Title
Consider recommendation from the Research & Technology Committee to approve a contract with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to provide and operate off-site refugia for the eleven (11) covered species identified in the EAHCP, in an amount not to exceed $18,876,267.
Body
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Move the board adopt Resolution and Order No. 11-16-863 of the Edwards Aquifer Authority Board of Directors approving a contract between the EAA and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 2, Fish and Aquatic Conservation Office to provide and operate off-site refugia required under sections 5.1.1 and 6.4 of the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan, in an amount not to exceed $18,876,267, for the period of January 1, 2017 through March 31, 2028; and to authorize the General Manager to execute the contract.
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 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), to provide and operate off-site refugia for the eleven (11) covered species identified in the EAHCP.
Section 6.4 of the EAHCP specifically requires the EAA to provide for off-site refugia, if necessary. Further, Section K of EAA's Individual Take Permit requires that the EAA provide for refugia to house and protect the covered species in the event that a drought or other disaster may threaten the species' continued existence without intervention.
This project is intended to provide for the collection, husbandry, captive propagation, and reintroduction of covered species individuals collected from their native habitat when it is determined by the EAA and the USFWS that significant covered species kills in the wild are imminent or on-going.
To solicit the required services, EAA staff issued a Request for Proposals (RFP), following the standard EAA procurement procedures. On September 21, EAA staff sent RFP packets to 226 potential vendors. Of those vendor...
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