Single Source_Redacted.pdf

Solicitation Number: 12405B24Q0463 Page 1 of 3

DETERMINATION TO SOLICIT FROM A SINGLE SOURCE

Pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), for purchases not exceeding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT) Contracting Officers may solicit from only one source if the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source is reasonably available (e.g., urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, brand name, or industrial mobilization).

1. Agency and Contracting Activity.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service

2. Name and Address of Single Source.

Collier Consulting, Inc.

590 E South Loop Stephenville, TX 76401-5310

3. Description of Supplies/Services and Estimated Cost.

Professional geoscience and engineering advice and counsel is needed by the Groundwater Transfer and Injection Pilot (GTIP) project team at the National Sedimentation Laboratory (NSL) in developing a plan and initial cost estimate for the second project phase (Phase 2) of the project. During GTIP Phase 2, the project is expected to transition to an expanded managed aquifer recharge (MAR) system combining riverbank filtration and groundwater transfer and injection based on the findings from Phase 1 of the GTIP project. Technical expertise concerning engineering, environmental, hydrogeological, geophysical, operational, cost, and logistical considerations must be provided with respect to a scaled-up phase of the project.

Work will encompass periodic virtual meetings with ARS personnel, collaborators, and stakeholders and reviewing and assessing documentation necessary for developing an operational path forward. Based on meetings and assessments, the Contractor must provide recommendations for the following:

(1) Establish a plan that identifies the steps necessary to prepare for the construction and implementation of the GTIP project Phase 2;

(2) Develop a planning level estimate of resources needed for constructing, implementing, and assessing GTIP Phase 2; and

(3) Identify research questions that need to be addressed during GTIP Phase 2.

Key consideration must be given to the influence of the uniquely complex geological

Solicitation Number: 12405B24Q0463 Page 2 of 3 setting of the GTIP project, consisting of a shallow (<200 ft), unconsolidated, variably confined aquifer system of fluvial origin.

The anticipated period of performance is twelve (12) months with an estimated cost of

4. Description of Circumstances, including why only one source is reasonably available.

In accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) only one source is reasonable available due to the proposed Contractor’s unique experience with the GTIP Project. Additionally, the proposed contractor has unique expertise conducting engineering, environmental, and geophysical assessments of complex geological settings for the purposes of planning, design, and operation of managed aquifer recharge technologies using injection wells or aquifer storage and recovery.

Managed aquifer recharge technologies utilizing direct aquifer injection are typically conducted in relatively deep and/or well confined aquifers. The MRVAA where the GTIP project is located fits neither of these characteristics, and difficulties in operation of the facility have already occurred in connection with its unique geological conditions. The proposed contractor has demonstrated expertise in scientific investigation and/or engineering design related to (1) lithology mapping and geological characterization, (2) aquifer storage and recovery, (3) mapping aquifers and siting high capacity wells, (4) Class V injection wells, (5) subsurface geotechnical characterization, (6) soil and bedrock characterization below active rivers, and (7) applying and interpreting geophysical data to identify lateral and vertical variations in soil.

The proposed contractor recently completed a comprehensive independent technical review and report of Phase 1 of the GTIP project.

5. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Price.

Previous pricing for this service (12405B23P0434) was determined fair and reasonable.

Additionally, the Government will complete price analysis on pricing received from the proposed Contractor. No award will be made unless pricing has been determined fair and reasonable.

6. Description of Market Research.

Market research consisted of communications with industry professionals and internet searches. Phase 1 of GTIP project was solicited open market. A combined synopsis/solicitation was publicly posted to the System for Award Management (www.sam.gov) on August 22, 2023; quotes were due on August 31, 2023. Collier