Improving the Capability of Indian Tribal Governments to Regulate Environmental Quality

The purpose of the Environmental Regulatory Enhancement (ERE) program is to provide funding for the costs of planning, developing, and implementing programs designed to improve the capability of tribal governing bodies to regulate environmental quality pursuant to federal and tribal environmental laws. The ERE program supports the principle that projects must follow tribal cultural preservation and natural resource management priorities in order to achieve environmentally healthy, sustainable Native American and Alaska Native communities. The Administration for Native Americans (ANA) is therefore interested in supporting locally designed projects that strengthen tribal environmental regulatory programs in a manner consistent with the goals of native communities.

Eligible applicants include, federally recognized Indian tribes; incorporated non-federally recognized tribes and incorporated state-recognized tribes; Alaska Native villages, as defined in the Alaska Native Claims Act (ANCSA); and/or non-profit village consortia; non-profit Alaska Native regional corporation/associations in Alaska with village-specific projects; other tribal or village organizations or consortia of Indian tribes; and Tribal governing bodies (IRA or traditional councils) as recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Applications from individuals (including sole proprietorships) and foreign entities are not eligible.

Each application is reviewed against four factors: eligibility, the application deadline, required electronic submission or waiver requested and approved, and the Award Ceiling. If the application does not meet all of these factors, then it is disqualified from the merit review process.

After the initial review, applications are reviewed and evaluated by merit review panels using only the criteria described in the Application Review section of the NOFO. Each panel is composed of experts with knowledge and experience in the area under review. Generally, review panels include three reviewers and one chairperson.

While merit review scores and their ranking are not binding, ACF does consider them when selecting projects for funding. Scores and rankings are only one element used in the award decision-making process. Other criteria are explained in the Program Description section and in the Application Review section of the NOFO. For example, ACF reserves the right to evaluate applications in the larger context of the overall portfolio by considering the geographic distribution of federal funds (e.g., ensuring coverage of states, counties, or service areas) in its pre-award decisions.

ACF may elect not to fund applicants with management or financial problems that would indicate an inability to successfully complete the proposed project. In addition, ACF may elect to not allow a prime recipient to subaward if there is any indication that they are unable to properly monitor and manage subrecipients.

Applications may be funded in whole or in part. Successful applicants may be funded at an amount lower than requested.

Applicants will receive notice of approval/disapproval approximately 120 days after receipt of application.