SBA hears from Alaska Native corporations

Thursday, October 25, 2007  

The SBA heard from Alaska Native corporations held a consultation session in Fairbanks, Alaska, on proposed changes to the 8(a) minority contracting program.

Alaska Native corporations said they oppose changes that would hinder their growth. Native corporation contracting has become a billion-dollar business and has helped firms that were in bankruptcy become profitable.

The SBA wants to increase oversight of the 8(a) program. Most of the criticism has centered on the Native corporations.

A recent Government Accountability Office report said 77 percent of 8(a) contracting was awarded without competitive bidding, a practice that has alarmed some Democrats in Congress. Rep. Edolphus Towns (D-New York) has requested a second GAO investigation, The Anchorage Daily News reported.

The next SBA consultation takes place in Denver on November 11.

Get the Story:
Federal rules in flux for Natives (The Anchorage Daily News 10/25)
pwlat

Federal Register Notices:
8(a) Business Development Program Regulation Changes; Tribal Consultation (October 25, 2007)
8(a) Business Development Program Regulation Changes; Tribal Consultation (October 11, 2007)
Federal Acquisition Regulation; FAR Case 2004-017, Small Business Credit for Alaska Native Corporations and Indian Tribes (August 17, 2007)

Relevant Links:
Native American Contractors Association - http://www.nativeamericancontractors.org
Small Business Administration - http://www.sba.gov

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