CIRI shareholder and former CIRI Board member Greg Razo has been hired as CIRI’s Vice President, Government Contracting. The CIRI Board of Directors decided that pursuing government contracting, to take advantage of Small Business Administration (SBA) preferences in this area, was a priority for the company. To accomplish the Board’s goal, CIRI President and Chief Executive Officer Margie Brown established a new executive level position to pursue this initiative.

The SBA is responsible for helping small and disadvantaged businesses compete in the American economy and access the federal procurement market. Many Alaska Native corporations have entered the field of government contracting, with some being very successful.

CIRI has developed a strategy to pursue government contracting that is different in some ways from those of other Native corporations and focuses upon CIRI’s unique strengths. With the potential for changes in SBA 8(a) regulations, Razo is committed to making sure CIRI has enough focus on the industry and ensuring the appropriate investments are made.

“Understanding the rules and regulations of the government contracting industry is very important,” said Brown. “Greg’s background is in law as an attorney and he is a former Board member. He is an excellent representative for CIRI in dealing with partners on potential business activity.”