FEDERAL AGENCY:

BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

AUTHORIZATION:

Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, Public Law 93-638, as amended, 25 U.S.C. 450 et seq.; Indian Education Amendments of 1978, Public Law 95-561, 25 U.S.C. 2001; Tribally Controlled Schools Act, 25 U.S.C. 2501.

OBJECTIVES:

To provide funds to BIA funded elementary or secondary schools or peripheral dormitories for facilities operations and maintenance.

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE:

Direct Payments for Specified Use. Place Cursor Here for Definition

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS:

Funds may be used for salaries and related expenses of maintenance personnel, utilities, maintenance of school grounds, supplies, equipment, materials, and for minor repairs to facilities.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicant Eligibility:   Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments or tribal organizations currently served by a BIA funded elementary or secondary school or peripheral dormitory.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments and occupants and visitors of BIA funded elementary or secondary schools or peripheral dormitories.

Credentials/Documentation:   Initial application must be accompanied by a resolution of the governing body of the Indian tribe. If the school serves students from multiple tribes, resolutions from tribal governing bodies representing at least 90 percent of the students are required.

Pre-application Coordination:   An applicant should consult the Agency/Regional Education Program Administrator who will provide technical assistance. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure:   Initial applications for status as a contract school must contain the information specified in 25 CFR, Part 900, Subpart C, "Contract Proposal Contents." Initial applications for status as a grant school should be developed in accordance with 25 U.S.C. 2501 et seq.

Award Procedure:   Applications should be submitted to the Agency/Regional Education Program Administrator (EPA) who will ensure that the application is complete. The application is forwarded by the EPA to the Director, Office of Indian Education Programs, with a recommendation for approval or disapproval. The dollar value of the awards is based upon school age and condition, size, utilities costs, and other pertinent factors.

Deadlines:   First-time applications should be submitted by March 1.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   Applications will be processed within 90 to 180 days.

Appeals:   An unsuccessful applicant may request an informal conference with the deciding official, or may appeal the denial of the application to the Interior Board of Indian Appeals, or may bring suit in U.S. District Court. Full appeal procedures are found in 25 CFR, Part 900.

Renewals:   Awards may be renewed indefinitely upon satisfactory performance by the contractor/grantee and continued use of the facilities. A notice of intent to renew should be submitted at least 90 days prior to the expiration of the current award. The amount of the award may be adjusted based on appropriations and need.

ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:

Formula and Matching Requirements:   Not applicable.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   Awards are made on an annual basis and the funds remain available until expended by the contractor/grantee. Payments may be made in advance or by way of reimbursement. The timing of the payments will be negotiated with the Indian tribe.

POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Reports:   Financial status reports, SF 269A, are required. Program accomplishment reporting requirements will be negotiated with the contractor/grantee.

Audits:   For awards made under this program grantees/contractors are responsible for obtaining audits in accordance with the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 7501 et. seq.).

Records:   Financial records must be retained for 3 years from the date of submission of the single audit report. Procurement records must be retained for 3 years from the date of final payment. Property records must be retained for 3 years from the date of disposition, replacement, or transfer. Records pertaining to any litigation, audit exceptions or claims must be retained until the dispute has been resolved.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Account Identification:   14-2100-0-1-501.

Obligations:   (Grants) FY 01 $40,316,000; FY 02 est $45,710,640; and FY 03 est $41,534,640.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:  
Range and Average of Financial Assistance (123): FY 2014 Range was $58,374 to $2,385,121; Average $533,888. Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments or tribal organizations currently served by a Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) funded elementary school, secondary school or peripheral dormitory.

Almost 100 elementary and secondary schools on or near Indian reservations are operated by Indian tribes or Tribal School Boards. These funds help ensure that the facilities used to educate these students are safe, clean, and well maintained.

REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE:

25 CFR, Part 900; OMB Circular A-87, "Cost Principles for State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments."

INFORMATION CONTACTS:

Regional or Local Office:   See Regional Agency Offices. Applications may be filed with the local BIE Education Line Office as listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog.

Headquarters Office:   Joe Herrin 1849 C Street, NW, MS-4657 MIB, Washington, District of Columbia 20240 Email: joe.herrin@bie.gov Phone: (202) 208-7658

Web Site Address:  
http://www.bia.gov

EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS:

Not applicable.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS:

All applicants meeting the requirements of 25 CFR Part 900 or the requirements of the Tribally Controlled Schools Act will be selected if they are currently served by a BIA-funded school.