FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (February 1, 2022—Hagåtña, Guam)
Speaker Therese Terlaje and her colleagues introduced Resolution No. 260-36 (COR) in support of H.R. 6504 – the Native Pacific Islanders of America Equity Act which seeks to include Native CHamoru businesses and Native Northern Marianas businesses in federal programs that provide contracting opportunities, training, and technical assistance through the Small Business Administration.
Speaker Terlaje stated, “The federal programs cited in H.R. 6504 are meant to assist communities and groups who have been socially and economically disadvantaged especially when competing for federal contracts. Inclusion of CHamoru businesses here on Guam and in the CNMI into these federal programs can potentially bring millions of dollars to our island for our entire community’s benefit. I want to thank Congressman San Nicolas and Congressman Sablan for introducing the bill, and all of the co-sponsors of Resolution No. 260-36 for uniting to increase economic opportunities for our people.”
The 8(a) Business Development Program administered by the Small Business Administration, commonly known
as the 8(a) Program is designed to assist small minority-owned businesses compete in the wider American economy. One of the program’s major benefits is that 8(a) firms can receive federal contracting preferences in the form of set-aside and sole-source awards. The 8(a) Program is limited to eligible businesses unconditionally owned and controlled by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged groups. Congress expanded the program in the 1980’s to include small businesses owned by four disadvantaged groups, specifically Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs), Community Development Corporations (CDCs), Indian tribes, and Native Hawaiian Organizations (NHOs).
H.R. 6504 was introduced on January 25, 2022 by Congressman Michael San Nicolas and co-sponsored by Congressman Gregorio “Kilili” Camacho Sablan. If passed by Congress, H.R. 6504 would give eligible Native CHamoru and Native Northern Marianas organizations access to federal contracting opportunities through their participation in certain small business programs.
All senators of the 36th Guam Legislature sponsored the resolution except Senator Telena Nelson who is currently on military leave.
A public hearing on Resolution No. 260-36 (COR) will be held on February 10, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. Public notice will be provided in accordance with the Open Government Law. Please contact our office at (671) 472-3586 or email senatorterlajeguam@gmail.com to provide testimony on the resolution or for more information.