USET/USET SPF Holiday Break
2023-12-25 - 2024-01-01
USET/USET SPF offices will be closed for a holiday break. We wish everyone a wonderful holiday and a very happy new year.

Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program Round 2 Application Office Hours and Webinars
2024-01-04 15:00 - 16:00, 2024-01-11 15:00 - 16:00, 2024-01-16 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual Event
January 4 at 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm Eastern – Technical Assistance Office Hours |Register
January 11 at 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm Eastern – TBCP Webinar – Cybersecurity and Sustainability: https://ntia-gov.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_mW_j29dWR9yaaNGFp7ITZw
January 16 at 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm Eastern – TBCP Webinar – How to Apply: https://ntia-gov.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_IHzmgkg7SKO_XLjVu2xeFA
January 18 at 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm Eastern – Technical Assistance Office Hours: https://ntia-gov.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItdeuspzMqE0XaHYtnNVOBDrtM7qIJ8wc

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) Resources for Tribal Law Enforcement & Native Communities
2024-01-08 08:00 - 17:00 | 123 Easy Street, Nashville, TN, 37211, United States
February 27 at 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm Eastern
Register
This webinar will provide a description of the NCMEC resources and services available to tribal law enforcement, families, and Native communities, for the prevention, preparation, and response to missing, abducted, or exploited children. Native communities have unique historical, economic, resource, geographical, and other challenges that can affect the prevention, preparation and responses to missing or exploited children. This webinar will provide training and information on available resources and services available to Native Communities, as well as internet safety information for Native families, as Native communities expand their broadband and internet access. Some of the topics covered will be:

History of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Overview of NCMEC resources and services available
Information on types of Native missing children incidents and cases
Missing children response checklists and other NCMEC publications available for tribal law enforcement, childcare providers, and families
Child safety and internet safety resources for children and families
Information on other resources and projects specific to tribal law enforcement

FY23 FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Workshop Webinar
2024-01-08 09:00 | Virtual Event
Tribal fire departments and emergency medical services are eligible to apply for FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. The next opportunity to apply begins on January 29, 2024, when the 2023 AFG application period opens. The application period will close on March 8, 2024.
In anticipation of the application period, the AFG program is hosting a series of application development workshop webinars. The fiscal year (FY) 2023 AFG application development workshops are intended to provide the latest AFG program updates and tips to assist eligible applicants in developing their narrative for the upcoming application period. Each session will run approximately 1 hour. Attendees can ask questions and network with FEMA Grant Specialists, and other AFG applicants.
Workshops begin 10 a.m. ET January 8, 2024. For additional information and guidance materials, please visit the AFG website.
Workshop Event Topics:

Personal Protective Equipment and Equipment
AFG Fundamentals
Wellness & Fitness, Modification to Facilities and Training
Vehicle Acquisition
Narrative Development

To attend:

Visit the Workshop Schedule Page
Filter by topic (see topics)
View attendance date and time
Click workshop topic title
Select “Join Webinar”
Select “Register Now” and fill-in your details

In the meantime, please feel free to contact your Regional Fire Program Specialist with any questions.

Webinar on Engaging the USPTO: Advancing Indigenous Interests in Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Beyond
2024-01-09 10:00 | Virtual Event
January 9 at 11:00 am Eastern
Register Now
In preparation for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) upcoming consultation sessions on genetic resources, traditional knowledge, and traditional cultural expressions, this webinar aims to inform and support tribal leaders and others who intend to provide commentary to the USPTO regarding its positions at the World Intellectual Property Organization on these issues. As part of this event, we will work together to develop strategies and talking points that tribal leaders and others can use or adapt to their own purposes as they engage with the USPTO through consultations and comments.

Office of Indian Education | Native American Language Program Pre-Application Meeting
2024-01-09 13:00 - 14:30, 2024-01-16 14:00 - 15:30 | Virtual Event
January 9 at 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm Eastern
Register
January 16 at 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm Eastern
Register
Deadline for Transmittal of Applications is March 7, 2024. Learn more.

HHS Tribal Consultation on the definition of Indian Tribe
2024-01-09 14:00 - 15:30, 2024-01-11 14:00 - 15:30, 2024-01-17 14:30 - 16:00 | Virtual Event
Dear Tribal Leader Letter

Tuesday, January 9 at 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm Eastern
Thursday, January 11 at 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm Eastern
Wednesday, January 17 at 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm Eastern
Thursday, January 18 at 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Eastern

Zoom Registration
Please send your written comments and recommendations on which definition of Indian Tribe to include in the updated Consultation Policy by Friday, February 20, 2024 via e-mail to: consultation@ihs.gov with the subject line: DEFINITION OF INDIAN TRIBE.
What definition of Indian Tribe should be included in the updated Consultation Policy: the List Act Definition (25 U.S.C. § 5130); or the ISDEAA Definition (25 U.S.C. § 5304(e))?
Option #1: List Act Definition (25 U.S.C. § 5130): “Indian tribe” means any Indian or Alaska Native Tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village or community that the Secretary of the Interior acknowledges to exist as an Indian Tribe.

Executive Order 13175 (“Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments”) defines “Indian Tribe” using the List Act definition. It is also the definition used in the Presidential Memorandum on Uniform Standards for Tribal Consultation (November 30, 2022), the HHS TCP, and all other Federal Tribal Consultation Policies.

Option #2: ISDEAA Definition (25 U.S.C. § 5304(e)): “Indian tribe” or “Indian Tribe” means any Indian Tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community, including any Alaska Native village or regional or village corporation as defined in or established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (85 Stat. 688) [43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.], which is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians.

The ISDEAA definition of Indian Tribe includes Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs) and is currently utilized in the existing IHS Tribal Consultation Policy.

American Climate Corp Listening Session
2024-01-11 09:00, 2024-01-16 17:00 | Virtual Event
In September, President Biden announced the launch of the American Climate Corps, a groundbreaking workforce training and service initiative that will prepare tens of thousands of young people for good-paying jobs in the clean economy.
Beginning this week, the Biden-Harris Administration will convene a series of virtual listening sessions to hear directly from prospective American Climate Corps applicants and implementing partners. Join the American Climate Corps team and special guests to share your thoughts about how to make the ACC a success.
The first listening session will be held on Thursday, January 11 at 10 am ET. Sign up here.
Additional listening sessions will be held on the following dates:

January 16 at 6 pm ET. Sign up here
January 25 at 6 pm ET. Sign up here
February 1 at 10 am ET. Sign up here

More information about the virtual listening sessions can be found here.

National Park Service's Semiquincentennial Grant Program Webinar
2024-01-11 14:00 | Virtual Event
January 11 at 3:00 pm Eastern
To attend, please RSVP to shyh.saenz@operativo.us.
Different from the previous two offerings, NPS has expanded the field of eligible applicants. For the FY2023 round, eligible properties include those places owned by state and local governments, non-profit organizations, public and non-profit institutions of higher education, and tribes. All resources must be listed or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places at the time of application. The buildings, structures, sites, districts, and objects considered significant for their association with or commemoration of people, places, or events between the earliest known resources and December 31, 1800, may be considered as associated with the “founding of the nation.” The deadline for applications is March 5, 2024.
Information about the grant program can be found here –
Semiquincentennial Grant Opportunity (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

USET Infectious Disease ECHO
2024-01-12 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual Event
We invite you and your staff to participate in the new Infectious Disease ECHO. This ECHO is merged the previous COVID-19 and Hepatitis C ECHOs and will focus on a different topic every month. Additionally, clinical cases are encouraged to be submitted to gain insight into healthcare recommendations from other medical providers working in the field. This no-cost telehealth series will be held throughout 2023 on the second Friday of every month at 11:00 am Central/12:00 pm Eastern.
This month’s session will be highlighting the National Health Observance Awareness “National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month” with a discussion on Viral Respiratory Tract Infections leading to acute bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and other infections.
Each session will be one hour in length that will provide an opportunity for participants to:

Learn about emerging infectious diseases
Gain skills on treating different infectious diseases
Continue to stay up to date on COVID-19

Who should attend? Tribal Nation health directors, clinic staff, physicians, nurses, Tribal Epidemiology Center staff, and anyone supporting Tribal Nation citizens through the health sector are welcome to join.
Registration: Register in advance for the session. You ONLY need to register ONCE for the series. Once you register, you can download the reminder to your calendar with the Zoom information.
Continuing Education: This activity will offer CE credits for a variety of professionals. More information will be provided at a later date.

For questions, please contact Gabbie Niski, USET THPS Infectious Disease Program Manager at gniski@usetinc.org or Bryan Hendrix, USET THPS Quality Improvement Data Analyst, at bhendrix@usetinc.org.

USDA and Department of Energy Listening Session on American Farms, Rural Benefits
2024-01-12 11:30 - 13:00, 2024-01-16 09:00 - 10:30, 2024-01-16 13:30 - 15:00, 2024-01-17 14:00 - 15:30 | Virtual Event
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will host a series of listening sessions this winter. The agencies invite perspectives on the benefits and challenges of the rapidly increasing levels of clean energy being sited on agricultural lands and in rural communities.
USDA and DOE seek feedback directly from a diverse set of stakeholders about what the agencies can do through their leadership, program guidance, or research and information sharing to encourage positive clean energy siting outcomes that benefit farmers, rural Americans, the renewable energy industry and others.
Stakeholders can register to participate in public listening sessions that are available virtually by clicking on the selected date and time:
• Government permitting and policy representatives at state, county, and local levels on Jan. 12, 2024, at 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. ET Government Permitting and Policy Representatives, Register Here
• Agricultural producers on Jan. 16, 2024, at 10 – 11:30 a.m. ET. Agriculture Producers, Register Here
• All stakeholders and members of the public on Jan. 16, 2024, at 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. ET. All Stakeholders, Register Here
• Rural electric coops and clean energy developers on Jan. 17, 2024, at 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. ET. Energy Organizations, Register Here
Stakeholders may submit written comments by Jan. 20, 2024, to CleanEnergySiting@USDA.gov.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
2024-01-15
The USET/USET SPF offices will be closed today in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Learn more about Martin Luther King, Jr.

IRS Office Hours to assist with IRS Energy Credits Online Registration Process
2024-01-16 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
The IRS is hosting upcoming office hours that are available for all direct pay applicable entities. This is to assist with the IRS Energy Credits Online pre-filing registration process. Upcoming office hours and links to register are below:

DATE
TIME
Registration Link

January 16, 2024
1-2 PM EST
Register Here

January 19, 2024
1-2 PM EST
Register Here

January 23, 2024
1-2 PM EST
Register Here

January 26, 2024
1-2 PM EST
Register Here

January 30, 2024
1-2 PM EST
Register Here

February 2, 2024
1-2 PM EST
Register Here

February 6, 2024
1-2 PM EST
Register Here

February 9, 2024
1-2 PM EST
Register Here

To receive any future announcements on IRS office hours, and for updates on direct pay generally, sign up at IRS.gov/newsroom/e-news-subscriptions by scrolling down to the “Tax exempt & government entities” category. As a reminder, IRS has detailed resources to help you navigate the pre-filing registration process from start to finish, including this how-to video and this comprehensive user guide.
Visit IRS.gov/ElectivePay to explore a series of educational one-pagers for each direct pay applicable entity, a list of applicable tax credits, and an extensive list of FAQs. You can find even more information and the latest guidance related to the Inflation Reduction Act’s tax provisions generally on IRS.gov/CleanEnergy.
To learn more about the Inflation Reduction Act and its clean energy, climate mitigation and resilience, agriculture, and conservation-related investment programs, explore the Inflation Reduction Act Guidebook or visit IRS.gov/CleanEnergy.

2024 DHS External Tribal Quarterly Meeting
2024-01-16 13:00 | Virtual Event
January 16 at 2:00 pm Eastern
Register in advance for this meeting
These virtual quarterly meetings are hosted by DHS Tribal Affairs and provide an opportunity to have discussions on Homeland Security matters such as equity, resource availability, partnerships, law enforcement and security, cybersecurity, disaster response, and prevention of human trafficking and targeted violence.

USPTO Tribal Consultation on World Intellectual Property Organization IGC Negotiations
2024-01-16 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-01-17 14:00 - 16:00 | Virtual Event
Federal Register :: Formal Tribal Consultation on WIPO IGC Negotiations
January 16 at 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Eastern
January 17 at 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Eastern
Register in advance to participate in one of these webinars. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Department of Commerce, announces a formal Tribal Consultation, and requests written comments on issues involving genetic resources (GR), traditional knowledge (TK), and traditional cultural expressions (TCEs). These topics are being discussed at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Specifically, the WIPO Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge, and Folklore (traditional cultural expressions) (WIPO IGC) is undertaking negotiations regarding how best to protect GR, TK, and TCEs of Indigenous Peoples.

Indian Law and Policy for Tribal Officials Training Event
2024-01-17 - 2024-01-19 | Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood, FL, 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, FL, 33314, United States
January 17-19, 2024
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
Hollywood, FL
A 3-day workshop for Tribal government officials interested in learning more about foundation principles of American Indian law and policy.
Through a series of 50-minute sessions, attendees will learn about –

Origins of tribal sovereignty and inherent rights of self-determination
Treaties, intergovernmental agreements and compacts
Federal Indian law fundamentals, including civil and criminal jurisdiction
Economic development and Taxation in Indian Country
Tribal business development, including business organization and tribal corporations
Tribal constitutions and law reform
Litigating against the Federal government
Federal government relations advocacy and lobbying to promote tribal interests

Learn more.

OVC Virtual Tribal Consultation on the FY 2024 Tribal Set-Aside
2024-01-17 08:00 - 2024-01-18 17:00 | Virtual Event
January 17 and 18 at 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm each day
Register
The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) will host a virtual Tribal Consultation on the Tribal Set-Aside from the Crime Victims Fund for Fiscal Year 2024 on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, and Thursday, January 18, 2024, from 1:00−3:30 p.m. eastern time each day.
OVC invites Consultation testimony to be provided by:

an elected Tribal leader,
an appointed Tribal leader, or
someone designated by an elected or appointed Tribal leader. Designation must be provided in writing.

In preparation, OVC presents the OVC FY 2023 Crime Victims Fund Tribal Set-Aside Program report that provides a brief history of the program and how Tribal Set-Aside funds were obligated in FY 2023. An informational Framing Paper on the FY 2024 Tribal Set-Aside provides relevant background and questions for participants at the consultation to consider.
If you are a Tribal leader’s designee and you plan to speak at either day of the Consultation, OVC asks that you provide a Delegation of Authority letter on Tribal letterhead signed by the elected or appointed Tribal leader or have the elected or appointed Tribal leader send an email to ovctribalsetaside@usdoj.gov to confirm your authorization to testify on behalf of the Tribe. Instructions for how to submit your testimony will be available after you register. During the Consultation, Tribal leaders will be called in the order in which their registration was received.

FCC Informational Webinar on ACP Wind Down Order
2024-01-17 12:00 | Virtual Event
On Jan. 11, 2024, the Federal Communications Commission released an Order associated with the potential wind-down of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The Order provides specific guidance on items such as when ACP enrollments will end and also provides information about what consumers can expect to happen in the coming weeks and months.
The Consumer and Government Affairs Bureau announces two informational webinar briefings that will take place as listed below:

Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The briefing will be conducted virtually at the following link: https://fcc-gov.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_kAwILcEDTcG5c86YCnNQhg (-> urldefense.proofpoint.com)
Thursday, January 18, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The briefing will be conducted virtually at the following link: https://fcc-gov.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_kAx2_E2GQCGXYMwxSQCywg (-> urldefense.proofpoint.com)

Please join on either date to hear the latest updates regarding the ACP Wind-Down Order and what can be expected in the near future, and potential ways in which we can work together to boost awareness of the FCC’s ongoing work. Both webinars will be sign language interpreted and captioned.
The FCC will welcome questions for a Q&A session as part of the webinar. Please feel free to submit your questions to acpinfo@fcc.gov. They will aim to answer all questions submitted during the webinar session.
In general, for more information about the ACP, visit www.fcc.gov/acp.

Rescheduled: Department of Treasury | Elective Pay Webinar
2024-01-17 12:30 | Virtual Event
Wednesday, January 17 at 1:30 pm Eastern, the Department of Treasury will host an Elective Pay webinar and provide an overview of the pre-filing registration process.
Register in advance for this briefing.
Earlier this year, Treasury issued proposed Elective Pay and Transferability guidance, which can be found here and here. In addition to the Treasury press release, you can find FAQs and fact sheets that outline key information contained in the proposed guidance. You can also find helpful information on CleanEnergy.gov/directpay. Treasury and the IRS will carefully consider public feedback before issuing final rules.

Indian School Equalization Program Tribal Listening Session
2024-01-17 14:00 - 16:00
Dear Tribal Leader Letter
The purpose of these listening sessions is to advise the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) on the need for possible revisions to 25 C.F.R. Part 39 – Indian School Equalization Program. Under 25 U.S.C. § 2018(a), prior to publishing any proposed regulations and prior to establishing a negotiated rulemaking committee, BIE is required to convene regional meetings to consult with educators at BIE-operated schools and Tribal officials, parents, teachers, administrators, and school board members of Tribes served by BIE-funded schools to provide guidance to BIE on revisions to the regulations. These sessions, along with the previously held sessions, serve that purpose.
Wednesday, January 17 at 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Mountain
Virtual Session
Register
Wednesday, February 7 at 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Mountain
Gila River Resorts and Casinos
Room: Acacia CD
5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd.
Chandler, AZ 85226
Wednesday, March 6 at 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Central
Rushmore Hotel and Suites
Room: Roosevelt/Lincoln
445 Mt Rushmore Rd.
Rapid City, SD 57701
For additional details, please visit our BIE Consultation & Initiatives webpage at: www.bie.edu/landing-page/consultations-initiatives.
WRITTEN COMMENTS: Your written comments are welcomed on the ISEP and ISEP Transportation program by the extended comment deadline of March 31, 2024.
Please E-MAIL your comments to: consultation@bia.gov – SUBJECT LINE: ISEP and ISEP Transportation regulations.
