WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today spoke with Ms. Katherine Carlton and Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. in a Senate Committee on Indian Affairs hearing about the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) Business Development Program and its positive impact on Montana tribes.
Watch the full exchange HERE.
Daines: The Small Business Administration’s 8(a) Business Development Program has helped tribally operated businesses in Montana grow and develop to serve their communities. Without a significant tax base, tribes are forced to find creative ways to generate revenue to fund important government functions and social services, or they can be completely dependent on federal funding. Tribally owned entities in Montana, giving you a couple examples: S&K Technologies, Buffalo Horse Incorporated. They utilize training and opportunities through the 8(a) program to enhance self-determination and create long-term economic sustainability for the tribes. By participating in the program, these two companies have matured into competitive, international enterprises that assist the federal government in crucial security, intelligence, support, and technology services. Their proceeds are distributed directly to the Tribe’s general fund to fund health care, education, infrastructure development, resource management, housing, and other essential services. Both of these companies will tell you they are welcome oversight, and they want to see more oversight, and they condemn any and all instances of fraud. They are good faith actors with a proven and impressive record over several years in the program. The value of the 8(a) program is that it is driven by outcomes. Trusted, reliable partners who can deliver valuable services and balance the complex compliance requirements. They can streamline the procurement process, they can deliver services faster, and continue growth. This leads me to my first question for Mrs. Carlton, could you explain why 8(a) contracting is an effective enterprise for rural tribes. In Montana, most everything is rural. I know Mr. Chairman’s state, like Alaska, everything is rural. Or like the highline in Montana, which is rural with a “capital R”. I’d love to get your thoughts on that.
Carolton: There is limited economic opportunities in our rural communities, and the 8(a) program helps.
Daines: Thank you for those examples. I want to pivot now to Principle Chief Hoskin. Could you share what the 8(a) program has meant for the Cherokee Nation?
Hoskin: It’s been transformational.
###
Contact: Matt Lloyd, Gabby Wiggins