Title
Consider recommending that the Board of Directors approve Agreements for Services with the project team including GEI Consultants, Inc. and Sonoma Water for the combined project total dollar amount of $400,000 for work to be performed related to the Enhancing Predictive Tools and Operational Strategies for the Nacimiento and San Antonio Dams and Reservoirs Project (Project). (Presenter: Jason Demers)
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Finance Committee:
Consider recommending that the Board of Directors approve Agreements for Services with the project team including GEI Consultants, Inc. and Sonoma Water for the combined project total dollar amount of $400,000 and authorize the General Manager to execute the agreement.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
In October, 2023, the Monterey County Water Resources Agency (Agency) submitted a grant application with the U.S. Department of the Interior - Bureau of Reclamation (“USBR”) to receive $400,000 in funding (funds) for the Enhancing Predictive Tools and Operational Strategies for the Nacimiento and San Antonio Dams and Reservoirs project (Project). USBR issued a Notice of Award to the Agency on September 10, 2024. In October, 2024, the Agency Board of Directors adopted a resolution authorizing the Agency enter into an agreement with USBR to received the funds to proceed with the Project.
Subsequently, in the Spring of 2025, the Agency developed and issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeking a consultant to perform specific tasks related to the Project. After reviewing submittals from six firms, an Agency ad hoc Selection Committee selected a Statement of Qualification (SOQ) from GEI Consultants, Inc with Sonoma Water as a project participant on specific tasks. The Agency is in the process of developing separate Agreements for Services with GEI, who will oversee and direct technical and grant supportive tasks to be completed by GEI and Sonoma Water staff, and Sonoma Water for the completion of specific project tasks.
The Project aims to leverage recent improvements in reservoir modeling and forecasting technology to develop tools to aid in forecast informed operations of the Nacimiento and San Antonio Reservoirs with a long-term goal of maximizing storage of winter inflow while minimizing downstream flood risk.
The grant scope includes an evaluation of existing reservoir operational methods and tools; documentation of Agency decision-making processes to develop operational guidelines; development of updated tools to evaluate operational factors including reservoir inflow, elevation-dependent outlet capacity, joint operation of both reservoirs and the timing and coordination of releases with forecasted flows in the Salinas River.
This action is consistent with the Agency’s Strategic Plan for 2020-2025, specifically Goal B, Strategy 7 – Use data and analysis to make informed decisions based on science; and, Goal C, Strategy 6 – Pursue grant funding and cost saving opportunities from all available sources, including collaborating with the GSA.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Funding for the Project is provided in part by USBR.
FINANCING:
The total cost of the contract will be funded by the FIRO grant.
The total Project cost is $545,605, spanning FY26-FY27 and requires at least 25% be funded with local match funds. The grant provides reimbursable funding of $400,000 or approximately 73% with the remaining 27% or $145,605 to be funded by the Agency. The Agency plans to use in-kind staff effort on eligible activities for cost share. Funding for consultant work (reimbursable by the grant) and Agency staff time have been included in the Adopted FY26 budget. Any remaining reimbursable funding and staff labor will be incorporated into future budgets through the end of the grant term.
The FY26 Adopted Budget of Fund 116 includes an estimated Project expense and has sufficient appropriations to pay for the agreement.
Prepared by: Peter Kwiek, Associate Water Resources Hydrologist, (831) 755-4860
Approved by: Ara Azhderian, General Manager, (831)755-4860