Current through August 26, 2024
(1) Governmental units as providers of
cost-share agreements shall identify and agree to use one or more of the
following cost containment procedures for each urban best management practice
identified in the runoff management grant agreement:
(a)
Average cost. Based on
past cost information, a governmental unit determines an average cost per unit
of materials and labor for the installation of a urban best management practice
which may not be exceeded. A governmental unit may use its own experience, or
information obtained from the department or other sources, to estimate typical
costs.
(b)
Range of
costs. Based on past cost information, a governmental unit establishes
a cost range for the installation of an urban best management practice.
Eligible costs may not exceed the maximum cost of the range. A governmental
unit may use its own experience, or information obtained from the department or
other sources, to estimate typical costs.
(c)
Competitive bidding. A
governmental unit requires the landowner or land operator to request bids from
contractors for the installation of an urban best management practice. The
cost-share payment shall be calculated based on the lowest bid meeting
acceptable qualifications. The governmental unit shall identify criteria for
determining acceptable qualifications. The landowner or land operator may
select a qualified contractor other than the low qualified bidder, but shall
contribute 100% of the difference between the bids.
Note: The department suggests the bidding procedures set
forth in the Procurement Guide for Local Governments Receiving Grants from the
Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources, available from the department.
(d)
Maximum cost-share
limit. A governmental unit or the department establishes a maximum
cost-share rate limit not to exceed the rates specified in ch. NR 154 and this
chapter for installation of an urban best management practice.
(e)
Municipal work group. A
governmental unit hires or assigns its employees to install an urban best
management practice for landowners and land operators if the employees are able
to perform the work at a cost lower than the private sector.
(g)
Other cost containment
procedures. If a governmental unit determines another cost containment
procedure would be at least as or more effective than the cost containment
procedures described in this subsection, it shall include the alternative in
the project application and the department shall include the alternative in the
runoff management grant agreement.
(2) The cost-containment procedures in this
subsection shall be used to control the cost of in-kind contributions,
including the substantiated value of donated materials, equipment, services and
labor by landowners or land operators installing urban best management
practices:
(a) All sources of local share
donation shall be indicated in the project application submitted under s.
NR 155.17.
(b) The maximum value of donated labor may
not exceed the local market wage for equivalent work.
(c) The value of donated equipment may not
exceed the equipment rates for highways established by the Wisconsin department
of transportation.
Note: The county highway rates for equipment are formulated
under s.
84.07,
Stats., and can be found in chapter 5 of the State Highway Maintenance Manual
published by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, 4802 Sheboygan Avenue,
Madison, WI 53705.
(d) The
value of donated materials and services may not exceed market rates and shall
be established by invoice.
(3) Governmental units installing best
management practices under a department cost-share grant shall follow the
bidding and advertising provisions of their applicable municipal statutes. All
contracts shall be subject to approval by the departmental project manager,
with respect to reimbursement eligibility, technical standards, and storm water
permitting requirements.
Note: Relevant municipal statutes include ss.
59.52,
60.47,
61.54, and
62.15, Stats.
(4) Governmental units that
contract with an outside consultant to perform services under a local
assistance grant shall, at a minimum, use a quality-based selection approach
and interview firms with proven experience in the field of storm water
planning. All contracts shall be subject to approval by the departmental
project manager, with respect to reimbursement eligibility, technical
standards, and storm water permitting requirements.
