Question 1

How does ISBEE differ from IEE?

Accepted Answer

ISBEE applies specifically to tribal enterprises that also qualify as SBA small businesses. IEE is broader and does not impose a size standard requirement. DOI contracting officers must first consider ISBEE set-asides before considering IEE set-asides for a given requirement.

Question 2

What is the order of preference at DOI for tribal set-asides?

Accepted Answer

DOI follows a tiered order: first, ISBEE (small tribal firms); second, IEE (all tribal firms); then open competition. This ensures the smallest tribal businesses get the first opportunity to compete.

Question 3

Does ISBEE status require separate certification?

Accepted Answer

No separate federal certification is required. ISBEE status is self-represented in SAM.gov. However, tribal enrollment documentation for all qualifying owners must be available for verification upon request.

Question 4

Can large tribal corporations qualify for ISBEE?

Accepted Answer

No. ISBEE requires the firm to meet SBA small business size standards. Large Alaska Native Corporations and tribal enterprises that exceed the applicable size standard would qualify for IEE set-asides but not ISBEE.

Question 5

How does SamSearch help ISBEE businesses?

Accepted Answer

SamSearch filters DOI solicitations by the ISBEE set-aside code, giving small tribal businesses a targeted list of contracts where they have the first right to compete before broader IEE or open competition applies.

Question 6

How does DOI determine whether to use ISBEE vs. IEE set-aside authority?

Accepted Answer

DOI's DIAR requires contracting officers to first attempt ISBEE set-asides (small tribal enterprises) before proceeding to IEE (all tribal enterprises) and then full and open competition. If market research shows that at least two ISBEE firms exist that can perform the work at a fair price, the contracting officer must use ISBEE. If no competitive ISBEE set-aside is practicable, the officer then considers IEE.

Question 7

What are the most common DOI contracting areas that use ISBEE set-asides?

Accepted Answer

ISBEE set-asides appear most frequently in natural resource management support, environmental compliance surveys, construction and renovation of tribal facilities and BIA offices, IT support and digitization projects for tribal programs, and professional services supporting tribal consultation processes.

Question 8

Can a small tribal entity qualify for both ISBEE and BICiv programs simultaneously?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if the firm meets the eligibility requirements for both programs. ISBEE is a DOI-specific program for small tribal enterprises contracting with DOI bureaus. BICiv is an HHS/IHS program for tribal firms contracting on health-related work. A qualifying firm can pursue opportunities through both programs by targeting the respective agencies.

Question 9

What happens if an ISBEE firm outgrows the applicable SBA size standard?

Accepted Answer

A firm that exceeds the SBA size standard for the applicable NAICS code at the time of offer can no longer represent ISBEE status for that contract. The firm may still qualify for the IEE set-aside program, which does not impose a small business size requirement. Size determinations are made at the time of initial offer and certification.

Question 10

How does ISBEE certification interact with other SBA certifications like 8(a) or HUBZone?

Accepted Answer

ISBEE and IEE status are self-represented in SAM.gov and are not issued by the SBA. A firm can simultaneously hold SBA certifications (8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB) alongside DOI's ISBEE designation. Each set-aside type applies to contracts from different agencies—ISBEE for DOI, SBA certifications for all federal agencies under FAR.

Question 11

Is there a formal certification process for ISBEE, or is it self-represented?

Accepted Answer

ISBEE status is self-represented in SAM.gov based on documented tribal ownership (enrolled membership in a federally recognized tribe or Alaska Native Corporation shareholder status). There is no separate SBA certification. However, tribal enrollment documentation for all qualifying owners must be maintained and made available upon agency request or SBA size determination challenge.

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