Rio Grande Decision Support System Hydrogeologic Modeling

The Colorado Division of Water Resources is issuing a sole source procurement for hydrogeologic modeling and consultation services related to the Rio Grande Decision Support System (RGDSS). The procuring agencies are the State of Colorado and Denver County/Denver City jurisdictions. The scope of work encompasses expert hydrogeologic consultation and groundwater condition analysis in the San Luis Valley, including services such as Peer Review Team (PRT) participation with four annual meetings expected in the Denver area, piezometer installation and monitoring at Diamond Spring, stream-aquifer connection analysis for the Alamosa-LaJara area, geophysical coordination and hydrogeologic evaluation for Ortiz Basin, and detailed hydrogeologic assessment of Russell Springs and vicinity. Deliverables include technical memoranda documenting findings, refined hydrogeologic interpretations, layer mapping revisions, and cross-section interpretations for RGDSS model inputs. The contract term runs from July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2021, with Tasks 2 through 5 scheduled for completion by June 30, 2019. The contract requires expertise in hydrogeologic modeling and decision support systems, with supervision by qualified professionals such as Matthew J. Seitz, PG, or David S. Lipson, Ph.D., PG. Qualified firms must submit qualifications and a cover letter to Maggie Van Cleef at the Department of Natural Resources Purchasing Office in Denver, Colorado by the June 28, 2018 deadline, with solicitation number NPSS1 PMAA 2018000164 included in the subject line.

This is a sole source procurement with HRS Water Consultants, Inc. identified as the proposed incumbent contractor based on their extensive historical involvement with RGDSS development since its inception in 1998 and their support of the State in four Water Court trials (2006, 2009, 2012, and 2018). The sole source justification emphasizes that no other consultant possesses the background, knowledge of the existing hydrogeologic conceptualization, aquifer layering parameters, and ability to complement the existing expert witness testimony required to complete the specified scope of work. HRS Water Consultants has provided continuous hydrogeologic consulting services to the State and has established expertise in Rio Grande Basin modeling that is deemed essential for informing the court and model updates. The procurement includes budgeted funds of approximately $200,000 for this three-year contract, though the notice does not specify set-asides or restrictions on organizational types eligible to respond. The solicitation allows interested firms to submit qualifications by June 28, 2018, with all meetings assumed to occur in the Denver area unless additional site visits to the San Luis Valley are approved as contract additions.