FY18 Opportunities for Small Businesses

Michael “Keawe” Anderson, is a Native Hawaiian who grew up on Maui, Hawaii, and is passionate about advancing Native economic development. He is the principal advocate for NACA on policies and programs impacting the participation of Tribes, Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs), Native Hawaiian Organizations (NHOs), and tribally owned enterprises in the federal government marketplace. As Executive Director, Mike represents Native community-owned businesses, encompassing over 600,000 tribal members/shareholders. These businesses provide quality products and services to their federal customers, and apply profits earned from these government contracts to the benefit of their communities. In protecting, advocating, and advancing the NACA priorities and interests, Mike nurtures positive relationships with senior executives and policy makers in Congress and the Administration, with other like-minded associations and advocacy groups, and with the national and local media. He also ensures NACA Members are kept up-to-date on federal legislation, policies, and regulations – especially the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) Business Development Program – as they affect NACA members. Mike is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, has a master’s in business administration from the University of Northern Colorado, and a master’s degree in strategic military studies from the Air University. He holds a certificate in government contracting from the George Washington University.

Kevin Brancato is Bloomberg Government’s product management director - leading BGOV’s federal contracting product, data, and analysis teams. He is relentlessly focused on helping federal business developers win more work. Before joining Bloomberg in 2010, he was a management scientist at the RAND Corporation, where he analyzed weapon system cost and defense manpower policies. He received a B.A. in math from Columbia University and a Ph.D. in economics from George Mason University. Follow me @kevinbrancato

Chris James has served as the President and CEO of the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development since January of 2017. He is responsible for guiding the organization in its day-to-day operations and implementing its longterm strategic initiatives and vision. Prior to joining the National Center, Chris was an Associate Administrator at the U.S Small Business Administration (SBA), worked in Native American Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and managed the Sequoyah Fund – an enterprise of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. From 2011 – 2016, Chris served as Associate Administrator at SBA, where he was a Senior Executive Service (SES) appointee of President Barack Obama overseeing both the Office of Field Operations, Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, and the Office of Native American Affairs. His extensive portfolio included Native American outreach, program management, and tribal consultation. While at SBA, Chris’s responsibilities included representing the SBA at White House events and in state, local, and congressional affairs, as well as serving as a liaison to domestic and international corporate partners and stakeholders. He also established and oversaw SBA’s Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. As the head of the Office of Field Operations, he managed a workforce of over 800 people with an annual operating budget of over $200 million, and worked on programs and services that affected all 50 states and every U.S. territory. He was also the officer on record for Tribal Consultation, and worked with the White House and senior cabinet officials to craft best practices for accomplishing economic development in Native American communities.

Ron Perry is President of the National 8(a) Association and of Teya Services, LLC. – an 8(a) Certified Alaska Native Corporation. He is an Alaska Native and a nationally recognized expert in 8(a) and minority contracting including: Mentor Protégé, JV, teaming, equity buyouts, and national trends. With 25 years of federal experience Mr. Perry has experience navigating the ever‐continuing changes in Government contracting to include HUBZone, Service Disabled Vet, and Woman Owned.  Mr. Perry is also a speaker for American Express OPEN and their small business series of nationwide events. In his role as president and founder of the National 8(a) Association Mr. Perry has been instrumental in building bridges and helping to introduce thousands of small, medium and large businesses to each other.   Examples of the organizations brought together by the National 8(a) Association; AGC (Associated General contractors), US Black Chamber, Native Hawaiian Organization, US Hispanic Chamber, Society of Military Engineers (SAME) and WIPP.