Support the fact-based journalism you rely on with a donation to Marketplace today. Give Now!

Government contracting helps tribal economies diversify

Mar 26, 2024
The pandemic shut down some Native gaming and tourism enterprises. But federal contracting has been growing.
Government contracting became attractive to tribes that were struggling as their traditional revenue streams dried up during the pandemic, says Lillian Sparks Robinson, CEO of Wopila Consulting. 
Courtesy NCAIED

Tribal firms won record $23B in federal contracts in 2023

Jan 26, 2024
That represents the eight consecutive year of growth and about 3% of total federal contracts.
Since tribal nations typically don’t tax their citizens, revenue from federal contracts helps fund vital services, says Quinton Carroll with the Native American Contractors Association.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

How small should a 'small business' be? The government's answer is changing.

Jun 8, 2022
The Small Business Administration recently announced changes to its small business size standards, which govern whether a business is eligible for small business contracts and aid. That could help businesses that were near the old size threshold.
Changes to size standards mean the biggest small businesses could end up with a huge advantage over the smallest companies.
ALotOfPeople/Getty Images

Why women lag in winning federal contracts

Oct 9, 2014
Women-owned businesses win less than five percent of the government's contract work.

Why don't we like to talk about our pay?

Apr 8, 2014
An executive order will make it easier for federal contractors to discuss pay