R -- HISTORICAL CONSULTANT

Notice Date

December 3, 2001

Contracting Office

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Mid-Pacific Region, Attention: MP-3810, 2800 Cottage Way, Room E-1815, Sacramento, CA 95825-1898

ZIP Code

95825-1898

Response Due

December 17, 2001

Point of Contact

Debra Keith, (916) 978-5135

E-Mail Address

Click here to contact the Contract Specialist via (dkeith@mp.usbr.gov)

Description

Sources Sought Synopsis: The Bureau of Reclamation, Mid-Pacific Region, has a requirement for the services of a Historical Consultant. The NAICS Code: 514199. The Contracting Officer is issuing a sources sought synopsis to determine whether there are qualified candidates that can perform this service. The overall purpose of this project is to accomplish the research necessary to compile historical legislation, materials and data in preparation for an evidentiary water rights hearing before the SWRCB. The data and reporting will provide a basis for Reclamation's testimony and a determination of facts in support of Reclamation's position and legal claim with respect to Westlands Water District's Application 31153, pending before the SWRCB. The overall objective of this project is to accomplish the necessary research and provide for Reclamation, a clear understanding of the intent of congress in authorizing the Friant Unit of the CVP; to provide sufficient evidence substantiating Reclamation's existing water rights on the San Joaquin River; and to support the continued operation of the Friant Unit of the CVP in order to meet its full potential as contemplated in the State Water Plan. Specific objectives of the project are as follows: 1. Accomplish necessary research, 2. Compile and catalog pertinent documents and materials, 3. Provide a written Final Summary Report, 4. Provide written testimony, and 5. Have consultant available to serve as an expert witness. The project will require a contractor knowledgeable in the areas of: 1) historical legislative research, 2) historical water project and land use research, 3) California water law, 4) water right adjudications, and 5) Federal Reclamation law. The following are specific tasks required by this project: 1. Research, analyze and compile historical documents, materials and data associated with legislation authorizing the Friant Unit of the Central Valley Project (1902 -- 1970), 2. Research, analyze and compile historical documents, materials and data associated with development and full operation of the Friant Unit of the Central Valley Project, to include acquisition of the necessary water rights. (1902 -- 1970), 3. Research, analyze and compile historical legislation associated with enactment of the California Watershed Protection Statutes (Water Code Section 11460 et seq.) and County of Origin Statutes (Water Code Section 10500 et seq.), 4. Research on the Assignment of Westlands Water District Application 15764 to Reclamation on October 17, 1960 (Authorization of the San Luis Unit/ SWRCB Decision 1020), as it may relate to an "area-of-origin" claim by Westlands, 5. Cataloging of all pertinent documents and materials that may be used as evidence in a water rights hearing, 6. Provide a written Summary Report of findings. The report will include citations and references and identify any notable documents which may be used as evidence in a water rights hearing (may use item 5, above as an appendix). Further detail of the content of the Summary Report will be discussed with the contractor at the time of contract award, and 7. Contractor shall be available to assist in the following areas as necessary: 1) preparation of written testimony; 2) presentation of summary testimony; 3) review of other parties testimony; 4) developing cross examination questions; and 5) preparation of rebuttal testimony. The Contracting Officer is requesting the following information from potential candidates: 1. Education (degree), 2. Experience: Briefly describe previous experience with research and reporting in the following areas: legislative history; California Water Law; water rights adjudication; federal and state water rights; federal agency archives involving water projects; water resources and land use; irrigation development in California; preparation of deposition, written testimony and exhibits in support of California water rights litigation, 3. Expert Witness Testimony: Briefly describe any water rights related cases in which you have provided oral deposition or expert testimony and were involved in cross examination, 4. Public Presentations: Briefly describe any previous public speaking, lectures or seminars you have accomplished, 5. Publications: List any books, articles or book reviews published, and 6. Other Business or Professional Experience/Credentials. All of the above-mentioned information shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer by COB December 17, 2001, Bureau of Reclamation, 2800 Cottage Way, Room E-1815, Attn: Debra Keith, Sacramento, California 95825-1898.

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20011205/RSOL017.HTM (W-337 SN5142F9)