- Details
- By Brian Edwards
- Native Contracting
This month's Native Contracting column covers key developments in federal contracting for tribal and Native-owned businesses. We report on the GSA’s upcoming Native American Industry Day 2024, new research on the economic impact of Native federal contracting, recognition for tribal enterprises, and several notable contract awards.
GSA, DOI to host Native American Industry Day 2024
In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, the General Services Administration (GSA) is hosting the Native American Industry Day in collaboration with the U.S. Department of the Interior. This event aims to unite Native American industry leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, and allies to explore contracting opportunities and foster economic growth.
The event includes:
- Panel Discussions: Participate in engaging conversations on sustainable development, technology in tribal communities, economic sovereignty, and integrating traditional knowledge with modern business practices.
- Meet and Greet Sessions: Connect with GSA and other federal agency officials through exclusive matchmaking opportunities to build valuable partnerships.
- Networking Opportunities: Engage with like-minded professionals and community leaders to foster relationships and explore potential collaborations.
The event will also feature GSA and DOI leaders dedicated to promoting the 8(a) Program, Buy Indian Act, and other initiatives to assist Native American-owned businesses in connecting with federal contracts and programs.
Date: November 19, 2024
Time: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: Yates Auditorium, Stewart Lee Udall Department of the Interior Building, 1849 C Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20744
To register online, visit the GSA website or call 800-488-3111.
The economic ripple effect of Native federal contracting
While the economic ripple effect of Indian gaming on surrounding communities is well-documented, new research suggests that federal contracting by Native entities has a similar impact.
The Center for Indian Country Development (CICD) recently highlighted findings from a July webinar that explored this lesser-known economic phenomenon.
A study by CICD Policy Analyst Jacqui Baldwin-LeClair and Research Assistant Ava LaPlante revealed that federal contracting is becoming an increasingly important revenue source for Native entities, including tribes, Alaska Native Corporations, and Native Hawaiian Organizations. The research uncovered some striking statistics: in 2022, more than 7% of federal contract dollars awarded to Native-entity enterprises were subcontracted to small businesses. Here’s the interesting part: nearly 93% of these subcontracts went to non-Native-owned businesses, indicating a substantial economic impact beyond tribal communities.
The regional benefits of Native federal contracting are especially evident in construction projects. Nearly 76% of subcontracts from Native-entity enterprises for these projects went to small businesses located within 250 miles of the primary worksite. This data underscores the significant local economic boost provided by Native federal contracting activities.
During that same July webinar, Cherokee Nation Businesses Chief Economist Tralynna Sherrill Scott pointed out an interesting connection between tribal gaming and federal contracting success. She explained that the Cherokee Nation used cash flows from its gaming operations to bolster its federal contracting work, suggesting that "federal contracting can be a result of gaming spillover." This research highlights the potential for increased economic cooperation between tribal and state governments, with Scott emphasizing the value of such data-driven studies in helping policymakers understand the broader benefits of supporting tribal enterprises.
On a not totally unrelated note, the CICD also highlighted the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) as a success story in tribal enterprise development, with federal contracting playing a key role. The CSKT's experience with companies like S&K Electronics and S&K Technologies provides a concrete example of how Native participation in federal contracting can drive economic growth both on and off reservation, reinforcing the findings of the broader impact study.
RECOGNITION
Media Fusion, a tribally owned business of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, was named Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year by NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. The award, presented at the 38th meeting of the Marshall Small Business Alliance, recognizes Media Fusion’s contributions in creative services, multimedia support, and technology solutions to NASA. The firm plays a role in key projects such as the Human Landing System and Space Launch System rocket. The recognition highlights the Poarch Creek Tribe's success in federal contracting and its commitment to economic advancement for the tribe and the nation.
Koniag Government Services (KGS) has been named one of the Top Workplaces by USA Today. Selection is based on employee feedback gathered through an anonymous third-party survey administered by research firm Energage, which measured several aspects of workplace culture, including alignment, execution, and connection. This year’s honorees include government contractors, real estate firms, consulting groups, and tech companies.
NOTABLE CONTRACTS
Here’s a rundown of some notable federal contract awards to entities owned by tribes, Alaska Native Corporations, and Native Hawaiian Organizations. All information here comes from reporting by the U.S. Department of Defense, unless otherwise noted:
Panhandle Power Solutions (PPS), a member of Bristol Bay Industrial, has secured a $9.7 million contract from NASA for a transmission and distribution project at Kennedy Space Center. The two-phase, design-build contract includes the installation of 4.5 miles of overhead and underground primary distribution lines, upgrading the infrastructure at the launch complex. PPS will begin design work in October 2024, with construction expected to be completed within a year. This contract expands PPS's portfolio of federal energy infrastructure projects, adding to work at MacDill Air Force Base and Patrick Space Force Base.
T1-RJS Joint Venture LLC, a collaboration between Tribal One, owned by the Coquille Indian Tribe, and RJS Construction, secured a $33.2 million contract from the U.S. General Services Administration. The project, part of the Biden administration’s Investing in America agenda, will expand the Pacific Highway Land Port of Entry in Blaine, Washington. The modernization includes adding vehicle inspection lanes and utilizing low-carbon concrete and steel. Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, the project reflects a commitment to supporting tribal and Native-owned businesses through the SBA’s 8(a) program.
Great Hill Solutions LLC, an information technology and administrative services firm owned by Seneca Nation, was given a $61.6 million contract award by the DoD’s Washington Headquarters Service. The opportunity titled "DSCA Professional Administrative & Technical Support Services" (ID: HQ003424C0120) involves providing professional administrative and technical support services for the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).
Native Hawaiian owned business Aktarius LLC, doing business as Dawson AKT, has been awarded a $13.8 million contract modification by the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command in Hawaii. The modification extends services for air conditioning equipment and digital control systems maintenance at facilities on Oahu through October 2025. This brings the total value of the contract to $40.4 million. Funding for this contract comes from the Navy, Marine Corps, and Department of Defense working capital, with $6 million obligated for the current fiscal year. The contract supports critical infrastructure maintenance for military operations in Hawaii.
Qayaq Government Solutions LLC, an Alaska-based company owned by the Ukpeagvik Iñupiat Corporation, has secured a $7.7 million contract modification for renovation, construction, and demolition services at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division in Virginia. The project will transform Building B997 into an Operations and Command Center, with work slated for completion by September 2025. The contract is funded through fiscal 2024 capital improvement funds, which are fully obligated at the time of award. This project supports critical upgrades for the Navy’s operational infrastructure at Dahlgren.
Pono Aina Management LLC, a Native Hawaiian owned business, has been awarded a $35.7 million firm-fixed-price contract to repave the main ramp at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas. The project involves demolishing and replacing six sections of concrete on the ramp, with work expected to be completed by May 2027. The contract was awarded through a competitive acquisition process, with two offers received. Fiscal 2024 Air National Guard operations and maintenance funds are being used for the project. The 97th Contracting Flight at Altus AFB, Oklahoma, is overseeing the contract.
ASRC Earthworks LLC, an Alaska Native Corporation-owned federal contracting firm based in Anchorage, Alaska, was awarded two firm-fixed-price contracts from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The first is a $32.9 million contract to construct a 1.3-mile, 24-foot-wide gravel road in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, with completion expected by April 2028. The second is a $27.92 million contract to replace a plumbing system in Nome, Alaska, with work expected to be completed by October 2027. Both contracts were awarded using fiscal 2024 defense-wide operation and maintenance funds.
Got news and information about Native federal contracting? Let us know: [email protected].
