Bowhead Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of company is Bowhead?
Bowhead is an Alaska Native–owned federal contracting company and part of the UIC Government Services (UICGS). UICGS / Bowhead serves as the federal contracting division of Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation (UIC), an Alaska Native Corporation We deliver mission-critical services to federal customers while creating long-term benefits for our Iñupiat shareholders and their descendants.
Who owns Bowhead?
Bowhead is 100 percent wholly owned by Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation (UIC), an Alaska Native Corporation based in Utqiaġvik, Alaska. UIC represents approximately 4,000 Iñupiat shareholders and their descendants..
Where do Bowhead’s profits go?
One hundred percent of Bowhead’s profits flow back to UIC. Those funds support shareholder trust distributions and programs focused on education, infrastructure, cultural preservation, and long-term community wellbeing.
How is Bowhead governed?
Bowhead operates under the strategic oversight of UIC’s Alaska-based Board of Directors and UIC corporate leadership. While many operations are in the lower 48 to support federal customers, all major decisions and profit stewardship are guided by UIC leadership in Alaska.
How does Bowhead benefit Iñupiat shareholders and communities?
Bowhead’s business success directly funds programs that strengthen the Iñupiat people and the community of Utqiaġvik. This includes trust distributions, education initiatives, workforce development, and cultural programs. This reflects the Iñupiat value of Aviktuaqatigiigñiq (Sharing).
What values guide Bowhead’s culture and operations?
Bowhead is guided by the 12 Iñupiat Values, including Cooperation (Paammaaġigñiq), Humility (Qiñuiññiq), Resolution of Conflict (Paaqłaktautaiññiq), Family and Kinship (Iļagiigñiq), and Love and Respect for Our Elders and One Another (Piqpakkutiqaġniq suli qiksiksrautiqaġniq utuqqanaanun allanullu). These values shape how we lead, collaborate, and deliver for customers.
What makes Bowhead’s workforce unique?
Our employees are the foundation of our success. Many team members build long careers at Bowhead, reflecting stability, trust, and purpose. We focus on career growth, not just jobs, and foster a culture of inclusion and belonging
Does Bowhead prioritize hiring Iñupiat shareholders?
Yes. Bowhead follows a shareholder employment preference policy that prioritizes qualified Iñupiat shareholders and descendants. We also provide mentorship and professional development to help shareholders and all employees grow their careers.
Why does Bowhead also hire non-shareholders?
Managing complex federal contracts requires specialized skills and certifications. Bowhead hires experienced professionals when needed to ensure strong performance, compliance, and long-term sustainability, always in service to UIC and its shareholders.
How long has Bowhead been in business?
Bowhead has supported federal missions for more than 26 years. Since 1999, we have built a strong reputation for reliability, quality, and long-term customer relationships.
What defines success at Bowhead?
Winning a contract is only the beginning. Success is defined by performance, customer satisfaction, strong CPARs, and lasting partnerships. We measure our impact by how well we support our customers’ missions and our shareholders’ future.
Does Bowhead outsource most of its work?
No. Bowhead performs the vast majority of contract work in-house using our own employees. We subcontract only limited, specialized work when required by scope or customer need, ensuring quality, accountability, and direct benefit to our shareholders.
Why do Bowhead’s contracts appear large?
Contract size reflects scope, not profit. Federal contracts involve significant costs related to compliance, cybersecurity, staffing, and operations. Bowhead’s profit margins are responsible and sustainable, and all profits return to UIC.
Is Bowhead “just an 8(a) company”?
Bowhead’s 8(a) eligibility comes from being an Alaska Native Corporation, but our success comes from performance. Our longevity, strong CPARs, and customer trust demonstrate that we deliver quality and value well beyond program status.
What makes Bowhead different from other federal contractors?
Our connection to Alaska is structural and cultural. We are owned by UIC in Utqiaġvik, governed by an Alaska-based Board, and return all profits to Alaska to support Iñupiat shareholders and communities.
How does Bowhead stay connected to Alaska?
Bowhead is purpose-driven. We are owned by an Indigenous community, guided by cultural values, committed to performance excellence, and measured by both business success and community impact. We believe stewardship and success go hand in hand.