Rio Grande Basin Rules/Hydrogeologic Consultation

The Colorado Division of Water Resources, on behalf of Denver County and Denver City, issued a Notice of Proposed Sole Source procurement for hydrogeologic consultation services related to Rio Grande Basin groundwater rules administration. This contract encompasses three distinct phases of work scheduled through December 31, 2017: Phase 1 includes pre-filing coordination, peer review team meetings, and expert report preparation with depositions anticipated through early 2017; Phase 2 involves settlement negotiations and trial preparation; and Phase 3 covers rules trial attendance and expert testimony expected to require 6 to 12 weeks. The successful contractor will provide expert witness testimony, technical advice, and consultation throughout legal proceedings and settlement discussions, with work commencing immediately upon award. Required qualifications include unique expertise in hydrogeologic consultation, specific knowledge of the Rio Grande Decision Support System developed since 1998, and demonstrated experience with Water Court proceedings and San Luis Valley litigation. Vendors objecting to the sole source justification were required to submit signed objections from authorized representatives along with documentation of relevant past work experience to the Department of Natural Resources Purchasing Office by the deadline of noon on October 24, 2014. The proposal due date was October 24, 2014, with the original contract term expected to conclude by August 30, 2017.

This procurement was designated as a sole source procurement, restricting competition to vendors meeting the specific experience and expertise requirements outlined in the justification. HRS Water Consultants, Inc. was identified as the incumbent contractor and sole source selection based on their unique involvement in developing the Rio Grande Decision Support System since 1998 and their participation in prior Water Court proceedings in 2006 and 2009, positioning them as the only vendor with requisite knowledge of the model's geologic parameters and necessary litigation experience. The Colorado Division of Water Resources budgeted approximately $155,000 for this work scope, with contract modifications anticipated to phase both scope and funding across the multiyear litigation process. Additional funding requirements in future fiscal years have not yet been determined, allowing flexibility for resource optimization throughout the engagement.