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COMPETITIVENESS 



"Competitiveness" is a goal SUB embraced over 10 years ago. 

 Since 1982, SUB has reduced overheads, mostly personnel, over 30% 

 while increasing the service levels and unbonded capital investment 

 in both our electric and water utilities. We believe that our 

 experience and success well qualifies us to provide a valuable 

 perspective. 



Overall, SUB believes that BPA's efforts lack a sense of 

 urgency and a real appreciation of the problem. A BPA internal 

 notice (copy attached) trumpets "Cost Cutting" advising that BPA 

 will no longer supply briefcases, a saving of $13,4221! 



SUB is greatly disturbed by the Administrator's talk of 

 reducing staffing levels at BPA by "600-800 FTE" by 1997. This is 

 approximately the current attrition rate of 5%. 



SUB urges cuts of 1000 FTE by the end of calendar 1994 and 

 serious cost reductions from contracting state and Federal 

 agencies. Many reductions can be achieved by the elimination of 

 unnecessary functions - such as BPA' 60 staff fish biologists - and 

 immediate transfer of responsibility for conservation programs to 

 the local utilities. 



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