Frequently Asked Questions

Answers for the tribal nations, partners, and people who build with Sovereignty. Don’t see your question? Contact us — we’re happy to help.

About Sovereignty Construction

Who is Sovereignty Construction?

Sovereignty Construction is a Native-owned general contractor and construction management firm specializing in tribal housing, community and government facilities, and federally funded reservation construction across Indian Country. We build for tribal governments, housing authorities, and enterprises — often in remote and complex conditions others avoid.

What does "Native-owned" mean for your work?

It means we understand tribal governance, culture, and priorities firsthand, and we operate with respect for the sovereign nations we serve. We listen before we build, we work in step with tribal leadership, and we believe the benefit of building in Indian Country should stay in Indian Country wherever possible.

Where are you located, and where do you work?

We’re headquartered in Cahuilla, California, and licensed in California, Alaska, and Montana. We take on projects for tribal nations and rural communities across Indian Country, and we’ll pursue the appropriate licensing for the right project in other states.

What makes Sovereignty different from other contractors?

Three things: we’re Native-owned and deeply aligned with tribal priorities; we’re built for rural and complex environments where others hesitate; and we’re relentless about execution — we don’t just start projects, we finish them.

Working With Us

What types of projects do you build?

Tribal housing, community and government facilities (like administration buildings, community centers, and clinics), infrastructure, and federally funded reservation construction.

What delivery methods do you offer?

We offer General Contracting, Construction Management (both Agency CM and CM-at-Risk), Design-Build, and Pre-Construction Services. We help you choose the approach that best fits your project, budget, and goals.

Do you self-perform the work?

We serve as your general contractor and construction manager, and we subcontract our construction scopes to qualified, vetted trade partners. That lets us bring the right specialist to each part of your project while we hold overall accountability for quality, schedule, and budget.

Can you help before we have full design or funding in place

Yes. Our Pre-Construction Services are built for exactly that stage — budgeting, scoping, and planning up front so your project is buildable and fundable before anyone breaks ground.

How do we get started?

It starts with a conversation. We listen to your goals and constraints, then move through scope and budget alignment, pre-construction planning, execution, and closeout — with long-term support after handover. Reach out and we’ll take it from there.

Are you bonded and insured?

Yes. We carry appropriate insurance and can provide bonding as project requirements call for it.

Funding & Compliance

Do you have experience with federally funded projects?

Yes. Much of our work involves federally funded reservation construction, and we’re experienced with the compliance requirements that come with it.

Are you familiar with tribal housing funding programs?

Yes — we work within the funding mechanisms common to Indian Country, including NAHASDA-based programs such as IHBG and ICDBG. We’re glad to help you align your project with the funding you have.

Do you handle prevailing wage and certified payroll?

Yes. We’re experienced with Davis-Bacon prevailing wage and certified payroll requirements on applicable federally funded work.

Do you work within TERO requirements?

Yes. We respect and work within the Tribal Employment Rights Ordinances (TERO) governing the projects we perform, and we encourage tribally owned, Native-owned, and TERO-certified businesses to partner with us.

For Subcontractors & Trade Partners

How do I become a subcontractor or get on your bid list?

Complete our subcontractor prequalification on the Subcontractors page. Once we’ve reviewed your trade, licensing, and insurance, approved partners are added to our database and invited to bid relevant projects.

What do you look for in a trade partner?

Proper licensing and insurance for your scope, bondability when a project requires it, a strong safety record, the ability to perform on prevailing-wage and federally funded work, and — above all — reliability and quality.

Careers

Are you hiring?

Often, yes — we’re a growing company. We hire across field and office roles, including superintendents, project managers, project engineers, preconstruction, business development, marketing, operations, and internships.

How do I apply?

Email your resume to info@sovereigntyconstruction.com, or visit our Careers page to learn more about who we’re looking for.

Contact

How do I get in touch?

Call us at (760) 477- 5409, email info@sovereigntyconstruction.com, or reach out through our Contact page. We respond promptly.

How can media or press reach you?

Members of the media can contact Steven Leash at Steven@sovereigntyconstruction.com