Posting Language
Title
Authorize a contract for training of at-risk high school students in the field of water quality monitoring for the Watershed Protection Department and Parks and Recreation Department with Austin Youth River Watch for an initial term of one year with up to two one-year extension options, in an amount not to exceed $588,645. Funding: $124,115 is available in the Watershed Protection Department’s Operating Budget, and $72,100 is available in the Parks and Recreation Department’s Operating Budget. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets.
Body
Lead Department
Financial Services Department.
Client Department(s)
Watershed Protection Department, Parks and Recreation Department.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $124,115 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of the Watershed Protection Department. Funding in the amount of $72,100 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of the Parks and Recreation Department. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets.
Purchasing Language:
Professional Service.
MBE/WBE:
This contract was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). For the services required for this contract, there were no subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established.
For More Information:
Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to the Financial Services Department - Central Procurement at FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500. Respondents to the solicitation and their Agents should direct all questions to the Authorized Contact Person identified in the solicitation.
Additional Backup Information:
This contract will provide training of high school students impacted by systemic inequities (who are primarily Black, Indigenous, People of Color) in the field of water quality monitoring. The students will collect data and perform environmental restoration and education work to improve water quality, public green spaces, and promote watershed health. The services provided are a combination of drop-out prevention, peer mentoring, and intensive environmental education.
Austin Youth River Watch (AYRW) provides the equipment and training required for students to collect, analyze, and publish water-quality data from Austin area streams and rivers. AYRW has been working with the City on youth environmental programs and the Lower Colorado River Authority and their Colorado River Watch Network program since 1991. AYRW has been successfully combining youth development along with environmental education and stewardship in Austin for decades, making positive impacts in the lives of youth and the environment in all the communities in the Austin metro area. AYRW also works closely with the Watershed Protection Department investigating the source of fecal bacteria contamination, and to adopt specific areas for land restoration along water sources consistent with the water quality goals of WPD.
The recommended contractor is the current provider for these services. This contract replaces the current contract expiring on February 3, 2025. Requested authorization is determined based on previous contract spending.
A delay in contract approval could impact the water quality of streams and rivers and delay the early warning systems alerting the City of potential water quality threats.