Contracting Overview
In recognition of the unique structures of Native communities and the economic burdens they bear, Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act, and related regulations permit such companies Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs) to become certified to participate in federal procurement with distinct provisions tailored to meet their unique challenges.
As an SBA-certified ANC 8(a) Ahtna Solutions offers unique, flexible, and streamlined procurement options to our customers. Direct award contracting opportunities present many benefits to our clients, including an accelerated procurement timeline, competitive rates, help meeting socio-economic contracting goals, and a virtually unlimited direct award ceiling.
Special ANC 8(a) Advantages
The SBA ANC 8(a) contracting method avoids a long, expensive, and complex procurement cycle and is significantly faster than any other means of contracting
When using the ANC 8(a) contracting method, a government customer can simply select Ahtna Solutions as a suggested source and submit a request to the supporting SBA District Office (contact information listed at the bottom of this page), asking that the procurement be pursued under the 8(a) program. The often lengthy, expensive, and tedious process of justifying source selection is thereby avoided.
Additionally, because 8(a) companies may subcontract portions of the work to other firms, Ahtna is able to assemble a perfect team for any particular project.
Open discussion between the government and the ANC during all phases of the procurement allows government project managers the discretion to define a scope of work and to hand pick the contractor to perform the work.
- Competitive Threshold Exemption – 13 CFR 124.506(b)
- Direct Award Cap Exemption – 13 CFR 124.506(b)
- Direct Award Cap Exemption – 13 CFR 124.506(b)
A Participant concern owned and controlled by an ANC may be awarded a direct award 8(a) contract where the anticipated value of the procurement exceeds the applicable competitive threshold if SBA has not accepted the requirement into the 8(a) BD program as a competitive procurement. There is no requirement that a procurement must be completed whenever possible before it can be accepted on a direct award basis for an ANC-owned concern.
ANCs, unlike other 8(a) companies, provide the government with a virtually unlimited direct award ceiling. SBA may award a direct award 8(a) contract to an ANC with a value less than $22M without a Justification and Approval (J&A). There is no dollar threshold for a direct award with an approved J&A.
ANC 8(a) companies eligible for a direct award or competitive 8(a) requirement may not be challenged by another participant or any other party, either to SBA or any administrative forum as part of a bid or other contract protest.
DoD Indian Incentive (The 5% Subcontracting Bonus) – DFAR 252.226-7001
A DoD contractor that subcontracts with a firm that is 51% or more Native American owned is entitled to receive a rebate equal to 5% of the amount of the subcontract award.
How to Expedite an SBA 8(a) Contract
If a solicitation has not been announced, a Contracting Officer can contract directly with Ahtna Solutions through 13 CFR 124.506(b). To get started, simply submit a letter to the Small Business Administration District Office in Anchorage, Alaska indicating an intent to offer a direct/single-source award to Ahtna Solutions under the SBA Section 8(a) Business Development Program.
