About the Fast Track BiOp Review

This review is for BiOp Fast Track projects that were identified under the recent Columbia Basin RM&E Collaboration process and workshops. The projects identified are intended to meet high priority FCRPS RPA gaps by being implemented as soon as possible. The projects identified can be found in the AA/NOAA/NPCC BiOp RM&E Workgroup Recommendations Report. The suggested modifications to existing projects and new projects to address the FCRPS BiOp gaps were made as part of the RM&E Collaboration workshop in November 2009. The actions and associated projects required to address the highest priority gaps as identified by the Workgroups should be submitted through this Fast Track Review process as feasible.

Guidance for project sponsors

The ISRP is reviewing your project in its entirety (existing work, plus fast-track actions). This review is intended to immediately inform decisions on fast-track actions. The review is also intended to meet the needs of the larger RM&E categorical review process, to the extent possible. Depending on the outcome of the ISRP review, BPA make limit funding decisions to only address the specific fast-track actions being requested by BPA. Regardless of BPA’s funding decisions, your full proposal will be reviewed again in context with other similar projects in the RM&E category review. You will not be required to submit another full proposal for that review, but if additional information is requested by ISRP, you may augment your fast-track proposal that moves forward to the RM&E review with additional information.

Do I need to submit a fast-track proposal?

Project sponsors, COTRs, and NOAA need to confirm that the high-priority actions of the projects could be implemented shortly after April for FY10, if approved by the ISRP. If not, we ask you submit your proposal as part of the regular NPCC RM&E Categorical Review later in March 2010.

Confirmation of the applicability of the fast track process involves evaluation among Sponsors, COTRs, and when appropriate NOAA:

1. If the newly proposed actions are within the original scope of the 2007-09 proposal, which previously received a positive ISRP review, no fast-track proposal is needed.
2. If the project is feasible to implement in FY 10, after the April Fast Track ISRP review; or if permits and review are essential to get components on the ground before the NPCC RM&E Categorical review, which is scheduled to end in September for FY 2011 projects, a fast track proposal is recommended.
3. If the fast track route is not feasible or would not result in a faster implementation of the work the project, BPA requests a “delayed” submission through the later, March 2010 RM&E Categorical review for FY2011 implementation.

Schedule (as of 2/25/10)

These are process steps and key dates for submittal and ISRP review, and include information about permitting and contracting for the proposed work: