While the battle against COVID-19 rages on, tribal governments have been provided additional tools to contend with the virus via the American Rescue Plan (ARP), with approximately $31.2 billion set aside for Indian Country of the $1.9 trillion in total funding. Many tribes are looking for ways to deploy immediate and much needed relief to members via this new funding they will be receiving. Baker Tilly’s dedicated tribal services team has the experience and expertise to oversee the procurement and distribution of essential goods and supplies for those tribes that require additional support to scale their purchasing power while maintaining compliance with relevant laws, regulations and compliance requirements.
During the height of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Baker Tilly executed one of the largest essential supply procurement and distribution efforts that has been completed by any state, local or tribal government. Our client, located in rural parts of New Mexico, Arizona and Utah, needed assistance to carry out the procurement of a bulk purchase totaling approximately $28 million, containing a mix of essential goods and supplies from the global supply chain. Supplies procured included personal protective equipment, gloves, sanitizing products, essential food, water, and various other items. By using the purchasing power of the tribe, we were able to secure pricing on most items at 15-30% below retail price on top of securing highly sought after items during a time when the supply chain was stretched thin.
Some additional highlights of this effort included the following:
Using a process-based plan in conjunction with our existing supply chain team and partners, we strive to provide a seamless and auditable process to get goods into the hands of those that need it most as quickly as possible. Collaborating with our clients, we address the following: