Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), 888 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20426

R -- ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENTS SOL 3PC-001 DUE 062399 POC Michael Spencer 202-219-2846 E-MAIL: michael.spencer@ferc.fed.us, michael.spencer@ferc.fed.us. Office of Hydropower Licensing, HL-1, Room 6J-05, 888 First Street, NE Washington DC, 20426. Collect calls not accepted. The Commission is updating its original 1993 source list of approved third party (3P) contractors determined by the Commission to be capable of preparing environmental impact statements (EIS) consistent with its policies and regulations. Currently listed approved 3P contractors must submit their current qualifications for reconsideration and approval. Commission approved 3P contractors prepare EISs for the Commission on non-federal hydroelectric projects in accordance with the 3P contract provisions of the Energy Policy Act of 1992. Hydroelectric project license applicants will be responsible for paying the contractor, and the Commission is responsible for determining the scope of work and managing 3P contractor activities necessary to complete an EIS. Qualifications: Contractors and their staff will be required to have: (1) a comprehensive knowledge of the National Environmental Policy Act; (2) demonstrated experience in preparing EIS's with an emphasis on the effects of water resource projects; (3) demonstrated experience in conducting specialized environmental analysis; (4) working knowledge of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Water Act, the Coastal Zone Management Act, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, and other applicable laws; (5) at least a general knowledge of the Federal Power Act, regulations and hydroelectric licensing processes; and (6) extensive knowledge of hydroelectric power production. A contractor's staff should be proficient in the following analysis areas associated with hydropower facilities: aquatic ecology; water quality; terrestrial ecology; cultural resources; recreation; land use; geology; socio-economics; visual resources; civil and electrical engineering; need for power; financial feasibility; economic benefits; and dam safety. Respondents to this request must present evidence of current endeavors and experience in these areas. SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS: Interested contractors having the qualifications stated above must submit eight copies each of government standard form 254, Architect-Engineer and Related Services Questionnaire with an appendix containing resumes and qualifications of personnel capable of conducting the environmental and engineering analyses stated above. The form 254 and appendix must include information for both prime and any subcontractors. The form 254 and appendix are to be mailed to the above address c/o Michael Spencer. EVALUATION: The form 254 questionnaire and appendix will be reviewed by a Commission panel that will select contractors deemed qualified. Evaluation emphasis is as follows: Contractor qualifications represent 70 percent of the ranking factors, and personnel qualifications represent 30 percent of the ranking factors. Experience in EIS preparation and hydroelectric development is more important than the ability of the contractor to provide all areas of analysis. Resource expertise, years of experience, EIS document preparation, and hydroelectric experience are all equally important. License applicants interested in utilizing a 3P contractor will be supplied with a copy of the new source list. The Commission estimates that each EIS could exceed 4,000 person hours of work per contract occasion. This estimate is provided for guidance only on estimating the level of work effort, and is not a guarantee of income. Contractors deemed qualified to perform 3P contractor work may be required to file government standard form 255, Architect-Engineer and Related Services for Specific Projects prior to beginning 3P contract work. Subsequent updating of the source list will done on an as needed basis depending on: (1) additional contractors wishing to be added to the list; (2) listed contractors wishing to be removed from the list; and (3) contractors determined to be no longer qualified by the Commission to remain on the list. Posted 04/09/99 (W-SN317996). (0099)

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