EP WATER-FT BLISS IGSA CASE STUDY

The Intergovernmental Support Agreement (IGSA) program between the El Paso Water Utilities (EP Water) and U.S. Army Garrison – Fort Bliss (Fort Bliss) is generating many hundreds of thousands of dollars in reduced costs for the military at Fort Bliss, creating contracting efficiencies for the Garrison, and generating hundreds of thousands of dollars in new non-tax revenue for EP Water. A win-win-win, and Partnership that Pays for Itself!

EP Water and Fort Bliss were recognized for the success of this effort with the Army Partnership Award for 2024.

The first IGSA, focused on water, wastewater, and stormwater requirements, continues to produce outstanding results:

• A stormwater management study for the western portion of the main cantonment area;
• Multiple geotechnical studies to support project planning across the post;
• Design and construction of a small vehicle maintenance building;
• Savings approaching $1 million for the U.S. Army;
• Enhanced contracting efficiency for the U.S. Army; and
• Hundreds of thousands of dollars in new, non-rate payer revenue for EP Water.

SONRI brokered every aspect of negotiating this agreement and provides ongoing support for its execution including conducting analyses for new Task Orders; facilitating workgroups to develop new opportunities; and providing coaching and advice to EP Water staff concerning intergovernmental relationships, Task Order execution, and billing and payments. 

At the Garrison’s request, SONRI is now facilitating a new workgroup to create an Architectural and Engineering Design IGSA to substantially broaden both the scope and monetary benefits available to the U.S. Army and EP Water. This new agreement will provide Fort Bliss with enhanced flexibility and offer significant cost savings over traditional acquisition methods.

This truly innovative approach requires leadership, political will, patience, persistence, and perseverance. It makes Fort Bliss an even more attractive location for new and expanded military missions because it lowers the cost of doing business at the post. It has also become the catalyst for new initiatives between EP Water and Fort Bliss, such as innovative land transactions, new infrastructure projects supporting the McGregor Range, and a highly collaborative relationship between EP Water and Fort Bliss, which was recognized with the 2024 Army Partnership Award. The visionary leadership of EP Water, with strong community support and open-handed partnership from Fort Bliss, is transforming how communities and their installations interact and cooperate. SONRI is proud to have been the lynchpin for this effort!