Attorney Fees Indian Rights

CFDA 15.053 Active Provision of Specialized Services
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Program Funding

Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.

Latest annual funding (estimated)
$1.5M FY2025
$90K
FY18
$463K
FY23
$1.5M
FY24
$1.5M
FY25*
* estimated

Funded Projects

Examples of what this program has supported.

FY2024 Funded legal fees (not expenses) of private legal counsel retained by Tribes to represent litigation, negotiations, or administrative proceedings that involve the protection of tribal trust resources or tribal rights.
FY2025 Funded legal fees (not expenses) of private legal counsel retained by Tribes to represent litigation, negotiations, or administrative proceedings that involve the protection of tribal trust resources or tribal rights.
FY2026 Funded legal fees (not expenses) of private legal counsel retained by Tribes to represent litigation, negotiations, or administrative proceedings that involve the protection of tribal trust resources or tribal rights.

Program Objective

To assist Federally Recognized Tribes in protecting their treaty rights and other rights established through Executive Order or court action.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

  • Federally recognized tribes
  • Specialized groups

Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments.

Beneficiaries

  • 9

Federally Recognized Indian Tribes and their members.

How to Apply

Application Procedure

Initial applications must contain the information specified in 25 CFR 89. Completed applications should be submitted to the local Bureau of Indian Affairs agency office listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog.

Award Procedure

Awards are approved at the Headquarters level.

Applications will be processed within 90 days.

Program details & compliance

Use of Funds

Allowed Uses

These funds are used to provide assistance to tribes to obtain legal representation in situations where the United States cannot represent them as authorized in 25 U.S.C. 175. The funds are distributed in accordance with regulations governing the expenditure of appropriated funds for the fees of private attorneys representing tribes, and the eligibility requirements are found in 25 U.S.C. 89. Bureau policy determines the attorney fee hourly rates.

Required Documentation

Initial application must be accompanied by a resolution of the governing body of the Indian tribe.

Reporting & Compliance

Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts

  • Subpart E — Cost Principles
  • Subpart F — Audit Requirements

Contacts

Brenda Hatathlie
720-310-1282
Civil Engineer, Lakewood, CO 80401
Data from SAM.gov Federal Assistance Listings. Source published: 2025-08-19. Spec v1.0. Last synced: 2026-05-30 02:36:18.