Alaska Native corporations are receiving an unfair advantage at the Small Business Administration, according to a report from the agency's inspector general.

ANCs received 26 percent of the total 8(a) small business contracts in 2008. That's double the percentage in 2004, the report said.

As a result, other small businesses are at a "disadvantage" for securing contracts, according to the report. "Consequently, non-ANC 8(a) firms may be losing 8(a) contract opportunities to large ANC companies. This appears to be inconsistent with the original intent of the 8(a) program, which is to benefit small businesses," the report said.

The Senate Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Contracting Oversight is holding a hearing tomorrow to look at ANC contracting.

Get the Story:
IG: Alaska native firms winning a disproportionate share of 8(a) contracts (Government Executive Magazine 7/14)

SBA Inspector General Report:
Participation in the 8(A) Program by Firms Owned by Alaska Native Corporations (July 10, 2009)

Committee Notice:
CONTRACTING OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE TO EXAMINE EXEMPTIONS FAVORING ALASKA NATIVE CORPORATIONS (July 16, 2009)

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Alaska Native corporation worried about probe (5/20)
Alaska Native corporations under more scrutiny (5/19)