Paula Gross

Paula Gross serves as the primary procurement lead for the Grand Coulee Power Office within the Bureau of Reclamation, overseeing the acquisition of critical infrastructure components essential to the operation and modernization of hydropower generation systems. Her role centers on managing complex contracts for mechanical, electrical, and control systems that ensure the reliability and resilience of federal water resource infrastructure. She handles a diverse portfolio of acquisitions ranging from industrial equipment to specialized environmental and engineering services, aligning procurement activities with the agency’s mission to sustain and upgrade large-scale hydroelectric facilities under stringent federal compliance standards. Gross maintains consistent working relationships with a select group of contractors, including BLACKSTAR DIVERSIFIED ENTERPRISES LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INC., and Boh Environmental, L.L.C., among others. These partnerships reflect a preference for vendors with proven expertise in industrial maintenance, environmental compliance, and specialized manufacturing for federal hydropower applications. Her contracting patterns indicate a reliance on established suppliers capable of delivering mission-critical components under strict technical and regulatory specifications, often requiring long-term service agreements and technical support. Her procurement strategy prioritizes broad competition, with 58.7% of awards issued without set-asides, while maintaining a strong commitment to small business participation—39.1% of contracts are awarded under Total Small Business Set-Asides (FAR 19.5). Though limited in scope, she also supports Women-Owned and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses, reflecting a balanced approach to socioeconomic contracting objectives. Her primary NAICS focus includes Environmental Consulting Services (541620), Motor and Generator Manufacturing (335312), and Gasket, Packing, and Sealing Device Manufacturing (339991), indicating deep technical engagement with power system components, environmental remediation, and mechanical integrity solutions. Her expertise lies in procuring high-reliability industrial equipment and specialized engineering services critical to the operational continuity of federal hydropower assets.