B--Snow Surveys with Dept of Water Resources
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Bureau of Reclamation intends to award a sole source contract to the State of California Department of Water Resources (DWR) for Snow Surveys and Water Forecasting Services. These services are critical for operating reservoirs within the Central Valley Project, including Shasta Lake, Folsom Lake, New Melones Lake, and Millerton Lake. This is a Special Notice (Notice of Intent to Sole Source), not a solicitation for proposals. Interested parties capable of providing these services must respond by March 17, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
The Bureau of Reclamation requires snow survey and resultant water forecasting services to effectively manage and operate key reservoirs in the Central Valley Project. DWR, through its agreement with the USDA Forest Service, is identified as the only source authorized by California Water Code, Section 228, to provide these essential services.
Key Requirements / Deliverables
- Conduct snow surveys.
- Provide resultant water forecasting services.
- Collect and upload data to DWR's California Data Exchange Center (CDEC).
Contract Details
- Type: Firm Fixed Price (intended sole source)
- Duration: 5 years (1 base year + 4 option years)
- Base Year: July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027
- Option Year 4: July 1, 2030 - June 30, 2031
- Set-Aside: Other than Full and Open Competition (Sole Source)
- Response Due: March 17, 2026, 22:00 UTC
- Published: March 4, 2026
Sole Source Justification
Market research indicated no other small or large businesses capable of providing these services. DWR's Snow Surveys Section is responsible for the California Snow Surveys Cooperative Program (CSSCP), which Reclamation has supported for over 30 years, highlighting a direct and long-standing need for their specific information and expertise.
Action for Interested Parties
This notice serves as a Notice of Intent to Sole Source. Any firm believing it can provide these services should submit a capability statement demonstrating their ability to meet the requirements by the response date. This is not a request for proposals, but an opportunity to challenge the sole source determination.
Contact Information
- Primary Contact: Heibeck, Sherry
- Email: sherry_heibeck@ios.doi.gov
- Phone: 9169786188