elevated view Vol. 5, Issue 4, Summer 2009

UIC And The 8(a) Program

BTPS Reaches 10-Year Mark

• President’s Message 2

• Shareholder News 3

• Shareholder Meetings 4

• Subsidiary and

Employee News 6

• Elder Story 7

INSIDEThe Small Business Administration 8(a) program is receiving a lot of attention in Washington DC in the media these days. Because UIC is involved in the program, it is important for UIC shareholders to understand the program and its crucial role in our business development and growth.

How the 8(a) Program WorksA few very large companies get the majority of contracts that the United States government puts out for bid. The Federal Government recognizes this and wants to give smaller businesses a chance to get some of these contracts. That’s where the 8(a) program comes into play.

A small disadvantaged business can apply to become certified as an 8(a) company. The certification lasts for up to nine years. Once certified, a company is allowed to negotiate with the government for contracts without competition. In some cases the bid is limited to just 8(a) companies and the large companies are excluded. This provides small businesses an opportunity

This year, Bowhead Technical and Professional Services, Inc. (BTPS) celebrates its 10-year anniversary in federal government contracting. The company, which started in 1999 as Bowhead Support Services in Dahlgren, Va. with only 44 employees now employs over 950 employees. Since then, BTPS has become the holding company for seven subsidiaries whose core expertise includes engineering support, information technology, program and project management, warehousing and logistics, training systems, operations maintenance, range support, and conference and event planning. With corporate headquarters now located in Alexandria, Va., the BTPS family of companies are Bowhead Support Services (BSS), Bowhead Systems Management (BSM), Bowhead Information Technology Service (BITS), Bowhead Science and Technology (BST), Bowhead Logistics Solutions (BLS), Bowhead Innovative Products and Solutions (BIPS) and Bowhead Professional Solutions, Inc. (BPS).

BTPS was at the forefront of several key UIC efforts this year. BTPS has made great strides in its continuous process improvements which have been demonstrated in its involvement with the Atautchikun project, UIC’s three-year program which will allow all UIC companies to communicate in the same standard reporting formats and provide more timely and accurate consolidation of financial data.

With its transition to the MS Dynamics Solomon financial management system and to the SharePoint intranet system, BTPS is leading by example. The company has developed a Capture Management System that UIC has adopted for qualifying, tracking, and pursuing new business opportunities. BTPS marketing efforts have also not gone unnoticed, particularly in its tradeshow concept and execution. The unique architecture of BTPS’ tradeshow booth, fondly known as the “igloo,” has increased the company’s

to gain some experience so that one day they can compete with larger companies. Individuals, not corporations, own most small businesses that participate in this program. However the Federal Government recognized that Alaska Native Corporations, Indian Tribes, and Native Hawaiians have unique circumstances and instituted some rules specific to them so that their members and shareholders could all receive the benefits of the program. For example, Alaska Native Corporations can own multiple 8(a) companies in different industries. They can enter into larger contracts without competition. They are also allowed to select their management with less restriction.

There are some program benefits that all 8(a) companies enjoy. They can enter into mentor protégé agreements with larger companies to learn from them. The mentor and the protégé can then enter into joint ventures together for 8(a) contracts. They

Q u a r t e r l y N e w s l e t t e r O f u k p e a g v i k i ñ u p i a t C O r p O r a t i O N ( u i C )

nasirvik

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BTPS Headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia.Continued on page 7

Dear Fellow UIC Shareholders,

At the UIC Annual Shareholder Meeting held on Saturday, June 6, the shareholders elected Forrest “Deano” Olemaun, Tara MacLean Sweeney, and Max E. Ahgeak to the Board of Directors, Class of 2012. Overall, it was a successful meeting, and we thank all shareholders who attended, participated and voted.

In this edition of the newsletter, we reviewed the Small Business Administration 8(a) program. This is important because of the attention given to it in Washington DC and the media these days.

8(a) Program ScrutinyIn 2006 the U.S. Government Accountability Office conducted an audit of the 8(a) program and issued a finding that the Small Business Administration needed to improve oversight of the program. So now

the SBA Inspector General is conducting an audit of some Alaska Native Corporations in the 8(a) program regarding the way that they are participating. In May of this year the Subcommittee on Contracting Oversight for the Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs issued

a request for information to all the regional corporations and a few village corporations, and scheduled a hearing on July 16, 2009, regarding the 8(a) program and Alaska Native Corporations. UIC has not been audited or included in the request for information process.

Alaska Native Corporations and the Alaska Congressional delegation are making a sustained effort to tell the story. Their message is that the 8(a) program infuses rural communities with employment opportunities, scholarship programs, cultural and social service programs, dividends and numerous

other benefits. They are also letting the House and Senate know that the continual success of ANC participation in the 8(a) program is integral to fulfill the intent of Congress under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and that they must continue federal policies that encourage private sector business development in rural communities. UIC wants to assure shareholders that a strong compliance and ethics program is in place to make sure that all of the 8(a) companies within the UIC family of companies are in compliance with the program. It is working hard to create companies that can graduate from the 8(a) program and compete within the full and open market.

Anthony E. EdwardsenPresident and CEO

President’s Message

Board of Directors

Max E. Ahgeak

Chairman

Vice President

David M. Leavitt Jr.

Director

Doreen M. Knodel

Vice Chairman

Raynita T. Hepa

Corporate Secretary

Fred S. Kanayurak

Director

Forrest “Deano” Olemaun

President

Anthony E. Edwardsen

Treasurer

Mary Jane Lang

Director

Tara MacLean Sweeney

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Messages From Newly Elected UIC Board Members

Two new members were elected to the UIC Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting in June and Max Ahgeak was re-elected and is the new Chairman.

Chairman Ahgeak expressed his appreciation:Thanks to all shareholders who supported my re-election to the UIC Board of Directors. A special thank you to my wife Kathy, who has supported me through thick and thin as I work with the board to improve our corporation for shareholders. These next few years are going to be hard for UIC, with the downturn in the national economy, which is affecting our business lines that operate nationally. Again thank you shareholders for your support.

Forrest “Deano” Olemaun, a new Director shares these words:First of all, I would like to give credit to God who gives me the strength to carry out his work to try and better the lives of our people. Secondly, I would like to thank my mother, Vera Olemaun, and sister, Ida Olemaun, for encouraging me to stand up for what is right. I also with humbleness thank all the shareholders who showed their

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2009 Shareholder Awards

Shareholder of the YearJeslie Kaleak Sr. was born and raised in Barrow to Leo and Mabel Kaleak and is the youngest child of six brothers and three sisters. Married to Julia Lane Kaleak from Pt. Hope, they have three children and five grandchildren. A Barrow Whaling Captain, Jeslie served as North Slope Borough Mayor from 1990-1993 and devoted his time as an Arctic Slope Regional Corporation Board Member for more than 20 years. For nine years, Jeslie has volunteered his time daily at the Utqiagvik Presbyterian Church and Boynton Printing. He is a strong Inupiaq advocate in all aspects of traditional knowledge and is a true role model to everyone.

Outstanding Elder of the YearRhoda Qivvaq Pikok was born and raised in Barrow to Leo and Mabel Tuigan Kaleak in 1936. She married Tommy Pikok Sr. and has 13 children, many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Rhoda served Barrow children and the North Slope Borough School District as a cook for many years. She spends her free time riding around Barrow and attending Nuvukmiut Dance Group meetings and practices where she teaches the next generation Inupiaq language and dancing. Rhoda has been an Inupiaq dancer all her life, carrying on the role from her parents to those who have come after.

Home Maker of the YearLillian Nageak was born in Pt. Lonely to Bradford and Frieda Elavgak and raised in Barrow and Pt. Lonely. Lillian married Marchie Nageak in 1972 and they have four children and six grandchildren. The Captain’s wife of the Nageak Whaling Crew and a very traditional Inupiaq woman, Lillian taught her children, along side her late husband, all hunting traditions and values from skin sewing, catching and butchering of whale, seal, fish, and caribou. She has nurtured her family with traditional

knowledge and spiritual faith by bringing up her children in a whaling family and church environment. All her children have become very productive traditional advocates for the Barrow Community.

Community Service AwardArnold Brower Jr. was born and raised in Barrow to Arnold and Emily Brower. Arnold is married to Jo Jo Ahmaogak Brower with three children and one grand daughter. He has served in many capacities including the UIC Board. An advocate for Inupiaqs and the Healthy Community Initiative, Arnold volunteers in church services and coordinates youth rallies benefiting healthy community initiatives, UIC Shareholders and Barrow.

Cultural BearerEdgar Skin was born to Andrew and Sarah Skin on January 11, 1986. Raised in Barrow, Edgar is a young whaler and hunter who enjoys gathering of subsistence foods year round. He loves to share what he has harvested with family, Elders and local communities. He is well known locally and statewide for presentations and instruction in Inupiaq drum making and dancing.

Educator of the YearShareholder Beverly Patkotak Grinage was appointed as the second President of Ilisagvik College in 2005. She previously served the college as Dean of Marketing and Student Services, bringing both a working knowledge of the college and a deep understanding of the region, its people and its needs. Her charge from the school’s board of trustees was to further enhance the college’s responsiveness to community needs, continue to build student growth and to work toward diversification of the college’s revenue sources. Beverly received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Alaska Anchorage and completed a Master of Arts in Rural Development from University of Alaska Fairbanks in May 2008.

confidence by voting for me to represent them to ensure honesty, integrity and accountability in our Corporation. The next three years I will do my best to do what was taught to me by my friends and mentors, Jake Adams and Oliver Leavitt, and I thank them for having patience with me. I look forward to the challenges ahead of us to continue to improve the success of UIC which in turn provides larger dividends and opportunity for our shareholders. QUYANAQPAK!

New Director Tara MacLean Sweeney comments:UIC has been built through a combination of dedicated management and strong leadership at the board level. I feel it is important to honor the service of past board members because growth would not have been possible without their years of tireless dedication. I thank those that have served before me for helping to build a strong foundation. UIC is a company of which we can all be proud. I am humbled by the support of the UIC shareholders and will work to provide the necessary strategic guidance to strengthen UIC, grow the company with a disciplined approach to new business lines and investments, and continue to grow shareholder development, advancement and benefits. A special thank you to my family, especially my Aaka May A. Panigeo, friends and mentors. I sincerely appreciate your encouragement.

Shareholder Hire Makes A difference

Travis Packer began working with Rain Proof Roofing in 2005 as a laborer to assist with the installation of roofing on residential and commercial buildings. Although he had no previous roofing experience, Travis quickly became an asset to the team and is now part of the metal roofing crew. Rain Proof says his good work ethic and drive to learn have allowed him to acquire the skills needed to become a journeyman roofer and move up within the company. He is working towards becoming a foreman and running projects for the company.

Rain Proof notes it is proud to have Travis on board and that his story is a great example of how shareholder hire can make a difference. “As a UIC subsidiary we are happy to have been a part of Travis’ career growth and look forward to seeing what he can do next!”

MessagesContinued from page 2

2009 Annual UIC Shareholder Meetings

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2009 UIC Annual Meeting Door Prize Winners

$500 winnersMary AhkivianaJames R. Ansell lllMariam Monuluk Valenzuelalsaac Thomas SimmondsPrice E. BrowerJoshua M. SmithJohn OyagakCharles Eugene BrowerJames AhsoakKatherine A. ParkerCharles M. BrowerRaynita B. HepaCharles Brower llTranquilynna NageakHerman Kignak Sr.Henia MiniumErvin Suvlu Jr.lsaac KalayaukEthel K. BurkeMae Clow$1000 winner: Henry Ekak$2000 Grand Prize Winner: Billy Gene Leavitt

In addition to the Annual Shareholder Meeting, Informational Meeting winners were as follows:

Anchorage UIC InformationalShareholder Meeting$100 winners:Katherine LafountainMeda SnyderEmily LisbourneAlice M. NukapigakStella SuvluRex SnyderMarilyn DeckerKory DannerFrances LeavittNancy ShepardBethany Tackett$500 Grand Prize Winner: Sandra Stuermer Fairbanks UIC InformationalShareholder Meeting$100 Winners:Deborah SnyderGeorge EgowaAlice IttaRobert CoatesDawndee IpalookBonnie LincolnNathaniel AhsoakElmer Thompson Sr.Wallace Tukle$500 Grand Prize Winner: Sam E. Kanayurak Jr.

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BP CHOPS Tanks

About two years ago, premier Alaska tank builder Rockford Corporation, a UIC construction and engineering subsidiary, was asked to assist BP Exploration Alaska to aid in the design of “Cold Heavy Oil Production with Sand” or “CHOPS” tanks. Sand is a byproduct of the heavy oil production process and must be removed before the oil can be transported by pipeline. BP did an initial heavy oil test in 2008 at Milne Point, producing about 700 barrels of oil and successfully piped it down the trans-Alaska pipeline. Approximately 20 billion barrels of heavy oils are believed to be in the Ugnu formation at Milne Point. BP is starting the heavy oil production process now while lighter crude oil is still available to be mixed with it for pipeline transport.

After two years of design, Rockford started procuring materials in March and began tank construction this June. When

completed, the steel tanks will be 20 feet wide and about 32 feet high. Sand will be removed from the oil with a flush water system inside the tank using 240 spray nozzles. In addition, multiple sample taps are being installed. All the nozzles, internal pieces, cone bottom and roof will make construction difficult. Ladders, platforms and pipe supports must be welded on the exterior of the tank. After the steel erection of the tanks is complete, all of the appurtenances will need to be first installed on the tank to ensure mounting brackets are located correctly. Then they will be temporarily removed in order to sandblast, coat and insulate the tank. The tanks are being built just north of Fairbanks in Fox. Rockford is teaming with Carlile Transportation’s heavy haul division to truck the tanks to the North Slope once construction is complete.

On June 26, Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital said goodbye to Mary Ahkiviana after 33 years of service. Mary said it was time to be with husband George, the grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and have freedom to do what she wants.

Mary saw many changes during her years at the hospital where a UIC contract provides dietary, housekeeping and maintenance services. People have come and gone but Mary was always there, taking care of her housekeeping department.

Co-workers note: “This is hard, sometimes thankless work, but Mary was there for the patients and those of us who worked with her. We are happy for her but will certainly miss her.”

At her retirement party, UIC presented Mary with some deserving gifts including a new sewing machine. Her friends sent this message: “So, Mary, when you take a break from that sewing machine, please stop by the hospital and have a cup of coffee with us. Again, thank you for the hard work, for all the many years of service to UIC and to our community.”

L to R: Linda Mae Ahkiviana, Marie Ahkiviana, Bryan Ahkiviana, Armando Ahkiviana Voldovinos, Mary Ahkiviana, Michael Ahkiviana, George Ahkiviana. Top Row L to R: Forrest John Ahkiviana, Nutaaq Ahkiviana Reyes, Damian Ahkiviana, Charlie Ahkiviana, Carolyn Ahkiviana, Faye Ahkiviana Voldovinos, Loyla Okpik-Ahkiviana Leavitt.

Long-Time Hospital Employee Retires

Employee Of The Quarter:Walter Brower

The quarterly award is designed to further the UIC Mission, enhance service to the shareholders, promote positive teamwork and work environment, motivate employees to provide improved services in an efficient and responsive manner.

Walter Brower first joined UIC Science Division in June 1999 as part of the UICS contract team working with the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM Program. Starting as a technician, Walter took on increasing responsibility as the program grew, becoming the Chief Operator and then the ARM Site Facility Manager. He is now responsible for the daily operations of the ARM North Slope of Alaska/Adjacent Arctic Ocean site. Program scientists and engineers rely on Walter for his knowledge and expertise regarding the local environment and how to operate a wide range of scientific instrumentation in the Barrow climate safely and reliably, with minimal down time. Walter is a very hard worker who goes above and beyond consistently to support ARM.

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BTPS

Rhoda Kivvaq Kaleak Pikok was born in Barrow on June 19, 1936 to Leo Qaliaq Kaleak and Mabel Tuigan Kaleak. Rhoda has eight siblings: Allen, William, Larry, Riley, Joe, Maggie, Mary, and Jeslie. She married Tommy Pikok in 1952 at the age of 16 and they had 12 children: Ethel, 1st Billy, Joe, David, Reynold Joe (adopted to Aveogannas), Grace Ann, Elsie, Kennedy, Percy, Tommy Jr., Lloyd and Marjorie. Tommy and Rhoda raised their children in Barrow. Tommy worked in maintenance positions until he retired and Rhoda worked for the North Slope Borough School District as a cook for over twenty years before she retired.

Rhoda remembers her parents Leo and Mabel as very productive Inupiaqs who cared for their children with Inupiaq values.

“We lived in a small house for eleven people. We never had electricity back then. We used woodstove and coleman stoves. Me and my siblings shared one bed made of wood and caribou skins for mattress. It was very warm,” she recalls. “Me and my siblings were really good, we never fight, we always worked together and got along.” She remembers her mom as very caring and not letting her children be out after 9 pm every night. As children, Rhoda and her siblings would go home from school where their mom would have anaaqliq (white fish) prepared everyday at the same time. The children gathered together on the floor where their mom would give each a bowl of boiled fish and one bowl of misigaaq (seal oil) in the middle. They would all pray, share and have an after-school snack.

They went geese hunting every spring at Kaleak camp where Rhoda’s father Leo would hunt geese from morning till night. Rhoda and her sisters prepared food and took it to their father throughout the day. Her father’s mitchiuq (hideout) is still used today at Kaleak camp. When the snow started to melt, Rhoda’s father brought the family back to Barrow where he would start hunting seals and walrus on the coast. Rhoda helped her mother cut and clean sealskins then sew them into avataqpaks (floats). Once this was completed, Rhoda was taught to fill up the avataqpak with uqsruk (seal blubber) and meat, making qiniktaq (dried meat in seal oil). They would make enough to last throughout the winter. Rhoda says, “I remember lots

of food. We never ran out of Inupiaq food, good food.”

Rhoda also watched her mother make clothing and boot soles out of sealskin. She sewed for all her children. Rhoda enjoyed Nalukataq every year. “My mom would always make us new mukluks (boots) and new atigis (parkas) before Nalukataq.” Rhoda remembers when umiaqs (sealskin boats) were used as windbreakers during Nalukataq and she especially enjoyed the Eskimo dancing that occurred outside after Nalukataq. “Today, at Nalukataq, they use plastic windbreakers and Eskimo dance inside.”

As a child, Rhoda enjoyed playing kickball with her friends during winters. If it got too cold, they went inside the school or the church and played in there. Other games she remembers playing were aitchuqisaaq (jumping board) or napaatchaq - trying to prick the hole in a piece of bone. When Rhoda was a young teenager, she loved to watch Eskimo dancing and wanted to be a good Eskimo dancer. She remembers watching Tuniktaq, Sovalik, Tookak and her parents dancing and she wanted to be just as good. “Today, they’re all gone and now I’m the teacher, showing young people how to sing and dance.”

Besides Eskimo dancing, Rhoda attends church services and singsperations. She especially enjoys Christmas and Thanksgiving feasts where she is able to be around all her family members, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends.

Today, Rhoda enjoys being an Elder in

Continued from page 1

Honoring Our Elders: Rhoda Kivvaq Pikok

L to R: Mabel Tuigan Kaleak (Mother) with baby Riley Patiktitaq Kaleak Sr.; William Aukpak Kaleak Sr.; Lawrence Quglaq Kaleak, Leo ‘Qaliaq’ Kaleak (Father) Rhoda Kivvaq Kaleak Pikok, and oldest son Allen Nasuk Kaleak Sr. Photo taken in 1940.

Rhoda and Tommy Pikok

brand identity and awareness.

BTPS has earned a reputation for providing innovative business solutions and delivering top quality customer support. Though the company attributes much of its success to its highly-skilled and talented employees, it also recognizes the company’s corporate mission as a fortifying factor in its success. Its mission is aligned closely with the values and traditions of its Inupiat roots. BTPS’ mission is “to be recognized as a premier technical and professional service provider which uses continuous improvement, in partnership with our customers, to deliver value-added business solutions with integrity, honesty, and teamwork.”

In 2008, BTPS exceeded $100 million in revenue. The company also actively engaged in competitive bids through both “full and open” and “small business set-aside” prime efforts while maintaining a strong base of sole source award contracts. BTPS customers include: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, National Cyber Security Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District and Ft. Eustis, U.S. Army Research Lab, U.S. Marine Corps, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division, Naval Air Systems Command, U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Administration, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Naval Air Warfare Center, Aircraft Division, U.S. Maritime Administration, U.S. Office of the Secretary of Transportation and Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

To maintain a competitive advantage, Bowhead teams with best-in-class large and small businesses, which highlights the strength of its diversity. Its highly talented employees, in conjunction with its business teammates’ professional staff, bring tremendous and extraordinary depth and breadth of technical expertise to create solutions that help solve complex problems for the nation.

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FIRST CLASS PRSRTU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT #957

ANCHORAGE, AK

P.O. Box 890Barrow, AK 99723

Nasirvik Ukpeagvik Iñupiat Corporation Shareholder NewsletterP.O. Box 890, Barrow, AK 99723 Phone (907) 852-4460 Fax (907) 852-4459 3201 C Street, Suite 801, Anchorage, AK 99503 Phone (907) 677-5200 Fax (907) 677-5280

UIC and the 8(a) Program Continued from page 1

Aug 1 – Fall semester

Dec 1 – Spring semester/winter quarter

May 1 – Summer semester/quarter

Scholarship Application Deadlines

receive help and guidance from the Small Business Administration.

When a company grows and is successful, it graduates from the program and enters into the full and open market better equipped to compete with larger companies.

UIC Involvement in the 8(a) ProgramUIC was one of the first Alaska Native organizations to start a business in the 8(a) program and now has a total of sixteen companies involved. These companies serve in various industries from telecommunications, construction, marine operations, to IT services and many more. They perform contracts

and have offices in Alaska, Hawaii, and all over the Lower 48. They provide services to a variety of agencies and department within the United States Government. Last year government contracting, both 8(a) and non-8(a), contributed $158.6 million in revenue to UIC and has become the largest sector of the UIC family of companies.

Application is available online at www.ukpik.com. Follow link to Shareholder Services then to Other Services. If you have questions, please call Mabel Kaleak at 907-852-4460. To qualify for renewed scholarship, students must maintain a 2.0 GPA. Current grade report must accompany all scholarship renewal applications. In 2008, $207,616 was distributed in scholarships. This includes a $9,000 grant received from Alyeska Pipeline Service Company.

Barrrow. Everyone cares, sometimes she gets letters, every where she goes she gets hugs, people send her flowers, she even said; “I like Brower’s café too, the lady over there calls me Aaka, and she made me a cake and breakfast on my birthday. It’s good to be an Elder.” Rhoda encourages the young people to go to church and be active all the time. “Remember me when you Eskimo dance. You’ll always hear me when you hear Eskimo dance because I taught

some of those young people how to sing and to dance. Always pray before you do something, you’ll never fail if you pray. Prayer helps us everywhere in everything. Pray.”

UIC sympathy goes to Rhoda and family on the loss of her husband Tommy who passed away this spring.

Honoring Our Elders Continued from page 7

Rhoda with her son, Percy