Past Performance - Underground Utility Construction

Project Description

The Southern Arizona Water Rights Settlement Act of 1982 (SAWRSA) provided the existing San Xavier Cooperative Farm to be rehabilitated. Features identified for the rehabilitation include a Main Conveyance Pipeline (MCP) and laterals, flood control features, roads and other infrastructure to provide delivery of Central Arizona Project (CAP) water to approximately 900 acres of farmland. Construction of these features started in 2005 and was substantially completed and placed into operation by 2007. Subsequent to the main construction contract there have been two follow-up contracts in 2009 and 2011 to address additional features, necessary repairs and improvements to the system. The Bureau of Reclamation identified several final repairs required to facilitate turnover of the system to the farm for long-term operation and maintenance (O&M). These repairs include repair, replacement and installation of electric components, repairs to existing flow meters, repair of Poly-Vinyl Chloride (PVC) pressure pipe, placement of concrete, and associated earthwork, and repair of existing air release valves. As part of the MCP and laterals, there are a series of below ground vaults, which contain valves, electrical equipment, flow meters, pumps, power supplies, and various controls and piping. The scope of work required under this contract consisted of adding, repairing and or replacing equipment inside the vaults and the preparation of groundwater well number SX-8.

Project Challenges

• Managed multiple suppliers, vendors and subcontractors.
• Effectively managed on-site personnel meeting high quality and safety standards along with effective tenant relations.
• Simultaneous management of multiple phases with multiple disciplines and schedules.
• Worked with high pressure water lines actively carrying CAP water to multiple locations.
• Balanced needs and expectations of Bureau of Reclamation and Tohono O’Odham Nation.
• Upgraded and replaced outdated and obsolete equipment.
• Ensured all project staff demonstrated respect for Tohono O’Odham culture and expectation.