCOPE

1.1 OBJECTIVE - The Bureau of Reclamation’s Bay-Delta Office is interested in acquiring contractor services to provide biological and operational modeling, model refactoring, statistical analysis, structured decision-making, and development of web-based tools and graphic user interfaces to maximize water supply and power generation for the Central Valley Project (CVP). The outcome from this contract is to provide decision-makers with sound technical information and tools when determining operational criteria for the Long-Term Operation of the CVP and State Water Project (SWP).

1.2 BACKGROUND - Reclamation’s mission is to manage, develop, and protect water and related resources in an environmentally and economically sound manner in the interest of the American public. Reclamation is the largest wholesale water supplier in the United States, and the nation’s second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Its facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits (Bureau of Reclamation).

The CVP consists of 20 dams and reservoirs that together can store nearly 12 million acre-feet (MAF) of water. Reclamation holds over 270 contracts and agreements for water supplies that depend upon CVP operations. Through operation of the CVP, Reclamation delivers water in 29 of California’s 58 counties in the following approximate amounts: 5 MAF of water for farms; 600 thousand acre-feet of water for municipal and industrial (M&I) uses (enough water to supply about 2.5 million people for a year); and an average of 355 thousand acre-feet of Level 2 CVP water for wildlife refuges (plus additional Level 2 and Incremental Level 4 supplies delivered from various sources). Reclamation operates the CVP under water rights granted by the state of California, including those intended to protect agricultural and fish and wildlife beneficial uses in the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta (Delta). On average, the CVP generates approximately 4.5 million megawatt hours of electricity annually. Reclamation operates the CVP in coordination with the State Water Project (SWP), which is operated by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR). (California-Great Basin | Bureau of Reclamation).

The Bay-Delta Office coordinates the legal and regulatory compliance requirements associated with the CVP, provides biological support for water operations, implements many of the fish and wildlife project purposes, and supports water supply development, in partnership with other Reclamation offices, agencies, stakeholders, interested parties, and the public (Bay-Delta Office).

Reclamation operates the CVP consistent with the Record of Decision on the Long-Term Operations of the Central Valley Project, dated December 2024 (ROD), which incorporates the biological opinions (BOs) from USFWS (USFWS 2024) and NMFS (NMFS 2024). Each of these BOs include Reasonable and Prudent Alternative (RPA) to avoid the likelihood of jeopardizing the continued existence of listed species or the destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat that were the subject of consultation (2024 ROD).

As required by Executive Order 14181, dated January 24, 2025 (E.O 14181): “(c) The Secretary of the Interior, including through the Bureau of Reclamation, shall utilize his discretion to operate the CVP to deliver more water and produce additional hydropower, including by increasing storage and conveyance, and jointly operating federal and state facilities, to high-need communities, notwithstanding any contrary State or local laws. The Bureau of Reclamation shall take all available measures to ensure that State agencies—including the California Department of Water Resources—do not interfere with the Bureau of Reclamation's operation of the project to maximize water delivery to high-need communities or otherwise, including but not limited to the issuance of a new Record of Decision maximizing water deliveries and consistent with the 2020 Record of Decision (2020 ROD).”

Reclamation has identified several operational components that need to undergo a Structured Decision-Making (SDM) process to support science-based evaluation of tradeoffs for alternatives in order to maximize water supplies in response to E.O. 14181. The below components are the highest priority since they can have major water supply costs, directly improve species survival, are critical for regulatory compliance, or address significant uncertainty:

1. Larval and Juvenile Smelt OMR Management

2. Chinook Salmon and steelhead OMR Management

3. Shasta Cold Water Pool Management

4. Sacramento, American, and Stanislaus Spring Pulse Flows

5. Seasonal Smelt Habitat

2.0 REFERENCES

Healy, B.D., M.C. Runge, M. Beakes, C.C. Phillis, A.J. Jensen, and J.A. Israel. The Value of Information is Context Dependent: A Demonstration of Decision Tools to Address Multispecies River Temperature Management Under Uncertainty. Fisheries 49(11): 508-523.

2024 ROD

2020 ROD

Healthy Rivers and Landscapes Science Plan

3.0 TASKS AND DELIVERABLES

The Contractor shall perform the following tasks:

Task 1. Project Management The Contractor will set up regular check-in meetings with Reclamation-BDO points of contact to efficiently and effectively manage the tasks and track workload outlined in this agreement.

Services provided under this task shall be performed on a fixed-price basis.

A. Attend meetings to anticipate in advance where technical support is needed and secure proper contractor staffing and resources. Provide bi-weekly email updates to COR on services required. Before starting any tasks or subtasks performed on a Time and Materials basis, the Contractor must submit a work plan to the COR for approval.

B. Secure and manage all staff; ensure staff have the technical training and expertise to accomplish the tasks and associated activities to meet scientific standards.

C. Prepare and submit monthly invoices to Reclamation as instructed and notify Reclamation project managers with any major changes to anticipated expenses.

D. Develop data management plan that includes: protocol for data entry and quality assurance and control (QAQC); metadata documentation; and data back-up procedures.

E. Coordinates with agencies and stakeholders as directed by Reclamation.

F. Ensures 508 compliance on all documents unless otherwise specified by Reclamation and that presentations, technical memoranda, publications, and public outreach documents will acknowledge Reclamation funding and the contract/agreement number.

Deliverables:

A. Bi-weekly email updates to COR and Time and Materials work plans.

B. Monthly invoice packages C. Data management plan D. Stakeholder engagement logs that maintain records of inter-agency coordination, including meeting notes and correspondence.

E. 508-compliance checklists and certifications

Task 2. Water Resources Modeling and Biological Review for Real-Time Assessments This task will require the Contractor to be “on call” (including holidays and weekends) during the Old and Middle River Flow Management season (October through June), and otherwise as needed, to receive and immediately analyze high-priority lines of evidence for inclusion in real-time assessments that may impact real-time operations. The Contractor will support development of real-time assessments used in the Bay-Delta and the Sacramento, American, and Stanislaus Rivers. Potential models may include, but are not limited to:

· PTM

· Real-Time DSM2

· ECOPTM

· IDC

· C2VSim

· ANN Development

· CalSim Hydro

· VIC

· SCHISM

Services provided under subtasks 2A and 2B shall be performed on a fixed-price basis.

Services provided under subtasks 2C and 2D shall be performed on a Time and Materials basis, subject to the terms and provisions described in the final contract.

Task 2A: Timeframe and workplan The Contractor will, in coordination with Reclamation-BDO points of contact, develop a plan that includes a timeline and process for submitting deliverables to accomplish all tasks within the specified period of performance. Before starting any tasks or subtasks performed on a Time and Materials basis, the Contractor must submit a work plan to the COR for approval.

Task 2B: Baseline Runs Conduct weekly baseline model runs to support Delta operations during the Old and Middle River management season. Services provided under this subtask shall be performed on a fixed-price basis.

Task 2C: On Call Water Resource Modeling Conduct on-call water resources modeling necessary to evaluate the effects of operational alternatives developed for real-time assessments. On-call services provided under this subtask shall be performed on a Time and Materials basis, subject to the terms and provisions described in the final contract.

Task 2D: On Call Biological Review:

Conduct on-call biological review of salmonid and smelt fish information in the Delta and other watersheds on an as-needed basis to support development of real-time assessment recommendations. On-call services provided under this subtask shall be performed on a Time and Materials basis, subject to the terms and provisions described in the final contract.

Deliverables:

A. A comprehensive Work Plan and Timeline, including the process for deliverable submission. Prior to commencing any Time and Materials tasks, the Contractor shall submit a work plan to the COR for approval, detailing the personnel involved, the scope of work, the purpose of the task, and the estimated cost.

B. Weekly Model Output Summary Reports, documenting inputs, assumptions, methods, and results of baseline model runs conducted during the Old and Middle River management season. Contractor will coordinate with Reclamation-BDO point of contact on appropriate template to use.

C. On-Call Modeling Memoranda, prepared upon completion of each requested modeling scenario, detailing model configuration, assumptions, inputs, outputs, and interpretation of results. Contractor will coordinate with Reclamation-BDO point of contact on appropriate template to use. Contractor can expect turnaround times to be quick in order to support real-time operations.

D. On-Call Biological Review Summaries, documenting evaluations of salmonid and smelt data in support of real-time assessments, including relevant data interpretation and recommendations. Contractor will coordinate with Reclamation-BDO point of contact on appropriate template to use. Contractor can expect turnaround times to be quick in order to support real-time operations.

Task 3. Automated Real-Time Assessments Real-time assessments are used to synthesize information on species abundance, species distribution, life stage transitions, and relevant physical parameters to inform real-time management of Delta and Sacramento River operations.

Services provided under this task shall be performed on a fixed-price basis.

A. Develop a process to automate real-time assessments to support Bay-Delta and Sacramento River operations. These assessments inform real-time operations by gathering species and environmental conditions to inform decision-makers of tradeoffs between actions and are currently developed by hand pulling information from publicly available websites. Tool may include development of GUIs related to the following management areas: Larval and Juvenile Smelt OMR Management, Chinook Salmon and steelhead OMR Management, Shasta Cold Water Pool Management, Sacramento, American, and Stanislaus Spring Pulse Flows, Seasonal Smelt Habitat.

B. Contractor will ensure assessments are 508 compliant and compatible with Reclamation’s Visual Identity standards.

C. Once the automated assessments are developed, the Contractor shall continue to refine and improve them in collaboration with Reclamation, incorporating feedback and input not explicitly covered under the other subtasks.

Deliverables:

A. Automated Real-Time Assessment Tool, including a documented process flow that identifies data sources, automation logic, data integration steps, and assessment outputs. Tool should include technical documentation outlining system architecture and maintenance procedures.

B. 508 and VI compliance/verification report confirming all requirements and standards have been me to assessments developed using the tool can be posted on Reclamation’s websites.

C. Assessment Enhancement Log tracking all updates and refinements made to automated assessments, including the source of feedback and changes implemented.

Task 4. Model Refactoring This task includes refactoring and enhancing existing fish and hydrodynamic models used in the management of the CVP to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and utility of the tools supporting decision-making processes. To complete this task, the Contractor's team must include personnel with expertise in computer science and programming, as well as individuals familiar with fish biology and hydrodynamic modeling.

Services provided under this task shall be performed on a fixed-price basis.

A. Conduct a comprehensive review of the current fish and hydrodynamic models used for decision-making in CVP operations and identify inefficiencies, gaps, or outdated methodologies that hinder model performance and accuracy. Specific models will be determined by Reclamation-BDO point of contact, which may include, but are not limited to: DSM II, smelt and winter-run lifecycle models, and STARS.

B. Refactor identified fish models by revisiting and restructuring the existing model code and frameworks to enhance their performance, accuracy, and usability without changing their core functionality. May include the following:

a. Optimizing Algorithms: Rewriting or improving the computational methods used to model fish populations. For example, using more efficient mathematical techniques or applying machine learning approaches to model species-specific behaviors like migration or spawning more accurately.

b. Incorporating New Data: Updating the model’s input sources to integrate new data (e.g., recent fish surveys, genetic data, environmental changes) to improve predictive power. This might involve adding new data streams or adjusting the weight of certain factors based on new findings.

c. Improving Simulation Accuracy: Testing different assumptions (e.g., water temperature thresholds or migratory timing) to better match field data, adjusting the model’s sensitivity to environmental factors, and improving its robustness under variable conditions.

d. Increasing Model Flexibility: Enabling the model to handle more diverse scenarios, such as different climate conditions, management strategies, or multiple species (if applicable), to give CVP decision-makers more flexibility in their planning.

C. Refactor identified hydrodynamic models by revisiting and restructuring the existing model code and frameworks to enhance their performance, accuracy, and usability without changing their core functionality. May include the following:

a. Model Code Optimization: Streamlining code to improve execution speed, especially if the model is computationally expensive. This might involve restructuring parts of the model, parallelizing computations, or utilizing more efficient numerical methods.

b. Updating Model Physics: Enhancing the representation of hydrodynamic processes (e.g., flow, turbulence, and mixing) by adopting more sophisticated physical models or incorporating updated scientific research on water behavior.

c. Data Integration: Refactoring to enable the model to pull from a broader range of data sources, such as real-time sensor data, satellite imagery, or high-resolution flow and temperature measurements from within the CVP system. This could involve developing new data assimilation techniques to update the model dynamically based on incoming data.

d. Enhancing Calibration and Validation: Updating the model's parameters based on more recent data or improved understanding of hydrodynamics. This might involve recalibrating the model to better predict real-world observations of water flows, temperature, and other critical variables.

Deliverables:

A. Model Review Report, detailing findings from the assessment of current fish and hydrodynamic models, including: description of each model reviewed (e.g., DSM II, STARS, lifecycle models), identified inefficiencies, gaps, and outdated methodologies, and recommendations for improvements B. Refactored fish models with enhanced capabilities. Documentation should include refactored model codebase, technical enhancement summary, and model testing and validation report.

C. Refactored hydrodynamic models with enhanced capabilities. Documentation should include refactored model codebase, technical enhancement summary, and model testing and validation report.

Task 5A. Develop Structured Decision-Making Program Contractor will assist Reclamation with developing a Structured Decision-Making Program for CVP operations. Task includes initial phasing to gain buy-in and assist in identifying the order in which each of the operational components conducts its SDM process. For each of the operational components identified below, the Contractor will provide a structured decision making (SDM) facilitator and SDM analysts to guide parties on best practices. Contractor will provide at least six (6) SDM analysts to conduct water resources and biological modeling. Contractor will coordinate with technical staff on assumptions, rules, and uncertainties. Each SDM facilitator will support development of the problem statement, objectives, performance criteria, alternatives. Finally, they will produce the consequence table and a summary of the outcomes.

Each of the identified operational components will use structured decision making:

1. Larval and Juvenile Smelt OMR Management

2. Chinook Salmon and steelhead OMR Management

3. Shasta Cold Water Pool Management

4. Sacramento, American, and Stanislaus Spring Pulse Flows

5. Seasonal Smelt Habitat

Services provided under subtask 5AA shall be performed on a fixed-price basis.

Services provided under subtasks 5AB-5AD shall be performed on a Time and Materials basis, subject to the terms and provisions described in the final contract.

Task 5AA: Timeframe and workplan The Contractor will, in coordination with Reclamation-BDO points of contact, develop a detailed schedule for each of the operational components identifying key meetings, milestones, and deliverables. The plan will outline a timeline for accomplishing all tasks within the specified period of performance. Prior to commencing any Time and Materials tasks, the Contractor shall submit a work plan to the COR for approval, detailing the personnel involved, the scope of work, the purpose of the task, and the estimated cost.

Task 5AB: Pilot application Contractor will provide SDM expertise to lead a pilot application and case study to apply the SDM process to a representative operational decision and facilitate a workshop with parties identified by Reclamation-BDO points of contact.

Task 5AC: SDM for Four Teams After completion of pilot application, Contractor will provide SDM expertise by developing and documenting the SDM process and its outcomes. SDM experts participate in all topic meetings and will work with Facilitation support on planning, preparation, follow-up, documentation and reporting. Preparations may encompass ad hoc meetings. Below are the anticipated meeting numbers, types, format, and duration:

a. Four (4) teams with bi-weekly hybrid meetings approximately 2-hour duration in 2025/2026. Meeting frequency may be reduced to monthly or less frequent in subsequent years.

Task 5AD: Technical Support for SDM Contractor will provide at least six (6) SDM analysts to provide technical support to each of the operational component meetings. SDM analysts will provide water resources and biological modeling and will need familiarity with the models identified in Task 2 and Task 5 of this contract.

Deliverables:

Task 5AA: A comprehensive Work Plan and Timeline, including the process for deliverable submission. Prior to commencing any Time and Materials tasks, the Contractor shall submit a work plan to the COR for approval, detailing the personnel involved, the scope of work, the purpose of the task, and the estimated cost.

Task 5AB: Pilot Application facilitation materials, including agenda, presentation slides, and supporting documentation. Pilot Implementation Report that identifies a consequence table and summary of outcomes, as well as lessons learned and workshop feedback.

Task 5AC: For each operational component undergoing SDM process, Contractor will develop facilitation materials, including agenda, presentation slides, and supporting documentation. SDM Final Report identifies a consequence table and summary of outcomes, as well as lessons learned and workshop feedback.

Task 5AD: Monthly status update reports for each operational component group including SDM analysts and their contribution in each group.

Task 5.B (Optional) A. Contractor may be requested to facilitate and provide SDM analysts for one additional optional operational component similar in scope and complexity those described above.

Deliverables:

A. A comprehensive Work Plan and Timeline, including the process for deliverable submission. Prior to commencing any Time and Materials tasks, the Contractor shall submit a work plan to the COR for approval, detailing the personnel involved, the scope of work, the purpose of the task, and the estimated cost.

B. For each operational component undergoing SDM process, Contractor will develop facilitation materials, including agenda, presentation slides, and supporting documentation. SDM Final Report identifies a consequence table and summary of outcomes, as well as lessons learned and workshop feedback.

Task 5.C (Optional) B. Contractor may be requested to facilitate and provide SDM analysts for one additional optional operational component similar in scope and complexity those described above.

Deliverables:

A. A comprehensive Work Plan and Timeline, including the process for deliverable submission. Prior to commencing any Time and Materials tasks, the Contractor shall submit a work plan to the COR for approval, detailing the personnel involved, the scope of work, the purpose of the task, and the estimated cost.

B. For each operational component undergoing SDM process, Contractor will develop facilitation materials, including agenda, presentation slides, and supporting documentation. SDM Final Report identifies a consequence table and summary of outcomes, as well as lessons learned and workshop feedback.

Task 5.D (Optional) C. Contractor may be requested to facilitate and provide SDM analysts for one additional optional operational component similar in scope and complexity those described above.

Deliverables:

A. A comprehensive Work Plan and Timeline, including the process for deliverable submission. Prior to commencing any Time and Materials tasks, the Contractor shall submit a work plan to the COR for approval, detailing the personnel involved, the scope of work, the purpose of the task, and the estimated cost.

B. For each operational component undergoing SDM process, Contractor will develop facilitation materials, including agenda, presentation slides, and supporting documentation. SDM Final Report identifies a consequence table and summary of outcomes, as well as lessons learned and workshop feedback.

Task 6A. Biological Analysis of Data This task includes biological analyses to support Reclamation’s long-term evaluation of metrics and methods used in the decision-making for CVP operations. This task will include using biological models for different life stages of fish species, statistical relationships between physical conditions and fish species, conceptual models for ecological conditions and individual fish species, habitat models for fish and other analytical tools to evaluate impacts to the biological environment and provide recommendations for CVP operations.

Contractor will complete up to twelve (12) analyses. To complete this task, the Contractor's team must include qualified statisticians to conduct rigorous analyses aimed at identifying potential drivers of observed outcomes, using methods beyond correlation (e.g., regression modeling, causal inference, or multivariate analysis). These analyses must be statistically sound and capable of informing scientific or management decisions.

Potential biological impacts will be evaluated using output from various models which may include, but are not limited to:

· Interagency Ecological Program Management Analysis and Synthesis Team Delta Smelt Conceptual Model (MAST)

· Salmon/Sturgeon Assessment of Indicators by Life stage Conceptual Model (SAIL) conceptual models

· Delta Smelt and anadromous salmonids life cycle models (if available)

· Reclamation Egg Mortality Model

· INSALMO

· Winter-run Chinook Salmon Juvenile Production Index Model

· S3

· SALMOD

· IOS

· OBAN

· Delta Passage Model

· WUA

· SacPAS

Services provided under this task shall be performed on a fixed-price basis.

A. The Contractor, in coordination with Reclamation-BDO points of contact, develop a detailed schedule for each of the analyses identified below, including milestones and deliverables. The plan shall outline a timeline for accomplishing all tasks within the specified period of performance.

B. Bay Study Monitoring Redesign – Contractor, in coordination with Reclamation-BDO points of contact, will evaluate Bay Study Monitoring Redesign analyses and develop a recommendations report for the most efficient spatial and temporal monitoring efforts.

C. OMR Management, Larval and Juvenile Delta Smelt – Contractor, in coordination with Reclamation-BDO points of contact, will evaluate analytical approaches to developing a turbidity-based trigger that provides the same level of minimization as the Secchi depth trigger for larval and juvenile delta smelt. Datasets include telemetered turbidity data from south and central Delta, smelt salvage and presence.

D. OMR Management, Larval and Juvenile Longfin Smelt – Contractor, in coordination with Reclamation-BDO points of contact, will evaluate analytical approaches to analyzing water quality, hydrologic, and distribution data to inform the creation of a new trigger framework initiating OMR management for larval and juvenile longfin smelt. Datasets include water quality, hydrologic, and fish monitoring datasets.

E. OMR Management, Juvenile Winter-run Chinook Salmon – Contractor, in coordination with Reclamation-BDO points of contact, will evaluate the relationship between loss of juvenile winter-run Chinook salmon at the salvage facilities and through-Delta survival. Studies will be completed to address uncertainties in the estimation of through-Delta survival and results will be used to propose and update decision support tools for juvenile Chinook Salmon related to outmigration survival and entrainment risk and may change the triggers for export reductions. Modeling studies include: 1) an acoustic receiver network and associated real-time modeling of the data, 2) targeted acoustic telemetry studies (i.e., tag fish and release them in the Delta, 3) retrospective analyses of data to evaluate through-Delta survival due to LTO operations, 4) incorporation and consideration of any additional routing and survival data obtained, 5) evaluation of the sensitivity of winter-run Chinook salmon population dynamics, relative to recovery and viability criteria, to through-Delta survival using lifecycle modeling, and 6) analyses of the relationship between loss at facilities and broader Delta conditions using a combination of particle tracking models. Lifecycle models and particle tracking models should be utilized. Datasets include salmonid and steelhead salvage and loss dataset, Delta and river monitoring surveys, acoustic telemetry data, coded wire tag data, water quality and environmental datasets.

F. Shasta Cold Water Pool Management – Contractor, in coordination with Reclamation-BDO points of contact, will evaluate the effectiveness of the cold water pool management action on winter-run Chinook salmon performance by conducting a hindcast evaluation that includes a review of the objectives and metrics used to guide annual temperature planning. Objective-based storage targets and temperature dependent mortality of winter-run Chinook salmon will be considered with regards to their ability to support species viability and water delivery performance. Datasets include reservoir and river water quality monitoring, adult, juvenile, and egg monitoring surveys, and temperature modeling data.

G. Shasta Spring Pulse – Contractor, in coordination with Reclamation-BDO points of contact, will evaluate the effectiveness of the Shasta spring pulse action by conducting a hindcast evaluation that includes technical review of the functional elements of the pulse flow (i.e., timing, magnitude, duration, and frequency) as well as an evaluation of criteria used to support beneficial use decisions. Datasets include reservoir and river water quality monitoring, adult, juvenile, and egg monitoring surveys, and temperature modeling data.

H. Tidal Habitat Restoration Effectiveness for Smelt Fishes – Contractor, in coordination with Reclamation-BDO points of contact, will synthesize available data to determine the effectiveness of tidal habitat restoration for smelt fishes. Syntheses for understanding efficacy of tidal wetland restoration may regard effects of the restoration action (e.g. site design, local hydrodynamics) on wetland function including water quality, the food web and its processes, prevalence of invasive aquatic vegetation, utilization of restored habitat by Delta Smelt. Datasets include habitat, water quality, and flow monitoring, river fish monitoring surveys.

I. Tributary Habitat Restoration Effectiveness for Salmonid Fishes - Contractor, in coordination with Reclamation-BDO points of contact, will synthesize available data to determine the effectiveness of the restoration action (e.g. site design, local hydrodynamics) on habitat function including water quality and the biologic response to those actions, as described in The Upper Sacramento River Anadromous Fish Habitat Restoration Project Monitoring Plan and Protocols (2017). Datasets include habitat, water quality, and flow monitoring, and Delta fish monitoring surveys.

Deliverables:

A. A comprehensive Work Plan and Timeline, including the process for deliverable submission and monthly email updates on the status of each report.

B. For each topic (B-I) identified above, Contractor shall:

1. Compile all datasets and build a dataset repository.

2. Develop a Recommendations Report

3. Develop a concise technical fact sheet summarizing key findings from recommendations report

Optional Task 6.B OMR Management, Winter-run Chinook Salmon - Support the development of a real-time assessment tool for the SaMT to recommend OMR management actions to minimize entrainment into the south Delta well before salvage events occur.

Deliverables:

A. A comprehensive Work Plan and Timeline, including the process for deliverable submission and monthly email updates on the status of report.

B. Contractor shall:

1. Compile all datasets and build a dataset repository.

2. Develop a Recommendations Report

3. Develop a concise technical fact sheet summarizing key findings from recommendations report

Optional Task 6.C Summer Habitat Action for Delta Smelt – Develop an X2 Synthesis Report bringing together available modeling tools, including the Delta Smelt lifecycle model, and monitoring data. Develop alternative X2 actions to implement during the summer time-period that provides equal or better benefits to Delta Smelt as the Fall X2 action originally developed in 2008. Conduct evaluation of Suisun Marsh Salinity Control Gate operation efficacy.

Deliverables:

A. A comprehensive Work Plan and Timeline, including the process for deliverable submission and monthly email updates on the status of report.

B. Contractor shall:

1. Compile all datasets and build a dataset repository.

2. Develop a Recommendations Report

3. Develop a concise technical fact sheet summarizing key findings from recommendations report

Optional Task 6.D Spring Outflow - Support the synthetic, multi-year evaluation of performance of increased spring Delta outflows as guided by Reclamation’s representative on the Voluntary Agreement Science Committee.

Deliverables:

A. A comprehensive Work Plan and Timeline, including the process for deliverable submission and monthly email updates on the status of report.

B. Contractor shall:

1. Compile all datasets and build a dataset repository.

2. Develop a Recommendations Report

3. Develop a concise technical fact sheet summarizing key findings from recommendations report

Optional Task 6.E Clear Creek - Support adaptive management of Clear Creek/Whiskeytown Reservoir operation by analyzing the effectiveness of flow variability on desired outcomes.

Deliverables:

A. A comprehensive Work Plan and Timeline, including the process for deliverable submission and monthly email updates on the status of report.

B. Contractor shall:

1. Compile all datasets and build a dataset repository.

2. Develop a Recommendations Report

3. Develop a concise technical fact sheet summarizing key findings from recommendations report

Optional Task 7. Streamline Documentation Develop a process to automate text for standard environmental compliance documentation, including but not limited to, National Environmental Policy Act documents (Categorical Exclusions, Environmental Assessments, Environmental Impact Statements) and Endangered Species Act documents (Biological Assessments).

Services provided under this task shall be performed on a fixed-price basis.

A. The Contractor, in coordination with Reclamation-BDO points of contact, develop a detailed schedule for each of the analyses identified below, including milestones and deliverables. The plan shall outline a timeline for accomplishing all tasks within the specified period of performance.

B. Review and Analysis of Existing Documents: Contractor will collect and review a representative sample of recent NEPA and ESA documents developed by Reclamation and identify recurring sections and commonly used language across document types and project types. Contractor will develop a document structure map showing standard components and areas appropriate for text automation. For Biological Assessment effects section, review the stressor deconstruction section using the analytical framework identified in the NMFS 2019 Biological Opinion on the Long-term operation of the CVP/SWP.

C. Develop Automated Text Templates: Contractor will create modular templates for key document types (e.g., CE, EA, EIS, BA) based on standard formats and Reclamation guidance. Develop rule-based or logic-driven inputs (e.g., checklists, dropdown menus, decision trees) that allow users to auto-generate text based on project characteristics. Ensure templates align with applicable regulatory requirements and Reclamation’s formatting and content standards. For Biological Assessment effects section, develop a stressor deconstruction section using the analytical framework identified in the NMFS 2019 Biological Opinion on the Long-term operation of the CVP/SWP.

D. Integrate Automation Tools: Contractor will develop a user-accessible automation tool or system (e.g., MS Word add-in, SharePoint-based tool, or lightweight web-based interface) to generate draft compliance documents. Ensure output can be edited and customized to meet project-specific needs. Design the tool for compatibility with Reclamation’s IT environment, document management systems, and accessibility standards.

E. Pilot Testing and Feedback: Contractor will conduct a pilot test of the automation process on one or more real or mock projects. Collect feedback from Reclamation staff and refine templates and automation logic based on testing results.

F. Final Documentation and User Guidance: Prepare a final technical report summarizing the automation process, tool functionality, testing outcomes, and recommendations for broader implementation. Develop user guidance documentation and provide one (1) virtual training session for Reclamation staff.

Deliverables:

A. A comprehensive Work Plan and Timeline, including the process for deliverable submission and monthly email updates on the status of report.

B. Document Structure and Text Analysis Memo: A summary memo that reviews and analyzes existing NEPA and ESA documents, identifying recurring sections and commonly used language. This memo will highlight key components that are suitable for text automation, as well as identify any specific areas where additional customization may be required for different project types.

C. Draft Text Automation Templates: Modular templates for NEPA and ESA document types (Categorical Exclusions, Environmental Assessments, Environmental Impact Statements, Biological Assessments) with standardized, preloaded language. These templates will include sections for common regulatory text, descriptions of project features, environmental settings, impact and effect analyses, mitigation measures, allowing for easy population of project-specific data.

D. Automation Tool Prototype: A prototype version of the automation tool or system that generates draft environmental compliance documents based on user inputs. The prototype will use the text templates developed in Task 2, incorporating user-driven selections for project-specific characteristics. It will allow staff to generate structured drafts of documents while providing flexibility for later customization.

E. Pilot Testing Report: A report summarizing the results of pilot testing the automation tool with one or more real or mock projects. The report will assess the tool’s effectiveness in generating accurate, complete drafts, and include feedback from users about the tool’s usability, areas for improvement, and its ability to meet Reclamation’s compliance needs.

F. Final Technical Report and User Guide: A final report documenting the development and implementation of the automation process, including lessons learned, recommendations for future use, and any adjustments made based on feedback. Additionally, a user guide will provide clear instructions for Reclamation staff on how to use the automation tool, including how to input data, select appropriate options, and make necessary edits to the draft documents.

G. Virtual Training Session: A live, virtual training session for Reclamation staff on how to use the automation tool effectively. This session will cover how to use the templates, enter project-specific data, generate drafts, and ensure that generated documents comply with regulatory requirements.

4.0 Period of Performance

Base Year: September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026 Option Year 1: September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2027 Option Year 2: September 1, 2027, to August 31, 2028 Option Year 3: September 1, 2028, to August 31, 2029 Option Year 4: September 1, 2029, to August 31, 2030

5.0 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY

Task No.

Task Description

Performance Indicator

Performance Standard Minimum Acceptable Quality Level

Attendance/discussions at scheduled meetings

[Optional] Task 5.B

[Optional] Task 5.C

[Optional] Task 5.D

[Optional] Task 6.B

[Optional] Task 6.C

[Optional] Task 6.D

[Optional] Task 6.E