Sole-source contracting with an Alaska Native Corporation.
Federal agencies can award contracts directly to firms owned by Alaska Native Corporations in specific circumstances. This page sets out which authorities apply, the limits on each, and where Emmonak Corporation stands today.
What a contracting officer can use today
Emmonak Corporation is an ANCSA Village Corporation registered in SAM.gov under UEI NQE6F46KTGM6 and CAGE 3MKH9. Its eligibility differs by authority.
Buy Indian Act set-asides
Indian Affairs (BIA, BIE and the Office of the Assistant Secretary) and the Indian Health Service set aside acquisitions for Indian Economic Enterprises. ANCSA corporations are included in the definition. Emmonak Corporation represents its status in each offer.
25 U.S.C. §47 · DIAR 1480 · HHSAR 326.6Buy Indian Act sole-source
When market research shows no reasonable expectation of competitive offers, an Indian Affairs contracting officer may consider a sole-source award to an Indian Economic Enterprise, as authorized under the FAR. The Buy Indian Act does not create a separate sole-source authority.
DIAR 1480.401(d)SBA 8(a) sole-source
Emmonak Corporation is pursuing SBA 8(a) certification. A firm must be a current 8(a) Participant at the time of an 8(a) sole-source award, so this authority opens once certification is complete.
FAR 19.808-1(e)How 8(a) sole-source works for ANC-owned firms
These rules apply to any 8(a) Participant owned and controlled by an Alaska Native Corporation. They are the reason ANC-owned firms are used for direct awards, and they will apply to Emmonak once certification is complete.
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No competitive ceiling for ANC-owned firms
Most 8(a) requirements above $4.5 million, or $7 million for manufacturing, must be competed among 8(a) firms. A Participant owned and controlled by an Alaska Native Corporation is exempt from those thresholds and may receive a sole-source 8(a) award of any size, provided SBA has not already accepted the requirement as a competitive 8(a) procurement.
13 CFR 124.506(a)(2) and (b)(1) - 02
Written justification at higher values
SBA may not accept a sole-source 8(a) requirement above $30 million unless the requesting agency has completed a justification under FAR 6.303. For Department of Defense agencies the written justification applies above $100 million.
FAR 19.808-1(a) · 13 CFR 124.506(b)(5) - 03
No pulling a requirement from competition
An agency may not cancel a competitive 8(a) solicitation and re-award the same requirement sole-source to an ANC-owned firm. A follow-on to a completed competitive 8(a) contract may be offered sole-source.
13 CFR 124.506(b)(3) - 04
No sister-company follow-ons
An ANC-owned Participant may not receive an 8(a) sole-source follow-on if the predecessor 8(a) contract was performed by another Participant owned by the same ANC.
FAR 19.808-1(f) - 05
Size under the assigned NAICS code
The Participant must represent that it is small under the size standard for the NAICS code assigned to the contract.
FAR 19.808-1(d)
Indian Economic Enterprise eligibility
The Buy Indian Act, 25 U.S.C. §47, lets the Department of the Interior's Indian Affairs offices and the Indian Health Service give preference to Indian Economic Enterprises, mainly through set-asides. ANCSA regional and village corporations are included in the definition of Federally Recognized Indian Tribe used by the regulation.
The offeror represents its status in each solicitation and must keep it at offer, at award, and for the full term of the contract. It must notify the contracting officer in writing of any ownership change that affects the representation.
- At least 51 percent combined Indian or tribal ownership of the enterprise
- At least 51 percent of the earnings from the contract go to the Indian or tribal owners
- Management and daily business operations controlled by one or more Indians, which a tribally controlled board may provide
Common questions
Can Emmonak Corporation receive an 8(a) sole-source contract today?
Not yet. Emmonak Corporation is pursuing SBA 8(a) certification, and a firm must be a current 8(a) Participant at the time of an 8(a) sole-source award (FAR 19.808-1(e)). Buy Indian Act set-asides at Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Service are available now.
Is there a dollar limit on 8(a) sole-source awards to Alaska Native Corporation-owned firms?
There is no competitive ceiling. ANC-owned 8(a) Participants are exempt from the $4.5 million and $7 million competitive thresholds (13 CFR 124.506(b)). Above $30 million the agency must complete a written justification under FAR 6.303, and Department of Defense agencies need one above $100 million.
Does the Buy Indian Act allow sole-source awards?
The Buy Indian Act is applied mainly through set-asides for Indian Economic Enterprises. Under DIAR 1480.401(d), when market research shows no reasonable expectation of competitive offers, an Indian Affairs contracting officer may consider a sole-source award to an Indian Economic Enterprise as authorized under the FAR.
Does an Alaska Native Corporation qualify as an Indian Economic Enterprise?
ANCSA regional and village corporations are included in the definition of Federally Recognized Indian Tribe used by DIAR 1480.201. An Indian Economic Enterprise must be at least 51 percent Indian or tribally owned, receive at least 51 percent of the earnings from the contract, and have management and daily operations controlled by Indians. The status must hold at offer, at award, and through performance.
Who should a contracting officer contact at Emmonak Corporation?
Jason D. Wagner, President and CEO, at jason@emmonak.com or (907) 949-4114. Emmonak Corporation is registered in SAM.gov under UEI NQE6F46KTGM6 and CAGE 3MKH9.
Planning an acquisition?
Send the requirement, the NAICS code and your timeline. We will confirm which authority fits and provide the ownership documentation your file needs.
Regulatory citations current as of October 2026. Dollar thresholds are adjusted for inflation by the FAR Council. This page is general information for contracting officers and is not legal advice.