GM 16-079

Department of the Interior Accepting Applications to Begin Participation in the Tribal Self-Governance Program

The Department of the Interior Office of Self-Governance (OSG) has established that March 1, 2017, is the deadline for Indian tribes or consortia to submit an application to begin participation in the tribal self-governance program in fiscal year 2018 or calendar year 2018. The OSG may select up to 50 additional tribes and consortia per year to participate in the tribal self-governance program and negotiate and enter into a written funding agreement with each participating tribe. The regulations at 25 CFR 1000.10 to 1000.31 will govern the application and selection process for tribes or consortia to begin their participation in the tribal self-governance program. The FEDERAL REGISTER notice announcing this deadline is here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2016/12/22/2016-30829/notice-of-deadline-for-submitting-completed-applications-to-begin-participation-in-the-tribal

Other Key Dates. OSG estimates that initial negotiations with a tribe or consortium located in a region and/or agency which has not previously been involved with self-governance negotiations will take approximately two months from start to finish. Agreements for an October 1 to September 30 funding year need to be signed and submitted by July 1. Agreements for a January 1 to December 31 funding year need to be signed and submitted by October 1.

Application. Application packages should be sent to: Ms. Sharee M. Freeman, Director, Office of Self-Governance, Department of the Interior, Mail Stop 355-G-SIB, 1951 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20240.

Please let us know if we may provide additional information about this opportunity to participate in the tribal self-governance program or assistance preparing your application.