This subpart describes the availability and process of applying for other financial assistance that may be available for planning and negotiating for a non-BIA program.

Yes, Tribes/Consortia may contact OSG to determine if OSG has funds available for the purpose of planning and negotiating with non-BIA bureaus under this subpart. A Tribe/Consortium may also ask a non-BIA bureau for information on any funds that may be available from that bureau.

Any Tribe/Consortium that is in the applicant pool, or has been selected from the applicant pool or that has an existing AFA.

At the discretion of the Director, grants may be awarded when requested by the Tribe. Tribes/Consortia may submit only one application per year for a grant under this section.

When funds are available, the Director will publish a notice in the Federal Register announcing their availability and a deadline for submitting an application.

The planning and negotiation grants support activities such as, but not limited to, the following:

(a) Information gathering and analysis;

(b) Planning activities, that may include notification and consultation with the appropriate non-BIA bureau and identification and/or analysis of activities, resources, and capabilities that may be needed for the Tribe/Consortium to assume non-BIA programs; and

(c) Negotiation activities.

The application for a planning and negotiation grant must include:

(a) Written notification by the governing body or its authorized representative of the Tribe's/Consortium's intent to engage in planning/negotiation activities like those described in § 1000.65;

(b) Written description of the planning and/or negotiation activities that the Tribe/Consortium intends to undertake, including, if appropriate, documentation of the relationship between the proposed activities and the Tribe/Consortium;

(c) The proposed timeline for completion of the planning and/or negotiation activities to be undertaken; and

(d) The amount requested from OSG.

The Director must review all grant applications received by the date specified in the announcement to determine whether or not the applications include the required elements outlined in the announcement. OSG must rank the complete applications submitted by the deadline using the criteria in § 1000.70.

Yes, upon request from the Tribe/Consortium, a non-BIA bureau may provide technical assistance to the Tribe/Consortium in the drafting of its planning grant application.

A Tribe/Consortium may request comments or selection documents under the Freedom of Information Act.

The Director will use the following criteria and point system to rank the applications:

(a) The application contains a clear statement of objectives and timelines to complete the proposed planning or negotiation activity and demonstrates that the objectives are legally authorized and achievable. (20 points)

(b) The proposed budget expenses are reasonable. (10 points)

(c) The proposed project demonstrates a new or unique approach to Tribal self-governance or broadens self-governance to include new activities within the Department. (5 points)

No, all decisions made by the Director to award or not to award a grant under this subpart are final for the Department.

Yes, OSG will notify all applicant Tribes/Consortia and affected non-BIA bureaus in writing as soon as possible after completing the selection process.

Yes, see § 1000.169.