Confined Aquifer Sustainability Study

The Colorado Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water Resources is issuing a Notice of Proposed Sole Source (NPSS1 PEAA 2027*0046) for a Confined Aquifer Sustainability Study, with a sole-source procurement period ending June 30, 2029 and a purchase order anticipated in August 2027. This is a sole-source procurement: HRS Water Consultants has been designated as the proposed sole-source contractor, but vendors may challenge the designation by submitting a one-page cover letter to Jeanette Stroud at the Department of Natural Resources Purchasing Office demonstrating capability to provide the requested services; if multiple vendors demonstrate capability, the purchase will be formally solicited.

The study addresses Water Division No. 3 (Rio Grande Basin) confined and unconfined aquifers and is mandated by state regulations governing groundwater withdrawal, with a completion deadline of March 15, 2029 — ten years from the effective date of the governing Rules. The scope encompasses four tasks: investigating aquifer system inflows and outflows; evaluating five potential estimation methods (Thiessen Polygon Composite Head, Linear Interpolation using Reference Wells, Model Infill, Water Budget Approach, and Historic Consumption); identifying preferred methodologies for sustainable water management; and preparing draft and final reports. Key deliverables include completion of the sustainability study by September 30, 2028, a draft report by October 31, 2028, and the final report by March 15, 2029. The awardee must possess extensive experience with hydrogeology of the San Luis Valley and the Rio Grande Decision Support System (RGDSS).

The Division of Water Resources has budgeted approximately $249,950 for this work. HRS Water Consultants' sole-source justification rests on their extensive prior experience studying Division 3's aquifers and unmatched regional groundwater expertise; the Division contends that competing vendors would require substantial time to develop requisite background knowledge, jeopardizing project deadlines.