Specifications include, but are not limited to: This scope outlines a comprehensive program of basic and advanced training in water loss management, ranked and prioritized technical review for all participants, technical assistance for roughly 50 water providers in the program and finally, and a water loss audit validator training and certification program. Phase III will build on the very successful Phase I and II where approximately 90 water providers have undergone training in the program. This program includes multiple “touch points” for establishing principles & practice and reinforced understanding, culminating in direct technical assistance based on the water provider’s needs. The AWWA methodology is considered the industry standard for water loss control and management. The goal for the Colorado Water Loss Control Initiative is for participating water utilities to learn how to apply the methodology to their water system and to achieve a complete and transparent (as measured by Level 1 validated scores) water loss audit. This phase goes beyond audits and assists the water providers in targeting interventions as well as continuing to provide a base for ongoing trainings in terms of bringing new participants in and refreshing existing participants' knowledge base. Additionally, there is an added water loss audit validation curriculum and testing task that will drive more widespread adoption of accurate water loss audits. Water loss was identified in the Colorado Water Plan technical update as a significant factor in the M&I gap and showcased in Colorado’s Water Plan, Vibrant Communities, Action 1.3 – “Drive enhanced water loss tracking to help address future water needs.” Water loss control has been identified by the drinking water industry as a major topic of interest. With multiple states providing statewide water loss control training and having identified the AWWA M36 methodology in Colorado’s Water Plan, the time is right to continue statewide training on the industry standard for water loss control and move onto prioritized interventions. Task 1: Development of Colorado Water Loss Initiative Phase III, Program Administration, Management and Communications 1.1 Process management 1.1.1 Consultant, CWCB staff and advisory committee will provide on-going management of the Initiative, including the development of a program management plan and associated schedule, marketing and outreach plan, regular team coordination calls for program management and documentation, internal progress tracking, internal task assignments and accountability, program management plan amendments, and course corrections as warranted. 1.1.2 CWCB staff and Consultant will assess the level of M36 Water Loss Control methodology implementation in Colorado 1.2 Consultant, with CWCB staff and advisory committee assistance, will manage water system recruitment and retention for the Initiative. The objective of recruitment and retention will be the registration of approximately 100 target water systems and as complete as possible participation in the Initiative. This will include development of a recruitment and retention plan, development of all communication materials in support of the recruitment plan, conducting regular coordination calls with the CWCB and the advisory committee to manage execution of the outreach plan, and conducting direct outreach to approximately 100 target water systems. 1.3 Consultant will conduct a post-program survey to each of the participant systems, to assess and compile data on the satisfaction of participant experience in the program, program effectiveness, program improvements needed, and follow -up on training and technical assistance needs. 1.4 Consultant will develop a final report for the Initiative, to include program genesis and overview, profile of program stakeholders and participants, program design and execution methodology, and a summary of program technical materials. The report will also include the marketing and outreach plan and materials referenced in Task 1.1, the program recruitment and retention plan and materials referenced in Task 1.2, and a summary of survey results from Task 1.3 and program outcomes including water audit analyses from Tasks 2 and 3. Task 2: Core Colorado Water Loss Initiative Training Areas This task will serve as an ongoing entry point for new learners just entering the training program and an ongoing skill building curriculum for past participants. Local water provider staff turnover has sharply increased since the inception of the CWLI and CWCB will be responsive to water provider needs for training new staff. The goal of this task is to implement an ongoing base knowledge curriculum that will introduce all necessary content for utilities that did not participate in previous phases, including Level 1 validation, while teaching more advanced topics for knowledge growth. Additionally, it will introduce participants to the most updated AWWA software (v.6 or latest version available). Core training areas consist of: Base Knowledge (all basic 101 knowledge plus assistance with compiling data for Level 1 audit), Level 1 Validation, 201 and 301 knowledge-including but not limited to Supply Meter Testing, Billing Data Analysis, Customer Meter Test – Design, Real Loss Component Analysis, Leak Detection. 2.1- Water Audit 101 Workshops and Level 1 Validation This task will introduce all necessary content for utilities that did not participate in previous phases, including Level 1 validation and serve as a refresher for previous participants and any new employees they have. Additionally, it will introduce participants to the most updated AWWA software (v.6). Water Audit and Validation Webcast and 101 Workshops The Technical Assistance (TA) for “101” and refresher for Phase I participants will consist of the following: Consultant will conduct up to twelve (12) virtual workshops These workshops will teach foundational water audit concepts and tools, provide a review of the AWWA Free Water Audit Software and its functions, and review data validity scoring. These workshops are geared towards providing the new utilities with a basic understanding of the water audit process and the AWWA Free Water Audit Software. Common mistakes in water audit preparation will be discussed with the workshop participants and tips and guidance will be provided for the preparation of their own water audits. After the webinar and workshop, each participant is expected to attempt a completion of their own water audit. Consultant, with CWCB staff assistance, will provide workshop administration including, registration setup and management, and Contact Hours (CH) coordination. Consultant will provide all associated technical materials development including curriculum development, workshop presentation content, practical exercises content, and participant workbook content. Deliverables: Twelve (12) workshops Workshop administration Workshop materials 2.1.2 Audit Basics Technical Review for “101” Participants 2.1.2.1 Following the participant preparation and submission of their water audits to the Consultant, Consultant will conduct an hour long individual call with each participating utility to provide a one on one Question and Answer session, where Consultant evaluates and confirms the participant’s understanding and proficiency in preparing their water audit, and provides feedback to questions/problems/issues that they encountered during their water audit preparation. Consultant will ensure participant utilities are ready for Task 2.3. 2.1.2.2 Consultant will provide all associated technical materials including technical review documentation. Deliverables: Documentation of technical review meeting for each participant
