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The contract will focus on hydrologic modeling and forecast-informed planning for western U.S. water systems
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has awarded a $49.9 million Indefinite Delivery Contract (IDC) to RTI International, an independent scientific research institute, to deliver specialized hydrologic and hydraulic engineering services in support of civil works projects across the South Pacific Division.
Under the Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC), RTI will support the Sacramento District in advancing Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO), a modern approach to water management that integrates weather and climate forecasts into reservoir decision-making. The work will help USACE update water control manuals to improve flood protection and water supply reliability in the western U.S.
“Our team brings deep expertise in the National Weather Service’s Hydrologic Ensemble Forecasts, reservoir modeling and FIRO implementation for both single and multi-reservoir systems,” said Michael Crouch, senior water resources engineer at RTI. “By combining advanced reservoir modeling with forecast science, we can support USACE in balancing flood regulation, water supply and environmental goals, even under extreme events.”
RTI is prepared to support the development and evaluation of water control plans using ensemble forecasts and risk-based methods. These capabilities could help USACE assess how improved forecasts may allow for safer water capture during wet periods and increased carryover storage to buffer against future droughts, delivering long-term benefits for communities, agriculture, ecosystems and public safety.
FIRO implementation performed under this contract will also conduct reservoir modeling to assess impacts on flood regulation, water supply, and environmental objectives, all part of a broader effort to modernize water infrastructure and improve resilience in the face of drought and extreme weather.
RTI International is an independent scientific research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world's most critical problems with technical and science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach—one that integrates expertise across social, statistical, data, and laboratory sciences, engineering, and other technical disciplines to solve the world’s most challenging problems.
For more information, visit www.rti.org.