Boulder County approves $1 million contract increase to replace five center‑pivot irrigation systems

Boulder County commissioners on May 6 approved a $1,000,000 contract increase and award to replace five aging center‑pivot irrigation systems on county‑owned agricultural land.

County Parks and Open Space project supervisor Jason Sauer told the Board that two of the existing pivots are more than 25 years old and that replacement parts for older systems are sometimes no longer available. “These new pivots include variable rate irrigation capabilities, improved energy efficiency, smart controls and remote monitoring,” Sauer said, adding that the county expects the upgrades to reduce maintenance costs, improve water distribution and increase long‑term farm productivity.

The purchase was presented as a single contract covering five sites at roughly $200,000 per site for removal, installation, electrical work, programming and commissioning. Sauer said his evaluation of the IRFQ (invitations/request for qualifications) identified one specialized contractor with relevant regional experience and a turnkey proposal; Parks and Open Space requested a bid waiver to award the work to that contractor and asked the Board to increase the contract to $1,000,000.

The applicant cited water conservation and operational efficiencies as the principal benefits. Sauer said the new systems’ features — variable‑rate irrigation and remote monitoring — would maximize water efficiency and reduce energy and maintenance costs. He noted that three of the existing pivots will be rehabilitated, while two of the oldest systems require full replacement. Sauer also said the contractor typically recycles removed materials through a recycling company. He reported that the contractor’s ownership is a husband‑and‑wife team who are Hispanic.

Commissioners asked for clarification about whether the $1,000,000 represented an incremental request or the total contract amount; Sauer explained the request was to increase the contract to a total of roughly $1,000,000 this year to cover all five replacements. After brief questions about reuse and recycling of removed components, a commissioner moved approval of the bid waiver and later the award recommendation; both motions were seconded and passed. The Board recorded the formal approvals by voice vote.

The contract increase and award cover: removal and disposal of five old center pivots; installation and commissioning of five new center‑pivot systems with variable rate irrigation and smart controls; and post‑installation warranty and support. County staff characterized the action as an infrastructure investment intended to conserve water and secure agricultural productivity on Boulder County’s farmland holdings.

No formal environmental review or project schedule beyond the contract increase was presented at the meeting; commissioners approved the budget increase and award and moved to the next agenda item.

Sources: Presentation and remarks by Jason Sauer, Boulder County Parks and Open Space project supervisor; Board motions and voice votes recorded during the May 6, 2025 Boulder County Board of County Commissioners meeting.