noi-hunters hole.docx

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

OVERVIEW

Hunters Hole consists of a series of interconnected ponds that were formed by flood conditions during the period of 1950 and 1953. Water levels in the ponds were historically maintained by groundwater, irrigation drain flows, and by a connecting channel to the river. Over time, natural marsh evolution reduced mainstream flows, and periodic flooding/silting have isolated the area from the mainstream of the river and reduced surface water area.

In 2001, Arizona game and Fish Department completed a plan “Restoration Plan for Hunters Hole. The objective for the plan called for the restoration, enhancement and managing of aquatic terrestrial habitats and to provide recreational opportunities. However, since that time the Limitrophe Division (including Hunters Hole area) has been characterized as an area extremely dangerous due to the increase of illicit activity and illegal border crossing over the past several years. An International Border Fence has been constructed in the area and is greatly reducing illicit and illegal activities.

Over the past two years, the Yuma Borderland Management Task Force workgroup has met regularly to establish a strategy to manage the Limitrophe Division (including Hunters Hole area). The strategy proposes to enhance border security, safety, and the restoration and maintenance of the river corridor to desired future conditions. Key stakeholders participating in the Task Force include: City of Yuma, Yuma County Sheriff’s Office, Department of Homeland Security’s Yuma Sector, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation-Yuma Area office and the Boulder City Regional office.

The purpose of this agreement is to fund water delivery activities and maintain riparian, marsh, and open water habitat within the Hunters hole area in a manner that will sustain wildlife values while providing for border security needs.

RECIPIENT INVOLVEMENT

· Development of the upcoming years planned management activities and associated efforts. The LCR MSCP’s Restoration Office staff and the Heritage staff will collaboratively identify management activities and funding required.

· Development of a Restoration Development and Monitoring Plan (RDMP). This milestone is a collaborative effort between Reclamation’s LCR MSCP Restoration and Wildlife Group with input from the Heritage.

· Efforts for the maintenance of this area will be used for activities such as; labor for re-planting and invasive species removal, electrical costs for irrigation pumps, pump repair, fire management plan development, application of herbicide, installation of signage and outreach to stakeholders.

RECLAMATION INVOLVEMENT

Substantial involvement on the part Reclamation is anticipated for the successful completion of the objectives to be funded by this award. In particular, Reclamation will be responsible for the following:

Reclamation will approve the plan from the Heritage that identifies the development of the Hunters Hole Restoration Development and Monitoring Plan used to design and guide the habitat maintenance activities. This milestone is a collaborative effort between Reclamation’s LCR MSCP Restoration and Wildlife Group with input from the Heritage.

Reclamation may also provide technical assistance to the Recipient in support of the Scope of Work and objectives of this Agreement.

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:

(2) CONTINUATION (5) UNIQUE QUALIFICATIONS

Single Source Justification Description:

Since 2002, the Heritage has obtained all state and federal environmental compliance for the project site. All clearing, planting, irrigation, weeding, public outreach and out-year planning regarding the Yuma East Wetlands has been implemented through the Heritage.

The Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area currently holds a United States Army Corp of Engineers 404 Permit for the entire east wetlands complex (approximately 1,400 acres). Hunters Hole is located at River Mile 2.5 of that area.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act of 1934 as amended by Public Law 85-624 (16 U.S.C. 661 et. Seq.), as amended.

The Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation, is delegated so much of the authority of the Secretary under the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, 16 U.S.C. 661 et seq., as is necessary to provide assistance, through grants and cooperative agreements, to the public or private organizations for the improvement of fish and wildlife associated with water systems or water supplies affected by Reclamation projects.

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