Title
Consider recommendation from the Research & Technology Committee to approve a contract with Southwest Research Institute, for development of a hydrologic model to estimate recharge, in an amount not to exceed $725,040.
Body
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Move the board adopt Resolution and Order No. 09-25-131 of the Edwards Aquifer Authority Board of Directors authorizing approval of Contract No. 25-018-AMS between the EAA and Southwest Research Institute, for the development of a hydrologic model to estimate recharge, in an amount not to exceed $725,040 upon signature by both parties through December 31, 2027.
SUMMARY:
The purpose of this agenda item is for the board to consider a Research & Technology Committee recommendation to approve a contract between the EAA and Southwest Research Institute to develop a hydrologic model to estimate recharge.
The EAA’s Next Generation program seeks to identify and protect environmentally sensitive lands for long-term preservation, protection, and enhancement of the Edwards Aquifer. These lands will serve both conservation and research purposes, enabling studies on groundwater flow, water quality, and recharge protection.
Past efforts, including HSPF-based watershed models and studies by Southwest Research Institute, have shown it is possible to estimate recharge at smaller, parcel-specific scales, even within the same watershed. Building on this, the EAA will undertake a multi-year project to develop a refined hydrologic modeling approach that can estimate aquifer recharge and evaluate the impacts of land management practices.
The project includes five main tasks:
1. Review existing watershed models to identify those best suited for EAA’s objectives, with emphasis on simulating karst systems, contaminant transport, and integration with groundwater models.
2. Adapt or develop a model to estimate recharge impacts, potentially integrating with models such as MODFLOW6.
3. Create GIS feature layers to visualize hydrologic results, recharge potential, and protected properties at a 100-acre resolution.
4. Deliver draft models and GIS layers for EAA review and incorporate revisions as needed.
5. Prepare final deliverables including the model software, GIS layers, and comprehensive documentation.
Final deliverables will include the hydrologic model and software, GIS visualization layers, and comprehensive documentation to support EAA’s long-term land protection and resource management strategies.
To solicit the required services, EAA staff issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) consistent with the standard EAA procurement process beginning August 26, 2024 through October 16, 2024 . EAA staff, through direct notification and publication of the RFP with the Texas Purchasing Group - BidNet Direct and the State of Texas Electronic State Business Daily, reached 820 vendors with notification of the RFP, 361 were M/WBEs. In addition, newspaper publication of the IFB was provided in various newspapers throughout the EAA region.
On the submission deadline of October 16, 2024, EAA staff received one bid from a non-M/WBE vendor. The bid met the criteria described in the RFP and, while only one bid was received, EAA staff believes the bid is competitive and recommends bid award.
At the meeting on August 26, the Research & Technology Committee voted to recommend the board adopt a resolution and order of the Edwards Aquifer Authority Board of Directors approving a contract between the EAA and Southwest Research Institute, to develop a hydrologic model to estimate recharge, in an amount not to exceed $725,040, once the contract is entered into upon signature of both parties through December 31, 2027; and authorizing the general manager to execute this contract.
In accordance with Article 10.02(b) of the EAA's Bylaws, contracts whose value exceeds $100,000 are required to be approved by a written resolution. Attached is a draft resolution and order, and draft contract, both of which have been reviewed by legal counsel.
M/WBE PARTICIPATION:
Southwest Research Institute is not an M/WBE vendor.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
This agenda item helps build and/or create Greater Understanding and Management Through Science - a key objective in achieving the EAA’s goals identified in the 2021-30 Strategic Plan.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total cost associated with this contract is $725,040. Because this contract spans three EAA fiscal years, funding for the first four months ($28,366) is available in the 2025 operating budget. Funding for the remaining 24 months of the contract ($696,674) will be included in the subsequent annual operating budgets.