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Naabik’íyáti’ Committee discusses project updates for E911, Rural Addressing project

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WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The Naabik’íyáti’ Committee held a two-day work session on Oct. 8 and 9 to assess project updates, current challenges, and the expenditure status of projects funded by the Navajo Nation Fiscal Recovery Fund, American Rescue Plan Act.

The Naabik’íyáti’ Committee assessed the progress of the Next Generation E911 and Rural Addressing Project, a major initiative funded by $35 million in ARPA allocations, on Oct. 8. The project, aimed at modernizing emergency response services and developing a comprehensive rural addressing system, has encumbered almost $35 million of the allocated funds, with nine contracts completed to date.

Controller Sean McCabe confirmed that the numbers presented by the DPS do not align with those verified by the Office of the Controller, prompting calls for immediate action and transparency.

Key project outcomes include the creation of 12,000 address points in the Upper Fruitland community as well as the procurement of over $441,000 of essential equipment. Outstanding purchases requisitions include over $218,000 for vehicles, almost $25,000 for high-capacity printers to support emergency dispatch operations and over $89,000 for administrative furniture.

The project has faced scrutiny over a $7.4 million contract awarded to a third-party consultant for expertise on procurement, project management, and oversight and regulatory assistance for the Rural Addressing and E911 project, prompting calls for increased transparency and oversight on internal controls.

Naabik’íyáti’ Committee members raised concerns about the allocation and management of funds, especially regarding consultant usage and procurement processes. Council Delegate Dr. Andy Nez questioned the alignment of rural addressing standards with those of community development, while Council Delegate Shawna Ann Claw emphasized the need for long-term sustainability and accountability.

“While the project has shown remarkable progress in designing and implementing address points, the involvement of consultants at such a high cost requires further explanation,” Claw said. “We must ensure that the project remains sustainable beyond the ARPA funding, and that we have the right expertise in place without over-reliance on external consultants.”

Tyler Frazier of Aerotech LLC reassured the 25th Navajo Nation Council of the team’s efforts to consolidate emergency dispatch sites from seven to two, aiming for better supervision, training, and certification for emergency personnel.

The project has faced some delays, including a purchase order that remained in the Controller’s office for 128 days due to procurement amendments. Despite these challenges, project management remains on track, with a Gantt chart and dashboard being developed to monitor progress.

The Naabik’íyáti’ Committee called to verify the outstanding financial discrepancies, including the unallocated amount of over $16,000, and ensuring that all contracts are thoroughly reviewed according to the procurement policy and procedures of the Navajo Nation.

Additionally, the Council will invite project consultants to present their qualifications and services before the 25th Navajo Nation Council to address concerns about their roles and the sustainability of the project.

“This project is critical to improving public safety on the Navajo Nation, but we must ensure that every dollar is spent wisely and with full transparency,” Delegate Eugenia Charles-Newton said. “I recommend that all contractors appear before the Council to answer questions and provide further clarity.”

The E911 and Rural Addressing Project has garnered widespread public support, with community members eager to see improved emergency response services. The project team has visited nine chapters to articulate the goals of the initiative, receiving positive feedback and support for ongoing addressing efforts.

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