Posting Language
Title
Authorize negotiation and execution of a contract to provide hydrologic consulting services with Hoffpauir Consulting PLLC, for up to five years, in an amount not to exceed $1,300,000.
[Note: This procurement 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 procurement, there were no subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established].
Body
Lead Department
Financial Services Department.
Client Department(s)
Austin Water.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $108,333 is available in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Operating Budget of Austin Water.
Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets.
Purchasing Language:
Professional Service.
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.
Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action:
April 17, 2024 - Recommended by the Water and Wastewater Commission on a 9-0 vote with Commissioners Navarro and Turrieta absent.
Additional Backup Information:
This contract will provide hydrologic consulting services for water rights, water supply, climate and hydrology related matters, and water availability modeling. The contractor will work closely with City staff to help ensure that the City has adequate water supply in the future. The services will include analysis pertaining to the Lower Colorado River Authority’s (LCRA) Water Management Plan, integrated water resources planning, water rights applications or amendments, and regional water planning.
Hoffpauir Consulting PLLC has worked with the City extensively in the past and has unique, detailed knowledge of the City’s water rights, water supply, and water resource planning. The contractor has also served as a water expert for the City’s legal team in negotiations of critical high-profile matters, such as previous LCRA Water Management Plan revisions and the 2007 settlement agreements with LCRA.
The contract will replace a contract which expires July 27, 2024. The recommended contractor is the current provider of these services. The requested authorization amounts were determined by using departmental estimates based on historical spend and contractor’s quote.
A delay in contract approval could impact the City’s ability to access a reliable and continuous source for hydrologic consulting services, a loss of significant knowledge and expertise, and substantial time and expense would be required to familiarize another consultant with the City’s water rights, interests, history, and specialized water models.