The following BIA National Policy Memorandum (NPM) has been signed and issued as of September 3, 2025, and published online to the IA Policy and Directives website: https://www.bia.gov/policy-forms/memoranda/npm.

NPM-TRUS-48: Streamlining the Rights-of-Way Application Processes for Broadband Infrastructure Projects Across Indian Trust and Restricted Land – This comprehensive policy framework based on BIA’s regulations for the efficient and effective processing of Rights-of-way (ROW) applications to build broadband infrastructure in all areas within out jurisdiction, with a focus on rural unserved Tribal communities. 

The BIA OTS Division of Real Estate Services and IA SOL will host a series of training webinars on this newly released NPM will be open to BIA staff, Tribal Contract/Compact Realty Staff, Federally Recognized Tribes, Tribal Entities, Alaska Native Corporations, Federal Partners, and Industry.

We are requesting your assistance to forward the email and training webinar link with these subject entities located within your jurisdictional area.  There is no cost to attend this overview session, however, participants must register at the link below in order to attend. 

The training webinars will be held as follows: 

• Session 1 = Friday – September 12, 2025, at 11:00 am to 1:00 pm Mountain Time / 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Eastern Time. Registration Link: Session 1 – NPM-TRUS-48 ROWs for Broadband Infrastructure Projects on Trust and Restricted Lands 

• Session 2 = Monday – September 15, 2025, at 11:00 am to 1:00 pm Mountain Time / 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Eastern Time. Registration Link: Session 2 – NPM-TRUS-48 ROWs for Broadband Infrastructure Projects on Trust and Restricted Lands   

• Session 3 = Thursday – September 18, 2025, at 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm Mountain Time / 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm Eastern Time. Registration Link: Session 3 – NPM-TRUS-48 ROWs for Broadband Infrastructure on Indian Trust and Restricted Lands 

Note: Each session will last approximately 1½ hours with ½ hour of Question & Answer Session.