Economic Analysis-Valuation of Water Rights for Forbearance

The Edwards Aquifer Authority, a political subdivision of the State of Texas in San Antonio, is soliciting proposals under RFP 003-26-EXE for an economic analysis and valuation of Edwards Aquifer water rights for forbearance programs, with questions due November 24, 2026 and proposals due December 2, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Central Time. The EAA strongly encourages minority-owned and women-owned business (M/WBE) participation, with a good faith effort goal to award 30% of contract value to M/WBEs whenever possible. The goal is not a mandatory set-aside.

The scope covers four tasks: current market value of Edwards Aquifer water rights for irrigation and municipal/industrial uses; the value of irrigation rights relative to agricultural use; price points for securing rights in future forbearance contracts, incorporating historic environmental condition data; and a 30-year projection of how those values will change. Offerors must provide three client references for similar water valuations completed within the past ten years and submit a Project Subcontracting Plan. Successful offerors must submit a Texas Form 1295 disclosure of interested parties and comply with Texas law and OSHA standards. Proposals must hold prices valid for ninety calendar days following opening.

The contract will be awarded on a time-and-materials, not-to-exceed basis for an agreed-upon total amount. Work begins only upon a Notice to Proceed issued by the EAA General Manager.

Proposals will be scored on Commercial Quality and Responsiveness (45 points), Cost Factors (40 points), Project Subcontracting Plan (10 points), and Financial Stability (5 points). Submissions go through BidNet Direct or by physical delivery to EAA offices. The EAA reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals and will award to the offeror whose proposal best meets stated requirements and criteria.