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Partnership Opportunities: RFI/RFCSP Process
Partnership Opportunities: Requests for Information/Requests for Competitive Sealed Proposals
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Various groups regularly approach San Antonio Water System with plans to provide water resources to the utility. It is often difficult to assess the relative value of these proposals due to widely differing terms, conditions, ownership, cost calculation methodologies and degree of development of the concept.
However, SAWS is committed to garnering valuable insight and perspectives on water issues. The SAWS 2012 Water Management Plan outlines the development of future water supply projects for the city. The plan is vital to the continued success and economic viability of the region.
In September 2010, SAWS issued a Request for Information (RFI) on new water supply projects, seeking innovative ideas to help diversify the city's long-term water supply. This process is expected to help supplement SAWS' current long-term supplies through 2060.
SAWS requested information on potential projects that could deliver water to the utility's distribution infrastructure at predetermined locations in Bexar County. To help achieve a goal of diversified supply, SAWS requested that project plans not include the sale or lease of Edwards Aquifer Authority-permitted water that could be pumped from existing SAWS infrastructure.
Interested parties had six weeks to submit proposals for review before the RFI closed in October 2010. Thirteen responses to the RFI gave SAWS a preliminary idea of some of the projects that could be proposed. In December, SAWS offered feedback to the 13 submittals, providing respondents an opportunity to refine their proposals.
In January 2011, a subsequent Request for Competitive Sealed Proposal (RFCSP) was issued, with responses due in July 2011. Interested parties were not required to participate in the RFI process to submit a response to the current RFCSP. Responses to the RFCSP provided a more detailed overview of the proposed project, including firm cost estimates, design work, water control and yield and status of required permits and land acquisition.
In July 2011, San Antonio Water System received nine proposals for new water supply projects to provide alternative water sources and add to the city's diverse water supply. Through this process, SAWS hopes to identify additional projects to meet long-term water supply needs through 2060.
"San Antonio continues to look for opportunities to diversify sources and ensure a sustainable, affordable supply of water for generations to come," said Chuck Ahrens, SAWS vice president of Water Resources and Conservation. "Through this open process, we hope to identify additional long-term water projects that provide the best value for San Antonio ratepayers."
SAWS received proposals from the following organizations:
- Abengoa (with Blue Water Systems)
- Dimmit Utility Water Supply Corporation
- EarthWater Technologies
- Grass Valley Water, L.P.
- Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority
- Oscar Renda Contracting
- Southwest Texas Water Resources
- V. V. Water Company, L.L.C.
- Water Exploration Company, Ltd. (WECO)
Through the initial evaluation process, SAWS determined that four of the respondents were responsive to the requirements of the RFCSP and subsequent clarification requests. These four respondents are:
- Abengoa (with Blue Water Systems)
- Dimmit Utility Water Supply Corporation
- Oscar Renda Contracting
- V. V. Water Company, L.L.C.
These four respondents could provide water to SAWS in the timeframe required and in varying quantities.
