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Native American Business Opportunities

Verified programs, certifications & how to access them

Native American business opportunities exist across federal contracting, tribal procurement, and place-based programs. The most widely used pathways include the Buy Indian Act, the DoD Indian Incentive Program, SBA certifications such as 8(a) and HUBZone, and free help from the national APEX Accelerators network. Acquisition.govbusiness.defense.govSmall Business Administration+1apexaccelerators.us Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing!

1) Federal set-aside and preference programs

Buy Indian Act (Department of the Interior and Indian Health Service)

The Buy Indian Act authorizes Interior (e.g., Bureau of Indian Affairs) and the Indian Health Service to set aside certain procurements for Indian Economic Enterprises (IEEs)—businesses that are at least 51% owned by one or more enrolled tribal citizens or federally recognized tribes. DOI’s rules are codified in DIAR Part 1480; IEE definitions appear in 1480.201. IHS finalized its own Buy Indian rule in 2022 to strengthen preference for Indian-owned firms. Acquisition.gov+1Federal RegisterIndian Health Service

What it means: If your firm qualifies as an IEE, you can compete in Buy Indian set-asides issued by DOI and IHS, in addition to broader small-business programs. Acquisition.govIndian Health Service

DoD Indian Incentive Program (IIP)

The Department of Defense provides a 5% rebate to prime contractors on the amount subcontracted to Indian-owned enterprises when the contract includes DFARS 252.226-7001. DoD’s OSBP page confirms the 5% rate; DFARS text details the clause. business.defense.govAcquisition.gov

What it means: Even when a contract is not set aside for Native firms, primes have a financial reason to team with Native suppliers and subs—creating additional subcontracting opportunities. business.defense.gov

2) SBA small-business certifications that open doors

8(a) Business Development Program

The SBA 8(a) program supports socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses. Standard eligibility includes 51% disadvantaged U.S. citizen ownership plus net-worth/income/asset caps. Entity-owned firms (tribally owned, ANC-owned, NHO-owned, CDC-owned) follow different rules, and SBA notes that certain updated application requirements (e.g., narratives) do not apply to entity-owned firms. SBA provides a specific Form 1010B-AIT for tribally owned applicants. Small Business Administration+2Small Business Administration+2

What it means: 8(a) participation can enable set-asides and sole-source awards when conditions are met, including for entity-owned firms. (Contracting officials’ guidance on when 8(a) awards may be sole-sourced is on SBA’s site.) Small Business Administration

HUBZone

HUBZone certification can stack with other statuses. Core requirements include: principal office in a HUBZone and at least 35% of employees living in HUBZones. Ownership must be by U.S. citizens, a CDC, an Indian tribe, an ANC, or an NHO. SBA maintains an eligibility page and calculator tools. Small Business Administration+1SBA HUBZone Calculator+1

What it means: Many reservations qualify as HUBZones. If your principal office and workforce meet HUBZone rules, you can pursue HUBZone set-aside work in addition to Buy Indian or 8(a). Small Business Administration

3) Tribal procurement and Indian preference (what varies by nation)

Many tribal governments operate Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance (TERO) programs that require preference for qualified Native workers and Native-owned firms on or near the reservation. TERO structures and requirements vary by tribe; several state and federal resources explain the concept and note that each tribal nation sets its own rules and procedures. WSDOTEEOCMinnesota Department of Transportation

What it means: When bidding on tribal projects, check the specific tribe’s TERO office for certification, licensing, or fee requirements and any procurement preferences that apply. EEOC

4) Where to get no-cost, official help

APEX Accelerators (formerly PTACs) offer free guidance on registrations, certifications, market research, and bidding at all levels of government. SBA and the APEX network list locations and services. Small Business Administrationapexaccelerators.usNational Apex Accelerator Alliance

SAM.gov registration: To bid on federal contracts or apply for federal assistance, your entity must be registered in SAM.gov and have a Unique Entity ID. Registration is free. SAM.gov+2SAM.gov+2

Grants.gov: Central portal to search and apply for federal grants; most grants listed are for organizations, not personal financial assistance. Learn eligibility and application steps in the Grants.gov Learning Center. Grants.gov+2Grants.gov+2

5) Quick, factual checklist to access opportunities

  1. Confirm eligibility.
     • For DOI/IHS Buy Indian set-asides, verify you meet the IEE ownership/control definition. Acquisition.gov
     • For 8(a), review SBA criteria; for entity-owned firms, follow SBA’s entity-owned guidance. Small Business Administration+1
     • For HUBZone, check principal office and the 35% employee residency rule. Small Business Administration
  2. Register and certify.
     • Register in SAM.gov (free) to compete for federal awards; obtain your UEI. SAM.gov
     • Pursue applicable SBA certifications (8(a), HUBZone). Small Business Administration+1
  3. Engage teaming opportunities.
     • Highlight Native ownership to primes; the DoD Indian Incentive Program gives primes a 5% rebate for eligible subcontracts under DFARS 252.226-7001. business.defense.govAcquisition.gov
  4. Use free bid support.
     • Contact your local APEX Accelerator for market research, past-award data, and proposal reviews. Small Business Administration
  5. For tribal projects.
     • Check the specific nation’s TERO office for contractor licensing and Indian preference rules. EEOC

Sources (primary/official)

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