FY23 ICWA OFF-RESERVATION GRANT

The BIA is the Federal agency charged with administering ICWA funding to Federally recognized Tribes. In FY 2023, the Congress appropriated $2.0 million to fund off-reservation programs authorized by section 202 of the ICWA (25 U.S.C. 1932).  The BIA will distribute the FY 2023 funding through the competitive grant process outlined in 25 CFR § 23.31-23.35, Subpart D., Grants to Off-Reservation Indian Organizations for Title II Indian Child and Family Services Programs (subject to fund availability), to assist Indian Organizations in establishing and operating off-reservation Indian child and family service programs, which may include, but are not limited to:(1) a system for regulating, maintaining, and supporting Indian foster and adoptive homes, including a subsidy program under which Indian adoptive children may be provided support comparable to that for which they would be eligible as Indian foster children, taking into account the appropriate State standards of support for maintenance and medical needs;(2)  the operation and maintenance of facilities and services for counseling and treatment of Indian families and Indian foster and adoptive children;(3)  family assistance, including homemaker and home counselors, day care, afterschool care, and employment, recreational activities, and respite care; and(4)  guidance, legal representation, and advice to Indian families involved in child custody proceedings, 25 U.S.C. 1932.BackgroundOn January 13, 1994, Indian Affairs (IA) published in the Federal Register (59 FR 2248) regulations revising 25 CFR part 23, the rules that govern the Title II ICWA grant program.  The announcement converted the previous competitive ICWA grant award process to initiate a noncompetitive award system for eligible Federally recognized Tribes.In FY 1995, the eligible Tribes began to continuously access their recurring ICWA funds in the Tribal Priority Allocation (TPA) budget Sub activity section of the Tribe's budget system.  The funding process managed centrally by IA for off-reservation Indian Organizations was discontinued after the conversion to the noncompetitive process for eligible federally recognized Tribes.  The BIA last awarded the ICWA off-reservation grants to Indian Organizations in FY 1994.  Rather, some federally recognized Tribes have contracted with off-reservation Indian Organizations, if and where needed.In FY 2020, the Congress appropriated $1.0 million specifically to fund off-reservation programs authorized by section 202 of the ICWA (25 U.S.C. 1932). In FY 2021, the Congress allocated again $1.0 million for the ICWA, to fund off-reservation programs authorized by section 202 of the ICWA (25 U.S.C. 1932) for the second consecutive fiscal year. In FY 2022, Congress allocated $1.5 million for the ICWA, to fund off-reservation programs authorized by section 202 of the ICWA (25 U.S.C. 1932) for the third consecutive fiscal year. In FY 2023, Congress allocated 2 million, additional $500,000 for the ICWA, to fund off-reservation programs authorized by section 202 of the ICWA (25 U.S.C. 1932) for the fourth consecutive fiscal year. These are considered one-time funding for the earmark as included in the four consecutive fiscal year appropriations act.B.  Items to Consider Before Preparing an Application, Funding Limitations, 2-year Timeframes and No-Cost Extensions

Awards are subject to available funding.  The BIA’s obligation under this solicitation notice is contingent on receipt of available appropriated funds.  No liability on part of the U.S. Government for any payment may arise until funds are made available to the awarding officer for this grant. No liability may arise until the recipient receives notice of such availability and is confirmed in writing by the grants officer.