Delegates discuss Native 8(a) programs
October 29, 2009
By Diana Haecker
The Native American Contractor’s Association and the newly formed Native 8(a) Works group hosted breakout sessions under the title of “Tribal consultation on government contracting: 8(a) programs nuts and bolds” behind closed doors Oct. 22-23 during the annual Alaska Federation of Natives Conference.
The consultations were closed to reporters to allow delegates to speak freely and brainstorm on guidelines and recommendations. The Small Business Administration, the agency overseeing the 8(a) program, announced plans to release new regulations within days of the conference. Particulars are not known at this point. Bering Strait Native Corp. Vice President Gail Schubert re-
ported that discussions in the break- out sessions centered on getting Alaska Native corporations’ and
tribal input as to the changes that might happen.
U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill of Missouri has initiated a review of the program that allows Alaska Native corporations to enter into lucrative, sole-source, non-bid contracts with federal government agencies. While the review is ongoing, it created un- certainty. Schubert said that one agency reported that they stopped sole-source contracting as it is unknown what the new regulations will bring.
Schubert said that so far, Bering Straits Native Corp. has not lost any contracts as a consequence of the review. “We want to ensure that the 8(a) program is not shut down as it contributes significantly to the
Bering Straits Foundation and other scholarships,” she said. She added that revenue from 8(a) contracts provides for 80 to 90 percent of Bering Straits Native Corp.’s gross revenue, which enabled the corporation to pay a dividend of $1.50 per share. “It is a major component of what we do,” Schubert said.
The SBA is expected to release the new regulations next Tuesday.