Afognak Native Corporation: ProPublica Story falsely represents Alutiiq Manufacturing Contractors work and performance
ANCHORAGE, AK (January 27, 2011): Afognak Native Corporation (Afognak) expressed criticism over a recently published ProPublica story containing misleading information regarding Alutiiq Manufacturing Contractors’ (AMC) work on a federal building contract in Boston, MA. AMC is a subsidiary of Afognak. The story inappropriately targets AMC and several other Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs) who have been awarded American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) contracts.
Afognak provided the author key information about the contract, explaining that AMC is fully compliant with all federal rules and regulations on the contract. In fact, contrary to ProPublica’s characterization, Afognak explained that AMC is currently performing in excess of the minimum work requirements as set and determined by the federal government.
“It is unfortunate that ProPublica has published another story based on incomplete data and irresponsible conclusions,” stated Afognak’s Vice-President of Corporate Affairs, Jana Turvey. “It is apparent with this latest attack that neither ProPublica nor any of the critics of ANC participation in the SBA 8(a) Program know how to calculate self-performance under the Agency regulations.”
Federal rules require that small businesses performing a general construction contract perform at least 15 percent of the cost of the contract with their own employees. This calculation is performed after removing the costs of materials. “Even by ProPublica’s own calculations, AMC is exceeding federal requirements on this contract,” said Ms. Turvey. “It is hard to understand how a story about a Company being in compliance is newsworthy.”
In addition, Afognak provided a detailed description of the work being performed by AMC on the contract. Nonetheless, the story ignores those details and incorrectly asserts the contract was a “pass-through”. “AMC’s performance of essential general contracting support services ensures the project is on budget, on schedule and that all tasks are completed according to contract specifications.” Ms. Turvey added, “Like any company, as our experience has grown we have improved our competitive strengths and learned how to offer a better, more valuable product to our customer. Afognak is proud of AMC’s exemplary performance record on behalf of the U.S. Government, and we will continue to provide all of our customers with first rate federal contracting service and support.”
For additional information contact Jana Turvey at 907.222.9500
