As a federally chartered tribal corporation fully owned by the Chickasaw Nation, Chickasaw Nation Industries, Inc. entities are strategically positioned to participate in the SBA 8(a) Business Development Program. We are eligible for FAR-compliant sole-source contracts (13 CFR 124.506) up to $30 million with civilian agencies and up to $150 million with the Department of Defense.
The 8(a) Business Development Program is sometimes misunderstood.
Below are answers to common questions about how the program works and how companies like CNI deliver value to federal partners.
The 8(a) Business Development Program provides mentorship, business development support, and access to federal contracting opportunities. The goal is to strengthen the federal supplier base while promoting long-term economic growth and self-sufficiency for participating firms.
Recent media attention has focused on a small number of cases, but the program overall maintains a strong compliance record. CNI has been a trusted federal partner for decades, earning that trust through consistent performance, high-quality execution, and strict adherence to all program requirements.
No. Even sole-source 8(a) awards require firms to demonstrate technical capability, submit full proposals, and negotiate pricing with the government. In fact, a significant share of "full and open" competitions routinely attract only one or two bidders, and unlike 8(a) sole-source awards, those contracts are not profit capped. In addition, much of the work within the 8(a) program is competed among qualified 8(a) firms.
The data suggests otherwise. Compliance findings against 8(a) firms occur far less frequently than those issued against the country’s largest federal contractors. The program also includes built-in safeguards such as profit limitations and self-performance requirements.
No. Federal rules require 8(a) prime contractors to perform a meaningful portion of the work themselves. For example, service contracts typically require the prime contractor to complete at least 50 percent of the work. CNI historically performs about 65 percent of our contracts internally. These rules ensure the work and economic benefit remain with the Native-owned firm and its workforce.
No. Tribal participation in the 8(a) program is grounded in federal law and the U.S. government’s longstanding legal and political relationship with Native American tribes. Congress authorized the program by statute, and it predates modern DEI frameworks by decade
8(a) sole source contracting with Chickasaw Federal provides a number of benefits to federal customers, such as efficiency, flexibility, and reduced program costs.
Awards can begin with just a basic Statement of Work (SOW). As a tribal 8(a), Chickasaw Federal’s eligibility cannot be challenged, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted path to award.
Sole source awards to Chickasaw Federal can be processed in weeks instead of months, dramatically accelerating procurement timelines—ideal for time-sensitive programs.
Under 13 CFR 124.506(b), Contracting Officers may award contracts up to $25M for civilian agencies and $100M for DoD without justification. Higher thresholds are available with J&A approval.
With over 20 years of federal experience, Chickasaw Federal brings deep understanding of mission needs, 8(a) processes, and consistent performance across government contracts.
Chickasaw Federal’s tribal 8(a) status allows for sole source awards that are exempt from protest, providing a secure, efficient procurement path for urgent and emerging requirements.
Chickasaw Federal can form joint ventures and teaming arrangements, enabling access to broader capabilities and the capacity to execute large-scale prime contracts.
Operating a variety of 8(a) program-participating LLCs, each specializing in distinct industry sectors to deliver tailored, high-quality solutions. Our multi-disciplinary approach ensures expertise and excellence across a broad range of services.
