Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians, Field Operations

(OST- Field Ops)
CFDA 15.155 Active Salaries and Expenses
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Program Funding

Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.

Latest annual funding (estimated)
$1.5M FY2025
$168K
FY21
$353K
FY24
$1.5M
FY25*
* estimated

Program Objective

The objectives of these Office of the Special Trustee (OST) grants will be to support and initiate a wide range of projects that facilitate Trust Improvement and Reform, including but not limited to the areas of Probate/Estates, Individual and Tribal Financial Empowerment, Trust Asset Management, Investments, and Trust administration processes generally.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

  • Local governments
  • Public nonprofits
  • Other public organizations
  • Federally recognized tribes
  • Private nonprofits
  • Quasi-public nonprofits
  • Other private organizations
  • Native American organizations

Eligible applicants are: Indian tribes; Alaska Native Corporations; Indian or Alaska Native Foundations; Indian or Alaska Native non-profits; qualifying corporations; qualifying contractors; qualifying individual consultants, Law Schools accredited by a recognized body or bodies or state agency, Legal Aid organizations and ULCs. Schools must be located in the 50 states or the District of Columbia.

Beneficiaries

  • 16
  • 20
  • 36
  • 5
  • 7
  • 8

Beneficiaries will include organizations that will provide direct and defined service to Tribal and Individual beneficiaries. Eligible beneficiaries are: Alaska Native Corporations; Indian or Alaska Native Foundations; Indian or Alaska Native non-profits; qualifying corporations; qualifying contractors; Law Schools accredited by a recognized body or bodies or state agency, Legal Aid organizations and ULCs. Schools must be located in the 50 states or the District of Columbia. Project participants must be in an accredited program, a citizen of the United States, a non-citizen national of the United States or a foreign national who possesses a visa permitting permanent residence in the United States. Tribal Government Beneficiaries: Federally Recognized Tribal Governments’ Legal Aid and Assistance programs that are qualified to perform the work specified in the Grant Notice.

How to Apply

Application Procedure

An informal conference with an OST project management representative is recommended. Applications shall include detailed information as required in the Funding Opportunity Notice (Grants Notice). Completed applications should be submitted using the grants.gov website at : http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html .

Award Procedure

The dollar value of the award depends upon the amount that is available for the project and will be set in accordance with project requirements (specified in the Grants Notice). The Interior Business Center will inform the Awardee as to the details of the grant as awarded.

Decision Timeline

  • Approval: From 60 to 90 days

Applications will be processed within 90 days.

Program details & compliance

Description

Although this program is not currently funded, it remains active for future allocations.

Use of Funds

Allowed Uses

Funds may be used by to support a wide range of Trust Reform initiatives, including will clinics, Estate Planning, development and administration of informational seminars, and development and administration of conventional and alternative asset management processes and other trust reform activities. All funds must be expended on behalf of American Indians or Alaska Natives, as defined in any Federal Statute. Funds may be used for salaries of personnel specifically employed for the project; consultant fees; supplies and equipment necessary to conduct the project; essential travel expenses and student stipends; and other expenses related to the project. Indirect costs are allowed for administrative costs incurred as a result of the project, generally limited to 15 percent of direct costs. It is expected funds expended for salaries will be used in a modest and reasonable manner, using the Federal pay scale as a guide.

Required Documentation

Service Provider Documentation will include: Proof of accreditation, certification, of 501c3 status, articles of incorporation, and professional licenses if required. Documentation, required at the point of service, may include Tribal Enrollment Number, Land Asset Number or IIM Account Number of the client served.

Reporting & Compliance

Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts

  • Subpart B — General Provisions
  • Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart E — Cost Principles
  • Subpart F — Audit Requirements

Contacts

Megan Olsen — Director, Office of Acquisition and Property Management
202-513-0692
Department of the Interior 1849 C. Street NW, Room 4257, Washington, DC 20240
Data from SAM.gov Federal Assistance Listings. Source published: 2025-09-09. Spec v1.0. Last synced: 2026-05-30 02:30:48.