REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR THE PROVISION OF DAM BREAK ANALYSES AND INUNDATION MAPPING SERVICES FOR SOUTH FEATHER WATER AND POWER AGENCY S LITTLE GRASS VALLEY, SLY CREEK AND LOST CREEK DAMS Issued: December 8, 2014 Response Due: January 20, 2015 Prepared by: Kathryn Zancanella, Power Division Manager Kzancanella@southfeather.com South Feather Water and Power Agency 2310 Oro-Quincy Highway Oroville, CA 95966 (530) 538-8841 FAX (530) 675-0361 1
1 SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Project Summary South Feather Water and Power Agency (SFWPA or Agency) is seeking updated dambreak analyses and inundation mapping services for Little Grass Valley, Sly Creek and Lost Creek dams, components of the South Feather Power Project (FERC No. 2088). 1.2 Objectives Under the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission s (FERC) dam safety program, Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) are required to be reviewed and reissued every five years for dams with high and significant hazard ratings. One component of the 2015 reissuance of the EAPs for the three subject dams is a revision of the inundation maps that were initially developed in 1990. Since the hypothetical flood analyses and inundation maps were prepared in 1990, new information about the probable maximum flood for each dam has been developed, reservoir storage values have been updated, modifications to two of the dams have been constructed or are in the process of being constructed, and new mapping and data presentation requirements have been developed by FERC and the California Office of Emergency Services (CAL OES). The Agency seeks an engineering firm that has the knowledge, experience and capability to conduct the required hypothetical dam break analyses and complete the revised inundation maps for submission to FERC and CAL OES, and to do so by the end of the third quarter of 2015. 1.3 Background Interested consultants should familiarize themselves with the requirements of FERC and CAL OES prior to submitting a proposal, as the work product must be submitted to, and accepted by, both agencies. 1.3.1 FERC Engineering Guidelines The FERC s requirements for conducting dambreak analyses and preparing inundation maps can be found in its Engineering Guidelines, Chapters Two and Six, found on the FERC website at www.ferc.gov/industries/hydropower/safetyguidelines/eng-guide.asp. While Chapter Two of the guidelines states, The most widely used and recommended method for dambreak analysis is the unsteady flow and dynamic routing method used in the National Weather Service Dambreak model (i.e., NWS DAMBRK), and The NWS FLOODWAV model is also recommended as a preferred model for dambreak analysis, FERC staff acknowledge that HEC-RAS is now commonly used for conducting inundation studies. 1.3.2 California OES Requirements The CAL OES regulations regarding Dam Inundation Mapping Procedures are found in the California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, Division 2, Chapter 2, Subchapter 4, 2577. These regulations detail specific methods and formats to be used. Note that the regulations state that each dam must have its own 2
technical study. Maps and studies shall be prepared by, or under the direction of, a civil engineer registered pursuant to California law. 1.3.3 Previous Studies and Data Available SFWPA will make all previously conducted studies available to the Consultant for use in developing the updated studies and inundation maps under a non-disclosure agreement for the control of Critical Energy Infrastructure Information. The studies conducted previously that will be available for use are as follows: 1) Analysis of Flooding Produced by Hypothetical Failure of Little Grass Valley, Sly Creek and Lost Creek Dams, prepared by Sierra Hydrotech, 1990; 2) Probable Maximum Flood Study (separate reports for Little Grass Valley, Sly Creek and Lost Creek dams), prepared by Devine Tarbell & Associates, Inc., 2004; 3) Supplemental Report, Probable Maximum Flood Study (separate reports for Little Grass Valley, Sly Creek and Lost Creek dams), prepared by Devine Tarbell & Associates, Inc., 2006; 4) Technical Memorandum, Revision to Probable Maximum Flood Study for Little Grass Valley Dam, prepared by Devine Tarbell & Associates, Inc., 2007; 5) Technical Memorandum, Hydraulic and Hydrologic Summary for Sly Creek Dam and Lost Creek Dam, prepared by AECOM, 2012; 6) Technical Memorandum, Supporting Information for the Lost Creek Dam Improvement Project Flood Routing, prepared by AECOM, 2013. Stream gauge data with stage-discharge rating tables are available at several locations downstream of each dam. The data record extends from the mid-1970s to the present. Reservoir storage tables were updated by Devine Tarbell & Associates (now HDR Engineering) in 2007 as a result of bathymetry studies conducted for the South Feather Power Project relicensing. 1.3.4 Description of Dams and Downstream Facilities Little Grass Valley Dam is a 210-feet high sloping core rockfill dam with a nominal crest elevation of 5,052 feet plus camber. It is located on the South Fork of the Feather River near the town of La Porte in Plumas County. Downstream of the dam are two concrete arch diversion dams and an earthfill dam, all on the South Fork of the Feather River, and the reservoir created by Oroville Dam on the main stem of the Feather River. Two SFWPA powerhouses, Woodleaf and Forbestown, are also located downstream of the dam. Sly Creek Dam is a 289-feet high zoned, rolled earth-filled dam topped by a 10-feet high mechanically stabilized earth crest, with a nominal crest elevation of 3,546 feet. It is located on Lost Creek near the town of Strawberry Valley in Butte County. Immediately downstream of the dam is the reservoir created by Lost Creek Dam; below that is the confluence with the South Fork Feather River. A concrete arch diversion dam and an earthfill dam are located on the South Fork Feather River below the confluence, and Oroville Dam is located on the main stem of the Feather River. Sly Creek, Woodleaf and Forbestown powerhouses are all located downstream of the dam. Lost Creek Dam is a 112-feet high concrete overflow arch dam with a spill crest elevation of 3,279 feet. It is located on Lost Creek immediately downstream of Sly Creek Dam. Downstream of the dam is the confluence with the South Fork Feather River. A concrete arch diversion dam and an earthfill dam are 3
located on the South Fork Feather River below the confluence, and Oroville Dam is located on the main stem of the Feather River. Woodleaf and Forbestown powerhouses are located downstream of the dam. Lost Creek dam will be undergoing structural modifications in 2015 through 2017, which are likely to affect the calculation of the breach parameters. SECTION 2 SCOPE OF SERVICES 2.1 General The requested services include completing the dambreak analyses, preparing reports and developing inundation maps for Little Grass Valley, Sly Creek and Lost Creek dams that will be submitted to FERC and CAL OES for their acceptance. The new inundation maps will also be distributed to the emergency management agencies that hold the South Feather Power Project EAP binders. 2.2 Work Tasks The work tasks listed below are estimates of the tasks that will comprise the total scope of work. No inference is intended that the Consultant s services are to be limited to these tasks if other tasks are required to complete the Project. Respondents are encouraged to submit their best thinking relative to work scope and specific tasks as required to provide SFWPA the best end product. 2.2.1 Review existing federal and state regulations, and SFWPA records, reports and maps for the South Feather Power Project dams. 2.2.2 Complete field investigations, if needed. Consult with SFWPA staff on the appropriate cross sections and structural features that will be identified on the inundation maps to be developed. At a minimum, all road crossings, powerhouses, dams and habitable structures downstream of each dam will be identified on the inundation maps. 2.2.3 Conduct studies of hypothetical flooding using the appropriate dambreak analysis model(s) for rock-filled, earth-filled and concrete arch dams. Consult with SFWPA staff on appropriate parameters to be used in the analyses. Conduct both the fair weather and the General Storm Probable Maximum Flood scenario studies. The content of the technical studies shall be compliant with 2577.4 of Title 19 CCR, Div. 2, Chapter 2, Subchapter 4 and the FERC Engineering Guidelines. 2.2.4 Develop the inundation maps that result from the studies conducted in Task 2.2.3 that are in compliance with Chapter Six of the FERC Engineering Guidelines and 2577.5 of Title 19 CCR, Div. 2, Chapter 2, Subchapter 4. Geographic Information System (GIS) technology is to be used to develop the inundation maps. 2.2.5 Prepare three copies of the draft technical studies and three draft sets of inundation maps for each dam for review and comments by SFWPA, no later than July 31, 2015. 4
2.2.6 Prepare seven sets of the final technical study reports and maps for each dam for submission to FERC and CAL OES, no later than September 15, 2015. Provide SFWPA with one electronic copy of each report for each dam, also by September 15, 2015. 2.2.7 Transfer electronic GIS files to the SFWPA GIS technician and provide the appropriate electronic data files for future GIS map sharing with the appropriate emergency management agencies. The files supplied to SFWPA shall be in an ESRI ArcGIS compatible format, in a file geodatabase, and use NAD 1983 coordinate datum. 2.2.8 Produce 30 sets of the inundation maps for each dam for transmittal to the Emergency Action Plan binder holders, no later than October 15, 2015. 2.2.9 Respond to comments by FERC and/or CAL OES related to the reports and revised maps, and produce revisions to the reports and/or maps if required. Allow for up to eighteen (18) months after submission of the technical studies and maps for comments to be received from FERC and CAL OES. SECTION 3 CONTENTS OF PROPOSAL 3.1 General Firms or individuals that are interested in providing professional services for the tasks described above are to submit a proposal containing, at a minimum, sufficient information for an objective evaluation of the criteria described in Section 5.1. Respondents will describe their qualifications in terms of experience and performance on similar projects within the past five years. In addition to other information the applicant may want to include, the response to this RFP shall include the following information: 3.1.1 Identification of the Project Leader. Be specific about training and professional experience and registration. A resume and references should be provided. 3.1.2 A description of the proposed dambreak analysis model(s) to be used, work plan and schedule, including milestones, estimate of activities and durations, for completing the tasks identified in Section 2.2. 3.1.3 A schedule of billing rates and an estimated not-to-exceed cost of the analyses, reports, map preparations, submittals and responses to comments, including possible revisions. 3.1.4 Contact information, including mailing address, telephone number, and the individual with whom to communicate if further information is needed. 3.1.5 Exceptions, if any, to the Non-Disclosure Agreement and/or standard form Consulting Services Agreement, attached per Section 6 below. 5
SECTION 4 PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS 4.1 Responses Responses shall be mailed or hand delivered to: South Feather Water and Power Agency 2310 Oro-Quincy Highway Oroville, CA 95966 4.2 Deadline Three (3) copies of the response must be received (mailed or hand delivered) no later than 4:00 pm on Tuesday, January 20, 2015 to be eligible for consideration. The documents shall be sealed in an envelope or box and clearly marked Response to for Dambreak Analyses and Inundation Mapping Services. SECTION 5 PROPOSAL CLARIFICATION, SELECTION AND RIGHTS 5.1 Selection Criteria Responses will be evaluated in terms of qualifications, experience, proposed work plan, cost estimate and billing rates. 5.2 Selection Procedure A review of responses will be made by SFWPA s Power Division Manager, Special Projects Manager and Risk Manager. Recommendations will be forwarded to the General Manager for approval to negotiate a contract. If an agreement cannot be negotiated that is acceptable, the Power Division Manager will commence negotiations with the next best-qualified respondent, and so on. The negotiated contract will be submitted to the Agency s Board of Directors for approval. Respondents are advised that the total cost estimate for each of the respondents will be disclosed in the Board agenda documentation, and the rate sheet for the chosen consulting firm will also be disclosed as part of the Board agenda documentation, all of which will be posted on the Agency s website. 5.3 No Reimbursement SFWPA will not reimburse respondents to this request for any costs involved with the preparation and submission of proposals, or for preparation for or travel to facilities prior to award of contract. 5.4 Reserved Rights This does not obligate SFWPA to contract for any services expressed or implied. SFWPA reserves the right to: 6
5.4.1 Request any firm submitting a proposal to clarify its proposal; 5.4.2 Modify or alter any of the requirements herein (In the event of such modification, all respondents will be given an equal opportunity to modify their proposals in the specific areas impacted); 5.4.3 Reject any or all proposals, waive immaterial irregularities in any proposal, and reissue this or a modified RFP; and, 5.4.4 Negotiate a contract with the selected firm. 6.0 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION For more information, please contact Kathy Zancanella, Power Division Manager, at (530) 538-8841 or Kzancanella@southfeather.com. The existing reports and Emergency Action Plan documents are located at the Agency s Power Division office in Forbestown, California. Interested consultants may view the information available prior to submitting a proposal, but may not receive copies of it until after the Consulting Agreement is awarded and a Non-disclosure Agreement is executed. Because the reports and existing maps related to the dams are considered Critical Energy Infrastructure Information, the selected consultant must sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement prior to receipt of this information. The standard Non-Disclosure Agreement is attached to this. A standard form Consulting Services Agreement is also attached to this. Any exceptions or proposed changes to the Consulting Services Agreement and/or the Non-Disclosure Agreement must be disclosed with the submittal of the response. 7