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PUC approves month-to-month extension for GPA billing services while in-house printing is developed
Summary
The PUC allowed a month-to-month extension with Graphic Center for professional printing, mailing and related services at an estimated $400,000 for up to 12 months while GPA builds internal printing capacity or awards a new contract.
The Guam Public Utilities Commission on April 24 approved a month-to-month extension for Guam Power Authority’s professional billing and mailing services with Graphic Center, authorizing up to $400,000 for the extension period of up to 12 months or until GPA establishes internal printing capability or a new contract is awarded.
PUC legal staff summarized the procurement history: GPA selected a vendor through an RFP, the award was protested to the Office of Public Accountability and remanded on a narrow issue; litigation and a Superior Court remand have left GPA continuing with the incumbent Graphic Center under an automatic stay. GPA asked to continue the month-to-month contract to avoid interruptions to its billing cycle.
PUC staff recommended approval of another 12-month series of month-to-month extensions, estimating a total cost of about $400,000 (roughly $33,333 per month). The staff report said GPA is acquiring a high-volume color printer and building internal capability during the extension period.
GPA officials and commissioners discussed billing volumes and migration to paperless billing. GPA staff said the PDF file uploaded for print runs is about 53,300 files; roughly 50,000 bills are sent to the printer in a typical cycle. GPA estimated the external-print-and-mail cost at about $0.66 per printed bill including postage. GPA also said many customers have migrated to online billing and that about 600 new residential accounts are added annually.
Commissioners asked about the duration of litigation and whether an alternate vendor would still accept an award if litigation finishes; GPA said the other vendor remains willing to perform if required. Commissioners also urged continued efforts to drive customers toward digital billing and self-service options. The motion to approve the extension was seconded and carried unanimously.
The PUC’s order conditions the extension on the $400,000 cap and allows monthly extensions for up to 12 months or until GPA’s internal printing solution or a new contract is in place.
