Agency Agriculture Dept

Contractor RESPEC, Inc.

SWIFT Contract Number 60645

Project Name MAWQCP Measurement Tool

Project Number (if applicable) PT1537

Summarize purpose of the contract, including why it was necessary: The contract was for services to provide technical assistance to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) for developing a measurement tool for a new Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (AWQCP). The program is designed to accelerate voluntary adoption of agricultural practices that enhance water quality. This program is the first of its type in the nation and is the product of a state-federal partnership that includes the MDA, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR), the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and federal agencies.

The purpose of the contract was to gain technical assistance in the development of the AWQCP measurement tool under the direction of MDA research scientists. The measurement tool was to be based on existing tools including but not limited to the NRCS Water Quality Index and the Conservation Measurement Tool. Those tools were to be modified to reflect Minnesota geography and farm systems and may include elements from other tools as needed. Overall the measurement tool was to have the following characteristics:
• Integrate any existing regulatory requirements;
• Maximize technology and prioritize ease of use;
• Utilize a water quality index or score rather than a rigid one-size fits all criteria;
• Incorporate a process for updates and revisions;
• Comprehensively address water quality impacts and water quality criteria.

The contract was pursued due to no current or former employees were capable and/or able to devote the resources to perform the desired work because this project required a high level of agricultural research expertise and is creating a product that has never been developed. Due to the intense time commitment, no single agency had the resources to complete this project.

Project Duration

Start Date Thu, 04/11/2013 - 00:00

Original end date Mon, 09/30/2013 - 00:00

Actual end date Mon, 09/30/2013 - 00:00

Did project finish on time? Yes

Total billable hours utilized (if applicable) {Empty}

Contract Amounts

Original contract: $49900

Amendments {Empty}

Contract total $49900

Did project finish within budget? Yes

What was the funding source? 2302/B04311G2/B041 W06(60%), A11(20%), A14(20%)

Is this a sole source contract? No

If this was a single source contract, explain why the agency determined there was only a single source for the services (if applicable) {Empty}

Evaluator Name Brad Jordahl Redlin

Evaluator Email Address Brad.Redlin@state.mn.us

Evaluate the contractor's timeliness The contractor completed a complex project with a finished product by the end date.

Evaluate the contractor's quality The product provided, both in terms of the final Measurement Tool and the research and analysis
the contractor produced in developing the tool, were provided in fully useable state for effective
application immediately upon delivery. No re-work was required.

Evaluate the contractor's cost The costs constituted work and product from multiple staff in multiple locations around the country.
Costs varied by the role and expertise of staff producing work, but all were considered and demonstrated to be justified.

Evaluate the contractor's overall performance The contractor performed very satisfactorily by meeting the timeline and providing a finished
product without any re-work required in the context of undertaking a unique project developing a
first-of-its-kind tool.

Would you engage the contractor's services again? Yes

Describe any negative action taken during the duration of this contract (i.e., termination, pursuit of suspension, etc.): {Empty}

Please rate the overall experience with the contractor 5 - very satisfied