Orni 5 Project (Conditional Use Permit#18-0038)

The Orni 5 Project involves the conduct of a geophysical survey and the drilling and testing of up to six exploratory geothermal wells on private and state lands within the Truckhaven Geothermal Exploration Area, located south-southwest of Salton City in Imperial County, California. The project is authorized through an amendment to a 5-year Geothermal Resources Lease, extending its term through October 31, 2030, with approval granted by the California State Lands Commission on August 21, 2025. Imperial County serves as the lead agency under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), having adopted a Mitigated Negative Declaration that outlines environmental mitigation measures and a required Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program to manage potential impacts. All well pads will be constructed on individual pads within the leased areas, with activities regulated by state environmental compliance protocols rather than federal procurement standards. The project does not include a formal contract with pricing, line items, or payment terms, as the documentation reflects administrative approvals, environmental determinations, and lease amendments rather than a solicitation or awarded procurement. Key contacts include Afifa Awan of the State Lands Commission and David Black of Imperial County, who oversee environmental and land use compliance. The project’s primary deliverables include the completion of geophysical data collection, well drilling and testing, and adherence to mandatory environmental monitoring, all under the authority of state regulatory frameworks with no invocation of Federal Acquisition Regulation clauses, solicitation instructions, or federal contract administration structures.