Water Rights Portfolio Audit

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is initiating a solicitation to analyze and audit its statewide water rights portfolio. The objective is to identify and evaluate DNR's water rights and provide recommendations to improve the management of the agency's water rights assets. The selected firm will be responsible for locating and evaluating all of DNR's water rights, providing concepts for improved data management and reporting, and strategies for long-term asset management improvements. The scope of work covers multiple counties and cities throughout the state of Washington. Proposals are due by September 23, 2024, and the estimated contract term is from December 15, 2024 to December 14, 2025, with the option to extend for up to two additional one-year periods. The RFP outlines the evaluation criteria, including technical approach, management qualifications, experience, and cost, to determine the apparent successful contractor.

The RFP encourages participation from small, veteran-owned, and minority/women-owned businesses, and provides preference points for such firms. No set-asides or minimum participation levels are required, but the agency emphasizes its aspirational goals for small and diverse business engagement. The RFP does not specify an incumbent contractor or provide a budget range, but indicates the project is expected to exceed $150,000 and will be funded by state funds.