Senate panel hears support for Alaska Native corporations’ participation in federal 8(a) program

Sen. Giesel, chair of the Senate Resources Committee, opened a Feb. 27 hearing on Senate Joint Resolution 26, which urges preservation of Alaska Native corporations’ participation in the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) business development program.

Paige Brown, staff to Chair Giesel, said the committee substitute (version N) frames SJR 26 as a statement that Alaska should urge continued federal recognition of ANCs’ role in SBA 8(a) contracting. "Participation in the 8(a) program has been one of the primary tools enabling ANCs to fulfill their mission," Brown said in the committee packet summary.

Nicole Borromeo, president of the ANCSA Regional Association, testified that ANCs are major private‑sector economic engines for the state and that 8(a) participation supports jobs and community investments. "ANCs are foundational contributors to Alaska’s economy," Borromeo said, noting regional revenue and employment figures provided to the committee and stressing that ANC participation strengthens the defense industrial base.

Sherry Barreta, who identified herself as chair of the board of Chugach Alaska Corporation and a director of the Alaska Federation of Natives, said the 8(a) program was critical to corporate recovery after the Exxon Valdez spill and urged the committee to amend SJR 26 to explicitly include federally recognized tribes in its protections. Barreta said the program helped her corporation return tens of millions in dividends and community investments in 2024.

Committee members asked whether the resolution should reference the whole 8(a) program rather than singling out ANCs. Borromeo acknowledged that federal review covers the entire program but said the substitute reflects the membership she represents and that there is not widespread fraud among ANC participants. Senators also pressed for examples of project scope; Borromeo said 8(a) firms can and do receive large prime awards, and contracting officers weigh cost and past performance when awarding work.

Senator Clayman moved to adopt the Senate Resources Committee substitute as the working document; after discussion the committee removed an initial objection. The committee closed invited and public testimony, set SJR 26 aside for future consideration and set an amendment deadline of March 4 at noon.

The committee took no final vote on the resolution at the hearing; the item will return for further consideration.