18Apr2017_rio_chama_pilot_project_RF-102.pdf

Bureau of Reclamation Form, RF-102 02-2016

NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD

This Funding Announcement is not a request for applications. This announcement is to provide public notice of the Bureau of Reclamation’s intention to fund the following project activities without full and open competition.

ABSTRACT

Funding Announcement

Single Source Award funded by Reclamation’s Office of Policy under Reclamation’s Reservoir Operations Pilot Initiative

Project Title Rio Chama Pilot Project Recipient UNM Principal Investigator / Program Manager

Dr. Mark Stone, Department of Civil Engineering, University of New Mexico

Anticipated Federal Amount $80,000

Anticipated Non-Federal Amount

New Award or Continuation?

Award to be issued under the existing Colorado Plateau Ecosystems Studies Unit Cooperative and Joint Venture Agreement.

Anticipated Period of Performance 5/1/2017-9/30/2018

Award Instrument Cooperative Agreement Statutory Authority Pub. L. 111-11), Subtitle F-Secure Water, §§ 9502, 9504, and 9509 CFDA # and Title Single Source Justification Criteria Cited

(4) Unique Qualifications

Reclamation Point of Contact Dagmar Llewellyn 505-462-3594

12-2011

OVERVIEW

The purpose of this project is threefold: 1) to summarize and integrate past studies tied to the Rio Chama Flow Project (RCFP) and identify further research requirements to support the RCFP, 2) to review and synthesize the existing literature on the economic benefits of hydropower, recreation and impacts to rural communities affected by the RCFP, and 3) to conduct a legal review and analysis of the prevailing Federal and State authorizations and statutes that impact the RCFP.

The findings from these three tasks will be compiled into a comprehensive report, and presented to and discussed with Reclamation and the RCFP Advisory Council in two half-day meetings.

RECIPIENT INVOLVEMENT

Dr. Mike Harvey (volunteer) will conduct task 1, and Dr. Jingjing Wang and Mr. Adrian Ogelsby, Esquire both of the University of New Mexico will lead the conduct of task 2 and task 3, respectively.

RECLAMATION INVOLVEMENT

This work is being initiated as a cooperative agreement since there will be substantial federal involvement in the completion of the research. Reclamation’s Albuquerque Area Office will participate and collaborate with and provide technical assistance to the University of New Mexico and other members of the Rio Chama Flow Team in carrying out the scope of work.

SINGLE-SOURCE JUSTIFICATION

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

SINGLE SOURCE POLICY REQUIREMENTS

Department of the Interior Policy (505 DM 2) requires a written justification which explains why competition is not practicable for each single-source award. The justification must address one or more of the following criteria as well as discussion of the program legislative history, unique capabilities of the proposed recipient, and cost-sharing contribution offered by the proposed recipient, as applicable.

In order for an assistance award to be made without competition, the award must satisfy one or more of the following criteria:

(1) Unsolicited Proposal – The proposed award is the result of an unsolicited assistance application which represents a unique or innovative idea, method, or approach which is not the subject of a current or planned contract or assistance award, but which is deemed advantageous to the program objectives;

(2) Continuation – The activity to be funded is necessary to the satisfactory completion of, or is a continuation of an activity presently being funded, and for which competition would have a significant adverse effect on the continuity or completion of the activity;

12-2011

(3) Legislative intent – The language in the applicable authorizing legislation or legislative history clearly indicates Congress’ intent to restrict the award to a particular recipient of purpose;

(4) Unique Qualifications – The applicant is uniquely qualified to perform the activity based upon a variety of demonstrable factors such as location, property ownership, voluntary support capacity, cost-sharing ability if applicable, technical expertise, or other such unique qualifications;

(5) Emergencies – Program/award where there is insufficient time available (due to a compelling and unusual urgency, or substantial danger to health or safety) for adequate competitive procedures to be followed.

Reclamation did not solicit full and open competition for this award based the following criteria:

(4) UNIQUE QUALIFICATIONS

Single Source Justification Description:

Since 2010, the Rio Chama Flow Team, consisting of faculty and students at the University of New Mexico, nonprofit organizations, consultants and volunteers have collaborated on investigations of the potential for improved water operations on the Rio Chama, to better meet the needs of the river and riparian environment in the Wild and Scenic reach, recreational users, and hydropower generation, along with the needs of downstream water users. Some of this work, which included field investigations, analysis, and modeling, was funded by the State of New Mexico’s River Ecosystem Restoration Initiative (RERI). Other portions of the study were performed through volunteer efforts and citizen science initiatives. The work that has been performed on this study has never been fully documented in a comprehensive report that can be made available to water managers at Reclamation and other agencies, and benefit water management on the Rio Chama. This project provides an opportunity for the work that has been completed to be documented, and for some additional analyses, including legal and economic analyses, to supplement the work that has already been completed to paint a more complete picture of the operational flexibilities on the Wild and Scenic reach of the Rio Chama between El Vado Dam and Abiquiu Reservoir.

Because the University of New Mexico and its partners on the Rio Chama Flow Team have performed the research that will be documented through this study, this team is uniquely qualified to complete this study and write a comprehensive report on the work that has been completed to date. In addition, this team promises to complement the work performed by the University of New Mexico with volunteer services, totaling $36,000 in in-kind contribution, to complete this work.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

Omnibus Public lands Management Act of 2009, Public Law 111-11, Section 9509. Subtitle F – Secure Water Act (2) Systematic data-gathering with respect to, and research and development of, the water resources of the United States will help ensure the continued existence of sufficient quantities of water to support – (A) increasing populations; (B) economic growth; (C) irrigated agriculture; (D) energy production; and (E) the protection of aquatic ecosystems; Public law 111-11, Section 9509. “The Secretary may enter into contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements, for periods not to exceed 5 years, to carry out research within the Bureau of Reclamation.