SPECIAL NOTICE
F -- Intent to Sole Source / Mediation Services
- Notice Date
- 7/5/2005
- Notice Type
- Special Notice
- Contracting Office
- Bureau of Reclamation - Upper Columbia Area Office 1917 Marsh Road Yakima WA 98901
- ZIP Code
- 98901
- Solicitation Number
- DOI-SNOTE-050705-001
- Archive Date
- 7/5/2006
- Description
- The Bureau of Reclamation intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with Roundtable Associates,2212 Queen Ave N #265, Seattle WA 98901. The proposed action is for Roundtable Associates to act as mediator for confidential multi-party negotiation of the Reclamation case-in-chief in the Acquavella water rights adjudication. mediation services. Reclamation and the Washington Department of Ecology have agreed that a mediator is necessary to this effort. Reclamation's Report of the Court in the Acquavella adjudication issued on April 14, 2005, gave Reclamation until September 15, 2005, to file exceptions to the Report. In the interim, Reclamation will engage basin interests through mediation in an effort to negotiate a settlement of outstanding issues. The goal is to provide the Court with a unified set of stipulated exceptions that will eliminate or drastically reduce the need for litigation over the United States' water rights. Mr. Archey and Roundtable Associates are uniquely qualified to perform these services because of their availability, skill, and track record of neutral facilitation among Yakima Basin interests. Roundtable Associates has been the facilitator for the Conservation Advisory Group, and has been deeply involved with the Water Transfer Working Group and the recent Yakima Basin Water Exchange initiative. Mr. Archey is familiar to the settlement parties and a readily acceptable mediator, key considerations in this time-limited and potentially fractious negotiation. Mr. Archey has an in-depth and current working knowledge of water resources, water law, and Yakima Basin operations, as well as the organizational skill, computer resources, and mediation expertise necessary for this task. The goal is to reach accord on stipulated exceptions to the Report of the Court by the filing deadline on September 15, 2005. Mr. Archey's knowledge of the Yakima basin, his familiarity with the key players in this negotiation, and his outstanding organizational and management skills ensures that this process can quickly get on track. To obtain the services of another mediator who would be acceptable to the parties, as well-grounded in the particulars of the Yakima basin, and as skilled in facilitation would cause unacceptable delay, particularly given the current schedule imposed by the Acquavella Court. Mr. Archey's combination of skills, knowledge, and party acceptability are the most cost effective solution for Reclamation and the other mediation parties. Tasks: 1) Facilitate negotiations -- Keep notes and minutes; reduce to written form; circulate among parties for review and comment. -- Schedule meetings and venues. -- Generate agendae. -- Organize work groups, track milestones, and enforce deadlines. -- Maintain files of exhibits, documents, and other relevant materials. 2) Mediate negotiations -- Act as neutral to resolve conflicts among parties. -- Suggest alternative resolutions and negotiation strategies. 3) Provide summary reports on results of mediated negotiations. Qualification Criteria: Successful contractor must: Possess a high degree of organizational skill and attention to detail Be acceptable to the full spectrum of Yakima Basin interests Be skilled in facilitation and negotiation techniques Possess the ability to maintain cordial relationships with parties Be skilled in computer software applications and internet research resources Have a working knowledge of Yakima Basin water resources Be knowledgeable of water resources and Washington State water law The government believes that only one responsible source can provide the services listed above that will satisfy the agency needs. Any firm or individual that believes it can furnish the items described are encouraged to give written notification to the Contracting Officer. Supporting evidence must be furnished, in sufficient detail to demonstrate the ability to comply with the above requirements. All responses received by close of business July 11, 2005 will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed action based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Inquiries will be accepted by Fax at (509) 454-5615, Attention: Connie Morgan or by electronic mail at cmorgan@pn.usbr.gov. For technical information please contact James D. Crammond, Water Rights Program Manager, Bureau of Reclamation, Pacific Northwest Region, Upper Columbia Area Office; 509-575-5848
- Web Link
-
Please click here to view more details.
(http://ideasec.nbc.gov/j2ee/announcementdetail.jsp?serverId=BR14251U&objId=16946)
- Record
- SN00841451-W 20050707/050705212011 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
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