1. FOR TRIBES: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF NEW TRIBAL ELECTRIFICATION PROGRAM

The U.S. Department of the Interior announced the launch of a new Tribal Electrification Program and the availability of $72.5 million in initial funding through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to help Tribal communities electrify homes. This funding is for clean energy household electrification that will benefit Tribal communities in the United States.

The funding announcement is part of an overall $150 million investment from the Inflation Reduction Act to support the electrification of homes in Tribal communities. The Tribal Electrification Program will meet the unique needs of individual Tribal communities by supporting collaborative and community-led planning and implementation.

Technical assistance will be provided to tribes in the areas of pre-award guidance, award management, project technical assistance, procurement, and utility system impacts. If you have questions, email Recompete@eda.gov. The Pre-application is open and the deadline is due on September 18, 2023

Source: U.S. Department of the Interior

2. COMMUNITY: THE OPPORTUNITY PROJECT IS LOOKING FOR PARTICIPANTS FOR TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT SPRINT PROGRAM

The Opportunity Project (TOP), facilitated by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) in partnership with the U.S. Census Bureau, is an innovation program based at the U.S. Census Bureau that brings together technologists, government, and communities to create digital products that tackle public facing challenges using federal open data. Over the past 7 years, TOP sprints have catalyzed more than 200 digital products focused on problems like the opioid crisis, homelessness, entrepreneurship, education, and many others. 

The team at EDA is leveraging this process to help solve a critical problem – Improving Access to Capital in Indigenous Communities through Data. Also welcome are suggestions for indigenous-led technology companies, non-profits, start-ups, or researchers who may wish to contribute digital and/or data-driven solutions to this work. This sprint should incorporate the insights and expertise of individuals with lived-experience in these communities and are actively seeking indigenous-led tech/solution teams to lead this work.

Source: U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA)

3. POLICY: FCC’s OFFICE OF NATIVE AFFAIRS AND POLICY IS SEEKING COMMENTS ON TRIBAL WIRELESS ACCESS

The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau and The Office of Native Affairs and Policy at the Federal Communication Department (FCC) released a Public Notice seeking public comment on ways in which the Commission can improve its understanding of how and the extent to which Tribal Nations and the Native Hawaiian Community are able to access wireless spectrum.

The Commission in 2019 created the 2.5 GHz Rural Tribal Priority Window (Tribal Window) for eligible Tribal Nations and Native Hawaiian Community to gain licensed access to prime mid-band spectrum to deploy broadband and other next-generation wireless services to address the digital divide on rural Tribal lands. To date, 336 licenses covering the rural Tribal lands of more than 350 Tribal Nations based in 30 states have been granted through applications received during the Tribal Window.

This information will be used as the Commission develops and implements new and existing policy initiatives designed to increase broadband connectivity in Tribal communities. Public Comments are due on November 30th, 2023

Source: Federal Communication Department

4. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY: NOTICE OF INTENT FOR “SOLAR FOR ALL” DUE AUGUST 28th

On June 28, 2023, EPA released the $7 billion Solar for All Notice of Funding Opportunity. Through this competition, Solar for All will award up to 60 grants to states, territories, Tribal governments, municipalities, and nonprofits to expand the number of low-income and disadvantaged communities primed for residential solar investment—enabling millions of low-income households to access affordable, resilient, and clean solar energy.

All applicants are required to submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) to be eligible to apply to the Solar for All competition. An NOI is required for each application the applicant anticipates submitting. Notice of Intent submissions for Tribal Governments are due August 28, 2023. For questions, please email ggrf@epa.gov

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

5. JOBS: POKAGON BAND GAMING COMMISSION IS SEEKING DIRECTOR OF INTERNAL AUDIT

Service encompasses all aspects of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indian’s governmental operations. Every employee shares the responsibility to provide exemplary service, dignity, and respect to all Tribal Citizens, the Tribal Council, and staff members. To this end, all employees have an obligation to identify and report any service problems, issues, or concerns and through designated channels, initiate, recommend, and actively participate in solutions.

Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the Director of Internal Audit provides direction and oversight to the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission Audit Department and participates in the examination and evaluation of financial, compliance, operational, and functional audits of Four Winds Casinos and Pokagon Band liquor establishments.

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