The Senate Indian Affairs Committee will hold a hearing next week to discuss the 8(a) program at the Small Business Administration.

The program has helped tribal and Alaska Native owned businesses break into the government contracting field. But even though their participation represents only a small fraction of the overall industry, some Democrats and labor unions have criticized the amount of money going to Native businesses.

The hearing will take place next Thursday, April 7, at 2:15PM in Room 628 of the Senate Dirksen Office Building. A witness list hasn't been released but Lance Morgan, a member of the Winnebago Tribe and the chairman of the Native American Contractors Association is expected to testify.

Committee Notice:
OVERSIGHT HEARING on "Promise Fulfilled: The Role of the SBA 8(a) Program in Enhancing Economic Development in Indian Country" (April 7, 2011)