On July 22, 2024, the Small Business Administration (SBA) posted an announcement, Tribal Consultation for HUBZone Program Updates and Clarifications and Potential Reforms Under Executive Order 14112, 89 Fed. Reg. 59010 (“Announcement”), which described SBA’s intent to hold tribal consultation meetings at several locations throughout the United States and a listening session in Hawaii to obtain feedback about SBA’s intent to issue a proposed rule concerning the HUBZone Program. While the announcement of these meetings alone would not typically be a controversial event, SBA included the following comment in the Announcement that should get significant attention from small business government contractors that intend to compete for multiple award contracts as part of a joint venture:Lastly, SBA is requesting comments on the perception that mentor-protégé joint ventures are winning an inordinate number of orders issued under small business multiple award contracts and seeks suggestions on how to incentivize a more equitable marketplace for individual small businesses who compete against mentor-protégé joint ventures for multiple award, small business contracts. There is also a perception that small busin