Specifications include, but are not limited to: The District is seeking an individual or team well-versed in assessing the costs associated with the implementation of phosphorus controlling best management practices (BMPs) on agricultural land and urban environments within the Yahara River watershed to prepare us for the future costs associated with meeting our phosphorus reduction goals. The analysis and cost model re-development should be based on a “cradle to grave” approach for assessing the costs, including outreach to generate public interest, planning, design, permitting, implementation/ construction, quantification, and verification that BMPs have been installed and maintained for the life of the practice. The analysis will consider the specific characteristics of each TMDL reach and apply the appropriate phosphorus controlling practices for each. Other inputs that may be considered for the development of the cost model include, but are not limited to the following (also described in the (Yahara WINS Adaptive Management Plan): Phosphorus management practices and associated phosphorus reduction (lb./year) will achieve phosphorus reduction targets. • Cost effectiveness regarding phosphorus reductions to prioritize practices that provides the most reduction relative to their cost. • New technologies or other practices not considered in the original model that could impact cost or effectiveness. • Other economic incentives for the practices that could offset the cost of implementation. • Long vs short term costs as some practices cost more upfront but less to maintain and vice versa. • Implementation strategy that prioritizes maximum phosphorus reductions with each practice and considers the effectiveness of practices. • Practice shelf life. • Practice cost by unit (e.g., per acre of cover crop). Note that Practice costs can include a variety of things including, but not limited to, input costs, equipment costs, infrastructure costs, maintenance costs, land costs, etc. • Staff cost by practice for implementation. • Phosphorus reduction requirements by TMDL stream reach. • Ramp-up period to achieve phosphorus reductions and annual targets. • Anticipated staffing efficiencies in delivering phosphorus reduction practices during the life of the adaptive management project. • Water quality monitoring cost. • Inflation factor.
