BOR-LC-17-N009 NOI.doc

Bureau of Reclamation Form, RF-102 02-2016 Bureau of Reclamation Form, RF-102 12-2011

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

Anticipated Federal Amount $100,000.00

Anticipated Non-Federal Amount $0.00

OVERVIEW

Water and salt management are vital to agricultural sustainability in Yuma, Arizona, which is located within the Lower Colorado River Basin. Irrigation water contains salts and because the shallow ground water in the valleys, which fluxes up through the fine textured soil by capillarity, also contains salts, some level of excess irrigation (beyond consumptive use) must be applied to leach salts below the crop root zone.

Effective leaching is especially important in the Lower Colorado River Basin because many of the crops produced are sensitive to salinity. To reduce risk of loss of crop yield, there is some level of excess irrigation (beyond crop consumptive use) that must be applied to leach salts below the crop root zone.

RECIPIENT INVOLVEMENT

The Recipient shall carry out the Scope of Work in accordance with the terms and conditions of the proposed financial assistance agreement. The Recipient shall adhere to Federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and codes, as applicable, and shall coordinate with Reclamation on all required approvals and permits.

The following are specific Recipient Responsibilities to this award:

(a) Collaborate with Reclamation in causing to be completed the activities identified in the Scope of Work of this Agreement.

(b) Consult with and seek input from Reclamation on maintaining the project within the work plan and project goals as stated in this Agreement, and seek Reclamation concurrence for any significant deviation from such work plan and project goals.

(c) Collaborate with Reclamation on technical and administrative aspects of the project through periodic scheduled meetings with Reclamation personnel or periodic written updates.

(d) Provide Reclamation with its reasoning, in writing, when the Recipient chooses not to implement Reclamation's written advice or comments on any technical aspect of fulfilling the requirements of this Agreement.

(e) Provide the following in support of the study Maps of existing and planned infrastructure; City Development Plans; City Parks & Recreation Plans; Municipal and Industrial water use data; A project lead; access to staff; attendance in all relevant meetings; and review of final report.

RECLAMATION INVOLVEMENT

Reclamation will monitor and provide federal oversight of activities performed under this Agreement. Monitoring and oversight includes review and approval of financial status and performance reports, payment requests, and any other deliverables identified as part of the Scope of Work. Additional monitoring activities may include site visits, conference calls, and other on-site and off-site monitoring activities. At the Recipient’s request, Reclamation may also provide technical assistance to the Recipient in support of the Scope of Work and objectives of this Agreement.

Substantial involvement by Reclamation is anticipated during the performance of activities funded under this cooperative agreement. In support of this Agreement, Reclamation will be responsible for the following:

(a) Provide financial contribution not to exceed the available funding in accordance with Section I.4 (Period of Performance and Funds Availability).

(b) Shall work with the Recipient as necessary to ensure that the Recipient adheres to the specified work plan and meets specified project goals as set forth in this Agreement.

(c) Shall not continue to advance funds nor award subsequent cooperative agreements to the Recipient for work on the project unless the Recipient is in full compliance with the requirements of the work plan and project goals that are included in this Agreement and has obtained Reclamation concurrence for any deviations therefrom.

(d) Shall provide scientific or administrative advice on the development of the project. Such advice will take into consideration factors such as: (1) Project Management; (2) GIS data base development and analysis; (3) Identification of environmental issues and concerns; (4) Compilation of technical information on the Wetlands and (5) Preparation of the Final Report.

(e) Provide one Manager for Planning process and to address Technical issues that may arise.

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;

(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:

(3) Legislative intent Single Source Justification Description:

SEC. 9509. RESEARCH AGREEMENT AUTHORITY.

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.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

This Cooperative Agreement (Agreement) is entered into pursuant to Public Law 111-11, Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, Subtitle F, SECURE Water Act, Sec. 9509. The following section, provided in full text, authorizes Reclamation to award this financial assistance agreement:

SEC. 9509. RESEARCH AGREEMENT AUTHORITY.

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.

PAGE