Staff told the board that the Smiley ASR well site has good potential for aquifer storage and recovery and that the project received a roughly $2.9 million federal grant requiring a 50 percent local match. The design basis from prior work estimated project costs near $6 million and identified injection and production capacity ranges.

Because grant compliance and program management are complex, staff recommended engaging a project management firm to coordinate design, permitting, testing and grant reporting. "We only got one response," staff said of the RFQ process; WSC (the firm that previously supported the CAP project team) submitted a proposal. Staff recommended awarding project management services to WSC on a not‑to‑exceed basis of $377,766 but said the board may need to carry the item for action to a later meeting.

Staff emphasized the project still requires CEQA review, permitting and ASR test programs required by the regional board. The proposed scope includes schedule and budget management, grant administration, oversight and construction phase coordination. Directors asked why only one SOQ was received; staff said the district needs to improve outreach for these solicitations.

No formal award was made during the meeting; staff indicated the item will return for consideration once outreach and scope questions are resolved.