Article - Q&A for Indian Tribes Applying Directly to FHWA

The following questions and answers pertain to Indian tribes who will be applying directly to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for grants under the National Scenic Byways Program (NSBP). 

Who is my Indian tribe byway coordinator?  Can an applicant be their own coordinator?

Our current list of Indian tribe byway coordinators can be found at http://www.bywaysonline.org/contacts/tribal.html.  However, this may not be a complete list.  An applicant for an Indian tribe may be their own coordinator.  However, if more than one applicant will be submitting applications for any one tribe, than a single tribal byway coordinator should be identified to review and rank the projects.

Are there any additional steps that Indian tribe byway coordinators must follow in the application process when they are applying directly to FHWA for NSBP grants?

Yes.  Applications need to be reviewed and ranked by your Indian tribe byway coordinator.  If you are the coordinator, you need to click “Review Applications" at http://www.bywaysonline.org/grants/application/ and fill out the privilege request form.  Once you are granted privileges, you can review and rank the applications for submittal to FHWA.

Beyond eligibility, consideration of selection criteria, and consistency with tribe goals and objectives, are what other things an Indian tribe byway coordinator should review in the application?

• Documentation that you and the applicant have the tribal authority to apply for NSBP grants, and that the tribe supports your project.  This documentation may be in the form of a tribal government resolution, tribal law or regulation, or other official tribal government notice or letter.

• Assessment and documentation that the applicant has the capacity to comply with Federal grant requirements, including but not limited to Titles 23 and 49 of U.S. Code. The tribe will have full responsibility to show compliance with these requirements, which may differ from those under NSBP agreements with the Bureau of Indian Affairs or the State.  The applicant will need to demonstrate compliance with many laws, regulations, and requirements before funds can be authorized, including:

  • Financial Management System - financial reporting, accounting records, internal controls, budget controls, allowable costs, and other requirements
  • Procurement System - contract administration, procurement method, competition, and other requirements
  • Invoicing – project management, documentation, controls
  • National Environmental Policy Act, National Historic Preservation Act and compliance with other environmental laws and regulations
  • Uniform Act and property acquisition
  • And others as applicable.
• Confirmation that the applicant has a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and an active Central Contractor Registration (CCR).