Protest alleges Nation skipped certified builders for ZenniHome
Navajo Times | Krista Allen
The ZenniHome plant in LeChee, Ariz., sits idle on Nov. 24 after the company ceased operations in July and laid off its workforce without proper notice. ZenniHome’s role in the Karigan Estates housing project is now central to a protest alleging the Navajo Nation bypassed certified Navajo-owned firms.
WINDOW ROCK
A construction firm with 51% Navajo ownership is challenging the Navajo Nation’s handling of a housing project at the same time the tribe has released its latest update to the Business Opportunity Source List, the directory governing which Navajo-owned companies qualify for contracting preference under tribal law.
Clear Water Construction Partners Inc., a Priority Two certified firm based in Gallup, filed a procurement protest on July 14 and later an appeal after the Navajo Nation Business Regulatory Department did not respond.
In its filings, CWCP alleges the Nation allowed ZenniHome LLC, a non-Navajo company, to construct a prototype sustainable home at Karigan Estates in St. Michaels, Arizona, without first giving certified Navajo-owned businesses the opportunity to compete as required under the Navajo Business Opportunity Act.
Karigan Estates is located on fee simple land, similar to owning private property.
To read the full article, please see the Nov. 26, 2025, edition of the Navajo Times.
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