Title
Consider recommendation from the Research & Technology Committee to approve a contract with the Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma for Assessing the Capacity to Downscale Evapotranspiration Using Remotely Sensed Observations, in an amount not to exceed $78,452.
Body
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Move the board approve Contract No. 25-021-AMS between the EAA and the Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma for Assessing the Capacity to Downscale Evapotranspiration Using Remotely Sensed Observations, in an amount not to exceed $78,452, for the period November 13, 2025, April 30, 2026.
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 the Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma.
Attached to this summary is the proposed contract, which has been reviewed by legal counsel. A description of the contract scope of work is presented below.
Background:
The project’s goal is to develop gridded, downscaled projections of actual evapotranspiration (AET) across the Edwards Aquifer Region (EAR) using remotely sensed satellite data and climate model outputs. These projections are intended to help the EAA with drought assessment, water conservation, recharge management, and habitat protection.
A prior EAA-funded benchmark study successfully tested methods for downscaling AET using satellite observations at four sites.
The new project builds on that success to extend the approach across the full Edwards Aquifer Region through year 2100.
Objectives:
Task 1 - Data Collection and Preparation
Gather and prepare:
- MODIS satellite-estimated AET data.
- CMIP6 global climate model (GCM)-simulated AET data.
- Ensure consistency with previous EAA downscaling projects for comparability.
Task 2 - Historical Downscaling and Validation
- Downscale historical GCM AET data.
- Evaluate model accuracy by comparing with MODIS satellite training data using the same methodology from the prior benchmark study.
Task 3 - Future Downscaling and Analysis
- Generate downscaled AET projections for future climate scenarios.
- Calculate projected changes in AET across the entire Edwards Aquifer Region.
Deliverables:
1. Final Report describing:
- Data sources and selection methods.
- Downscaling procedures.
- Accuracy assessments and interpretation of results.
2. Gridded Downscaled AET Datasets (to year 2100) delivered in a format compatible with prior EAA datasets.
At the meeting on October 28, the Research &Technology Committee voted to recommend the board approve Contract No. 25-021-AMS between the EAA and the Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma for Assessing the Capacity to Downscale Evapotranspiration Using Remotely Sensed Observations, in an amount not to exceed $78,452, for the period November 13, 2025, April 30, 2026.
M/WBE PARTICIPATION:
The Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma is a State academic institution, and as such, is not an M/WBE business.
STRATEGIC REFERENCE:
This agenda item helps build and/or great Greater Understanding and Management Through Science - a key objective in achieving the EAA’s goals identified in the 2021-30 Strategic Plan.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Payment associated with this project will span fiscal years 2025 and 2026. Sufficient funding is available in the 2025 operating budget and will be included in the 2026 proposed operating budget.