Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Grants to Indian Organizations for Off-Reservation Indian Child and Family Service Programs, 32970-32974 [2021-13198]
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 118 / Wednesday, June 23, 2021 / Notices
G. Reporting Requirements for Award
Recipients
H. Additional Information
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Indian Affairs
I. Background
[212A2100DD AAK6006201
AOR3030.999900]
Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Grants
to Indian Organizations for OffReservation Indian Child and Family
Service Programs
Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office
of Indian Services.
ACTION: Solicitation of proposals.
AGENCY:
The Secretary of the Interior
(Secretary), through the Bureau of
Indian Affairs (BIA), is soliciting grants
from Indian Organizations to establish
and operate off-reservation Indian child
and family service programs. The intent
of the Indian child and family service
programs are to provide services for
stabilizing Indian families and Tribes,
preventing the breakup of Indian
families and, in particular, to ensure
that the permanent removal of an Indian
child from the custody of his/her Indian
parent or Indian custodian shall be a
last resort.
DATES: Grant application packages must
be submitted no later than 5 p.m.
Eastern Daylight Time, July 16, 2021.
The BIA will not consider proposals
received after this time and date.
ADDRESSES: Grant application packages
must be submitted through Grants.gov.
For information on how to apply for
grants in Grants.gov, see the instructions
available at: https://www.grants.gov/
help/html/help/Applicants/
HowToApplyForGrants.htm.
SUMMARY:
If
you have questions regarding the
application process, please contact Jo
Ann Metcalfe, Grant Officer, via email at
jo.metcalfe@bia.gov or phone at (703)
390–6410.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
I. Background
A. Authority
B. Paperwork Reduction Act
II. Eligibility
III. Categories of Available Funding
IV. Funding Limitations
V. Proposal Application Guidelines
A. Background
B. Items To Consider Before Preparing an
Application, Funding Limitations, 2Year Timeframes, and No-Cost
Extensions
C. Mandatory Components and
Requirements for Applications
D. Submission of Application in Digital
Format
E. Categories of Funding, Review Criteria
and Evaluation
F. Transfer of Funding and Transfer of
Funds
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In Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, the Congress
appropriated $1.0 million to fund offreservation programs authorized by
section 202 of the ICWA (25 U.S.C.
1932). In FY 2021, the Congress again
allocated $1.0 million for ICWA, to fund
off-reservation Indian Organizations
authorized by section 202 of the ICWA
(25 U.S.C. 1932), just as it did in the FY
2020 appropriations.
The BIA is the Federal agency charged
with administering ICWA funding to
Federally recognized Tribes and will
distribute a total of $2.0 million (subject
to fund availability) grants to offreservation Indian Organizations
through a competitive grant process as
outlined in 25 CFR 23.31–23.35,
Subpart D., Grants to off-reservation
Indian Organizations for Title II Indian
Child and Family Services Programs
which will include, but are not limited
to:
(1) A system for regulating, maintaining,
and supporting Indian foster and adoptive
homes, including a subsidy program under
which Indian adoptive children may be
provided support comparable to that for
which they would be eligible as Indian foster
children, taking into account the appropriate
State standards of support for maintenance
and medical needs;
(2) the operation and maintenance of
facilities and services for counseling and
treatment of Indian families and Indian foster
and adoptive children;
(3) family assistance, including homemaker
and home counselors, day care, afterschool
care, and employment, recreational activities,
and respite care; and
(4) guidance, legal representation, and
advice to Indian families involved in child
custody proceedings.a
This solicitation contains guidelines
and instructions for writing and
submitting a proposal. The BIA will use
a competitive evaluation process.
A. Authority
This ICWA grant is funding that is
provided through non-recurring
appropriations made by the Congress in
its annual appropriations to the BIA.
These funds were provided on a year-toyear basis and may or may not be
provided in future years.
In the House Report (H. R.) 116–100,
Department of the Interior, Environment
and Related Agencies Appropriations
Bill, 2020, the House Appropriations
Committee directed the BIA to utilize
the $1.0 million specifically provided
within the $16.431 million enacted for
a 25
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the ICWA to fund off-reservation Indian
organizations authorized by section 202
of the ICWA (25 U.S.C. 1932).
The House Report (H. R.) 116–448,
Department of the Interior, Environment
and Related Agencies Appropriations
Bill, 2021 provided $1,000,000 once
again as provided in the fiscal year 2020
for off-reservation programs authorized
by section 202 of ICWA (25 U.S.C.
1932).
Additional authorizing statutes for the
program include:
• Section 202 of ICWA (25 U.S.C. 1932)
• Public Law 93–638, ISDEAA of 1975,
as amended
• Public Law 101–630, The Indian
Child Protection and Family Violence
Prevention Act
• Public Law 114–165, Native American
Children’s Safety Act (NACSA) of
2016
• 25 CFR part 23, ICWA
• 25 U.S.C. 1901 et seq., ICWA of 1978
• 2 CFR, Grants and Agreements,
Volume 1, 1–299
• 43 CFR part 18 (31 U.S.C. 1352) New
Restrictions on Lobbying
• Indian Child Welfare Act Title II
Authorities
B. Paperwork Reduction Act
The information collection contained
in this notice is authorized under OMB
Control Number 1076–0131, which
expires June 30, 2021. An agency may
not conduct or sponsor, and a person is
not required to respond to, a collection
of information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number.
II. Eligibility
Eligibility for funding will be limited
to activities that support and are
consistent with the intent and activities
outlined in the Indian Child Welfare Act
(ICWA) section 202 (25 U.S.C. 1932).
Indian Organizations may apply
individually or as a consortium for a
grant under this notice. Indian
Organization, solely for purpose of
eligibility for grants, means any legally
established group, association,
partnership, corporation, or other legal
entity which is owned or controlled by
Indians, or a majority (51 percent or
more) of whose members are Indians. A
consortium is created by an agreement
or association between two or more
eligible applicants who enter into an
agreement to administer a grant program
and to provide services under the grant
to Indian residents in a specific
geographical area when its
administratively feasible to provide an
adequate level of service within the
area. An applicant may not submit more
than one application nor be the
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beneficiary of more than one grant
under this notice.
III. Categories of Available Funding
Category of funding will be under
ICWA.
IV. Funding Limitations
Award Type: Grant.
Estimated Total Funding: $2,000,000.
Expected Number of Grant Awards:
10–15.
Award Ceiling: $100,000 per Budget
period.
Award Floor: $80,000 per Budget
period.
Anticipated Project Start Date:
October 1, 2021.
Anticipated Project End Date:
September 30, 2023.
Length of Project Period: Two Fiscal
Years.
Category: ICWA.
Cost Sharing or Matching: No
(volunteer).
Matching requirement(s) are voluntary.
Title II of the Indian Child Welfare Act,
at Section 201(b), clearly encourages
Tribes to seek funds from other sources
to enhance the quality and scope of
ICWA child and family services
programs.
V. Proposal Application Guidelines
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A. Background
On January 13, 1994, Indian Affairs
(IA) published in the Federal Register
(59 FR 2248) regulations revising 25
CFR part 23, the rules that govern the
Title II ICWA grant program. The
announcement converted the previous
competitive ICWA grant award process
to initiate a noncompetitive award
system for eligible Federally recognized
Tribes.
In FY 1995, the eligible Tribes began
to continuously access their recurring
ICWA funds in the Tribal Priority
Allocation (TPA) budget Subactivity
section of the Tribe’s budget system.
The funding process managed centrally
by IA for off-reservation Indian
Organizations was discontinued after
the conversion to the noncompetitive
process for eligible federally recognized
Tribes. The BIA last awarded the ICWA
off-reservation grants to Indian
Organizations in FY 1994. Rather, some
federally recognized Tribes have
contracted with off-reservation Indian
Organizations, if and where needed.
In FY 2020, the Congress appropriated
$1.0 million specifically to fund offreservation programs authorized by
section 202 of the ICWA (25 U.S.C.
1932). In FY 2021, the Congress
allocated again $1.0 million for the
ICWA, to fund off-reservation programs
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authorized by section 202 of the ICWA
(25 U.S.C. 1932) for the second
consecutive fiscal year. These are
considered one-time funding for the
earmark as included in the two
consecutive fiscal year appropriations
act.
The BIA will distribute the FY 2020
and FY 2021 funding to off-reservation
Indian Organizations through a
competitive grant process as outlined in
25 CFR 23.31–23.35, in subpart D,
Grants to Off-reservation Indian
Organizations for Title II Indian Child
and Family Services Programs.
B. Items To Consider Before Preparing
an Application, Funding Limitations, 2Year Timeframes and No-Cost
Extensions
Awards are subject to available
funding. The BIA’s obligation under this
solicitation notice is contingent on
receipt of available appropriated funds.
No liability on part of the U.S.
Government for any payment may arise
until funds are made available to the
awarding officer for this grant. No
liability may arise until the recipient
receives notice of such availability and
is confirmed in writing by the grants
officer.
C. Mandatory Components and
Requirements for Applications
1. Complete the Standard Form—
Federal Assistance (SF–424). Go to
www.grants.gov to download the
application:
• Select the ‘‘forms’’ tab. This will
open the page with table titled ‘‘SF–424
FAMILY FORMS’’;
• Under the column ‘‘Agency
Owner,’’ third row down, is form name
listed is ‘‘Application for Federal
Assistance SF–424.’’ Click on the PDF
letters to download the three-page
document.
2. Required Documents: Applicants
must attach the following documents.
a. Project Narrative:
Includes an Executive Summary and
a Technical Summary. The Project
Narrative must not exceed 20 pages.
• An Executive Summary includes an
overview or an initial assessment of the
project and includes a description of the
specific ICWA services and activities
the Indian Organization provides to
Indian communities. The Executive
Summary must outline the
Organization’s understanding of the
ICWA and explain the existing working
relationship with Indian child and
family service programs, specifically in
reference to family reunification and the
prevention of Indian family breakups.
This section will describe the challenges
or needs faced by the communities
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served and how the goal/vision for this
proposal will meet those needs. At a
minimum, it should include:
Æ A technical description of the
proposed project and communities
served, including geographic location,
the population in the service area, and
available information relevant to ICWA.
Æ A description of the existing ICWA
services in context to readiness to
exercise the project’s objectives and
goals. The description must identify
strengths and gaps in ICWA services
where relevant. Provide examples of
other Federal project and/or similar
projects for which funding is being
requested.
Æ Describe the deliverable services
that the project is expected to develop
and the resources available to
implement proposed project(s).
• The Technical Summary is a
narrative description of the program’s
skills and abilities, which includes the
Scope of Work (SOW) outlining what
will be done. This section must provide
a clear link between the proposed
activities and need identified in the
Executive Summary. It must clearly
state the project’s measurable goals,
objectives, activities, methodology used,
including culturally defined
approaches, which the applicant will
incorporate to achieve the identified
goals and objectives. Indicate the project
purpose (i.e., start up, expansion, or
replacement), describe the proposed
project and what it will accomplish
(e.g., number of children and families it
will service, service area, type of
services).
Æ The SOW must include a detailed
outline of the project(s) deliverables,
timeline, and milestones that will
enhance ICWA services provided to
children and families. The SOW
explains how the applicant will
measure and/or track its objectives and
outcomes of the proposed project
(performance measures), and why the
methods utilized will achieve the stated
goals. Tools may include quarterly
performance reports and other data
collected during reporting period.
D Deliverables: Is the result that
clearly defines each item(s) that the
project will deliver. Whether it is a
product or a service, state the reason
why the task/item is being executed in
the project for the customer—Tribe.
D Timeline: Is the road map that
outlines the project from start to finish.
The document delineates the major
phases across the schedule of the
project’s duration.
D Milestones: Breaks down the
timeline into manageable parts or tasks.
This document should help to monitor
the project’s progress and assist the
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planned schedule. Key milestones, such
as, project kickoffs, meetings, hand offs,
and how proposed project activities and
services will reach the population
identified.
D Performance Measures and
Outcomes: Is the process that the
applicant will use to collect data and
analyze the services provided to the
organization, individual, group, or
system (e.g., number of Indian children
and families supported in family
reunification foster and adoptive
homes).
b. Documentation of Authority to
Apply:
Applicants applying as an Indian
Organizations must submit
documentation of authority that
demonstrates Tribal support (e.g., a
Tribal resolution, letters of support,
cooperative service agreements). The
documentation must give the Tribal
Organization authority to apply for the
grant and contain authorized
signature(s) by the application due date.
Applicants applying as a Tribal
consortium must submit documentation
of authority to apply from each Tribe
and include a copy of the bylaws or
other governance documents that allow
the consortium’s action with the
application. This documentation must
give the consortium authority to apply
for the grant, contain authorized
signature(s), and be submitted by the
application due date.
c. Resume(s):
Provide the resumes (with areas of
expertise) of key consultants and
personnel, and the nature of their
involvement, including their
relationship to the applicant as Tribal
staff, consultant, subcontractor, etc. This
information may be included as an
attachment to the application and will
not be counted towards the 20-page
limitation.
d. Budget Narrative:
Provide a budget narrative that
describes separately all major line item
grant expenditures such as personnel,
fringe benefits, travel, equipment,
supplies, direct client services,
contractual, indirect costs, or other
major expenditures. Budget narrative
must correlate to the project scope of
work and clearly break the project down
into defined tasks with an associated
budget line item for each task. Include
justification for each task and identify
cost.
e. Critical Information Page:
Applicants must provide proof of its
Indian Organization or consortium
status as defined in Section II of this
notice. Applicants must include a list
and the contact information of the
Indian Organization Project Lead(s) and
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personnel. The list must include those
individuals that will oversee the project
work, make authorized decisions, and is
responsible for submitting the quarterly,
annual, and the final reports, plus
quarterly financial status reports. The
designated lead personnel may not be a
consultant. The designated Indian
Organization Project Lead(s) is
authorized to make decisions on the
grant activities.
f. Federal DUNS Number:
Each Indian Organization must verify
that it is registered in SAM.gov (https://
sam.gov/SAM), have a Federal DUNS
number.
g. ASAP Enrollment with the BIA:
Each Indian Organization must be
actively enrolled with the BIA in the
Automated Standard Application for
Payment (ASAP) system to receive the
grant. This information must be
provided in the critical information
page.
Applications must submit the SF–424
and all six (7) attachments (a–g)
described above. The BIA will not
accept or review any incomplete
applications.
D. Submission of Application in Digital
Format
Submission of a complete application
in digital form to grants.gov is required.
For instructions, see https://
www.grants.gov/help/html/help/
Applicants/HowToApplyForGrants.htm.
In very limited circumstances, the BIA
may accept a non-digital application.
Please contact the BIA at least a week
prior to the submission deadline for
approval.
The budget should use the SF–424A
form. Please use descriptive file names
to help the BIA quickly locate specific
components of the application.
E. Categories of Funding, Review
Criteria and Evaluation
Applications will be evaluated for
responsiveness to ICWA components
under each Funding Category. Review
criteria and the scoring system for each
Category are identified below.
1. Project Description and Scoring
System:
Executive Summary (30 points): The
Committee will evaluate the
applications based on the clarity and
content outlined in the Project Narrative
[Executive and Technical Summaries,
Section VIII, B (1)]. The Committee will
assess if the application:
• Demonstrates an understanding of
the ICWA.
• Describes examples of other Federal
project and/or similar projects for which
funding is being requested.
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• If the application describe the
current Indian population served and if
it operates an existing child and family
service programs, application contents
emphasize the prevention of Indian
family breakups and how project(s) will
complement these existing services.
• Applicant understands the
challenges faced by the community and
proposed project clearly defines how it
address these challenges.
• If the application offers a clearly
defined narrative description of the
program for the service area for the
project that describes service population
and geographic area.
• Describes specific services and/or
activities with recent baseline data with
plans that address gaps in services
identified.
2. Project Objective, Technical
Description, and Scope of Work (25
points): This criterion will evaluate the
project objective, technical description,
and scope of work as described in
Section VIII, B (2). The clarity of the
described work and the appropriateness
of the project in terms of meeting the
intent and goals of the grant. The
Committee will assess if the application:
• Includes activities, in the proposed
project, that directly relates to the intent
and provisions of the grant.
• Offer examples that reflect an
understanding of the social problems or
issues affecting the resident Indian
client population (including cultural
issues) that the applicant proposes to
serve and provide a clear link between
the proposed activities and the needs
identified of the population to be
served.
• Includes the technical barriers
created by existing public and private
programs for example availability of
transportation, distance between
community to be served, specific needs
of the Indian clientele and how the
proposed project will reach population
in the service area identified.
• Presents measurable goals,
objectives, and timeline for
implementation of proposed projects
that are clearly defined; and describes
how it will measure its progress in
achieving projects goals and objectives.
• Includes documentation that the
Indian Organization or consortium has
authority to apply for the grant, is
legally established, and submits letters
of support from the Tribe(s).
3. Deliverable Products (25 points):
The Committee will evaluate the extent
to which the expected outcome and
budget proposal meets the applicant’s
stated goals, based on the deliverables
described below. The Committee will
assess if the application:
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• Presents a narrative that includes a
needs assessment, quantitative data, and
demographics of the Indian population
to be served.
• Estimates the number of Indian
people or families served based on
available data.
• Offers a narrative description of the
program; the program goals and
objectives, stated in measurable terms.
• Includes culturally defined
approaches and/or procedures by which
the applicant will accomplish the
identified goals and objectives.
• Explains the internal monitoring
process or describes how it will measure
the project’s progress and
accomplishments.
• Provides a budget narrative that
separately describes all major line item
grant expenditures and it correlates to
the project scope of work.
• Clearly breaks the project down into
defined tasks with an associated budget
line item for each task; includes
justification for each tasks and costs
identified.
• Has a budget that includes how the
cost of goods and services are
determined and how they will fulfill the
objectives of the project.
• Has a reasonable budget, based on
the resources needed to implement the
project(s) in the identified specific
geographic location.
4. Key Personnel and Administration
(20 points): The Committee will
evaluate key personnel experience
working with Tribal communities on
ICWA related matters. The Committee
will assess how the Indian
Organizations performs administrative
functions and produces quality project
deliverables. The Committee will assess
if the application:
• Provides proof of its Indian
Organization or consortium status.
• Includes resumes that demonstrate
key personnel have ICWA experience,
and position descriptions.
• Submitted the Federal Assistance
form (SF–424).
• Includes a DUNS Number.
• Includes certification that the
bookkeeping and accounting procedures
used meet existing Federal standards for
grant administration and management.
• Includes verification, in accordance
with 25 U.S.C. 3201 et seq. (Pub. L. 101–
630), title IV, the Indian Child
Protection and Family Violence
Prevention Act, that character and
background investigations of key
personnel is or will be conducted.
• Demonstrates compliance with a
Drug-Free Workplace.
• Demonstrates financial management
capability by providing its most recent
audit report.
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The BIA, Director will approve all final
award selections. The BIA will notify all
award applicants in writing.
F. Transfer of Funding and Transfer of
Funds
The BIA’s obligation under this
solicitation is contingent upon receipt of
Congressionally appropriated funds. No
liability on the part of the U.S.
Government for any payment may arise
until funds are made available to the
Grants Officer for this award until
recipient receives notice of such
availability, to be confirmed in writing
by the Grant Officer. All payment under
this agreement will be made by the U.S.
Government by electronic funds transfer
(through the Automated Standard
Application for Payment (ASAP)). All
payments will be deposited in
accordance with the banking
information designated for the applicant
in the System for Award Management
(SAM).
G. Reporting Requirements for Award
Recipients
During the life of a grant project,
deliverables will include an annual
project/technical progress update, and a
final written report addressing
components outlined in the Scope of
Work. Annual written progress and
financial status reports are to be
submitted to the BIA using the
GrantSolutions.gov portal 30 days
following the end of the first year and
annually thereafter. Reporting dates will
be established by the BIA’s Grants
Officer and written into the agreement
once the award has been made but will
coincide with the Federal fiscal year
calendar.
The annual report consists of two
parts: (1) A narrative report: a summary
of events, accomplishments, problems
and results during the year, and (2) a
financial report SF–425: a list in of
expenditures during the quarter, how
the funds were spent, and the amount
remaining. The project monitor will
access the reports in the Grant Solutions
system.
1. Delivery Schedules:
The Tribal awardees will deliver all
products and data generated under the
project to the BIA via the
GrantSolutions.gov portal within 90
days after project completion, as
required by the signed agreement, and
may withhold sensitive information
(e.g., proprietary Tribal data or
Traditional Knowledge). Such
information may be redacted at the
Tribal government’s discretion because
information in the possession of the BIA
or submitted to the BIA throughout the
process, including final work product,
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constitute Government records and may
be subject to the disclosure to third
parties under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552,
and the Department of the Interior’s
FOIA regulations at 43 CFR part 2,
unless a FOIA exemption or exception
applies or other provisions of law
protect the information.
2. Digital Format Requirements for
Reports and Data:
The BIA requires that all deliverable
products and reports be uploaded to
GrantSolutions.gov. Reports can be
provided in Microsoft Word or Adobe
Acrobat PDF formats. Spreadsheet data
can be provided in Microsoft Excel,
Microsoft Access, or Adobe PDF
formats. All vector figures should be
converted to PDF format. Raster images
can be provided in PDF, JPEG, TIFF, or
any of the Windows metafile formats.
3. Number of Copies:
The submitted proposal should
account for the requirement that all final
products be delivered in the format
described above, one digital copy.
H. Additional Information
1. DUNS Registration:
Request a DUNS number online at
https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. U.S.based entities may also request a DUNS
number by telephone by calling the Dun
& Bradstreet Government Customer
Response Center, Monday–Friday, 7
a.m. to 8 p.m. CST at the following
numbers:
U.S. and U.S. Virgin Islands: 1–866–
705–5711
Alaska and Puerto Rico: 1–800–234–
3867 (Select Option 2, then Option 1)
For Hearing Impaired Customers Only
call: 1–877–807–1679 (TTY Line)
Once assigned a DUNS number, entities
are responsible for maintaining up-todate information with Dun & Bradstreet.
2. Entity Registration in SAM and
Printing Confirmation:
Registration in System for Award
Management (SAM) is required and
online at https://www.sam.gov/. Once
registered in SAM with BIA, entities
must renew and revalidate their SAM
registration at least every 12 months
from the date previously registered.
Entities are strongly urged to revalidate
their registration as often as needed to
ensure that their information is up to
date and in sync with changes that may
have been made to DUNS and IRS
information. For SAM assistance, call:
1–866–606–8220. If the tribe’s SAM
registration name is not exactly the
same as the legal name on BIA’s list, the
tribal organization should contact their
local Procurement Technical Assistance
Center (PTAC) as soon as possible.
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Changing a name can take several
weeks. Find your local PTAC at https://
www.dla.mil/HQ/SmallBusiness/
PTAC.aspx. Alaska tribes may also call
1–800–478–7232.
To print confirmation page:
• Go to www.sam.gov.
• Click on ‘‘Search Records.’’
• Click on ‘‘Quick Search’’ or ‘‘DUNS
Number Search’’ or ‘‘CAGE Code
Search’’ query boxes to enter tribe’s
information (any of these should work).
• Click ‘‘Search.’’
• If correct Entity Name and
information are displayed, click ‘‘Save
PDF’’ on right side of screen and add
that to the application as the attachment
for Requirement 2.
3. Excluded Entities:
Applicant entities identified in the
SAM.gov Exclusions database as
ineligible, prohibited/restricted or
excluded from receiving Federal
awards, certain subawards, and certain
Federal assistance and benefits, will not
be considered for Federal funding, as
applicable to the funding being
requested under this Federal program.
4. Registration in ASAP with BIA:
Although a Tribe or Indian
Organization may be registered in in the
Automated Standard Application for
Payments (ASAP) already with another
agency, it must be specifically enrolled
with the BIA. To register in ASAP, an
enrollment form must be completed and
emailed to Jo Ann Metcalfe at
jo.metcalfe@bia.gov. As soon as the
Tribe is enrolled, a user ID will be
emailed to the point of contact listed on
the enrollment form. Next, a password
will automatically be mailed by USPS to
the tribe, but you can call the ASAP
Help Desk at 855–868–0151 and press 2
then 3 to reach an agent who can help
to request a password via email to
expedite the process. Upon receiving a
password, you will then have access to
your online ASAP account to name the
required roles for setup—this process is
not immediate. To complete the process,
call the ASAP Help Desk again and
remain on the line with them while they
assist you in setting up and linking the
Tribe’s banking information to BIA’s
Agency Locator Code (ALC/Region).
BIA’s ALC is 14200699. Once this is
completed, you will receive a
confirmation email and it will take the
Treasury 5–10 business days to approve
your ASAP enrollment with BIA. This
process only needs to be done once and
does not need to be regularly updated
unless the Tribal staff changes who is
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:13 Jun 22, 2021
Jkt 253001
named as the primary role in ASAP set
up.
Bryan Newland,
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary—Indian
Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2021–13198 Filed 6–22–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4337–15–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Indian Affairs
[212D0102DR/DS5A300000/
DR.5A311.IA000118]
Land Acquisitions; Wilton Rancheria
Bureau of Indian Affairs,
Interior.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
The Principal Deputy
Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs
made a final agency determination to
acquire 35.92 acres, more or less, in the
City of Elk Grove, Sacramento County,
California (Site) in trust for the Wilton
Rancheria for gaming and other
purposes on January 19, 2017.
DATES: The final determination was
made on January 19, 2017. The land was
acquired in trust on February 10, 2017.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms.
Paula L. Hart, Director, Office of Indian
Gaming, Bureau of Indian Affairs, MS–
3543 MIB, 1849 C Street NW,
Washington, DC 20240, telephone (202)
219–4066, paula.hart@bia.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On
January 19, 2017, the Principal Deputy
Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs
issued a decision to accept the Site,
consisting of approximately 35.92 acres,
more or less, of land in trust for the
Wilton Rancheria (Tribe), under the
authority of the Indian Reorganization
Act, 25 U.S.C. 5108. The Principal
Deputy Assistant Secretary—Indian
Affairs determined that Tribe’s request
also meets the requirements of the
Indian Gaming Regulatory Act’s
‘‘Restored Lands’’ exception, 25 U.S.C.
2719(b)(1)(B)(iii), to the general
prohibition contained in 25 U.S.C.
2719(a) on gaming on lands acquired in
trust after October 17, 1988.
The Assistant Secretary—Indian
Affairs, on behalf of the Secretary of the
Interior, acquired title to Site in the
name of the United States of America in
trust for Tribe on February 10, 2017.
The 35.92 acres, more or less, are
located in Sacramento County,
California and are described as follows:
Being a portion of Lot A as shown on
that certain map entitled ‘‘Subdivision
No. 00–038.00 Lent Ranch Marketplace’’
filed for record on December 14, 2007 in
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00093
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Book 372 of Maps, Page 27, located in
the City of Elk Grove, County of
Sacramento, State of California, more
particularly described as follows:
Commencing at a point which is the
northeasterly corner of Lot A of said
map, being a 3/4″ iron pipe with plug
stamped L.S. 6815; Thence leaving said
point of commencement along the
northeasterly line of said Lot A, South
37°55′18″ East, a distance of 533.10 feet;
Thence leaving said northeasterly line,
entering and passing through said Lot A,
South 51°30′01″ West, a distance of
24.29 feet to the true point of beginning;
Thence leaving said Point of Beginning
and continuing through said Lot A,
South 51°30′01″ West, a distance of
1780.56 feet to a point on the
southwesterly line of said Lot A, also
being a point on the northeasterly rightof-way line of Promenade Parkway as
shown on said map;
Thence northwesterly and northerly,
respectively, along said right-of-way
line, the following Twenty-one (21) arcs,
courses and distances:
(1) From a radial line which bears
South 57°17′37″ West, along a nontangent curve concave to the east,
having a radius of 1,452.00 feet,
northwesterly 564.43 feet along said
curve through a central angle of
22°16′20″;
(2) North 79°33′57″ East, a distance of
6.00 feet;
(3) from a radial line which bears
South 79°33′57″ West, along a nontangent curve concave to the southeast,
having a radius of 25.00 feet,
northeasterly 40.55 feet along said curve
through a central angle of 92°56′41″;
(4) North 82°30′38″ East, a distance of
51.72 feet;
(5) North 07°29′22″ West, a distance
of 100.00 feet;
(6) South 82°30′38″ West, a distance
of 53.51 feet;
(7) along a tangent curve concave to
the northeast, having a radius of 25.00
feet, northwesterly 40.62 feet along said
curve through a central angle of
93°06′07″;
(8) South 85°36′45″ West, a distance
of 6.00 feet;
(9) from a radial line which bears
South 85°36′45″ West, along a nontangent curve concave to the east,
having a radius of 1,454.00 feet,
northerly 93.58 feet along said curve
through a central angle of 03°41′16″;
(10) North 00°42′00″ West, a distance
of 147.80 feet;
(11) North 89°18′00″ East, a distance
of 6.00 feet;
(12) from a radial line which bears
South 89°18′00″ West, along a nontangent curve concave to the southeast,
having a radius of 25.00 feet,
E:\FR\FM\23JNN1.SGM
23JNN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 118 (Wednesday, June 23, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32970-32974]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-13198]
[[Page 32970]]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Indian Affairs
[212A2100DD AAK6006201 AOR3030.999900]
Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Grants to Indian Organizations
for Off-Reservation Indian Child and Family Service Programs
AGENCY: Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Indian Services.
ACTION: Solicitation of proposals.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Secretary of the Interior (Secretary), through the Bureau
of Indian Affairs (BIA), is soliciting grants from Indian Organizations
to establish and operate off-reservation Indian child and family
service programs. The intent of the Indian child and family service
programs are to provide services for stabilizing Indian families and
Tribes, preventing the breakup of Indian families and, in particular,
to ensure that the permanent removal of an Indian child from the
custody of his/her Indian parent or Indian custodian shall be a last
resort.
DATES: Grant application packages must be submitted no later than 5
p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, July 16, 2021. The BIA will not consider
proposals received after this time and date.
ADDRESSES: Grant application packages must be submitted through
Grants.gov. For information on how to apply for grants in Grants.gov,
see the instructions available at: https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/Applicants/HowToApplyForGrants.htm.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions regarding the
application process, please contact Jo Ann Metcalfe, Grant Officer, via
email at [email protected] or phone at (703) 390-6410.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
A. Authority
B. Paperwork Reduction Act
II. Eligibility
III. Categories of Available Funding
IV. Funding Limitations
V. Proposal Application Guidelines
A. Background
B. Items To Consider Before Preparing an Application, Funding
Limitations, 2-Year Timeframes, and No-Cost Extensions
C. Mandatory Components and Requirements for Applications
D. Submission of Application in Digital Format
E. Categories of Funding, Review Criteria and Evaluation
F. Transfer of Funding and Transfer of Funds
G. Reporting Requirements for Award Recipients
H. Additional Information
I. Background
In Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, the Congress appropriated $1.0 million to
fund off-reservation programs authorized by section 202 of the ICWA (25
U.S.C. 1932). In FY 2021, the Congress again allocated $1.0 million for
ICWA, to fund off-reservation Indian Organizations authorized by
section 202 of the ICWA (25 U.S.C. 1932), just as it did in the FY 2020
appropriations.
The BIA is the Federal agency charged with administering ICWA
funding to Federally recognized Tribes and will distribute a total of
$2.0 million (subject to fund availability) grants to off-reservation
Indian Organizations through a competitive grant process as outlined in
25 CFR 23.31-23.35, Subpart D., Grants to off-reservation Indian
Organizations for Title II Indian Child and Family Services Programs
which will include, but are not limited to:
(1) A system for regulating, maintaining, and supporting Indian
foster and adoptive homes, including a subsidy program under which
Indian adoptive children may be provided support comparable to that
for which they would be eligible as Indian foster children, taking
into account the appropriate State standards of support for
maintenance and medical needs;
(2) the operation and maintenance of facilities and services for
counseling and treatment of Indian families and Indian foster and
adoptive children;
(3) family assistance, including homemaker and home counselors,
day care, afterschool care, and employment, recreational activities,
and respite care; and
(4) guidance, legal representation, and advice to Indian
families involved in child custody proceedings.\a\
\a\ 25 U.S.C. 1932.
This solicitation contains guidelines and instructions for writing and
submitting a proposal. The BIA will use a competitive evaluation
process.
A. Authority
This ICWA grant is funding that is provided through non-recurring
appropriations made by the Congress in its annual appropriations to the
BIA. These funds were provided on a year-to-year basis and may or may
not be provided in future years.
In the House Report (H. R.) 116-100, Department of the Interior,
Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2020, the House
Appropriations Committee directed the BIA to utilize the $1.0 million
specifically provided within the $16.431 million enacted for the ICWA
to fund off-reservation Indian organizations authorized by section 202
of the ICWA (25 U.S.C. 1932).
The House Report (H. R.) 116-448, Department of the Interior,
Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2021 provided
$1,000,000 once again as provided in the fiscal year 2020 for off-
reservation programs authorized by section 202 of ICWA (25 U.S.C.
1932).
Additional authorizing statutes for the program include:
Section 202 of ICWA (25 U.S.C. 1932)
Public Law 93-638, ISDEAA of 1975, as amended
Public Law 101-630, The Indian Child Protection and Family
Violence Prevention Act
Public Law 114-165, Native American Children's Safety Act
(NACSA) of 2016
25 CFR part 23, ICWA
25 U.S.C. 1901 et seq., ICWA of 1978
2 CFR, Grants and Agreements, Volume 1, 1-299
43 CFR part 18 (31 U.S.C. 1352) New Restrictions on Lobbying
Indian Child Welfare Act Title II Authorities
B. Paperwork Reduction Act
The information collection contained in this notice is authorized
under OMB Control Number 1076-0131, which expires June 30, 2021. An
agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to
respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently
valid OMB control number.
II. Eligibility
Eligibility for funding will be limited to activities that support
and are consistent with the intent and activities outlined in the
Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) section 202 (25 U.S.C. 1932).
Indian Organizations may apply individually or as a consortium for
a grant under this notice. Indian Organization, solely for purpose of
eligibility for grants, means any legally established group,
association, partnership, corporation, or other legal entity which is
owned or controlled by Indians, or a majority (51 percent or more) of
whose members are Indians. A consortium is created by an agreement or
association between two or more eligible applicants who enter into an
agreement to administer a grant program and to provide services under
the grant to Indian residents in a specific geographical area when its
administratively feasible to provide an adequate level of service
within the area. An applicant may not submit more than one application
nor be the
[[Page 32971]]
beneficiary of more than one grant under this notice.
III. Categories of Available Funding
Category of funding will be under ICWA.
IV. Funding Limitations
Award Type: Grant.
Estimated Total Funding: $2,000,000.
Expected Number of Grant Awards: 10-15.
Award Ceiling: $100,000 per Budget period.
Award Floor: $80,000 per Budget period.
Anticipated Project Start Date: October 1, 2021.
Anticipated Project End Date: September 30, 2023.
Length of Project Period: Two Fiscal Years.
Category: ICWA.
Cost Sharing or Matching: No (volunteer).
Matching requirement(s) are voluntary. Title II of the Indian Child
Welfare Act, at Section 201(b), clearly encourages Tribes to seek funds
from other sources to enhance the quality and scope of ICWA child and
family services programs.
V. Proposal Application Guidelines
A. Background
On January 13, 1994, Indian Affairs (IA) published in the Federal
Register (59 FR 2248) regulations revising 25 CFR part 23, the rules
that govern the Title II ICWA grant program. The announcement converted
the previous competitive ICWA grant award process to initiate a
noncompetitive award system for eligible Federally recognized Tribes.
In FY 1995, the eligible Tribes began to continuously access their
recurring ICWA funds in the Tribal Priority Allocation (TPA) budget
Subactivity section of the Tribe's budget system. The funding process
managed centrally by IA for off-reservation Indian Organizations was
discontinued after the conversion to the noncompetitive process for
eligible federally recognized Tribes. The BIA last awarded the ICWA
off-reservation grants to Indian Organizations in FY 1994. Rather, some
federally recognized Tribes have contracted with off-reservation Indian
Organizations, if and where needed.
In FY 2020, the Congress appropriated $1.0 million specifically to
fund off-reservation programs authorized by section 202 of the ICWA (25
U.S.C. 1932). In FY 2021, the Congress allocated again $1.0 million for
the ICWA, to fund off-reservation programs authorized by section 202 of
the ICWA (25 U.S.C. 1932) for the second consecutive fiscal year. These
are considered one-time funding for the earmark as included in the two
consecutive fiscal year appropriations act.
The BIA will distribute the FY 2020 and FY 2021 funding to off-
reservation Indian Organizations through a competitive grant process as
outlined in 25 CFR 23.31-23.35, in subpart D, Grants to Off-reservation
Indian Organizations for Title II Indian Child and Family Services
Programs.
B. Items To Consider Before Preparing an Application, Funding
Limitations, 2-Year Timeframes and No-Cost Extensions
Awards are subject to available funding. The BIA's obligation under
this solicitation notice is contingent on receipt of available
appropriated funds. No liability on part of the U.S. Government for any
payment may arise until funds are made available to the awarding
officer for this grant. No liability may arise until the recipient
receives notice of such availability and is confirmed in writing by the
grants officer.
C. Mandatory Components and Requirements for Applications
1. Complete the Standard Form--Federal Assistance (SF-424). Go to
www.grants.gov to download the application:
Select the ``forms'' tab. This will open the page with
table titled ``SF-424 FAMILY FORMS'';
Under the column ``Agency Owner,'' third row down, is form
name listed is ``Application for Federal Assistance SF-424.'' Click on
the PDF letters to download the three-page document.
2. Required Documents: Applicants must attach the following
documents.
a. Project Narrative:
Includes an Executive Summary and a Technical Summary. The Project
Narrative must not exceed 20 pages.
An Executive Summary includes an overview or an initial
assessment of the project and includes a description of the specific
ICWA services and activities the Indian Organization provides to Indian
communities. The Executive Summary must outline the Organization's
understanding of the ICWA and explain the existing working relationship
with Indian child and family service programs, specifically in
reference to family reunification and the prevention of Indian family
breakups. This section will describe the challenges or needs faced by
the communities served and how the goal/vision for this proposal will
meet those needs. At a minimum, it should include:
[cir] A technical description of the proposed project and
communities served, including geographic location, the population in
the service area, and available information relevant to ICWA.
[cir] A description of the existing ICWA services in context to
readiness to exercise the project's objectives and goals. The
description must identify strengths and gaps in ICWA services where
relevant. Provide examples of other Federal project and/or similar
projects for which funding is being requested.
[cir] Describe the deliverable services that the project is
expected to develop and the resources available to implement proposed
project(s).
The Technical Summary is a narrative description of the
program's skills and abilities, which includes the Scope of Work (SOW)
outlining what will be done. This section must provide a clear link
between the proposed activities and need identified in the Executive
Summary. It must clearly state the project's measurable goals,
objectives, activities, methodology used, including culturally defined
approaches, which the applicant will incorporate to achieve the
identified goals and objectives. Indicate the project purpose (i.e.,
start up, expansion, or replacement), describe the proposed project and
what it will accomplish (e.g., number of children and families it will
service, service area, type of services).
[cir] The SOW must include a detailed outline of the project(s)
deliverables, timeline, and milestones that will enhance ICWA services
provided to children and families. The SOW explains how the applicant
will measure and/or track its objectives and outcomes of the proposed
project (performance measures), and why the methods utilized will
achieve the stated goals. Tools may include quarterly performance
reports and other data collected during reporting period.
[ssquf] Deliverables: Is the result that clearly defines each
item(s) that the project will deliver. Whether it is a product or a
service, state the reason why the task/item is being executed in the
project for the customer--Tribe.
[ssquf] Timeline: Is the road map that outlines the project from
start to finish. The document delineates the major phases across the
schedule of the project's duration.
[ssquf] Milestones: Breaks down the timeline into manageable parts
or tasks. This document should help to monitor the project's progress
and assist the
[[Page 32972]]
planned schedule. Key milestones, such as, project kickoffs, meetings,
hand offs, and how proposed project activities and services will reach
the population identified.
[ssquf] Performance Measures and Outcomes: Is the process that the
applicant will use to collect data and analyze the services provided to
the organization, individual, group, or system (e.g., number of Indian
children and families supported in family reunification foster and
adoptive homes).
b. Documentation of Authority to Apply:
Applicants applying as an Indian Organizations must submit
documentation of authority that demonstrates Tribal support (e.g., a
Tribal resolution, letters of support, cooperative service agreements).
The documentation must give the Tribal Organization authority to apply
for the grant and contain authorized signature(s) by the application
due date. Applicants applying as a Tribal consortium must submit
documentation of authority to apply from each Tribe and include a copy
of the bylaws or other governance documents that allow the consortium's
action with the application. This documentation must give the
consortium authority to apply for the grant, contain authorized
signature(s), and be submitted by the application due date.
c. Resume(s):
Provide the resumes (with areas of expertise) of key consultants
and personnel, and the nature of their involvement, including their
relationship to the applicant as Tribal staff, consultant,
subcontractor, etc. This information may be included as an attachment
to the application and will not be counted towards the 20-page
limitation.
d. Budget Narrative:
Provide a budget narrative that describes separately all major line
item grant expenditures such as personnel, fringe benefits, travel,
equipment, supplies, direct client services, contractual, indirect
costs, or other major expenditures. Budget narrative must correlate to
the project scope of work and clearly break the project down into
defined tasks with an associated budget line item for each task.
Include justification for each task and identify cost.
e. Critical Information Page:
Applicants must provide proof of its Indian Organization or
consortium status as defined in Section II of this notice. Applicants
must include a list and the contact information of the Indian
Organization Project Lead(s) and personnel. The list must include those
individuals that will oversee the project work, make authorized
decisions, and is responsible for submitting the quarterly, annual, and
the final reports, plus quarterly financial status reports. The
designated lead personnel may not be a consultant. The designated
Indian Organization Project Lead(s) is authorized to make decisions on
the grant activities.
f. Federal DUNS Number:
Each Indian Organization must verify that it is registered in
SAM.gov (https://sam.gov/SAM), have a Federal DUNS number.
g. ASAP Enrollment with the BIA:
Each Indian Organization must be actively enrolled with the BIA in
the Automated Standard Application for Payment (ASAP) system to receive
the grant. This information must be provided in the critical
information page.
Applications must submit the SF-424 and all six (7) attachments (a-g)
described above. The BIA will not accept or review any incomplete
applications.
D. Submission of Application in Digital Format
Submission of a complete application in digital form to grants.gov
is required. For instructions, see https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/Applicants/HowToApplyForGrants.htm. In very limited circumstances,
the BIA may accept a non-digital application. Please contact the BIA at
least a week prior to the submission deadline for approval.
The budget should use the SF-424A form. Please use descriptive file
names to help the BIA quickly locate specific components of the
application.
E. Categories of Funding, Review Criteria and Evaluation
Applications will be evaluated for responsiveness to ICWA
components under each Funding Category. Review criteria and the scoring
system for each Category are identified below.
1. Project Description and Scoring System:
Executive Summary (30 points): The Committee will evaluate the
applications based on the clarity and content outlined in the Project
Narrative [Executive and Technical Summaries, Section VIII, B (1)]. The
Committee will assess if the application:
Demonstrates an understanding of the ICWA.
Describes examples of other Federal project and/or similar
projects for which funding is being requested.
If the application describe the current Indian population
served and if it operates an existing child and family service
programs, application contents emphasize the prevention of Indian
family breakups and how project(s) will complement these existing
services.
Applicant understands the challenges faced by the
community and proposed project clearly defines how it address these
challenges.
If the application offers a clearly defined narrative
description of the program for the service area for the project that
describes service population and geographic area.
Describes specific services and/or activities with recent
baseline data with plans that address gaps in services identified.
2. Project Objective, Technical Description, and Scope of Work (25
points): This criterion will evaluate the project objective, technical
description, and scope of work as described in Section VIII, B (2). The
clarity of the described work and the appropriateness of the project in
terms of meeting the intent and goals of the grant. The Committee will
assess if the application:
Includes activities, in the proposed project, that
directly relates to the intent and provisions of the grant.
Offer examples that reflect an understanding of the social
problems or issues affecting the resident Indian client population
(including cultural issues) that the applicant proposes to serve and
provide a clear link between the proposed activities and the needs
identified of the population to be served.
Includes the technical barriers created by existing public
and private programs for example availability of transportation,
distance between community to be served, specific needs of the Indian
clientele and how the proposed project will reach population in the
service area identified.
Presents measurable goals, objectives, and timeline for
implementation of proposed projects that are clearly defined; and
describes how it will measure its progress in achieving projects goals
and objectives.
Includes documentation that the Indian Organization or
consortium has authority to apply for the grant, is legally
established, and submits letters of support from the Tribe(s).
3. Deliverable Products (25 points): The Committee will evaluate
the extent to which the expected outcome and budget proposal meets the
applicant's stated goals, based on the deliverables described below.
The Committee will assess if the application:
[[Page 32973]]
Presents a narrative that includes a needs assessment,
quantitative data, and demographics of the Indian population to be
served.
Estimates the number of Indian people or families served
based on available data.
Offers a narrative description of the program; the program
goals and objectives, stated in measurable terms.
Includes culturally defined approaches and/or procedures
by which the applicant will accomplish the identified goals and
objectives.
Explains the internal monitoring process or describes how
it will measure the project's progress and accomplishments.
Provides a budget narrative that separately describes all
major line item grant expenditures and it correlates to the project
scope of work.
Clearly breaks the project down into defined tasks with an
associated budget line item for each task; includes justification for
each tasks and costs identified.
Has a budget that includes how the cost of goods and
services are determined and how they will fulfill the objectives of the
project.
Has a reasonable budget, based on the resources needed to
implement the project(s) in the identified specific geographic
location.
4. Key Personnel and Administration (20 points): The Committee will
evaluate key personnel experience working with Tribal communities on
ICWA related matters. The Committee will assess how the Indian
Organizations performs administrative functions and produces quality
project deliverables. The Committee will assess if the application:
Provides proof of its Indian Organization or consortium
status.
Includes resumes that demonstrate key personnel have ICWA
experience, and position descriptions.
Submitted the Federal Assistance form (SF-424).
Includes a DUNS Number.
Includes certification that the bookkeeping and accounting
procedures used meet existing Federal standards for grant
administration and management.
Includes verification, in accordance with 25 U.S.C. 3201
et seq. (Pub. L. 101-630), title IV, the Indian Child Protection and
Family Violence Prevention Act, that character and background
investigations of key personnel is or will be conducted.
Demonstrates compliance with a Drug-Free Workplace.
Demonstrates financial management capability by providing
its most recent audit report.
The BIA, Director will approve all final award selections. The BIA will
notify all award applicants in writing.
F. Transfer of Funding and Transfer of Funds
The BIA's obligation under this solicitation is contingent upon
receipt of Congressionally appropriated funds. No liability on the part
of the U.S. Government for any payment may arise until funds are made
available to the Grants Officer for this award until recipient receives
notice of such availability, to be confirmed in writing by the Grant
Officer. All payment under this agreement will be made by the U.S.
Government by electronic funds transfer (through the Automated Standard
Application for Payment (ASAP)). All payments will be deposited in
accordance with the banking information designated for the applicant in
the System for Award Management (SAM).
G. Reporting Requirements for Award Recipients
During the life of a grant project, deliverables will include an
annual project/technical progress update, and a final written report
addressing components outlined in the Scope of Work. Annual written
progress and financial status reports are to be submitted to the BIA
using the GrantSolutions.gov portal 30 days following the end of the
first year and annually thereafter. Reporting dates will be established
by the BIA's Grants Officer and written into the agreement once the
award has been made but will coincide with the Federal fiscal year
calendar.
The annual report consists of two parts: (1) A narrative report: a
summary of events, accomplishments, problems and results during the
year, and (2) a financial report SF-425: a list in of expenditures
during the quarter, how the funds were spent, and the amount remaining.
The project monitor will access the reports in the Grant Solutions
system.
1. Delivery Schedules:
The Tribal awardees will deliver all products and data generated
under the project to the BIA via the GrantSolutions.gov portal within
90 days after project completion, as required by the signed agreement,
and may withhold sensitive information (e.g., proprietary Tribal data
or Traditional Knowledge). Such information may be redacted at the
Tribal government's discretion because information in the possession of
the BIA or submitted to the BIA throughout the process, including final
work product, constitute Government records and may be subject to the
disclosure to third parties under the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552, and the Department of the Interior's FOIA
regulations at 43 CFR part 2, unless a FOIA exemption or exception
applies or other provisions of law protect the information.
2. Digital Format Requirements for Reports and Data:
The BIA requires that all deliverable products and reports be
uploaded to GrantSolutions.gov. Reports can be provided in Microsoft
Word or Adobe Acrobat PDF formats. Spreadsheet data can be provided in
Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, or Adobe PDF formats. All vector
figures should be converted to PDF format. Raster images can be
provided in PDF, JPEG, TIFF, or any of the Windows metafile formats.
3. Number of Copies:
The submitted proposal should account for the requirement that all
final products be delivered in the format described above, one digital
copy.
H. Additional Information
1. DUNS Registration:
Request a DUNS number online at https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform.
U.S.-based entities may also request a DUNS number by telephone by
calling the Dun & Bradstreet Government Customer Response Center,
Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. CST at the following numbers:
U.S. and U.S. Virgin Islands: 1-866-705-5711
Alaska and Puerto Rico: 1-800-234-3867 (Select Option 2, then Option 1)
For Hearing Impaired Customers Only call: 1-877-807-1679 (TTY Line)
Once assigned a DUNS number, entities are responsible for maintaining
up-to-date information with Dun & Bradstreet.
2. Entity Registration in SAM and Printing Confirmation:
Registration in System for Award Management (SAM) is required and
online at https://www.sam.gov/. Once registered in SAM with BIA,
entities must renew and revalidate their SAM registration at least
every 12 months from the date previously registered. Entities are
strongly urged to revalidate their registration as often as needed to
ensure that their information is up to date and in sync with changes
that may have been made to DUNS and IRS information. For SAM
assistance, call: 1-866-606-8220. If the tribe's SAM registration name
is not exactly the same as the legal name on BIA's list, the tribal
organization should contact their local Procurement Technical
Assistance Center (PTAC) as soon as possible.
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Changing a name can take several weeks. Find your local PTAC at https://www.dla.mil/HQ/SmallBusiness/PTAC.aspx. Alaska tribes may also call 1-
800-478-7232.
To print confirmation page:
Go to www.sam.gov.
Click on ``Search Records.''
Click on ``Quick Search'' or ``DUNS Number Search'' or
``CAGE Code Search'' query boxes to enter tribe's information (any of
these should work).
Click ``Search.''
If correct Entity Name and information are displayed,
click ``Save PDF'' on right side of screen and add that to the
application as the attachment for Requirement 2.
3. Excluded Entities:
Applicant entities identified in the SAM.gov Exclusions database as
ineligible, prohibited/restricted or excluded from receiving Federal
awards, certain subawards, and certain Federal assistance and benefits,
will not be considered for Federal funding, as applicable to the
funding being requested under this Federal program.
4. Registration in ASAP with BIA:
Although a Tribe or Indian Organization may be registered in in the
Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) already with another
agency, it must be specifically enrolled with the BIA. To register in
ASAP, an enrollment form must be completed and emailed to Jo Ann
Metcalfe at [email protected]. As soon as the Tribe is enrolled, a
user ID will be emailed to the point of contact listed on the
enrollment form. Next, a password will automatically be mailed by USPS
to the tribe, but you can call the ASAP Help Desk at 855-868-0151 and
press 2 then 3 to reach an agent who can help to request a password via
email to expedite the process. Upon receiving a password, you will then
have access to your online ASAP account to name the required roles for
setup--this process is not immediate. To complete the process, call the
ASAP Help Desk again and remain on the line with them while they assist
you in setting up and linking the Tribe's banking information to BIA's
Agency Locator Code (ALC/Region). BIA's ALC is 14200699. Once this is
completed, you will receive a confirmation email and it will take the
Treasury 5-10 business days to approve your ASAP enrollment with BIA.
This process only needs to be done once and does not need to be
regularly updated unless the Tribal staff changes who is named as the
primary role in ASAP set up.
Bryan Newland,
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2021-13198 Filed 6-22-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4337-15-P