Title
Consider recommendation from the Research & Technology Committee to approve a Joint Funding Agreement between the EAA and the United States Geological Survey for data collection services, in an amount not to exceed $1,167,225.00.
Body
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Move the board adopt Resolution and Order No. 08-24-098 of the Edwards Aquifer Authority Board of Directors approving Joint Funding Agreement No. 24-008-AMS between the EAA and the United States Geological Survey for data collection services for a total amount of $1,167,225.00, for the period October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2027, and authorize the General Manager to execute the agreement.
SUMMARY:
The purpose of this agenda item is for the board to consider a Research & Technology Committee recommendation to approve the annual hydrologic data collection agreement between the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the EAA. The EAA and its predecessor agency (the EUWD) have cooperated with the USGS to jointly fund hydrologic data collection projects for over 45 years.
Since the proposed Joint Funding Agreement (JFA) formalizes a cooperative working arrangement between two public agencies, the EAA and the USGS, the project was not required to go through a competitive procurement process. Because the total expenditure is greater than $100,000, a board resolution and order is required. Attached to this summary is the resolution and order and the proposed JFA, both of which have been reviewed by legal counsel. A description of each JFA task is presented below.
TASK 1. Surface-Water and Springflow Gauging: Operate and maintain 15 full-range streamflow gauges, seven discharge below base stations, two springflow separation stations, two periodic measurement stations, and six Federal Priority Streamgaging Network (FPS) gauges in the Edwards Aquifer region.
TASK 2. Update and maintain the springflow web site: The existing web site (https://txpub.usgs.gov/spring_calc/) is used to communicate the methods and records for spring flow for San Marcos and Comal springs. The Survey will continue to update information on this site as springflow discharge methods are updated and refined.
TASK 3. Compute Recharge and Springflow Discharge: Collect and compile data to compute recharge to the Edwards Aquifer from the nine gauged basins in the Edwards Aquifer drainage area and the spring discharge from the Edwards Aquifer via the Comal, San Marcos, San Antonio, San Pedro, Leona, and Hueco Springs.
At the meeting on July 23, the Research & Technology Committee voted to recommend the board adopt a resolution and order of the Edwards Aquifer Authority Board of Directors approving Joint Funding Agreement No. 24-008-AMS between the EAA and the United States Geological Survey for data collection services for a total amount of $1,167,225.00, for the period October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2027, and authorize the General Manager to execute the agreement.
M/WBE PARTICIPATION:
The United States Geological Survey is a federal agency, and as such, is not an M/WBE business.
STRATEGIC REFERENCE:
This agenda item relates to the goal of greater understanding and management through science found in the EAA’s 2021-2030 strategic plan.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total EAA cost associated with this JFA is $1,167,225.00 for the period October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2026. Funding is available for the 2024 portion of this JFA and is budgeted for fiscal years 2025-2026. The total USGS contribution over the span of this JFA is $360,975.00.