Congress still critiquing tribal use of SBA 8(a) program

I’ve heard this saying – that if Indians are doing well, something must be wrong!

In recent decades some tribes and several Alaska Native corporations have utilized the Small Business Administration 8(a) program to great benefit. Section 8(a) gives preference in federal contracting to minority owned businesses and includes tribally owned businesses.

Congress has been investigating this program after allegations that tribes were getting too good at using it.

Indian Country Today magazine, May 4, 2011, at 13, reports on the latest hearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs in which tribal leaders urged Congress to protect native participation in the program. Tribal leaders testified to the committee about the great benefits and jobs and economic activity that section 8(a) has brought to their tribal communities.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 24th, 2011 at 10:49 am and is filed under Economic Development, Indian Law. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.