KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI (November 3, 2023) – Komada, LLC, a Tepa Company, was awarded a $58,335,000 contract by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to perform construction services at the Oglala Lake dam located on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. The Oglala Lake is currently drained to protect downstream residents due to safety concerns with the dam. Once complete, the reconstructed dam will provide flood control, drinking water, irrigation water and recreational opportunities that support the local economy. As a tribally-owned company, Komada is proud to be working with the BIA and helping another tribe.
“Working on projects that ultimately serve other Tribes is vitally important to our mission at Tepa.” Tommy Bartlett, Regional Manager, Mountain West, said.
The project was set aside for Indian Small Business Economic Enterprises (ISBEE) by the Department of Interior (DOI). The Buy Indian Act (25 U.S.C. §47) and its associated regulations (Department of the Interior Acquisition Regulations (DIAR) part 1480) allow the DOI and its agencies the authority to use the negotiation authority of the Buy Indian Act to give preference to the hiring of Native American employees and purchasing of products, supplies and services from eligible Indian Small Business Economic Enterprises (ISBEE) through set-aside procurement contracts or sole source awards.
The Oglala Dam Rehabilitation project includes demolition of existing service spillway and outlet structures, mass excavation, diversion and care of water, dewatering and subgrade preparation for installation of a new Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) and Conventional Concrete overflow service spillway, installation of new zoned embankment and associated site work. The BIA has indicated they intend to attain funds to also award bid options including Deep Mix Method (DMM) soil columns, a Soil-Cement Bentonite cut-off (SCB) wall, and concrete and clay emergency spillway control structures in the near future.
Construction activities will begin in Spring 2024 and the performance period is two years. Komada will self-perform all project management, diversion of water, dewatering, earthwork support and electrical services for this contract.
“We are very excited to work with the BIA on this project that is essential to the Reservation,” Barlett said.
Learn more about Komada and the services that are offered.
About Our Tribe
The Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians is a federally recognized Native American tribe based in Northern California. The tribe actively supports its members and community through diversified business holdings and contributions from its charitable foundation. In addition to the Tepa Companies, the tribe owns the Rolling Hills Casino, The Links at Rolling Hills golf course and an equestrian event center in Corning, California.
