On November 25, the Department of the Interior issued Secretary’s Order 3446 directing the Bureau of Reclamation to implement changes to construction contracting and project management processes for federally funded facilities across 17 Western states. The order authorizes modifications to certain contracts and establishes new terms allowing qualified local water and power partners to manage portions of procurement on select projects, while maintaining federal oversight.
Reclamation will begin implementation immediately, including use of the new contracting approach for the B.F. Sisk Dam Raise and Reservoir Expansion project with the San Luis and Delta Mendota Water Authority, which is expected to add approximately 130,000 acre-feet of storage capacity to San Luis Reservoir. In addition, the order directs Reclamation to review key processes and programs, including cost-share programs, Reclamation guidelines, engineering design review procedures and environmental compliance, by engaging with stakeholders to identify process improvements and efficiencies.
For additional information, contact RCRC Policy Advocate, Eric Will.