Native American Contractors Association (NACA)

09/29/2026

On September 15–17, NACA welcomed our Emerging Leaders and Members for three days of learning, relationship-building, and advocacy at our 2026 Emerging Leaders Summit.

Participants heard from Native business executives and federal leaders, explored issues affecting self-deteriminationand Native federal contracting, and shared their own experiences and goals as emerging leaders.

They also took those conversations to Capitol Hill, meeting with Members of Congress and staff to discuss NACA’s policy priorities and how Native federal contracting supports jobs, education, housing, and essential services in our communities.

A special thank-you to Senator Lisa Murkowski, Chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and Congressman Jeff Hurd, Chair of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs, for welcoming our group into their committee spaces and engaging with our Emerging Leaders.

Thank you to U.S. Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary of Tribal Government Affairs James Crawford and DHS Senior Tribal Advisor David Flute for sharing their journeys from Tribal leadership to leadership in the federal government. Their experiences and advice offered our Emerging Leaders valuable perspectives on public service, advocating for Native communities, and bringing Tribal perspectives to federal decision-making.

Thank you to all our speakers, congressional and agency partners, Members, and participants who made this Summit possible. We’re proud to support the next generation of Native leaders and look forward to seeing how they bring these experiences back to their organizations and communities!

09/18/2026

This week the Native American Contractors Association presented U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan the 2026 NACA Congressional Leadership Award during this week’s Emerging Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C.

The award recognizes his sustained work to strengthen Native federal contracting and advance economic opportunity for Tribes, Alaska Native Corporations, and Native Hawaiian Organizations.

His record includes:

• Securing Section 823 of the FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act, which streamlined Department of Defense contracting procedures and reduced administrative barriers for Native federal contractors.

We also acknowledge and honor the late Congressman Don Young for his steadfast advocacy for Native federal contractors and his work securing Section 823 in the House of Representatives, helping bring this significant reform into law.

This legislation has been foundational in expanding the Department of Defense’s flexibility to use Native contracting authorities and opening additional opportunities for Native federal contractors.

• Defending the legal foundations of Native participation in the 8(a) Program.

• Maintaining regular dialogue with the highest levels of White House and Department of Defense leadership across administrations throughout his Senate service, educating decision-makers about the program’s benefits to federal missions and national security.

These efforts address practical barriers to contracting opportunities that help Alaska Natives, Tribes, and Native Hawaiian communities support jobs, education, public safety, infrastructure, scholarships, and cultural preservation.

NACA’s Congressional Leadership Award recognizes substantive contributions to Native self-determination and participation in the federal marketplace. We thank Senator Sullivan for his sustained work on these priorities.

Read the full announcement here: https://lnkd.in/eY_eqabT

08/13/2026

The Native American Contractors Association welcomes the U.S. Small Business Administration’s resumption of processing and approvals of Native entity-owned applications for the 8(a) Business Development Program.

Read NACA’s full statement:
https://lnkd.in/g45vJzTm

This progress is an important step forward for Native federal contractors and the communities they support - timely access to the 8(a) Program enables Native-owned businesses to pursue federal contracting opportunities that create jobs, advance economic development, strengthen self-determination, and help fund essential community services.

NACA appreciates the federal leaders and Native organizations whose engagement helped bring attention to this issue. We remain committed to working with policymakers to support timely application processing, clear communication, and the continued success of the 8(a) Program.

07/20/2026

Registration is open for the 2026 NACA Emerging Leaders Summit, taking place September 15–17 in Washington, D.C.

The Summit brings together emerging leaders for three days of professional development, policy engagement, networking, and conversations with leaders across the Native federal contracting community.

Participants will gain valuable insight into Native federal contracting, strengthen their leadership skills, and importantly learn advocacy skills to represent their organizations or communities in Washington, D.C.

We look forward to welcoming the next generation of Native leaders to Washington, D.C.

Learn more and register: https://buy.stripe.com/cNi14m9An1HiaSZ7eafYY00

05/19/2026

The Native American Contractors Association (NACA) is excited to announce a newly elected Board of Directors and Executive Committee after elections were recently held.

There were both returning and newly elected leaders who will help continue advancing NACA’s mission of protecting and promoting Native federal contracting.

“We are thrilled to welcome and continue to work with these exceptional leaders on NACA’s Board of Directors. Each of them brings a unique perspective and a proven commitment to strengthening Native businesses and advancing economic opportunity across Indian Country,” said Jon Deacon Panamaroff, Command Holdings, a Pequot Company and Haven Harris, Bering Straits Native Corporation (BSNC) NACA Board Co-Chairs. “Their expertise will be invaluable as we continue to grow and amplify NACA’s impact nationwide.”

NACA’s leadership team continues to represent the strength and dedication of Native enterprises across the country:

“I’m honored to continue serving NACA and supporting its mission to expand opportunities for Native-owned businesses in federal contracting,” said Allyson Mitchell , General Manager, Mohawk Networks, LLC , upon her reelection to the board. “I look forward to partnering with my fellow board members to strengthen advocacy efforts and deliver meaningful value for our members.”

“It’s a privilege to join NACA’s Board at a time when strategic advocacy and collaboration are more important than ever,” said Mal Mcghee , Executive Vice President of Strategic Relations, PCI Federal . “I’m committed to helping strengthen NACA’s voice and advancing contracting opportunities for Native enterprises nationwide.”

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve on NACA’s Board and to help advance policies that promote self-determination and economic growth for Tribal communities,” said Austin Tsosie, MBA, CEO, Diné Development Corporation. “Together, we can elevate Native contractors and ensure they have fair access to the federal marketplace.”

Congratulations, Jon, Austin, Allyson, and Mal!

Please find the press release here: https://lnkd.in/e3GgMR6q

05/05/2026

Yesterday, the Native American Contractors Association alongside 53 Native federal contractors, sent a letter to SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler urging action to address significant and ongoing delays in the 8(a) Business Development Program application process.

In recent months, approvals of new 8(a) participants have slowed dramatically—appearing to have halted entirely since August 2025. The letter also highlights a broader decline in approvals for Native-owned firms throughout 2025, as well as reports of application reviews extending beyond one year. This is despite the statutory and regulatory goal of issuing determinations within 90 days of receiving a complete application.

These prolonged delays create real uncertainty for Tribal and Native-owned businesses and their communities that rely on the 8(a) Program to make critical workforce, planning, and investment decisions. When timelines become unpredictable, confidence in the program is at risk.

NACA is urging SBA to resume timely reviews and determinations of pending applications and to provide clear, transparent communication so applicants know what to expect.

You can find the press release and more information here:

03/27/2026

At the The National Center For American Indian Enterprise Development Reservation Economic Summit 2026 - Rising Together, the Native American Contractors Association took the main stage—highlighting key issues, advocacy efforts, and opportunities shaping the future of Native federal contracting. As the largest business gathering in Indian Country, RES provides a powerful platform, and NACA is ensuring Native voices are heard loud and clear.

This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

03/19/2026

The Native American Contractors Association (NACA) Co-Chair Jon Deacon Panamaroff testified yesterday before the House Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee during the FY27 American Indian and Alaska Native public witness hearings in Washington, D.C.

NACA continues to advocate for policies that strengthen Native contracting opportunities and support economic self-determination for Tribal and Native communities.

For a full summary of NACA’s testimony and priorities, please see the press release below:

WASHINGTON D.C. - On March 18, 2026, the Native American Contractor Association’s (NACA) Co-Chairman, Jon Panamaroff, testified before the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agen...

03/18/2026

There’s a growing narrative around Native federal contracting — and much of it lacks important context.

The Native American Contractors Association has issued a statement to clarify the facts and ensure the conversation is grounded in reality.

This is an important moment for our industry, and for how Native community owned businesses are represented in federal contracting.

Read the full statement here:
https://lnkd.in/ewAMqnFC

03/06/2026

The Native American Contractors Association congratulates US Senator Markwayne Mullin on his nomination to serve as the Secretary of U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Senator Mullin, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, has long demonstrated a commitment to public service and leadership. We are grateful for his work on the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and the Senate Armed Services Committee, where he has helped address issues important to Indian Country and our nation’s security.

His nomination represents a significant moment for Indian Country and highlights the continued contributions of Native American leaders at the highest levels of the federal government.

We wish Senator Mullin the very best as he enters this next stage of service to our nation.