Chief Mountain Technologies Receives Coveted “Super 8(a)” Certification

Company can now pursue federal IT Services contracts of unlimited size

Browning, MT  —May 6^th, 2010—  Chief Mountain Technologies, LLC, a Blackfeet Tribally-owned company has been certified by the SBA (Small Business Administration) as an 8(a) contractor.  The Company can now pursue federal set-aside and no-bid contracts of any size.

The SBA 8(a) program was originally designed to provide access to federal contracts for companies owned by economically disadvantaged individuals.   But in recent years, Congress expanded the program to include Indian tribes and Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs) and created different rules for these entities.  So, for example, whereas 8(a)-certified companies owned by individuals are limited to $5 million dollar contracts, tribes and ANCs can be awarded sole source contracts of any size.  Contracts as large as $500 million dollar have been awarded to tribes and ANCs.   That is why tribally-owned 8(a)s are commonly referred to as “Super 8(a)s.”

“Becoming a Super 8(a) is a long and difficult process that often takes a year or two for tribes.  We got through the process in about 6 months,” said Paul McEvers, Chairman of Chief Mountain Technologies and Tribal Councilman.  “The mountain of paperwork required for a tribal application is incredible  ¾ours ran hundreds of pages¾ and many tribes give up or are denied approval.  But thanks to a visionary, responsive, and hard-working BTBC, we got it done and got through it in record time.  Now the work of creating jobs and making money begins.”

Chief Mountain Technologies LLC (CMT) specializes in large-scale Information Technology and Professional Business Services for federal and state agencies. As the Company wins contracts, a significant number of jobs for Tribal members both on and off the reservation will be created, as will major new revenue streams to help fund Tribal programs.  The company is headquartered in Browning with a branch office in Seattle to be closer to customers and technical labor pools.

“This is where it all begins, receiving our Super 8(a) status,” said Blackfeet Chairman Willie A. Sharp Jr.  “Federal agencies are clamoring for the sort of Information Technology and Business Services we can provide, but they require you to be 8(a).  Now we are, so now we can start going after the big work that can bring prosperity back Home.”