Trump order centralizing federal procurement could disrupt tribal contracting opportunities
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on March 20 that could potentially disrupt Native contracting opportunities by consolidating federal procurement under the General Services Administration.
The executive order, titled “Eliminating Waste and Saving Taxpayer Dollars by Consolidating Procurement,” requires federal agencies to shift their purchasing of common goods and services to the GSA within 60 days.
While aimed at improving efficiency, the order could undermine specialized set-aside programs for Native-owned businesses, according to federal contracting experts. That could include programs such as the Buy Indian Act provisions, which authorize the Department of the Interior and Indian Health Service to give preference to Native-owned businesses in their procurement processes, as well as Indian Economic Enterprises (IEE) and Indian Small Business Economic Enterprises (ISBEE) set-asides, which provide contract preferences for Native-owned businesses.
“Buy Indian, IEE, and ISBEE set-asides aren't used on any of GSA's vehicles or any of the other government-wide vehicles,” said Justin Sikken, founder of HigherGov, a market intelligence site focused on federal contracting. “Those set-asides are sometimes used for technology purchases and other commodity purchases within IHS and DOI, though, so this money may effectively disappear if it gets pulled into GSA.”
Quinton Carroll, executive director of the Native American Contractors Association (NACA), said the GSA could improve procurement efficiency if the transition is properly executed.
“If executed well, the GSA should find efficiencies and assist the procurement process by speeding up the time between the start of a procurement and the award of the contract,” Carroll told Tribal Business News.
He acknowledged potential short-term disruptions: “In the near term there may be delays in implementation over the next few months where government contracting staff are being repositioned to better assist procurement resulting in a temporary reduction in awards.”
Not all industry leaders share Carroll's cautious optimism. The new executive order “threatens to upend” progress for tribal businesses, according to Kevin Allis, CEO of Thunderbird Strategic LLC and a former executive director of NACA. In an op-ed piece published by TBN sister publication Native News Online, Allis explains consolidation puts the SBA's 8(a) program at risk: “By centralizing the purchasing of common goods and services under GSA, agencies may lose the flexibility to award direct contracts to Tribal 8(a) firms. These firms often work closely with specific agencies that understand their value, their capabilities, and their connection to the communities they serve.”
Sam Finnerty, an attorney at PilieroMazza who works with Native contractors, said these direct agency relationships are crucial for tribal and Native-owned businesses.
“For a lot of Native clients that are 8(a) companies, they have relationships with agencies specifically. And that direct relationship is a really valuable thing,” Finnerty told Tribal Business News. “When everything gets centralized, it's unclear what impact that change in relationship could have.”
The order comes at a time when tribal federal contracting had been experiencing steady growth spanning the last two administrations. Federal contract awards to tribal entities reached a record $23.3 billion in fiscal 2023, marking eight consecutive years of growth in this sector, according to data from HigherGov provided to Tribal Business News in January 2024.
Under the Biden administration, GSA specifically increased its focus on tribal contracting. Former GSA Administrator Robin Carnahan told Tribal Business News in a 2024 interview that the agency saw a 70% increase in obligated contracts for tribal entities over five years.
The Indian Health Service and Department of Interior currently use these set-aside programs for various purchases, including technology, that could fall under the consolidation directive.
Carroll emphasized the continued importance of these programs: “It will continue to be important for Indian Affairs at the Department of Interior and Indian Health Services at Health and Human Services to reiterate that this is an important tool that should be used to provide services to support their operations.”
Particularly at risk are contracts under specific NAICS codes commonly used for technology procurement, including 541519 (Other Computer Related Services), 334111 (Electronic Computer Manufacturing), and 541512 (Computer Systems Design Services).
The executive order specifically targets what the administration describes as duplicative contracting vehicles that compete with GSA's Multiple Award Schedule, including NASA's SEWP and NIH's CIO-SP3, along with agency-specific vehicles within VA, DHS, and DoD.
The GSA has 90 days from the executive order's signing to submit a comprehensive procurement plan to the Office of Management and Budget.
The move represents a significant reversal from procurement reforms dating back to the 1990s. Steve Kelman, former administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy during the Clinton administration, warned in a NextGov op-ed that the order risks “going back to the bad old days of an unresponsive, slow and expensive GSA.”
Kelman explained in the op-ed that earlier reforms specifically moved away from GSA's centralized control after agencies found the system inefficient and unresponsive to their needs.
As the federal contracting community awaits details, attorney Finnerty said the industry remains in “wait and see mode” regarding the order's ultimate impact.
“In theory, this consolidation could be a good thing, if it gets rolled out in a way where it makes sense, and GSA has the resources to actually handle being this sort of centralized procurement hub,” Finnerty said. “However, I think the concern is that it's moving quickly.”
The Chickasaw Nation Advances Business Diversification via Sovereign Native Holdco
ADA, OKLA.– The Chickasaw Nation is advancing its business diversification initiative by establishing a dedicated management team to execute business strategies and manage operations within Sovereign Native Holdco (SNH), an investment subsidiary wholly owned by the Nation. This team will focus on selective real estate, hospitality, private equity and entertainment investments made by the Nation.
R. Alan Marcum will serve as president of SNH, transitioning from his current role as deputy secretary of the Chickasaw Nation's Department of Commerce. Alongside his new responsibilities, Marcum will continue to serve on the boards of Global Gaming Solutions, a subsidiary of the Chickasaw Nation created in 2008 to invest in the development, management and marketing of racing, gaming and entertainment opportunities and Good Springs Capital, a private equity firm founded by an anchor investment by the Nation in 2023. Marcum will also oversee the recently created entity Pennington Creek Capital, LLC, a private equity firm established by the Nation in 2024 with offices in Dallas, Texas.
"Sovereign Native Holdco reflects our ongoing commitment to strategic business diversification," Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby said. "Over the years, we have established separate entities focused on managing our investments in various sectors, including real estate, finance, hospitality, healthcare, energy, private equity and gaming. By adding a skilled management team to SNH, we can better minimize risk and accelerate growth. These enterprises generate revenues to support our mission to enhance the overall quality of life of the Chickasaw people. Our diversification underscores our determination to pursue well-considered business opportunities to strengthen the Chickasaw Nation and the communities within Oklahoma in which we live.”
Chickasaw Nation's Secretary of Commerce and SNH Board Chairman Dan Boren said, "Sovereign Native Holdco reflects Governor Anoatubby's vision of business diversification, which began over a decade ago and continues evolving by bringing additional talent and resources to mature and increase the value of our investments. The results of the strategic decision years ago to diversify our investment portfolio have enabled the Nation to expand and enhance programs and services for the Chickasaw people."
Boren added, "I am pleased that Alan will lead this important effort. As a valuable member of our Commerce leadership team, his experience and background have been crucial to the growth of SNH. His success in guiding complex projects, most recently the $400 million OKANA Resort and Indoor Waterpark in Oklahoma City, will greatly benefit SNH."
Alongside Marcum, the management team will include Sarah Delaney, a seasoned finance professional who joined the Chickasaw Nation in 2021, serving as Vice President of Finance; Amanda Tsoodle, a legal expert with over 20 years of legal and management experience, serving as General Counsel; and Kelsie Scott, an experienced administrative manager with a background in human resources, serving as the Human Resources Manager.
Notable SNH ventures include investments in the historic Skirvin Hotel in Oklahoma City, Salesforce Tower in Indianapolis, and various limited partner investments across multiple platforms. These ventures provide generational investments with strong balance sheets and offer unique opportunities.
Marcum said, "I am honored to be able to continue to lend my experience to the SNH team, and I appreciate Governor Anoatubby's vision and direction. We have an incredible foundation to build upon and so many exciting opportunities ahead."
Farmer's Market Returns to Muscogee Nation for Its Second Year in 2025
OKMULGEE, OK — Looped Square Meat Company, located south of Duck Creek Casino on Highway 75, is proud to announce the return of its successful Farmer’s Market in 2025. After a fantastic debut in 2024, the market will kick off its second season on Saturday, April 26, and will continue on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month through the end of September.
Courtney Natseway, CMN Extension Educator, expressed her enthusiasm about the continued success of the market:
"We are excited to again offer space for people to sell their goods and wares at our market. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone to start a business or sell extra products. Right now, we are accepting vendor applications, so please reach out if you’re interested."
The Farmer’s Market will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and will feature a variety of attractions, including food trucks, music, camaraderie, and good old-fashioned fun.
Looped Square has partnered with the Muscogee Nation Tourism Department, MCN Cultural Center & Archives, and the College of the Muscogee Nation Extension Program to continue bringing this exciting event to life.
For those interested in setting up as vendors, please contact Christopher Azbell at 918-549-2861 or by email at extension@cmn.edu.
Mark your calendars for April 26, 2025, and join us for a vibrant community event filled with fresh produce, handmade goods, and family fun!
Registration Now Open for the 27th Annual American Indigenous Tourism Conference
AITC, scheduled for October 27-30, 2025, at Pearl River Resort, is organized by the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association and will be held on the tribal homelands of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians in Choctaw, Mississippi
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (April 1, 2025) – Registration is now open for the 27th Annual American Indigenous Tourism Conference (AITC), which will be held on the tribal homelands of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, October 27-30, 2025, at Pearl River Resort in Choctaw, Mississippi and organized by the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA).
AIANTA, the only national organization dedicated to advancing cultural tourism in Native Nations and communities across the United States, will celebrate 27 years at AITC this year as the leader in Indigenous tourism. Each year, the AITC attracts more than 300 attendees who participate for second-to-none networking opportunities, high-level keynote sessions and informative breakout sessions led by some of the hospitality industry’s leading experts.
American Indigenous Tourism Conference
October 27-30, 2025
Pearl River Resort
Highway 16 West
Choctaw, MS 39350
Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians
The theme of this year’s American Indigenous Tourism Conference (AITC), “Indigenous Tourism: Uniting Traditions and Innovation”, explores the powerful intersection of cultural traditions and innovation in Indigenous tourism. As Indigenous peoples, we have always found creative ways to adapt, thrive, and forge new paths—whether through building new partnerships, embracing emerging technologies, or viewing challenges through a fresh lens. Innovation is not just about tools or trends; it’s about honoring our ancestral knowledge while finding new ways to share our stories, strengthen our sovereignty, and ensure our voices are represented. By working together, we can enhance our presence in the tourism industry and build a sustainable, culturally rich future.
“Through traditions and innovation, Indigenous people continue to grow the $15.7 billion Native hospitality sector of the U.S. travel and tourism industry, and we invite you to join us at AITC as we celebrate resilience, creativity and collaboration in the ever-evolving world of Indigenous tourism,” said AIANTA CEO Sherry L. Rupert. “AIANTA is proud to partner with our AITC host the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians to bring best-in-class education, training and networking opportunities, as American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-owned hospitality businesses continue to contribute to the growing tourism and hospitality sector in the U.S.,” said Rupert.
This year’s AITC will take place at Pearl River Resort in Choctaw, Mississippi, with world-class casinos, two award-winning golf courses and the Southeast's No.1 water theme park. From high-stakes gaming and thrilling entertainment at Silver Star Hotel & Casino and Golden Moon Hotel & Casino to the family friendly Dancing Rabbit Inn, Pearl River Resort has perfect accommodation for everyone. Pearl River Resort is a family-style destination boasting more than 2,400 slot machines, more than 60 table games, a bingo hall, 1,074 hotel rooms, excellent dining options, European style spa facilities, shopping and live entertainment.
“We are thrilled to host the 27th Annual American Indigenous Tourism Conference, organized by the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association. Their dedication to fostering tourism within our Native American community is truly commendable, and we are honored to be part of this important event. This year’s conference will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase our world-class amenities at Pearl River Resort, our rich cultural heritage, and everything that makes us proud to be Mississippi Choctaw. We look forward to welcoming attendees and sharing the beauty, traditions, and hospitality of our community.” Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Tribal Chief Cyrus.
Mobile workshops are an AITC tradition as AIANTA partners with the local host Tribe to showcase Native tourism experiences around the conference host site. On Monday, October 27, attendees will get a taste of Choctaw culture with a morning at the Chahta Immi Cultural Center, enjoy a traditional Chahta meal for lunch, and then spend the afternoon making a cultural item to take a piece of Choctaw home with you. A second mobile workshop invites guests to explore mother mound, Nanih Waiya, with a stop at both the ceremonial mound and cave mound. Hear the stories of Nanih Waiya told by an elder of the community before heading back to the Pearl River Community and take a tour of Mississippi Choctaw’s tribal lands.
A favorite AITC event, the newly renamed Excellence in Indigenous Tourism Awards Gala, will honor the best and brightest across Indigenous tourism including Indigenous Destination of the Year, Best Cultural Heritage Experience, Excellence in Customer Service, Industry Professional Award, and new categories that will be announced this month. This event is accompanied by dinner and a silent auction on Wednesday, October 29. The auction raises funds for AIANTA’s tourism and hospitality scholarship program.
Conference registration begins at $645 for AIANTA members who register by the early bird deadline (June 30, 2025). A select number of exhibitor spaces are available at $1,000 per booth for members and $1,200 for non-members. As with previous years, the conference will also feature a Business of Art Seminar and Native Art Market, and artisans are encouraged to register for a table. To register and learn more about AITC, visit www.aianta.org/aitc.
For more than 26 years, AIANTA has worked to address inequities in the tourism system and has served as the national voice for American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian nations engaged in cultural tourism, while providing technical assistance, training and capacity building to Native Nations and communities and Native-owned enterprises engaged in tourism, hospitality, and recreation.
Native Nations and communities who are looking to start or expand their cultural tourism footprint can find resources at www.aianta.org and visitors interested in learning more about Native culture can visit www.nativeamerica.travel.
