Questions_and_Answers_FINAL_9_8_2026_3.pdf
PDF 98 KB Posted
- Attached to
- Mendota Pool Bypass and Reach 2B Improvements
- Solicitation number
- 140R2026R0020
About this file
This is a Questions and Answers document for RFI No. 140R2026R0020 regarding the Mendota Pool Bypass and Reach 2B project issued by the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR). The RFI response date has been extended to September 16, 2026.
The document addresses project delivery method timelines and technical design specifications. Under Design-Bid-Build (DBB) procurement, the Mendota Pool Bypass Channel and Levee would be awarded with Notice to Proceed (NTP) in May 2027, with remaining Phase 1 elements awarded in winter 2028, and Phase 2 (design-build contract) anticipated for fall 2027. Under Design-Build (DB) delivery, solicitation is planned for January 2027 with award and NTP in May 2027. All Phase 1 elements must be completed to support adult migration by spring 2030. Technical questions address specific design components including porosity panels, Automated Sorting System (AWS) maximum flow rates (195 cfs at water surface elevation 156.3 feet), fish screen concepts, and hydraulic requirements. The current design utilizes a vertical flat plate screen concept that has not yet been discussed with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Design water surface elevation ranges from minimum 153.6 to maximum 156.3 feet. BOR acknowledged that CFD modeling is not currently available to validate design efficacy against NMFS criteria and indicated that design refinements, including fish screen incorporation, are anticipated. If Design-Build is selected, the awarded contractor will be responsible for designing features meeting NMFS criteria and providing supporting modeling results for ESA consultation.
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Other files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Disclosure_Agreement_8_21_2026_1.pdf | ||
| MPB_RFI_8_21_2026_1.pdf |
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Mendota Pool Bypass and Reach 2B
RFI No. 140R2026R0020 Questions and Answers
1. Question: We are interested in submitting on the RFI, but the return date of September 8th will be very challenging. Please consider another 10 days to help us put all of the information together, if that timeline is not averse to the Government.
Answer: RFI response date has been extended to 9/16/2026.
2. Question: Can you provide current estimated timeline for solicitation, award and NTP if
BOR continues with DBB so that we can compare and determine potential time savings?
Answer: If Reclamation proceed with DBB, the first estimated award and NTP would be the Mendota Pool Bypass Channel and Levee in May 2027. The remaining Phase 1 elements would be estimated to be awarded in winter 2028. Phase 2 will remain a design build contract with award anticipated/estimated in fall 2027.
3. Question: What is BOR’s anticipated timeline for solicitation, award and NTP if DB delivery was selected?
Answer: We are planning/estimating solicitation in January 2027 and award and NTP in May 2027.
4. Question: Do all elements of phase 1 need to be completed to be considered inclusive for adult migration by spring 2030?
Answer: Yes, that is our goal.
5. Question: The porosity panels (214-D-T040561) do not appear to be adjustable. This feature of the Reach 2B design package is stated to be at the 90% design completion stage, so can we assume that the hydraulic design and AWS Diffuser rack approach velocities are compliant with the NMFS guidelines and that NMFS has accepted this design as shown? If not, is there CFD Modeling that can be provided to the design team to validate the design assumptions to gain NMFS acceptance?
Answer: We do not have CFD modeling to validate the current draft design’s efficacy in meeting NMFS criteria. The current design includes panels with fixed openings, but this aspect of design can be changed if needed to meet NMFS criteria. If Reclamation proceeds with a DB contract, this would be one of the components included in the scope of work for design and it would be the awarded contractor’s responsibility to design features that meet NMFS criteria and provide modeling results that support the ESA consultation.
6. Question: Based on the Mendota Pool Bypass Design Drawings (2025-10-13) the AWS system appears to be designed for approximately 280 cfs. Please confirm this is the approved AWS requirement.
Answer: The AWS maximum flow rate of 195cfs at water surface elevation (WSE)
156.3 feet above sea level.
7. Question: Has there been a fish screen concept proposed or accepted by NMFS and other relevant stakeholders?
Answer: Our current design concept utilizes a vertical flat plate screen, but it has not been discussed with NMFS.
8. Question: Please provide hydraulic data for the river at the diversion point to the new fish screens. Specifically, we will need the accepted high and low design water levels in the river.
Answer: The minimum design WSE is 153.6 and the maximum design WSE is 156.3.
9. Question: Confirm the regulatory requirements established for the new fish screen structure. Will the State approach velocity of 0.33 fps be required or are there agreements in place to allow the higher NMFS 0.4 fps approach velocity be allowed for an under 60 second exposure?
Answer: The design will need to adhere to NMFS criteria; however the design concept has not been discussed with NMFS.
10. Question: Please provide the hydraulic gradeline data for the ladder and AWS chambers for the approved range of operation.
Answer: The current design of the AWS and fish ladder is anticipated to change in order to incorporate the fish screen as well as other design refinements.
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