Title
Consider recommendation from the Research & Technology Committee to approve a joint funding agreement with the United States Geological Survey for data collection services, in an amount not to exceed $483,105.
Body
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Move the board adopt Resolution and Order No. 09-16-852 of the Edwards Aquifer Authority Board of Directors approving Joint Funding Agreement No. 16-813-AM between the EAA and the United States Geological Survey for data collection services in the total amount of $483,105, of which the EAA contribution will not exceed $333,990, for the period October 1, 2016, through September 30, 2017.
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 40 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 a draft 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 Gauging.
Surface water flow data are collected for nine major basins that cross the recharge zone of the Southern (San Antonio) segment of the Balcones Fault Zone of the Edwards Aquifer. The data are used for estimating annual recharge to, and spring discharge from the aquifer. Under this JFA, the USGS will operate and maintain:
Fourteen full-range stream gauges (routine equipment)
Six discharge below base stations
Two springflow sep...
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