SOLICITATION OF PUBLIC COMMENT FOR PROJECT-SPECIFIC BABA NONAVAILABILITY WAIVER PROPOSAL FOR NORTH UNIT IRRIGATION DISTRICT, OREGON FOR REINFORCED POLYETHYLENE LINER

Procurement Summary

In its Main Canal Lining Project, the NUID seeks to line an irrigation canal in Madras, Oregon. The purpose of this project is to line 1.5 miles of the NUID Main Canal to address subterranean seepage that inundates private property. Additionally, this project will aid the NUID in its water conservation efforts. During the dry season, the NUID anticipates wildlife will cross the canal. The technical specifications of the project indicate RPE material is best suited for the project due to its increased puncture resistance. Project specifications were reviewed and approved by the Bureau of Reclamation, the canal owner. The EPA conducted thorough market research in November 2023, during which ten (10) RPE manufacturers were contacted (all potential manufacturers identified). No (zero) manufacturers indicated they were able to produce a BABA-compliant RPE liner that meets the technical specifications of the project. This installation of the liner needs to be completed during the dry months in Oregon (November through March in the area of the project), or it will have to be postponed a year. Therefore, the RPE liner installation for this project has a firm deadline of March 30, 2024. Confirmation of procurement and delivery will also need to be factored into this firm deadline. This project is funded by an EPA Community Grant; no other federal financial assistance has been awarded to date. In addition to the grant, state and local funds will also be used in this project. Local funds are required to be spent before July 2024, and potential postponement will further impede the NUID’s ability to complete its project.

Description of items, products and materials or categories of such anticipated to be covered by this waiver

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Final waiver link

Is this a general applicability waiver?