Cultural Resources Management

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Program Funding

Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.

Latest annual funding (estimated)

$5M FY2026

$2.8M

FY18

$550K

FY19

$314K

FY20

$3.1M

FY21

$540K

FY22

$3.3M

FY23

$11.3M

FY24

$4.3M

FY25*

$5M

FY26*

* estimated

Funded Projects

Examples of what this program has supported.

FY2024 The BIA manages about 3.2 million items, artifacts, artwork, ethnographic objects, historical items, specimens along with 50,504 archaelogical lots stored at 62 non-federal repositories, mainly archaeological materials and documentation. An estimated 1.9 million objects are located at 91 repositories (BIA,BIE, NPS, BLM and DOI agencies). Federal law mandates BIA to comply with NAGPRA for repatriations, but the update to NAGPRA regulations in 2024 stalled the process. With funding, BIA was able to hire a NAGPRA Consultant to assist with identiying NAGPRA collections nationwide and modify 2 cooperative agreements. The Museum Program has converted its dilapited collections room up to code with new cabinets, housing units, flooring, etc. to properly house its priceless artwork. BIA was able to support BIA Regional Archaeological Programs for permitting and NHPA Section 106 reviews.

FY2025 With updated NAGPRA regulations, BIA recieved over 52 museum statements regarding holdings that BIA may have control over. For the current year, 2025, six repatriations occurred with a large repatriation occuring later in Aguust 2025. And the BIA has funded 4 new repositories under cooperative agreements to assist in inventorying its collections. In addition, BIA museum was able to conduct site assessments at two agencies housing museum collections. BIA supported the Regional Archaeological Programs for Section 106 review purposes.

FY2026 With the FY24 and 25 funding amounts, BIA will be able to continue funding its NAGPRA Contractor, existing coopertative agreements and new agreements to inventory and repatriation Ancestors and their belongings. BIA will be able to continue to conduct site assessments visits to repositories. Increased funding will support the BIA Regional Archaeological programs to review EO 14156 National Energy Emergency Projects.

Program Objective

To ensure the proper management, protection, and preservation of cultural resources over which the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) maintains responsibility; furnish secure, short-term housing and care for cultural resources recovered during investigations; provide for the curation, stewardship, and public access to the BIA museum collections and other cultural resources, including the increase of public awareness, appreciation, and knowledge of these resources.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

Local governments
Sponsored organization
Public nonprofits
Other public organizations
Federally recognized tribes
Specialized groups
Small businesses
For-profit organizations
Private nonprofits
Quasi-public nonprofits
Other private organizations
State
Native American organizations

State and local agencies, sponsored organizations, public nonprofit institutions/organizations, other public institutions/organizations, Federally-recognized Indian Tribal governments, specialized groups, small businesses, profit organizations, private nonprofit institutions/organizations, quasi-public nonprofit institutions/organizations, other private institutions/organizations, and Native American Organizations, educational or scientific organization, or any institution, corporation, association, or individual that possesses the requisite professional expertise. Applicant eligibility will be specified in the Funding Opportunity Announcement, if applicable.

Beneficiaries

State and local governments, Federally recognized Indian Tribal governments, nonprofit organizations, educational or scientific institutions, universities, associations, and entities that have an education mission or mission-component, and museums and/or repositories that meet the standards of the Department of the Interior, Department Manual, Part 411.

How to Apply

Application Procedure

A detailed proposal which includes a statement of work, timeline, and budget, must be submitted to the program office.

Award Procedure

Projects are identified and awarded based on priorities of the program and available funding. All applications will be reviewed by program staff for eligibility and compliance with the requirements stated in the program funding announcement. Final selection will be determined by the program manager, as applicable. Any awards are subject to the availability of congressional appropriations.

Varies depending on the number of proposals received and the complexity of the project. Generally, awards are anticipated within 90-120 days of proposal submission.

Program details & compliance

Use of Funds

Allowed Uses

Funds used for all aspects of BIA cultural resource management activities, including but not limited to museum collections management, curation, monitoring, research, rehabilitation, restoration, preservation, documentation, data recovery, interpretation, and education. Contact the BIA program office for more information.

Required Documentation

Generally, applicant entity must have expertise in the contemplated resource management and/or research project

Reporting & Compliance

Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts

Subpart B — General Provisions
Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
Subpart F — Audit Requirements