BOARD AGENDA MEMORANDUM
Government Code § 84308 Applies: Yes ☒ No ☐
(If “YES” Complete Attachment A - Gov. Code § 84308)
SUBJECT: Title
Approve the Agreement with National Water Research Institute (NWRI) to Provide Technical Support Services for the California Validation (CalVal) Program and Expedite Technical Guidance Necessary for the Pure Water Silicon Valley Project for a Total Not-to-Exceed fee of $500,000.
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RECOMMENDATION: Recommendation
Approve the Standard Non-Consultant Agreement with the National Water Research Institute, to provide technical support services for the CalVal Program and expedite technical guidance necessary for the Pure Water Silicon Valley Project for a total not-to-exceed fee of $500,000.
Body
SUMMARY:
Staff seeks Board approval to execute a non-consultant agreement with NWRI to provide technical support services for the CalVal project focusing on the development of technical guidelines and procedures for Potable Reuse projects which will help with expediting the implementation of Pure Water Silicon Valley Project.
Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water) is committed to developing a resilient, drought-proof water supply. Implementing Direct Potable Reuse (DPR) projects currently require navigating new DPR regulations and standardized treatment validation criteria. These complex regulatory mandates have extended project timelines and increased implementation costs.
The CalVal program aims to resolve these challenges by standardizing validation frameworks for water reuse. This multi-year initiative unites regulatory agencies and industry experts to streamline project delivery through four core components:
• Uniform Permitting: Creates consistent, transparent approval processes for utilities and regulators.
• Standard Protocols: Defines clear treatment, monitoring, and facility maintenance rules.
• Industry Standards: Establishes uniform treatment metrics across the water sector.
• Predictable Delivery: Provides clearer project timelines and precise budget expectations.
The NWRI - a California joint powers authority specializing in water supply and quality - manages the CalVal program through the employment of subcontractors with highly specialized technical expertise. This collaborative effort actively engages state regulators and major water utilities, including staff from the California State Water Resources Control Board Division of Drinking Water (DDW) and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.
It is recommended that Valley Water participate in this effort by providing $500,000 to support CalVal through NWRI. Because NWRI is managing the CalVal program to develop uniform regulatory guidance, this is necessarily a sole source contract, as no other entity can provide these same regulatory guidance development services, and a sole source exemption from competitive procurement was approved by the Procurement Deputy Administrative Officer consistent with EL 5.4.1.1.
Scope of Services
The recommended Agreement with NWRI includes the required tasks and budget to provide technical support for the CalVal program for regulatory guidance efforts that will facilitate DPR projects, including the Pure Water Silicon Valley project. NWRI will work with leading independent technical consultants, Valley Water staff, and DDW staff over the next two years on developing uniform regulatory guidance validation procedures and documentation for DPR projects. Valley Water’s funding will ensure that near-term CalVal program efforts do not focus mainly or exclusively on indirect potable reuse project guidance but also focus significantly on DPR projects.
The scope of services includes Project Management, UV/AOP Research, UV/AOP Research Administration, UV/AOP Research Finding Tech memo and Supplemental Services. Prior to performing any Supplemental Services, NWRI will be required to
obtain written authorization from the Water Utility Capital Division Operating Officer through the issuance of an approved Task Order. The Agreement term is two years.
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE IMPACT:
There are no Environmental Justice impacts associated with this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Payment for technical support services performed under the Agreement with the NWRI will not exceed a total amount of $500,000. There is sufficient funding in the FY 2025-2026 Project 91101004 Recycled & Purified Water Program budget to cover this expenditure.
CEQA:
The recommended action does not constitute a project under CEQA because it does not have a potential for resulting in direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: Gov. Code § 84308
Attachment 1: Agreement
UNCLASSIFIED MANAGER: Manager
Kirsten Struve, 408-630-3138