Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Grants to Indian Organizations for Off-Reservation Indian Child and Family Service Programs, 32970-32974 [2021-13198]

Download as PDF 32970 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: jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:13 Jun 22, 2021 Jkt 253001 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 PO 00000 U.S.C. 1932. Frm 00089 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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 E:\FR\FM\23JNN1.SGM 23JNN1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 118 / Wednesday, June 23, 2021 / Notices 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 jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:13 Jun 22, 2021 Jkt 253001 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 PO 00000 Frm 00090 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 32971 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 E:\FR\FM\23JNN1.SGM 23JNN1 jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES 32972 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 118 / Wednesday, June 23, 2021 / Notices 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:13 Jun 22, 2021 Jkt 253001 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. PO 00000 Frm 00091 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 • 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: E:\FR\FM\23JNN1.SGM 23JNN1 jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 118 / Wednesday, June 23, 2021 / Notices • 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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:13 Jun 22, 2021 Jkt 253001 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, PO 00000 Frm 00092 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 32973 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. E:\FR\FM\23JNN1.SGM 23JNN1 jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES 32974 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 118 / Wednesday, June 23, 2021 / Notices 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.

[[Page 32974]]

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


This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.