DEPARTMENT: Environmental Resources
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Execute Contract With GEI Consultants, Inc. For Consultation Services For Byllesby Dam Comprehensive Assessment
end
PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize the execution of a contract with GEI Consultants, Inc., for consultation services to complete a Comprehensive Assessment (CA) for the Byllesby Dam that will be the ninth inspection under the Part 12D program mandated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
SUMMARY
Byllesby Dam is required to comply with dam safety regulations administered through the FERC, and the Part 12D inspection program, requiring periodic assessments by an independent consultant, is a core component of the applicable regulations. Historically, eight prior Part 12D inspections have been conducted at the Byllesby Dam going back to 1987 and occurring every five years. In 2021-22, the Part 12D inspection program was updated significantly with additional complexity in response to recent dam failure events and other findings.
Under the updated requirements, every other inspection will now be completed as a CA (i.e., occurs every ten years alternating with a less involved inspection). The main components of a CA include a site inspection, a review of records and the dam safety monitoring plan, an overhaul of the probable failure mode analysis, and the completion of a risk assessment. Additionally, hydraulic models and assessments for the dam are planned to be updated under this contract in preparation for the completion of the CA starting in 2026. Dakota County must complete the CA by the end of 2027. The anticipated contract term is May 2026 through March 2028 to accommodate all CA requirements.
Staff sent out a request for proposals to five firms and received four proposals in response. All four proposals received had technically competent staff that could complete the work and serve in the roles required by the FERC, but one of the four was not cost comparable with the others. Based on a review of the technical competency, staff quality, assessment approach, and value of the services provided, staff proposes to contract with GEI Consultants, Inc. to complete the CA. The cost of services under the proposal being sought for contracting is $409,304.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends that the authorization to execute a contract with GEI Consultants, Inc., for consultation services for a CA as the ninth Part 12D inspection for the Byllesby Dam.
end
EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
The total cost for services over the two-year contract period is $409,304. The budget for this contract is $150,000 in 2026, which is included in the approved 2026 budget for the Byllesby Dam Enterprise Fund. The cost of the contract will be paid for by revenues earned from energy sales. The remaining balance of $259,304 will be included in the County Manager’s 2027 Recommended Budget for the Byllesby Dam Enterprise Fund.
☐ None ☒ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
body
WHEREAS, Dakota County owns the Byllesby Dam and operates the dam and its hydroelectric facility under the dam safety regulations of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); and
WHEREAS, periodic assessments of the dam by an independent consultant under the Part 12D Inspection program are a core component of the applicable regulations; and
WHEREAS, the Part 12D Inspection program was updated to include additional complexity in the form of a Comprehensive Assessment (CA), which includes a site inspection and the completion of a risk assessment, among other activities; and
WHEREAS, staff sent out a request for proposals to five firms and received four proposals in response; and
WHEREAS, staff proposes to contract with GEI Consultants, Inc. to complete the CA based on a review of the technical competency, staff quality, assessment approach, and value of the services provided in the proposal.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Environmental Resources Director to execute a contract with GEI Consultants, Inc. for consultation services for a Comprehensive Assessment as the ninth Part 12D Inspection for the Byllesby Dam in an amount to exceed $409,304.
end
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
BOARD GOALS
☐ Thriving People ☒ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Nikki Stewart
Author: Mark Ryan