Title
Agreement with The Nature Conservancy (Ordinance S-47634)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into an agreement with The Nature Conservancy, which has partnered with the City of Phoenix since 2017 to fund projects designed to protect the flows and improve water quality in the Salt and Verde rivers. Further request to authorize the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item. The agreement amount will not exceed $450,000.
Report
Summary
The Water Services Department obtains more than half of its raw water supply from the Salt and Verde watershed. Reliable flows are critical to the City. Disruptions could result in increased water treatment costs and/or service interruptions. It is in the City’s best interest to enter into this strategic partnership to mitigate risks to the rivers and in doing so, to provide leadership to other Valley water providers. By designing and implementing cost-effective and protective Salt-Verde watershed projects, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) will help create water security that supports continued public safety and economic development. Funds for these projects will be committed to TNC’s Salt and Verde Alliance: Healthy Rivers, Healthy Communities.
Procurement Information
In accordance with City of Phoenix Administrative Regulation 3.10, competitive procurement was waived as a result of a Determination Memo citing there is an unusual nature of the goods or services that require a specific vendor due to TNC’s network of private and public partners funding the project on the Verde River. TNC provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity for the City to fund collaborative projects that positively impact Phoenix’s original water supply.
Contract Term
The agreement term is for three years effective July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2024.
Financial Impact
The agreement value will not to exceed $450,000, with annual expenditures estimated at $150,000.
Funding for this agreement is available in the Water Services Department’s Operating budget.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Karen Peters and the Water Services Department.