House Resources Committee backs resolution supporting Alaska Native participation in SBA 8(a) program

The Alaska House Resources Committee voted March 23 to advance House Joint Resolution 44, a measure affirming support for continued Alaska Native Corporation (ANC) and tribal participation in the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 8(a) business development program.

Sarah Snowberger, chief of staff to Co-chair Maxine Divert, presented the committee bill and said HJR 44 “affirms Alaska’s support for the ability of Alaska Native Corporations and tribal entities to continue participating in the U.S. Small Business Administration 8(a) business development program,” describing the program as a federal initiative that helps socially and economically disadvantaged businesses access federal contracting opportunities.

Nicole Borromeo, president of the INCA Regional Association, testified remotely in support of the resolution. Borromeo told the committee that ANCs were established by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) in 1971 to promote economic opportunity and self-determination, and that ANC-related economic activity benefits shareholders and communities across Alaska. She described the 8(a) program as an important federal procurement tool that has supported jobs, dividends, scholarships and other local investments. Borromeo offered to provide written testimony and cited GAO reports and federal reforms that, she said, have removed bad actors from the program.

Committee members pressed for data and context. Representative Sadler and Representative Prox asked whether 8(a) is targeted specifically at Native-owned entities or at disadvantaged firms more broadly, and whether successful ANCs that have grown substantially should still qualify for a disadvantaged designation. Borromeo replied that Congress had established a presumption of economic disadvantage for federally recognized tribes and ANCs and that the SBA evaluates firms and enforces program rules; she also said the association did not have distilled, locality-level dollar figures readily available but could point to high-level annual filings.

Prox referenced prior national criticism of ANC participation in the program, citing past allegations of improper subcontracting. Borromeo said that concerns raised previously prompted GAO reviews and SBA reforms, and she said the reforms and enforcement actions removed bad actors while the majority of ANCs remain compliant contractors.

Representative Prox asked that GAO reports or other substantiating documentation be provided to the committee. Members also requested Borromeo’s written testimony and more granular contract-value data before the measure reaches the House floor.

With no sustained objection, the committee moved HJR 44 out of committee “with attached fiscal notes and individual recommendations.” The committee did not record a roll-call vote in the hearing transcript; the motion carried and the resolution will proceed toward floor consideration along with the submitted fiscal documents and any additional materials requested by committee members.

Next steps: Committee staff said they will request and circulate Borromeo’s written testimony and related federal reports to provide members with the requested data before floor action.