DOI Hardrock Mining Listening Sessions and Consultations
2022-08-15 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual Event
July 25, 2022
Dear Tribal Leader:
The Department of the Interior has launched an interagency working group on reforming hardrock mining laws, regulations, and permitting policies in the United States. The group will help support President Biden’s vision for a whole-of-government effort to promote the sustainable and responsible domestic production of critical minerals. At each step, the group is committed to hearing from Tribal governments. Considering the legacy of the impacts of mining on many Tribal communities, and impacts anticipated from new mining, the protection of treaty rights, sacred sites, and upholding the trust responsibility are important parts of this work.
Hardrock mining on public lands — which includes gold, silver, copper, uranium, lithium, and nearly all critical minerals — is still governed by the General Mining Law of 1872. The working group will make recommendations for updates and reforms necessary to ensure that new exploration and production meets strong environmental and Tribal engagement standards during all stages of mine development, from initial exploration through reclamation, while improving the efficiency and outcomes of the permitting process, consistent with the newly released Biden-Harris Administration’s Fundamental Principles for Domestic Mining Reform.
We are greatly interested in input from Tribal leaders and are hosting the following listening sessions in August:

Tuesday, August 2, 2022
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. EDT
https://doitalent.zoomgov.com/j/1603128203
or
Dial in #: # 1-669-254-5252
Meeting ID: 160 312 8203
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. EDT
https://doitalent.zoomgov.com/j/1603128203
or
# 1-669-254-5252
Meeting ID: 160 601 1633
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Monday, August 15, 2022
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. EDT
https://doitalent.zoomgov.com/j/1601658829
or
Dial in #: 1-669-254-5252
Meeting ID: 160 165 8829
Passcode: [REDACTED]

We also are convening formal Tribal consultations during the month of August:

Alaska Time Zone
Thursday, August 25, 2022, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. AKDT
Please register in advance at: https://doitalent.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIscO6prTguGqKtmC59OdFNasGneYAQUEg
Eastern and Central Time Zones
Friday, August 26, 2022, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EDT / 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. CDT
Please register in advance at:
https://doitalent.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItcuioqz4tEzc5ldP3vOZhHMzrwrrOy5g
Mountain Daylight Time Zone
Monday August 29, 2022, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. MDT
Please register in advance at:
https://doitalent.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIsce6vrjwrHcnG1v3M9rxC9rWhBL9EMzA
Pacific and Mountain Standard Time Zones
Tuesday, August 30, 2022, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. PDT
Please register in advance at:
https://doitalent.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItd-uqrzwvGzVtE_vxngyLrwojI44oKJM

If you have any written input you would like to provide, please send to MiningReform@ios.doi.gov, or submit comments to Regulations.gov (Docket DOI-2022-0003) by September 15 to ensure timely consideration.
If you have any questions, please contact, Joaquin Gallegos, Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs at joaquin_gallegos@ios.doi.gov, or Alexandra Sanchez, Special Assistant, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Land and Minerals Management at Alexandra-Sanchez@ios.doi.gov.
Sincerely,
Steve Feldgus
Deputy Assistant Secretary
Land and Minerals Management

Tribal Interior Budget Council Meeting
2022-08-15 11:30 - 16:30, 2022-08-16 11:30 - 16:30, 2022-08-17 11:30 - 16:30, 2022-08-18 11:30 - 16:30, 2022-08-19 11:30 - 16:30 | Virtual Event
The Tribal Interior Budget Council (TIBC) will be convening for official business today, August 15th through Friday, August 19th. These meetings will start each day at 12:30pm ET. To register, please click here. To view the agenda for these TIBC meetings, please click here.
TIBC was established in 1999 to facilitate Tribal government participation in the planning of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) budget and includes two Tribal representatives from each of the 12 BIA regions. This meeting is open to the public, and Tribal leadership and members of the public may join the discussion throughout the week.

CDC COVID-19 All-State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial (STLT) Update Call
2022-08-15 13:00 - 13:30 | Virtual Event
The CDC COVID-19 All-STLT Update Call will now occur on the third Monday of each month from 2:00–2:30 PM ET. If you have any questions, please contact eocevent382@cdc.gov.
To register for this call series, click here.

USET Forest and Wetland Webinar Training Series
2022-08-15 13:00 - 15:00, 2022-08-22 13:00 - 15:00 | Virtual Event
USET’s Office of Environmental Resource Management presents
USET Forest and Wetland Webinar Training Series

The USET Environmental Program is pleased to announce the upcoming USET Forest and Wetland Webinar Training Series, taking place in summer and fall of 2022. This multi-week webinar series will cover the climate change impacts to USET region forest and wetland ecosystems.
When: Every Monday* from August 15 to September 26 at 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Central/2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Eastern:

August 15 – Webinar series introduction/kickoff
August 22 – Adaptive Management in Brown/Black Ash Wetland Forests
August 29 – Vernal Pool Mapping, Best Management Practices, and Assessing Climate Vulnerability
September 6 – Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians: Mobilizing Stewardship Efforts in Wetland Restoration
September 12 – Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas: Longleaf Pine Restoration Efforts
September 26 – Webinar closeout and reflection

*The September 5 session has been rescheduled to the following day to accommodate the Labor Day holiday, and the September 19 session has been rescheduled to the following week to accommodate a scheduling conflict.
Who should attend: Tribal Forest and Wetland Staff

Registration is open!

For questions, please contact Casey Thornbrugh, USET Tribal Climate Science Liaison, or Tyler Everett, USET OERM Forest Adaptation Technical Assistant.

WH OSTP Tribal Consultation on Nature-Based Solutions
2022-08-15 15:00 - 16:00 | Virtual Event
Dear Tribal Leader Letter
You are invited to join the White House for a Tribal Consultation on August 15, 2022 from 4-5pm ET to discuss the forthcoming White House report on nature-based solutions.
On April 22, 2022, President Biden signed Executive Order 14072 on “Strengthening the Nation’s Forests, Communities, and Local Economies.” In this Order, the President recognized that nature holds special importance to Tribal Nations, and recognized the significance of nature to sustain the plant and animal life fundamental to combatting the global climate and biodiversity crises.
The Executive Order called for a report ‐ led by the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy, Council on Environmental Quality, and Domestic Climate Policy Office ‐ that identifies key opportunities for greater deployment of nature‐based solutions across the Federal Government, including through potential policy, guidance, and program changes. The Federal members of this effort recognize that the ideas shared in the report may affect Tribal Nations and acknowledge the experience Tribal communities have in applying nature‐based solutions, which often provide other communities and Federal agencies with examples and advances.
Please see the link to register below:
August 15, 2022
4 p.m. to 5 p.m. ET
Please register in advance at: https://pitc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_myfBTu2WSjqEopGWPWNSxA

Department of Health and Human Services to Host Tribal Consultations on Tribal Head Start Funding and Services
2022-08-15 16:00 - 20:00 | WA, United States
On August 15, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. PDT, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Head Start, and Administration for Children and Families will host their second in a series of three tribal consultations on how to better meet the needs of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) children and families, current funding allocations, and other issues regarding Tribal Head Start and Early Head Start services. This second consultation will take place in person at the Northern Quest Resort & Casino in Airway Heights, Washington.
Register Now

HHS Region Six Tribal Consultations
2022-08-16 - 2022-08-17 | WA, United States
Dear Tribal Leader Letter
The 2022 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Annual Regional Tribal Consultation sessions will be held virtually and in-person, with written testimony provided to HHS by e-mail.
These sessions are designed for Tribal leaders to have the opportunity to address HHS on how the Department can improve Tribal outreach and coordination, and to discuss programmatic and policy issues and concerns with Tribal Nations.
The consultation sessions will provide Tribal Nations opportunities to focus on regional specific issues with their respective regional HHS counterparts. The sessions also provide an opportunity for Tribal leaders to consult with HHS headquarters leadership on national level issues. To see a list of HHS Regions, please visit: https://www.hhs.gov/about/agencies/iea/regional-offices/index.html.

August 16–17, 2022: HHS Region 6
Zoom link
Contact: Julia Lothrop; Julia.Lothrop@hhs.gov

Tribal Nations will also have an opportunity to schedule individual one-on-one consultations through their Regional Offices by contacting the individual identified above. Additionally, if Tribes cannot make it to their respective regional consultation or have specific concerns they would like raised, they can submit written testimony to consultation@hhs.gov by Friday, September 2, 2022.

HHS Region Six Tribal Consultation
2022-08-16 11:00, 2022-08-17 11:00 | Virtual Event
The 2022 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Annual Region 6 Tribal Consultation session will be held virtually and in-person, with written testimony provided to HHS by e-mail.
This session is designed for Tribal Leaders to have the opportunity to address HHS on how the Department can improve Tribal outreach and coordination, and to discuss programmatic and policy issues and concerns with Tribal Nations. To view the Dear Tribal Leader Letter, please click here.
This consultation session will also provide Tribal Nations opportunities to focus on regional specific issues with their regional HHS counterparts. Tribal leaders will also have the opportunity to consult with HHS headquarters leadership on national level issues.
Details regarding this consultation are as follows—

Date: August 16, and 17, 2022 for HHS Region 6
Time: 12:00pm ET for both dates
Click Here to Register

For more information please contact Julia Lothrop at Julia.Lothrop@hhs.gov.

Tribal Health Equity Summit
2022-08-16 11:00 - 17:00 | Virtual Event
Save the Date
NIHB Tribal Health Equity Summit (virtual)
August 16, 2022 at 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm Eastern
Registration information coming soon!

Census Tribal Relations Virtual Talking Circle
2022-08-16 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtual Event
8/16/2022, 12:00 PM – 8/16/2022, 1:30 PM
Time zone: (UTC-06:00) Central Time (US & Canada)

Microsoft Teams meeting

Join the U. S. Census Bureau’s Tribal Relations Specialists for our inaugural partner collaboration forum.
Tribal Relations Virtual Talking Circle
Gathering #1 – American Community Survey Best Practices
Tuesday August 16th, 2022
1PM ET/12PM CT/11AM MT/10AM PT
Hear about tips, tricks and best practices on how Tribal organizations use ACS data and how to promote cooperation within Tribal communities to respond to the ACS.

Outreach Sessions: Proposed Changes to the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concession DBE Program
2022-08-16 12:00 - 14:00, 2022-08-19 12:00 - 14:00 | Virtual Event
The Department of Transportation is conducting outreach sessions to present proposed changes to the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concession DBE program announced on July 21, 2022. We encourage you to register and attend to learn more about the proposed rulemaking and how each of you can provide comments on the changes being made to the regulations. Please find the outreach session dates below as well as on our DBE webpage. The sessions and comments will be recorded and placed in the docket. We look forward to seeing you there!
NPRM Public Meeting for Tribal Leaders
Wednesday July 27, 2022, 1:00– 3:00 PM
View Recording
NPRM Overview Session
Friday July 29, 2022, 1:00-3:00 PM
Registration Link
NPRM Public Meeting – Certification
Thursday August 4, 2022, 1:00-3:00 PM
Registration Link
NPRM Public Meeting – Regular Dealer
Thursday August 11, 2022, 1:00-3:00 PM
Registration Link
NPRM Public Meeting – ACDBE Regulation
Tuesday August 16 , 2022, 1:00-3:00 PM
Registration Link
NPRM Public Meeting – Design-build and Performance Plans
Friday August 19 , 2022, 1:00-3:00 PM
Registration Link
NPRM Final Public Meeting
Friday August 26, 2022, 1:00-3:00 PM
Registration Link
You must register separately for each session. After you register, you will receive a confirmation email with a unique personalized link and instructions on how to join the event. Please do not share your link.
ACCOMMODATION REQUESTS: DOCR is committed to providing equal access to this event for all participants. If you need alternative formats or services because of a disability, please send an email to dbe.nprm@dot.gov with your request. Your request needs to be submitted at least five (5) working days prior to the event.

Tribal-DHS Coordination and Collaboration Calls
2022-08-16 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual Event
We look forward to seeing you at our monthly Tribal-DHS collaboration calls. This is an opportunity to share information and check-in on activities. If you have any specific needs or interests, do not hesitate to reach out.
Where: Zoom https://hq-dhs.zoomgov.com/j/1611865719?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 161 186 5719
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Phone only, not required for Zoom participation: 551-285-1373
Who: Indian Tribes, Alaska Native Villages, Alaska Native Corporations, and tribal organizations across all homeland security mission space. Interested participants.
What: “Third Tuesday’s” Tribal-DHS Coordination and Collaboration Calls
When: Third Tuesday of every month. 2:00 ET., 1:00 CT., 12:00 MT., 11:00 PT., 10:00 AK. No scheduled calls in November or December.
Why: This is an opportunity to provide input and seek assistance from DHS tribal affairs practitioners, and to coordinate homeland security efforts. Significant components and offices in DHS on efforts to support tribes in their homeland security efforts.
Calendar invite download
DHS executes its homeland security responsibilities through the efforts of the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and the U.S. Secret Service (USSS). These components are supported by offices like the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL), the Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), Intelligence and Analysis (I&A), and the Office of Partnership and Engagement (OPE).
This is not formal consultation, but an ongoing collaboration effort supporting the implementation of E.O. 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments and not intended for media. Please contact me if you have media inquires.

USET OERM Virtual Workshops for Developing the Cyber Security Chapter of the Emergency Response Plan
2022-08-16 13:00 - 15:00, 2022-08-23 13:00 - 15:00 | Virtual Event
USET’s Office of Environmental Resource Management is hosting

Through a series of six workshops, USET will assist member Tribal Nation Utility staff in developing a Cybersecurity Incident Action Plan (IAP). This IAP will supplement existing emergency preparedness plans and support cyberattack response activities. The workshop series will culminate with a table-top exercise to test and refine the IAPs developed.
USET is partnering with West Yost Associates, a leader in water and wastewater cybersecurity, to provide member Tribal Nations the latest insights and best practices to prevent, detect, respond, and recover from cyber incidents.
When:
Each webinar will take place from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Eastern/1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Central

Workshop 1: Introduction & Overview – July 26
Workshop 2: Prepare for & Prevent Cyber Incidents – August 9
Workshop 3: Detect Cyber Incidents – August 16
Workshop 4: Respond to Cyber Incidents – August 23
Workshop 5: Recover from Cyber Incidents – September 20
Workshop 6: Virtual Table-Top Exercise – September 27

Who should attend?
USET Tribal Nation Utility Leadership, Emergency Managers and Operators in responsible charge are encouraged to attend.
Learning Objectives:
Cyber incidents can compromise the ability of water and wastewater utilities to provide clean and safe water to customers, erode customer confidence and result in financial and legal liabilities. The seminar series will outline how Tribal Nations drinking water and wastewater utilities can:

prepare for cybersecurity incidents
respond to cybersecurity incidents
recover from cyber incidents

Register today!
For questions and more information, please contact Michael Purvis, USET OERM Senior Technical Assistance Specialist, at mpurvis@usetinc.org.

Department of Homeland Security to Host Tribal Consultation on New Tribal Cybersecurity Grant Program
2022-08-17 12:30 - 14:00 | Virtual Event
On August 17, 2022, from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. EDT the Department of Homeland Security through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) will host a virtual tribal consultation on the tribal funding set aside under the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program, which passed in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act on November 15, 2021. You can view NCAI’s topline summary and full analysis of the law, including the tribal cybersecurity program language. You can also view the NCAI Tribal Infrastructure Town Hall, which includes a review of the tribal cybersecurity program. Written comments must be submitted by September 17, 2022, via email to gpdcomms@fema.dhs.gov.
Register Now

USET COVID-19 Project ECHO Session
2022-08-19 11:00 | Virtual Event
USET COVID-19 ECHO
Agenda
The session will include updates related to Indian Country, updates on the status of COVID-19 in the USET region, and an opportunity to ask questions and receive expert advice.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Central/12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Eastern (join)
Join by phone only at any of the following numbers using meeting ID 918 0885 1929:
646-558-8656; 253-215-8782; 301-715-8592; 346-248-7799. Press *6 to mute your line.
**Continuing education credits are NOW available for these sessions.**

Annual Nansemond Indian Pow Wow
2022-08-20 - 2022-08-21 | WA
Annual Nansemond Indian Pow Wow
Sat Aug 20 2022 at 10:00 am to Sun Aug 21 2022 at 05:00 pm
Nansemond Indian Nation | Suffolk, VA

2022 National Transportation in Indian Country Conference
2022-08-22 - 2022-08-26 | Omni Louisville Hotel, Louisville, KY, United States
2022 National Transportation in Indian Country Conference
Registration is open for the 2022 National Transportation in Indian Country Conference. The 2022 NTICC is an in-person event scheduled for August 22 – 26, 2022 at the Omni Louisville Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. Join us for 60+ Tribal transportation specific training opportunities and workshops, participate in the one of a kind Tribal Heavy Equipment Roadeo, and meet with 500+ Tribal transportation peers and 30+ industry sponsors.
Register
The National Transportation in Indian Country Conference is the one-stop-shop transportation conference FOR TRIBES, BY TRIBES. NTICC offers access to relevant training and an opportunity for Tribal transportation professionals to engage with federal officials and their Tribal transportation peers regarding Tribal transportation issues and challenges.
​NTICC provides information and resources for all who are committed to improving the transportation infrastructure of Indian Country and the safety of those who live, work, and travel the roadways of Alaska Native and Native American lands.
Draft Schedule

NAFOA Webinar Series: Solving the Project Puzzle: How to Use Public and Private Financing to Build Energy Projects
2022-08-22 13:00 - 15:00, 2022-08-23 13:00 - 14:30 | Virtual Event
NAFOA, the Departments of Interior, Energy, the Treasury, and Commerce, along with experts in the energy and finance sector is hosting a series of webinars designed to show how tribes can take advantage of a broad array of funding sources.
Experts will discuss what tribes need to know about combining various programs and grants, financing pitfalls to be aware of and how to avoid them, how funding sources can “stack” together on one project, and more.
Registration is required to join. Only one registration to attend all of the webinar series is necessary.
This series will be spread out over four days, each with a different focus:

Monday, Aug 22nd at 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm ET:
“Federal Grants for Tribal Energy Projects”
Federal staff from four different Administration Departments will discuss key Departmental programs/grants, how they can work together, and how you can integrate different agencies into one project.
Tuesday, Aug 23rd at 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm ET:
“Avoiding Pitfalls and Ensuring Success”
Tribal staff and consultants will address pitfalls to avoid, how successful tribes have planned and implemented their projects, and what tribal staff should know.
Wednesday, Aug 24th at 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm ET:
“Combining Public and Private Financing for Energy Projects”
Hear from financing and energy experts about how to use public funding to get private financing, what options are available in both public/private financing and energy development, and what energy companies consider when making an investment.
Thursday, Aug 25th at 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm ET:
“Putting the Puzzle Together”
To conclude, speakers from the previous days will discuss examples of how all the series information works together in a practical, real-world way. The series will end with a policy discussion about steps forward, what policy changes might be forthcoming, and how things could be improved.

Small Biz & Economic Resilience Webinar
2022-08-23 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtual Event
Don’t miss the upcoming virtual conversation around small businesses as drivers of economic resilience in small cities and rural regions on Tues., Aug. 23, 2022!
Join Maurice Jones, Chief Executive Officer of One Ten and former CEO of LISC, and a panel of rurally-based economic development practitioners for this critical conversation.
In addition, Robin A. Barnes will present research on how rural communities manage the tension between regional strategies and hyper-local solutions that support small businesses, followed by a discussion with our panel of experts – and questions from YOU.
RSVP to ruralcommunications@lisc.org today to secure your spot!
Tuesday, August 23rd, 2022
1-2:30pm EST

Dept of Education Tribal Consultation on ANE and BABAA
2022-08-23 12:00 - 15:00 | Virtual Event
Venue: ZoomGov
Date: August 23, 2022
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time
REGISTER
On August 23, 2022, the U.S. Department of Education (the Department) will conduct Tribal Consultation on two different topics. The first topic will examine questions and solicit responses on how to offer renewed support for the Department’s Alaska Native Education program (ANE). The purpose of this portion of the consultation will be to receive meaningful input on the Department’s administration of the ANE program. The second topic for discussion is to engage with Tribal authorities for the purpose of obtaining their perspectives regarding the Department’s implementation of Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA) requirements. This consultation will advance the Department’s commitment to uphold the federal trust responsibility as described in Executive Order 13175.
Alaska Native Education
Section 6302 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 states, “It is the policy of the Federal Government to maximize the leadership of and participation by Alaska Natives in the planning and the management of Alaska Native education programs and to support efforts developed by and undertaken within the Alaska Native community to improve educational opportunity for all students.” Consistent with this statement, we welcome your input and feedback on the U.S. Department of Education’s administration of the Alaska Native Education program as it relates to the following questions.
CONSULTATION QUESTIONS

What priority(ies) would improve the overall design, delivery, and quality of grant projects funded under the Alaska Native Education program?
What suggestions do you have for strengthening the Alaska Native Education program, as authorized under Section 6304 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965?
How can the U.S. Department of Education improve its online resources for Alaska Native Education program grantees?
What suggestions do you have to improve the annual performance reporting process for Alaska Native Education grantees?
What type of technical assistance could the U.S. Department of Education provide to address application-related barriers that cause hardship for potential applicants?
How could the U.S. Department of Education increase the number of peer reviewers how have experience with Alaska Native education and Alaska generally?

Build America, Buy America Act
On November 15, 2021, the President signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act P.L. 117-58 (IIJA) into law. This bipartisan investment in America’s infrastructure will fund approximately $1.2 trillion in upgrading and revitalizing America’s roads, bridges, railways, waterways, broadband, and other critical infrastructure. A component of the IIJA is the Build America, Buy America Act (Division G, Title IX of the IIJA) (BABAA), which requires Federal agencies to identify their existing financial assistance programs that are infrastructure programs. On March 17, 2022, the Department published a list in the Federal Register (87 FR 15210) that identified 38 Department-administered grant programs as infrastructure programs subject to the BABAA domestic sourcing requirements, i.e., programs that allow for construction and broadband infrastructure. BABAA requires that all recipients under these identified programs ensure, generally, that all the iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials funded by these programs are made in the United States (see section 70914 of BABAA).
Specifically, for grants funded under programs the Department has identified as infrastructure programs, BABAA requires that: (1) all the iron and steel used in the infrastructure project will be produced in the United States; (2) the manufactured products used in the infrastructure project will be produced in the United States; and (3) the construction materials used in the infrastructure project will be produced in the United States.
After review and a public comment period, the Department may waive BABAA requirements when (1) applying the preference would be inconsistent with the public interest; (2) types of iron, steel, manufactured products, or construction materials are not produced in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available quantities or of a satisfactory quality; or (3) the inclusion of iron, steel, manufactured products, or construction materials produced in the United States will increase the cost of the overall project by more than 25 percent. BABAA requires that implementation begin 180 days after the passage of IIJA, or May 14, 2022; however, on July 13, 2022, the Department implemented an adjustment period waiver, which allows the Department to finalize implementation effective October 1, 2022.
Listed below are the Department-administered grant programs subject to the BABAA requirements, effective October 1, 2022, that are more likely to award grants to Tribes or Tribal organizations:

Alaska Native Education (Assistance Listing Number 84.356A)
American Indian Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (Part F) (ALN 84.031D)
American Indian Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (ALN 84.031T)
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Part B
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Part C

Since the enactment of the IIJA, the Department has worked diligently towards implementation, and as it works during the waiver adjustment period on policy, procedures, guidance, and grantee and Department staff trainings, it would like to engage with Tribal authorities for the purpose of obtaining their perspectives regarding the Department’s implementation of BABAA requirements. This engagement is important to ensure that Tribal perspectives are reflected, as appropriate, within the Department’s final implementation. Thus, the Department is seeking the following information:
CONSULTATION QUESTIONS

How can the Department assist Tribes in implementing the BABAA requirements?
What barriers do Tribes anticipate they might face when implementing these BABAA requirements?
What Tribe-specific processes and/or policy positions do Tribes recommend the Department consider as it develops its BABAA implementation policy, procedures, and guidance, including with respect to waivers?
What other recommendations do Tribes propose the Department consider as it finalizes its BABAA policy, procedures, and guidance?

Reclaiming Native Psychological Brilliance - BH ECHO Clinic
2022-08-23 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual Event
We invite you and your staff to participate in the new Tribal Behavioral Health ECHO series, Reclaiming Native Psychological Brilliance, launching on January 25, 2022. Native Psychological Brilliance refers to the intelligence, strengths, balance, innate resources, and resilience of Native people. This no-cost telehealth series will be held throughout 2022 on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 1:00 pm Central/2:00 pm Eastern. Each session will be one hour in length.
Who should attend? Tribal Nation health directors, clinic staff, counselors, social workers, physicians, nurses, and anyone supporting Tribal Nation citizens through the behavioral health/mental health sector are welcome to join.
The one-hour Reclaiming Native Psychological Brilliance virtual series will provide an opportunity for participants to:

Gain skills on strength-based approaches in partnership with Native People to enhance Native behavioral health, and
Discuss ways that Native brilliance is demonstrated and supports behavioral health, and
Learn about Native brilliance examples to share with behavioral health and other health care staff, as well as with local Tribal Nation citizens

The concept of Native psychological brilliance will be celebrated through Native music videos and Native spoken word performances as part of each session of the Reclaiming Native Psychological Brilliance series.
Continuing education credits will be provided.
Register in advance for the session.
For questions, please contact Bryan Hendrix, USET THPS Quality Improvement Analyst, at bhendrix@usetinc.org.
