R--Operation and Maintenance of AZMET weather stations

The Bureau of Reclamation, Lower Colorado Region, (LCR), Boulder City, Nevada, intends to solicit and negotiate on a sole source basis, a firm-fixed price acquisition with University of Arizona to support the operation and maintenance of weather stations and the reporting of meteorological data. The weather stations of interest include stations along the lower Colorado River which are part of the Arizona Meteorological Network (AZMET). AZMET provides meteorological data required for the computation of evapotranspiration, the water used by plants. Evapotranspiration data is used by farmers to calculate their irrigation needs. A Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition has been prepared in support of this acquisition. This is a Notice of Intent only and not a request for competitive proposals or an announcement of a solicitation. Reclamation requires daily and annual standardized reference evapotranspiration (ETo) values from AZMET, as well as the California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS), stations located along the lower Colorado River to support monitoring and accounting of consumptive use of water from the lower Colorado River. Reclamation must monitor and account for the consumptive use of water from the lower Colorado River as described in the Consolidated Decree of the United States Supreme Court in Arizona v. California, 547 U.S. 150 (2006) and 43 CFR Part 417 of the Code of Federal Regulations. To assist in fulfilling these requirements, the Lower Colorado Water Accounting and Verification group calculates evapotranspiration values for crops and riparian vegetation, and evaporation from open water surfaces along the lower Colorado River and adjacent areas to which Colorado River water is diverted and consumed. These evapotranspiration and evaporation values are used to monitor water use and the efficiency of water use, water exchange programs between water users, and to facilitate consumptive use calculations. These evapotranspiration and evaporation values are dependent upon daily and annual Standardized Reference Evapotranspiration values from AZMET and CIMIS stations located along the lower Colorado River, as well as parameters collected from other sources. The proposed action is for supplies or services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 6.302. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals; however, all capability statements received within 10 days after date of publication of this synopsis will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed action based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. The contract award information will be posted on the Federal Business Opportunities website (FBO) at (www.fedbizopps.gov). The Justification and Approval for using noncompetitive procedures will be made available for public inspection as required by 41 U.S.C. 253(f)(4). Questions may be directed to Diane Rodriguez via e-mail to dlrodriguez@usbr.gov.