REQUEST FOR STATEMENTS OF INTEREST
NUMBER W912HZ-15-SOI-0004
PROJECT TO BE INITIATED IN FY 2015
Project Title: Dexter Reservoir Water Quality Research and
Evaluation Studies.
Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will
be used to identify potential investigators for studies to
be sponsored by the Portland District and the Engineer
Research and Development Center to provide research and
evaluation services in Dexter Reservoir. The estimated
level of funding for the base period is $28,389 - to
complete Objective 1 / Literature Search. However,
additional funding maybe available in base year up to a
total of $90,000. Additional funds of $90,000/yr for 4
additional years may be available for follow on work
providing the potential funding of $450,000 over 5 years to
the successful Recipient/Awardee. Depending on findings in
the early years of this effort, funding needs may increase
above the anticipated $90,000/year in subsequent years of
this project; however, total funding will not exceed
$450,000 over the life of this cooperative agreement.
Background:
Dexter Reservoir is a shallow (56 feet deep at its deepest
point) reservoir and its temperatures are highly influenced
by releases from Lookout Point Dam. The reservoir is
considered mesotrophic to eutrophic, dominated by
cyanobacteria blooms (Anabaena flos-aquae) in the summer
months. These harmful algal blooms (HABs) result in Oregon
Health Authority (OHA) public health advisories which
affect the tourism and recreation on the lake each year.
The HABs also create taste and odor problems for the city
of Lowell’s drinking water, since the primary source of the
city’s water is from the reservoir. Issues like these have
led to growing pressure by Lowell community leaders,
requesting that the Corps employ lake restoration efforts
and improve water quality conditions in Dexter Lake.
Prior to 1988, when Oregon law went into effect prohibiting
the discharge of waste into lakes or reservoirs, the City
of Lowell released their secondary wastewater effluent into
Dexter Reservoir. While direct discharge ended more than
25 years ago, it is believed that runoff and other
anthropogenic impacts continue to degrade the water quality
in the reservoir. The accumulated muck on the lake bottom
remains a potential nutrient source as well. Anticipated
public benefits will be in the form of improved water
quality which will provide enhanced recreational benefits
and drinking water quality.
Brief Description of Anticipated Work:
This research and data collection will be used to develop a
comprehensive water and nutrient budget for Dexter
Reservoir to support the future analysis of lake
restoration feasibility and planning. Prior to any
fieldwork, a literature search and review of historic data
will be conducted to inform and scope future limnological
work in Dexter Lake.
Objective 1:
Evaluate the primary sources of nutrients into the lake
through a review of historic data and literature. Identify
data gaps. Prepare a summary report of these data and
potential for future impacts to water quality.
Objective 2:
Build on historic data sets and previously identified data
gaps through limnological study of Dexter Reservoir. Focus
on the evaluation of the primary sources of nutrients into
the lake such as:
o
Upstream contributions
o
Wastewater treatment plant sources
o
Impacts from lakefront property owners
o
Internal loading
Objective 3:
Evaluate impacts of water temperature management at Lookout
Point Reservoir on changed conditions in Dexter Reservoir.
o
Thermal stratification
o
Dissolved oxygen conditions
o
Algal composition
Objective 4: Evaluate strategies for improving water
quality conditions in Dexter Reservoir.
o
In-lake techniques
o
Watershed improvements
o
Other
Objective 5: Present research results at public and local
technical meetings to disseminate findings.
Government Participation:
The Portland District will provide full access to Dexter
Reservoir and participate in field site selection and field
trip sample collection trips as appropriate. Water quality
equipment including multi-parameter probes, continuous
water samplers, water temperature probes, and weather
station equipment will be provided by the Portland
District. The Portland District will review reports and
offer advice and opinion on the restoration solutions that
are proposed. The Portland District will also facilitate
and participate in coordination and meetings with local,
state and federal agencies as needed.
Materials Requested for Statement of
Interest/Qualifications:
Please provide the following via e-mail attachment to:
Deberay.R.Carmichael@usace.army.mil (Maximum length: 2
pages, single-spaced 12 pt. font).
1. Name, Organization and Contact Information
2. Brief Statement of Qualifications (including):
a. Biographical Sketch,
b. Relevant past projects and clients with brief
descriptions of these projects,
c. Staff, faculty or students available to work on
this project and their areas of expertise,
d. Any brief description of capabilities to
successfully complete the project you may wish to
add (e.g. equipment, laboratory facilities,
greenhouse facilities, field facilities, etc.).
Note:
A proposed budget is NOT requested at this time.
Review of Statements Received: Based on a review of the
Statements of Interest received, an investigator or
investigators will be invited to prepare a full study
proposal. Statements will be evaluated based on the
investigator’s specific experience and capabilities in
areas related to the study requirements.
Additionally,
the evaluation method and selection criteria for research
and development awards must be: (1) The technical merits
of the proposed research and development; and (2) Potential
relationship of the proposed research and development to
the Department of Defense missions.
Please send responses or direct questions to:
Deberay Carmichael
U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC)
ERDC Contracting Office (ECO)
3909 Halls Ferry Road
Vicksburg, MS 39180
Deberay.R.Carmichael@usace.army.mil
Timeline for Review of Statements of Interest: Review of
Statements of Interest will begin after the SOI has been
posted on the CESU website for 10 working days.