Native 8(a) Works Statement on Federal Contracting Arrests

Native 8(a) Works is troubled by the bribery allegations that led to the arrests of four people, including an employee of an Alaska Native Corporation subsidiary.

Native corporations and their subsidiaries should conduct business in an open and transparent manner.  As a group, we condemn any action that betrays the trusting relationship between Native corporations, our subsidiaries and the people and communities we represent. Native 8(a) Works supports efforts that improve transparency in federal 8(a) contracting, and address any potential for waste, fraud or abuse. We fully support and endorse compliance with federal rules and ethical conduct.

At a time when Native corporations’ status as 8(a) contractors is constantly under attack, we hope that the alleged actions of one company will not contribute to further misconceptions about Native 8(a) contractors and the value they deliver to America taxpayers.  The alleged wrongdoing by a few individuals is exactly that – the actions of individuals – and these individuals’ crimes should not be considered representative of the Native corporation subsidiary or the broader category of Native-owned 8(a) companies that provide excellent products and services to the federal government.

Native 8(a) contracting helps Alaska Native, Tribal members and Native Hawaiians prosper through dividends, scholarships and many other benefits. The program provides tens of thousands of jobs across the country, helping community economies around the country.