B--Monongahela River Basin Ecosytem Flow Study, Portions of PA, WV, and MD

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District is awarding a contract to The Nature Conservancy to conduct the Monongahela River Basin Ecosystem Flow Study across parts of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Maryland. This study focuses on reservoir operations at Stonewall Jackson Lake, Tygart Lake, and Youghiogheny River Lake as part of an update to the Water Control Manuals for these projects. The study area includes sections of the Monongahela River previously examined by The Nature Conservancy. A key element of this effort involves using the Indicators of Hydraulic Alteration (IHA) statistical analysis software, a proprietary tool developed by The Nature Conservancy for ecologically meaningful hydraulic analysis, which is not commercially available. Due to the exclusive use of this specialized software, the Pittsburgh District will not accept proposals from any other sources, ensuring that The Nature Conservancy, with its unique capabilities and prior involvement, remains the sole contractor for this work. This decision underscores the importance of continuity and technical expertise in updating the reservoir management plans to better support ecosystem flow conditions within the basin. The contract falls under the NAICS code 541330 and is managed by the Pittsburgh District office of the Department of Defense.