Tribal Courts (15.029)
Program
15.029 Tribal Courts
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.
Program Number
15.029
Last Known Status
Active
Objectives
To provide funds to Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments to operate a judicial branch of government.
Types of Assistance
Direct Payments for Specified Use.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Funds may be used for salaries and related expenses of tribal court judges, prosecutors, defenders, clerks of court, probation officers, juvenile officers, and other court personnel.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments exercising law enforcement jurisdiction on their reservation.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments.
Credentials/Documentation
Initial application must be accompanied by an authorizing resolution of the governing body of the Indian tribe.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
An informal conference with Bureau of Indian Affairs agency representatives is recommended. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.
Application Procedure
Initial applications must contain the information specified in 25 CFR Part 900, Subpart C, "Contract Proposal Contents." Completed applications should be submitted to the local Bureau of Indian Affairs agency or regional office listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog.
Award Procedure
The dollar value of the award depends upon the amount that has been prioritized by the individual Indian tribe through tribal participation in the Bureau of Indian Affair's Tribal Priority Allocation budget formulation process.
Deadlines
None.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
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. 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 as a result of individual tribal priorities established in the budget formulation process.
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 Self- Determination contractor/grantee.
Audits
For awards made under the 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.
Program Accomplishments
More than 250 tribal justice systems and Courts of Indian Offenses (serving 40 Indian tribes) are supported by this program.
Financial Information
Account Identification
14-2100-0-1-452.
Obligations
(Total Amount of Awards) FY 02 $8,208,000; FY 03 est $8,847,000; and FY 04 est $8,917,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$15,000 to $800,000; $50,000.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
25 CFR Part 900; OMB Circular A-87, "Cost Principles for State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments."
Related Programs
None.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
Applications may be filed with the local Bureau of Indian Affairs agency or regional office as listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog.
Headquarters Office
Division of Tribal Government Services, Bureau of Indian Affairs, 1849 C Street, NW, MS 4660 MIB, Washington, DC 20240. Telephone: (202) 208-5097. Use the same number for FTS.
Web Site Address
http://www.doi.gov/bia/ots/otshome.htm
Examples of Funded Projects
Not available.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
All applicants meeting the requirements of 25 CFR Part 900 will be selected if the program has been prioritized by the individual Indian tribe through tribal participation in the Bureau of Indian Affairs' Tribal Priority Allocation budget formulation process.
