Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs Awards $7.6M Electric Utility Service Contract to Yakama Power
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $7,610,682 ($7.6M)
Contractor: Yakama Power
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2022-03-04
End Date: 2027-03-03
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $4.2K/day
Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Energy
Official Description: ELECTRIC UTILITY SERVICE, WIP
Place of Performance
Location: TOPPENISH, YAKIMA County, WASHINGTON, 98948
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $7.6 million to YAKAMA POWER for work described as: ELECTRIC UTILITY SERVICE, WIP Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Yakama Power for electric utility services. 2. The contract has a duration of 5 years, ending March 3, 2027. 3. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, indicating stable costs. 4. This award represents a significant investment in essential utility infrastructure for the region.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $7.6 million over five years is substantial for electric utility services. Without specific benchmarks for this type of service in Washington, it's difficult to definitively assess if the pricing is competitive. Further analysis would require comparison with similar contracts in the region.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was not available for competition, suggesting a limited or sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers compared to a fully competitive process. The rationale for limited competition needs further investigation.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in a higher cost to taxpayers than if the contract had been competitively bid. This could mean less efficient use of public funds.
Public Impact
Ensures reliable electricity supply for Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education facilities. Supports essential services for tribal communities and educational institutions. Potential economic benefit to Yakama Power and associated local workforce.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition raises concerns about potential overpricing.
- Lack of transparency in the award process.
- Dependence on a single provider for critical infrastructure.
Positive Signals
- Ensures continuity of essential electric utility services.
- Supports a specific tribal enterprise.
- Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Energy sector, specifically electric power distribution. Utility services are critical infrastructure, and their procurement often involves long-term agreements. Benchmarking would require data on similar utility contracts awarded by federal agencies in Washington state.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Yakama Power, which is a tribal utility. There is no indication of specific provisions or set-asides for small businesses within this award. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education are responsible for oversight. The 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION' status warrants closer examination by oversight bodies to ensure the justification is sound and taxpayer interests are protected.
Related Government Programs
- Electric Power Distribution
- Department of the Interior Contracting
- Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition
- Lack of price benchmark data
- Potential for cost overruns
- Dependence on a single provider
Tags
electric-power-distribution, department-of-the-interior, wa, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Interior awarded $7.6 million to YAKAMA POWER. ELECTRIC UTILITY SERVICE, WIP
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is YAKAMA POWER.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $7.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-03-04. End: 2027-03-03.
What is the specific justification for awarding this contract on a limited competition basis, and what steps were taken to ensure fair pricing?
The justification for limited competition is not provided in the data. Typically, such awards are made when only one responsible source is available or when a compelling urgency exists. Without this information, it's impossible to assess the fairness of the pricing or the necessity of the limited competition. Further investigation into agency records would be required.
How does the per-unit cost of this electric utility service compare to market rates or similar federal contracts in the region?
A direct per-unit cost comparison is not feasible with the provided data. The contract value is a total amount over five years. To benchmark, one would need to know the specific services rendered (e.g., kilowatt-hours consumed, distribution infrastructure maintenance) and compare those rates against publicly available utility tariffs or other federal contracts for similar services in Washington state.
What are the potential risks associated with relying on a single provider for essential electric utility services, especially given the limited competition?
The primary risks include potential price escalation in future contract renewals, reduced incentive for the provider to innovate or improve service quality due to lack of competitive pressure, and vulnerability to service disruptions if the sole provider faces operational issues. The limited competition aspect exacerbates these risks by reducing leverage for the government.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Utilities › Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution › Electric Power Distribution
Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › UTILITIES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 61220 US HIGHWAY 97, TOPPENISH, WA, 98948
Business Categories: Category Business, Government, Native American Tribal Government, Minority Owned Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Tribally Owned Firm
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $9,610,682
Exercised Options: $9,610,682
Current Obligation: $7,610,682
Actual Outlays: $5,099,874
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-03-04
Current End Date: 2027-03-03
Potential End Date: 2027-03-03 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-31
Other Department of the Interior Contracts
- Department of Health and Human Services, Administration of Children and Families, Office of Refugee Resettlement's Legal Services for Unaccompanied Children — $832.4M (Acacia Center for Justice)
- Military Family Life Counseling Program Igf::ot::igf — $638.8M (MHN Government Services LLC)
- Military Family Life Counseling Program — $637.0M (Magellan Healthcare Inc)
- Grants Program Solutions and Information Technology Support Services — $446.3M (Guidehouse Digital LLC)
- THE Purpose of This Requirement for Grants Program Solutions and IT Support Services IS to Provide Efficient and Effective Grant, Financial, and Contract Management Services, IT Solutions, and Support to the Grantsolutions and ITS Partners — $403.1M (Guidehouse Inc.)