What GAO Found
The U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 8(a) Business Development program was created to help develop small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals and entities, including Indian tribes that are federally or state-recognized. The program provides such businesses with an opportunity to compete on an equal basis in the American economy. Specifically, businesses that participate in the 8(a) program can receive federal contracts that have been set aside for 8(a) program participants.
According to SBA’s standard operating procedures, for businesses seeking entry into the program based on association with a recognized Indian tribe, SBA’s Business Opportunity Specialists (BOS) are responsible for verifying tribal recognition during the application process. The BOS determines whether the Indian tribe is recognized for SBA purposes based on a review of the business…