January 26, 2017

The Honorable Rowena M.N, Akana

Chairperson of the Board, Office of Hawaiian Affairs

SUBJECT: OHA’s Professional Services Contracts

Dear Ms. Akana:

It has recently come to my attention that OHA conducted a professional services procurement resulting in a professional services list that may not be in accordance with the Procurement Code. The State Procurement Office (SPO) is requesting copies of OHA’s Professional Services Vendor Lists, an explanation of OHA’s process to place qualified vendors on professional services list(s) including any written policies/procedures and a log of OHA’s Professional Services Contracts awards for the past 36 months.

As Administrator of the SPO, pursuant HRS 103D-206, it is my responsibility to review the procurement practices of all governmental bodies.

Thank you for your time and assistance with this matter. We would appreciate the requested documents to be submitted by Monday, February 27th, 2017. Your staff may contact Kevin Takaesu at (808) 586-0568 if there are any questions, or you may call me at (808) 587-4700.

Sincerely,

Sarah Allen

Administrator

State Procurement Office

CC. The Honorable Jarrett Keohokalole

PDF: Original Letter