6.  Potential Impact on Native American-Owned Firms

Comment: Several respondents expressed concern regarding the possible impact facing Native American-owned enterprises. The respondents pointed out that the 8(a) program has undergone considerable reform over the last two years and has experienced overwhelming success in achieving its goals. The respondents also emphasized that the vast majority of Native American-owned enterprises have consistently provided high value support to their Government customers. In view of these considerations, the respondents requested that each executive agency send a policy directive to their contracting officers to outline the benefits of the SBA 8(a) program and the positive impact this program has had for Native participants.

Response: The benefits of SBA's 8(a) program and the positive impact this program has had for Native participants are promoted by SBA and the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) on a consistent basis throughout the Government. Each Federal agency with contracting authority has established an OSDBU. The OSDBU advocates for small, small disadvantaged (including the 8(a) program), veteran, service-disabled veteran-owned, HUBZone, and women-owned businesses. The OSDBU is charged with promoting increased access for small businesses to procurement opportunities, conducting outreach efforts, and providing liaison support for small and disadvantaged businesses. In addition, the OSDBU works closely with program officers and contracting officers to assist in the accomplishment of the annual Governmentwide 5 percent procurement goals for small disadvantaged businesses.