EPA Region 9 has awarded a sole-source task order to CH2M Hill under the Design and Engineering Services (DES) contract (68HE0318D0004) for urgent design and engineering services at the Afterthought Mine Superfund Site near Bella Vista, California, with a value of $2.3 million.

The justification cites urgency under RFO 16.507-6(b)(1), which would cause unacceptable delays if a fair opportunity process were followed. The task order (Requisition No. PR-RAF9-26-00136) addresses imminent risk of adit collapse at the abandoned copper and zinc mine; a potential blowout at Adit 1 could release 1–3 million gallons of acid mine drainage into Little Cow Creek and ultimately the Sacramento River, which supplies drinking water to millions of California residents. CH2M Hill is deemed uniquely qualified due to current site knowledge, ongoing work on site access and stormwater diversion, experienced local staff, and ability to mobilize rapidly. EPA estimates that selecting a new contractor through standard protocols would require approximately 171 days plus an additional four months for site familiarization and inspection scheduling. Services include project management, mine inspection, remedial design, preconstruction support, and construction management support. The performance period is May 1, 2026 through April 30, 2027, with a critical design completion deadline of November 1, 2026. Pricing is based on previously approved labor rates from CH2M Hill's existing DES contract, with travel reimbursed for actual reasonable expenses under Federal Travel Regulation guidelines.

Remedial Acquisition Framework (RAF), Design and Engineering Services (DES)

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