The Alaska Legislature held a joint hearing on Monday to discuss the 8(a) contracting program at the Small Business Administration.

Lawmakers hailed the participation of Alaska Native corporations in the program as a big success. Native representatives testified about the benefits that government contracts have brought to their communities.

"[T]he fact that we are still here answers that question," said Barney Uhart, president of Chugach Alaska Corporation, The Anchorage Daily News reported. Without government contracts, Chugach would not have been able to break out of bankruptcy, he said.

Native corporation participation in the program has raised eyebrows among some on Capitol Hill. In a notice published in the Federal Register today, the SBA proposed some changes to the program in response to concerns. Comments are due by December 28.

Get the Story:
Native leaders enlist legislators in contracting battle (The Anchorage Daily News 10/27)

Federal Register Notice:
Small Business Size Regulations; 8(a) Business Development/Small Disadvantaged Business Status Determinations; Proposed Rule (October 28, 2009)

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