8(a) GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING BENEFITS
The U.S. government is the self-proclaimed largest customer in the world. Whether in quantities big or small, the federal government is required to consider buying from American small businesses. The Small Business Administration's (SBA) 8(a) Business Development Program –known simply as the 8(a) Program– was designed to help create a more level playing field for disadvantaged small businesses to grow and prosper economically through preferential government contracting. In 1992, Congress identified Alaska Native Corporations as socially and economically disadvantaged, making them eligible to participate in the 8(a) Program.
Shee Atiká Enterprises is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Shee Atiká Government Services, the government contracting holding line for the urban Alaska Native Corporation, Shee Atiká, Inc. Here are just a few benefits of working with an 8(a)-certified company like Shee Atiká Enterprises:
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Special Exemptions
Alaska Native Corporations have a special set of rules under the FAR, CFR and 8(a) Program.
Exemption from Competitive Thresholds
8(a)-certified Alaska Native Corporations are exempt from the competitive threshold, per FAR 19.805-1(b)(2) and 13 CFR 124.311(b).
Directly Negotiated Contracts
A government agency can directly award contracts to an 8(a)-certified Alaska Native Corporation, per 13 CFR 124.506(b).
No Award Dollar Limit
Eligible to receive sole source contracts up to $100M in DoD and $25M in FedCiv without J&A (Section 811) and unlimited dollar value using the Absence of Sole Source Dollar Threshold Level, per e-CFR 41 U.S.C. 431(a) and Part 124 Subpart A, 8(a).
No Protest of Direct Sole Source 8(a) Awards
Alaska Native Corporation sole source awards are protected from protest.
SDB & Native Credits
Federal agencies contracting with an 8(a)-certified Alaska Native Corporation may claim SDB and Native American credits, per 13 CFR 124.105 and .109.