[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 56 (Wednesday, March 23, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 16481-16488]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-06077]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Indian Affairs

[212A2100DD/AAKC001030/A0A501010.999900]


Indian Business Incubators Program (IBIP) Grants Under the Native 
American Business Incubator Act of 2020

AGENCY: Office of the Assistant Secretary, Indian Affairs, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of solicitation for proposals.

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SUMMARY: The Secretary of the Interior (Secretary), through the Office 
of Indian Economic Development (OIED), Division of Economic Development 
(DED), solicits proposals from eligible applicants (see Section IV. 
Eligibility for Funding, of this notice) to receive competitive grants 
to establish and operate business incubators that serve Tribal 
reservation communities. These grants will provide individually 
tailored business incubation and other business services to Native 
businesses and Native entrepreneurs to overcome the unique obstacles 
they confront and provide tools necessary to start and grow businesses 
that offer products and services to reservation communities.

DATES: Grant application packages must be submitted to Grants.gov no 
later than 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, on Monday May 23, 2022. OIED 
will not consider proposals received after this time and date.

ADDRESSES: The required method of submitting proposals is through 
Grants.gov. For information on how to apply for grants in Grants.gov, 
see the instructions at https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/Applicants/HowToApplyForGrants.htm. Proposals must be submitted to 
Grants.gov by the deadline established in the DATES section of this 
notice.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Dennis Wilson, Grant Management 
Specialist, OIED, telephone: (505) 917-3235; email: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b7d3d2d9d9dec499c0dedbc4d8d9f7d5ded699d0d8c1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e387868d8d8a90cd948a8f908c8da3818a82cd848c95">[email protected]</span></a>. If you have questions regarding the application 
process, please contact Ms. Jo Ann Metcalfe, Grant Officer, telephone 
(703) 390-6410; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#117b7e3f7c746572707d7774517378703f767e67"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="305a5f1e5d554453515c5655705259511e575f46">[email protected]</span></a>. Individuals in the United 
States who are deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or have a speech 
disability may dial 711 (TTY, TDD, or TeleBraille) to access 
telecommunications relay services. Additional Program information can 
be found at https://www.bia.gov/service/grants/ibip.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. General Information
II. Number of Projects Funded
III. Background
IV. Eligibility for Funding
V. Requirements for an IBIP Proposal
VI. Required Non-Federal Contributions
VII. Applicant Procurement Procedures
VIII. Limitations
IX. IBIP Application Guidance
X. Mandatory Components
XI. Incomplete Applications
XII. Review and Selection Process
XIII. Evaluation Criteria
XIV. Transfer of Funds
XV. Reporting Requirements for Award Recipients
XVI. Conflicts of Interest
XVII. Questions and Requests for OIED Assistance
XVIII. Paperwork Reduction Act
XVIII. Authority

I. General Information

    Award Ceiling: $300,000 annually.
    Award Floor: $100,000 annually.
    CFDA Number: 15.032.
    Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: Yes.
    Number of Awards: 10 to 15.
    Category: Business Incubator Services.
    Length of Project Periods:
    Length of Project Period: 36 month project period with three 12-
month budget periods, with an option for an additional three 12-month 
budget periods.

II. Number of Projects Funded

    OIED anticipates award of approximately 10 to 15 grants under this 
announcement ranging in value from approximately $100,000 annually to 
$300,000 annually. IBIP awards will be for a three-year period of 
performance. OIED will use a competitive evaluation process based on 
criteria described in the Review and Selection Process section (see 
Section XII. Review and Selection Process, of this notice).

III. Background

    On October 20, 2020, Congress enacted the Native American Business 
Incubators Program Act, Public Law 116-174, codified at 25 U.S.C. 5801 
et seq. In the Act, Congress established the Native American Business 
Incubators Program and required the Secretary of the Interior to 
promulgate regulations to implement the program. See 25 U.S.C. 5804.
    The Office of the Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs, through 
OIED, is soliciting proposals from eligible entities (as outlined in 
section IV of this notice) for grant funding to establish Indian 
Business Incubators that serve entrepreneurs with start-up and early-
stage businesses who will provide products or services to Tribal 
reservation communities. The Indian Business Incubator will deliver a 
range of business services such as: Mentorships, networking, technical 
assistance, and access to investors. Further, Indian Business 
Incubators will promote collaboration, address challenges, and provide 
individually tailored services to overcome the obstacles that are 
unique to each participating business.
    The OIED, previously referred to as the Office of Indian Energy and 
Economic Development (IEED), administers this grant program through the 
DED funded under a non-recurring appropriation budget. Congress 
appropriates funds on a year-to-year basis. Thus, while IBIP projects 
may extend over several years, funding for successive years beyond the 
original period of performance depends on each fiscal year's 
appropriations.
    The projects awarded are expected to be for a project period of 36 
months, with an option of an additional 36 months. The initial grant 
award will be for a 12-month budget period. The award continuation 
beyond each 12-month budget period will be subject to the availability 
of funds, satisfactory progress on the part of each recipient, and a 
determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of 
the Federal government. Neither the Department of the Interior (DOI) 
nor Indian Affairs will be held responsible for proposal or application 
preparation costs. Publication of this solicitation does not obligate 
DOI or Indian Affairs to award any specific grant or to obligate all or 
any part of available funds.

IV. Eligibility for Funding

    The Secretary, through the OIED, will solicit proposals for an IBIP 
grant from eligible entities that are able to provide the physical 
workspace, equipment, and connectivity necessary for Native businesses 
and Native entrepreneurs to collaborate and conduct business on a

[[Page 16482]]

local, regional, national, and international level:
    <bullet> The following are eligible entities (2 CFR 1187.3):
    [cir] An Indian Tribe;
    [ssquf] Federally recognized Tribes listed as Indian Entities 
Recognized by and Eligible to Receive Services from the United States 
Bureau of Indian Affairs at 87 FR 4636 (January 28, 2022) or Tribal 
Organizations. Indian Tribes are referred to using the term ``Tribe'' 
throughout this notice. Tribal Organization is defined by 25 U.S.C. 
5304(l). While federally recognized Tribes or Tribal Organizations may 
apply for IBIP grants, grantees may select or retain for-profit or non-
profit Tribal Organizations to perform a grant's scope of work to 
receive IBIP grants.
    [cir] Tribal College or University that will have been operational 
for not less than one year before receiving a grant under the IBIP;
    [ssquf] Qualifies for funding under the Tribally Controlled 
Colleges and Universities Assistance Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 1801 et 
seq.) and implementing regulations at 25 CFR part 41, or the Navajo 
Community College Act (25 U.S.C. 640a note); or
    [ssquf] Is cited in section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land-
Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note).
    [cir] An Institution of Higher Education that will have been 
operational for not less than one year before receiving a grant under 
the IBIP:
    [ssquf] Admits as regular students only persons having a 
certificate of graduation from a school providing secondary education, 
or the recognized equivalent of such a certificate, or persons who meet 
the requirements of 20 U.S.C. 1091(d);
    [ssquf] Is legally authorized within such State to provide a 
program of education beyond secondary education;
    [ssquf] Provides an educational program for which the institution 
awards a bachelor's degree or provides not less than a two-year program 
that is acceptable for full credit toward such a degree, or awards a 
degree that is acceptable for admission to a graduate or professional 
degree program, subject to review and approval by the Secretary;
    [ssquf] Is a public or other nonprofit institution; and
    [ssquf] Is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency 
or association, or if not so accredited, is an institution that has 
been granted pre-accreditation status by such an agency or association 
that has been recognized by the Secretary for the granting of pre-
accreditation status, and the Secretary has determined that there is 
satisfactory assurance that the institution will meet the accreditation 
standards of such an agency or association within a reasonable time.
    [cir] A Tribe or private nonprofit organization that provides 
business and financial technical assistance and;
    [ssquf] Is a ``Tribal Organization'' as defined by 25 U.S.C. 
5304(l)
    [ssquf] Will have been operational for not less than one year 
before receiving a grant under the IBIP; and
    [ssquf] Commits to serving one or more reservation communities.
    [cir] Two or more eligible entities may submit a Joint Application, 
but:
    [ssquf] All joint entities must submit certifications they are 
eligible as they combine resources and expertise at a physical location 
dedicated to assisting Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs under 
the IBIP, demonstrating that together they meet the requirements of 2 
CFR 1187.13; and
    [ssquf] The application must indicate which eligible entity will be 
the lead contact for the purposes of grant management.

V. Requirements for an IBIP Proposal

    Applicants must provide a certification that they are eligible to 
receive an IBIP grant, as well as designate an executive director or 
program manager to manage the business incubator. Applicants must 
submit the necessary documents per Section X. Mandatory Components, of 
this notice.

VI. Required Non-Federal Contributions

    Applicants must include a description of the non-Federal 
contributions, in an amount equal to not less than 25 percent of the 
grant amount requested, or submit a waiver request. OIED may waive the 
requirement for the non-Federal contribution, in whole or in part, for 
one or more years of the initial IBIP grant award if OIED determines 
that the waiver is appropriate based on:
    <bullet> The awardee's ability to provide non-Federal 
contributions;
    <bullet> The quality of business incubation services; and
    <bullet> The likelihood that one or more reservation communities 
served by the awardee will not receive similar services elsewhere 
because of the remoteness or other reasons that inhibit the provision 
of business and entrepreneurial development services.
    In a non-competitive renewal, the Awardee must provide non-Federal 
contributions in an amount not less than 33 percent of the total amount 
of the grant. Failure to provide the non-Federal contribution will 
result in noncompliance and OIED withholding of funds, unless OIED 
waives the requirement under 25 CFR 1187.43.
    Matching and cost-sharing requirements are discussed in 2 CFR 
200.306. The primary recipient is responsible for the full amount of 
the non-Federal match proposed, including any amount provided by one or 
more third parties as listed on the Standard Form 424, Application for 
Federal Assistance. Whereas the full match contribution does not need 
to be in hand as of the date of the application, the application must 
provide commitments for the non-Federal contribution through the term 
of the grant. Applicants may meet the required non-Federal cost share 
or match through in-kind contributions, which must be necessary and 
reasonable for accomplishing the proposed project objective(s). The 
applicant must describe and attribute fair and equitable market value 
(2 CFR 200.306) to any in-kind match proposed in lieu of cash, which 
may include, but is not limited to:
    <bullet> Not paid from, or sourced, from other Federal funds, 
programs or grants;
    <bullet> Documented in project records and not be used as match in 
another grant;
    <bullet> An allowable cost under 2 CFR 200 Subpart E--Cost 
Principles;
    <bullet> Must occur within the period of performance of the award;
    <bullet> Value of services and property donated as per 2 CFR 
200.306, for instance;
    [cir] Space as measured by the value of rent;
    [cir] Materials and Equipment;
    [cir] Donated Services and Technical Assistance;
    [ssquf] Payroll or volunteer services from personnel working on the 
incubator who are not funded by IBIP, which must be well documented and 
supported per methods used for regular personnel costs;
    <bullet> Contribution from a third party(ies) per 2 CFR 200.434. A 
third party is any individual or organization other than the eligible 
applicant, such as a partner, that is not receiving grant funds;
    <bullet> Projected earnings through the term of the grant;

VII. Applicant Procurement Procedures

    The applicant is subject to the procurement standards in 2 CFR 
200.318 through 200.326. In accordance with 2 CFR 200.318, an applicant 
must use its own documented procurement procedures which reflect Tribal 
laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to 
applicable Federal law and standards identified in title 2 of the Code 
of Federal Regulations.

[[Page 16483]]

VIII. Limitations

    IBIP grant funding must be expended in accordance with applicable 
statutory and regulatory requirements, including 2 CFR part 200. As 
part of the grant application review process, OIED may conduct a review 
of an applicant's prior OIED grant awards(s).
    Applicants that are currently under BIA sanction Level 2 or higher 
resulting from non-compliance with the Single Audit Act are ineligible 
for a IBIP award. Applicants at Sanction Level 1 will be considered for 
funding.
    IBIP award funds may be used to provide physical workspace and 
facilities for Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs participating 
in the business incubator. Funds can be used to establish partnerships 
with other institutions and entities to provide comprehensive business 
incubation services to Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs 
participating in the business incubator, as well as for any other uses 
typically associated with business incubators that OIED determines to 
be appropriate and consistent with the purposes of the IBIP.
    IBIP awards may not be used for:
    <bullet> Indirect costs or administrative costs as defined by the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR);
    <bullet> Supplemental employment, including fringe benefits, for 
current positions not significantly and directly involved in the 
proposed project;
    <bullet> International travel;
    <bullet> Outside Fees, Legal or Contract Negotiation fees, and 
application fees associated with permitting that are outside the scope 
of the grant award;
    <bullet> Entertainment costs
    [cir] For remote training/conferences locations (where eating 
establishments are not within a reasonable distance), food costs are 
allowable, but should not exceed the GSA meals and incidental costs per 
attendee for that location, not to exceed $5,000 for one event, and not 
more than twice in a calendar year;
    [cir] Refreshments for non-remote training/conference locations are 
allowable for $5/attendee/day, not to exceed $1,000 per event,
    [cir] All other food costs are disallowed;
    [cir] However, travel stipends for training participants are 
allowed, including costs for meals which must follow the GSA Per Diem 
rates.
    <bullet> Any other activities not authorized by the grant award 
letter.

IX. IBIP Application Guidance

    All applications are required to be submitted in digital form to 
grants.gov. For instructions, see https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/Applicants/HowToApplyForGrants.htm.

X. Mandatory Components

    The mandatory components, and forms identified below, must be 
included in each proposal package. Links to the mandatory forms can be 
found under the ``package'' tab on the IBIPFY2022 grant opportunity 
page at www.grants.gov. Any information in the possession of the BIA or 
submitted to the BIA throughout the process, including final work 
product, constitutes government records and may be subject to 
disclosure to third parties under the Freedom of Information Act 
(FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552, and the Department of the Interior's FOIA 
regulations at 43 CFR part 2, unless a FOIA exemption or exception

applies, or other provisions of law protect the information. The 
following are the names of the required forms:Cover Page
Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) [V3.0]
Cover Letter
Project Abstract Summary [V2.0]
Project Narrative Attachment Form [V1.2]
Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424A) [V1.0]
Attachments [V1.2]
Key Contacts [V2.0]

    Cover Page: A Cover Page must be included in the application and 
contain the following:
    <bullet> Category of Funding for the IBIP application.
    <bullet> Proposal Title.
    <bullet> Total Amount of funding requested from the Program, 
including matching amounts.
    <bullet> Full and Proper Name of the applicant organization.
    <bullet> Statement confirming the proposed work will have the 
potential to reach the intended goals and objectives.
    <bullet> Confirm current registration in SAM, attaching print-out 
from sam.gov to the cover page. See instructions and registration 
instructions in Appendix.
    <bullet> Provide current ASAP Recipient ID with BIA. Allow 3-4 
weeks to complete all steps of enrollment prior to submission deadline. 
The organization must be enrolled in ASAP with BIA, current enrollment 
with other federal agencies is not sufficient. See instructions and 
registration instructions in Appendix.
    <bullet> Confirmation of other completed Mandatory Components 
identified in this section (SF-424, Project Abstract Summary, etc).
    <bullet> Identification if partnerships such as Tribes, other 
Tribal Organizations or Entities. This is partnerships outside of a 
Joint Application.
    Application for Federal Assistance SF-424: Applicants are required 
to complete the Application for Federal Assistance SF-424. Please use a 
descriptive file name that includes Tribal name and project 
description, for example IBIPSF424.Tribalname.Project. The SF-424 form 
requires the Congressional District number of the applicant, which can 
be found at https://www.house.gov/reprentatives/find-your-representative.
    Cover Letter: A cover letter not to exceed one (1) page that 
summarizes the interest and intent, complete with authorized 
signature(s) of organization leadership. Tribal Resolutions are not 
necessary but will be accepted as support for the organization.
    Project Abstract Summary and Project Narrative Attachment: The 
first paragraph of the Project Abstract Summary and Project Narrative 
must include the title and basic description of the proposed business 
incubator location and services provided. The Project Narrative must 
not exceed 50 pages. Supplemental information such as letters of 
support, graphs, charts, maps, photographs and other graphic and/or 
other relevant information may be included in an appendix and not 
counted against the 50-page Project Narrative limit. At a minimum, the 
Project Narrative must include:
    <bullet> A certification that the applicant(s):
    [cir] Is an eligible applicant; and
    [cir] Has or will designate an executive director or program 
manager to manage the business incubator;
    [cir] Agrees to:
    [ssquf] A site evaluation by the Secretary as part of the final 
selection process;
    [ssquf] An annual programmatic and financial examination for the 
duration of the grant; and
    [ssquf] To the maximum extent practicable, to remedy any problems 
identified pursuant to the site evaluation and examination.
    <bullet> A description of the one or more reservation communities 
to be served by the business incubator;
    <bullet> A three-year plan that describes:
    [cir] One-year milestone goals and objectives that coordinates with 
the identified budget periods.
    [cir] The number of Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs to 
be participating in the business incubator, with goal setting of 
anticipated number of Native businesses starting, and the anticipated 
number of Native businesses to help maintain.
    [cir] Whether the business incubator will focus on a particular 
type of business or industry.
    [cir] A detailed breakdown of the services to be offered to Native

[[Page 16484]]

businesses and Native entrepreneurs participating in the business 
incubator; and
    [cir] A detailed breakdown of the services, if any, to be offered 
to Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs not participating in the 
business incubator.
    <bullet> Information demonstrating the effectiveness and experience 
of the eligible applicant in:
    [cir] Conducting financial, management, and marketing assistance 
programs designed to educate or improve the business skills of current 
or prospective businesses;
    [cir] Working in and providing services to Native American 
communities;
    [cir] Providing assistance to entities conducting business in 
reservation communities;
    [cir] Providing technical assistance under Federal business and 
entrepreneurial development programs for which Native businesses and 
Native entrepreneurs are eligible; and
    [cir] Managing finances and staff effectively.
    <bullet> A description of the applicant's non-Federal 
contributions, in an amount equal to not less than 25 percent of the 
grant amount requested; and
    <bullet> A site description of the location at which the eligible 
applicant will provide physical workspace, including a description of 
the technologies, equipment, and other resources that will be available 
to Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs participating in the 
business incubator, if the applicant is in possession of the site, or a 
written site proposal containing the information in 2 CFR 1187.12, if 
the applicant is not yet in possession of the site.
    <bullet> If the applicant is not yet in possession of the site, the 
applicant must submit a written site proposal with their application 
that contains:
    [cir] Sufficient detail for the Secretary to ensure, in the absence 
of a site visit or video submission, that the proposed site will permit 
the eligible applicant to meet the requirements of the IBIP; and
    [cir] A timeline describing when the eligible applicant will be:
    [ssquf] In possession of the proposed site; and
    [ssquf] Operating the business incubator at the proposed site.
    Applicants must provide milestones and projected outcomes of their 
project(s) to demonstrate a successful outcome of the grant. The 
proposal should address grant awardee requirements:
    <bullet> Awardee must:
    [cir] Offer culturally tailored incubation services to Native 
businesses and Native entrepreneurs;
    [cir] Use a competitive process for selecting Native businesses and 
Native entrepreneurs to participate in the business incubator; however, 
awardees may still offer technical assistance and advice to Native 
businesses and Native entrepreneurs on a walk-in basis;
    [cir] Provide physical workspace that permits Native businesses and 
Native entrepreneurs to conduct business and collaborate with other 
Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs;
    [cir] Provide entrepreneurship and business skills training and 
education to Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs including:
    [ssquf] Financial education, including training and counseling in:
    <bullet> Applying for and securing business credit and investment 
capital;
    <bullet> Preparing and presenting financial statements; and
    <bullet> Managing cash flow and other financial operations of a 
business;
    [ssquf] Management education, including training and counseling in 
planning, organization, staffing, directing, and controlling each major 
activity or function of a business or startup; and
    [ssquf] Marketing education, including training and counseling in:
    <bullet> Identifying and segmenting domestic and international 
market opportunities;
    <bullet> Preparing and executing marketing plans;
    <bullet> Locating contract opportunities;
    <bullet> Negotiating contracts; and
    <bullet> Using varying public relations and advertising techniques.
    [cir] Provide direct mentorship or assistance finding mentors in 
the industry in which the Native business or Native entrepreneur 
operates or intends to operate; and
    [cir] Provide access to networks of potential investors, 
professionals in the same or similar fields, and other business owners 
with similar businesses.
    <bullet> Each awardee must leverage technology to the maximum 
extent practicable to provide Native businesses and Native 
entrepreneurs with access to the connectivity tools needed to compete 
and thrive in 21st-century markets.
    Additional items to consider:
    <bullet> A description of the project objectives and goals for each 
of the 3 years;
    <bullet> Deliverable products that the grant is expected to 
generate, including interim deliverables (such as status reports and 
technical data to be obtained) and final deliverables; and
    <bullet> Resumes of key consultants and personnel to be retained, 
if available, and the names of subcontractors, if applicable. This 
information may be included as an attachment to the application and 
will not be counted towards the 50-page limitation.
    <bullet> Please use a descriptive file name that includes Tribal 
name and project description. For example: 
IBIPNarrative.Tribalname.Project.
    In addition, unless prohibited by Tribal procurement procedures, 
please include a description of any consultant(s) and partnership(s) 
the applicant wishes to retain, including their contact information, 
technical expertise, training, qualifications, and suitability. These 
documents may be included at the end of the Project Narrative and will 
not be counted toward the 50-page limitation.
    Project Narratives are not judged based on their length. Please do 
not submit any unnecessary attachments or documents beyond what is 
listed above, e.g., Tribal history, unrelated photos and maps.
    Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424A) [V1.0], 
Line Item Budget and Budget Narrative: All applicants are required to 
submit a project budget and budget justification with their 
application. The project budget is for the initial budget period only 
(typically the first 12 months of the project) and entered on the 
Budget Information Standard Form, either SF424A or SF-424C. Applicants 
are encouraged to review the form instructions in addition to the 
guidance in this section. The budget justification consists of a budget 
narrative and a line-item budget detail for the first budget period of 
the proposed project that includes detailed calculations for ``object 
class categories'' identified on the Budget Information Standard Form 
and discuss the necessity, reasonableness, and allocation of the 
proposed cost.
    Applicants are required to submit a budget using the SF-424A form. 
Please use a descriptive file name that includes Tribal name and 
project description. For example: IBIPBudget.Tribalname.Project. When 
preparing budget information for the SF-424, applicants should plan to 
apply for funding in the range of $100,000-$300,000 a year for three 
years.
    The budget must identify the amount of grant funding requested and 
a comprehensive breakdown of all projected and anticipated 
expenditures, including contracted personnel fees, consulting fees 
(hourly or fixed), travel costs, data collection and analysis costs, 
computer rentals, report generation, drafting, advertising costs for a 
proposed project and other relevant project expenses, and their 
subcomponents. Budget cost codes and items must be necessary and 
reasonable

[[Page 16485]]

as they directly relate to the incubator project proposal. 
Justifications must be provided:
    <bullet> Administrative Costs associated with search, review and 
selection of external hires, including administrative support and 
supervision of liaison(s).
    <bullet> Salary and Fringe Benefit costs that will be coordinated 
with OIED to ensure salary costs are reasonable and relatively 
consistent across the liaison network nationwide.
    <bullet> Travel costs should be itemized by airfare, vehicle 
rental, lodging, and per diem, based on the current Federal government 
per diem schedule.
    <bullet> Data collection and analysis costs should be itemized in 
sufficient detail for the OIED review committee to evaluate the 
charges.
    <bullet> Other expenses may include computer rental, report 
generation, drafting, and advertising costs for a proposed project.
    <bullet> Match requirements must also be documented, as outlined 
per Section VI. Required Non-Federal Contribution, of this notice.
    Annual Meetings: Applicants are required to attend annual IBIP 
meetings. Some of the meetings may be held in Washington, DC, and some 
of the meetings may be held in a regional location. For the annual 
meetings, grantees should have allocated sufficient grant funding in 
their proposed program budgets to cover travel, accommodation, and per 
diem expenses for two individuals for a 1\1/2\ day meeting that will 
occur once each year. OIED may specify the individuals who will attend 
these meetings (e.g., Project Directors, Business Incubator 
participants). Additional funds for these expenses will not be 
available once grants are awarded.
    Commitment of Non-Federal Resources Description: Amounts of non-
federal resources that will be used to support the project as 
identified in Block 18 of the SF-424. This line should be used to 
indicate required and/or voluntary committed cost sharing or matching, 
if applicable.
    For all federal awards: Any shared costs or matching funds and all 
contributions, including cash and third-party in-kind contributions, 
must be accepted as part of the recipient's cost sharing, or matching 
when such contributions meet all of the criteria listed in 2 CFR 
200.306.
    For awards that require matching or cost sharing by statute: 
Recipients will be held accountable for projected commitments of non-
federal resources (at or above the statutory requirement) in their 
application budgets and budget justifications by budget period, or by 
project period for fully funded awards. A recipient's failure to 
provide the statutorily required matching or cost sharing amount (and 
any voluntary committed amount in excess) may result in the 
disallowance of federal funds. Recipients will be required to report 
these funds in the Federal Financial Report.
    Justification: If an applicant is relying on cost share or match 
from a third-party, then a firm commitment of these resources 
(letter(s) or other documentation) is required to be submitted with the 
application. Detailed budget information must be provided for every 
funding source identified in Item 18. ``Estimated Funding ($)'' on the 
SF-424.
    Applicants are required to fully identify and document in their 
applications the specific costs or contributions they propose in order 
to meet a matching requirement. Applicants are also required to provide 
documentation in their applications on the sources of funding or 
contribution(s). In-kind contributions must be accompanied by a 
justification of how the stated valuation was determined. Matching or 
cost sharing must be documented by budget period (or by project period 
for fully funded award.
    Applications that lack the required supporting documentation will 
not be disqualified from competitive review; however, it may impact an 
application's scoring under the evaluation criteria.
    Key Contacts [V2.0]: Applicants must include the Key Contacts 
information page that includes:
    <bullet> Lead Applicant contact information including address, 
email, desk, and cell phone number;
    <bullet> If there is more than one contact, please provide an 
additional key contacts form.
    <bullet> Please use a descriptive file name that includes Tribal 
name and identifies that it is the critical information page (CIP). For 
example: IBIPCIP.Tribalname.Project.
    Attachments [V1.2]: Utilize the Attachments Form to include a 
Tribal Resolution, as applicable, issued in the fiscal year of the 
grant application, authorizing the submission of a FY 2022 IBIP grant 
application. It must be signed by authorized Tribal representative(s). 
The Tribal resolution must also include a description of the business 
plan to be implemented. The attachments form can also be used to 
include any other attachments related to the proposal.
    Special Notes:
    <bullet> Please make sure that System for Award Management (SAM) 
number used to apply is active, not expired, with a current Unique 
Entity Identifier (EUI) number on the SF-424;
    <bullet> Please make sure an active Automated Standard Application 
for Payment (ASAP) number is provided. Applicants must have an ASAP 
number for the Bureau of Indian Affairs to be eligible;
    <bullet> Please list the county(ies) where the project is located 
and congressional district number(s) where the project is located.

XI. Incomplete Applications

    Applications submitted without one or more of the mandatory 
components described above will be returned to the applicant with an 
explanation. The applicant will then be allowed to correct any 
deficiencies and resubmit the proposal for consideration on or before 
the deadline. This option will not be available to an applicant once 
the deadline has passed.

XII. Review and Selection Process

    Upon receiving a IBIP application, OIED will determine whether the 
application is complete and that the proposed project does not 
duplicate or overlap previous or currently funded Federal or OIED 
projects. Any proposal that is received after the date and time in the 
DATES section of this notice will not be reviewed. If an application is 
not complete and the submission deadline has not passed, the applicant 
will be notified and given an opportunity to resubmit its application.
    The OIED Review Committee, comprised of OIED staff, staff from 
other Federal agencies, and subject matter experts, will evaluate the 
proposals against the ranking criteria per Section XIII. Evaluation 
Criteria, of this notice. Proposals will be evaluated with a maximum 
achievable total of 100 points.
    Final award selections will be approved by the Assistant 
Secretary--Indian Affairs and the Associate Deputy Secretary, U.S. 
Department of the Interior. Applicants not selected for award will be 
notified in writing.

XIII. Evaluation Criteria

    Proposals will be formally evaluated by an OIED review committee 
using criteria listed below. Each criterion provides a percentage of 
the total maximum rating of 100 points. Key criteria that will be 
considered in the review process include:
    <bullet> The ability of the eligible Applicant(s) to:
    [cir] Operate a business incubator that effectively imparts 
entrepreneurship and business skills to Native businesses and Native 
entrepreneurs, as

[[Page 16486]]

demonstrated by the experience and qualifications of the eligible 
applicant;
    [cir] Commence providing services within three months; and
    [cir] Provide quality incubation services to a significant number 
of Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs or provide such services 
at geographically remote locations where quality business guidance and 
counseling is difficult to obtain;
    <bullet> The experience of the eligible applicant in providing 
services in Native American communities, including in the one or more 
reservation communities described in the application;
    <bullet> The extent to which a grant award will enable an entity 
that is already providing business incubation services to appreciably 
enhance those services; and
    <bullet> The proposed location of the business incubator.
    [cir] OIED will evaluated the location of the business incubator 
to:
    [ssquf] Consider the program goal of achieving broad geographic 
distribution of business incubators; and
    [ssquf] Give priority to eligible applicants that will provide 
business incubation services on or near the reservation of the one or 
more communities that were described in the application, except that 
OIED may give priority to an eligible applicant that is not located on 
or near the reservation of the one or more communities that were 
described in the application if OIED determines that:
    <bullet> The location of the business incubator will not prevent 
the eligible applicant from providing quality business incubation 
services to Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs from the one or 
more reservation communities to be served; and
    <bullet> Documenting that the business incubator in the identified 
location will serve the interests of the one or more reservation 
communities to be served.
    [cir] OIED will conduct the site evaluation:
    <bullet> Before awarding a grant to an eligible applicant, OIED 
will conduct an evaluation of the proposed site to verify that the 
applicant has (or will have) the physical workspace, equipment, and 
connectivity necessary for Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs 
to collaborate and conduct business on a local, regional, national, 
and/or international level.
    <bullet> To determine whether the site meets the requirements of 
paragraph above:
    [cir] If the applicant is in possession of the proposed site, OIED 
will conduct an on-site or virtual visit or review a video submission 
before awarding the grant.
    [cir] If the applicant is not yet in possession of the proposed 
site and has submitted a written site proposal, OIED will review the 
written site proposal before awarding the grant and will conduct an on-
site or virtual visit or review a video submission to ensure the site 
is consistent with the written site proposal no later than one year 
after awarding the grant. If OIED determines the site is not consistent 
with the written site proposal, OIED will use that information in 
determining the ongoing eligibility of the applicant under Sec.  
1187.50.
    Business Incubator Operation Description: 25 Points.
    Description of Providing Services Within Three Months: 10 points.
    Description of Incubation Services to Entities and Locations: 25 
points.
    Description of Reservation Community(ies) Served: 15 points.
    Location of Business Incubator: 10 points.
    Budget Justification (Line Item Budget and Budget Narrative): 15 
points.
    Business Incubator Operation Description: 25 Points.
    Points will be awarded based on the applicant's description of how 
they will operate a business incubator that will effectively impart 
entrepreneurship and business skills to Native businesses and Native 
entrepreneurs, as demonstrated by the experience and qualifications of 
the eligible applicant. Milestone goals and objectives and outcomes of 
the project proposal should outline the success parameters and 
deliverables of the incubator through the term of the grant, see 
Section X. Mandatory Components, of this notice.

Description of Providing Services Within Three Months: 10 Points

    The Applicant proposal must demonstrate the ability for the 
incubator to begin providing services within three months from the date 
of award.

Description of Incubation Services to Entities and Locations: 25 Points

    Points will be awarded based on the Applicant's ability to provide 
quality incubation services to a significant number of Native 
businesses and Native entrepreneurs or provide such services at 
geographically remote locations where quality business guidance and 
counseling are difficult to obtain. ``Significant'' will be considered 
the relative quality incubation services provided to the number of 
Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs in the proposal to the 
overall amount of funding requested. Identified goal(s) of the 
anticipated number of Native businesses starting, and the anticipated 
number of Native businesses help maintaining.
    The Applicant will have broad discretion in determining what 
structure their competitive process will be in selecting participants 
into their incubator program. They will also determine appropriate 
curriculum, training and program completion requirements that determine 
participant ``graduation.''

Description of Reservation Community(ies) Served: 15 Points

    The Applicant's proposal must demonstrate experience in providing 
services in Native American communities. Applicants have flexibility in 
who they identify to serve, which must identify one or more reservation 
communities, regardless if the communities are near their own Tribe's 
homelands. Applicant must demonstrate they are serving a diverse 
population and include justifications around socioeconomic factors and 
considerations related to size and location, often to geographically 
remote locations where quality business guidance and counseling is 
difficult to obtain. Applicants may see Regional and diverse market 
representation across Indian Country.

Location of Business Incubator: 10 Points

    Applicant must have a location secured that provides physical space 
to its participating businesses. Whereas the applicant does not have to 
be in possession of the proposed site at the time of application, it 
must be secured as soon as services are provided.

Budget Justification (Line Item Budget and Budget Narrative): 15 Points

    Points will be awarded based on the reasonableness of the proposed 
IBIP project in view of the types and range of activities to be 
conducted and the expected outcomes and benefits. The application 
includes a strong plan for oversight of federally awarded funds and 
activities. In particular, the application describes the rules and 
procedures in place to ensure the prudent use, proper disbursement, and 
accurate accounting of funds. The budget includes expenses for travel 
and accommodation costs for two IBIP representatives to attend the 1\1/
2\ day IBIP annual meeting in Washington, DC, or another regional 
location. For the purpose of estimating travel expenses, the program 
can use the Washington, DC, area as the location for the regional 
location. If a virtual IBIP annual meeting is convened, grantees can 
reallocate their travel funds back to their budget.

[[Page 16487]]

XIV. Transfer of Funds

    OIED's obligation under this solicitation is contingent on receipt 
of congressionally appropriated funds. No liability on the part of the 
U.S. Government for any payment may arise until funds are made 
available to the awarding officer for this grant and until the 
recipient receives notice of such availability, to be confirmed in 
writing by the grant officer.
    All payments under this agreement will be made by electronic funds 
transfer through the ASAP system. All award recipients are required to 
have a current and accurate UEI number to receive funds. All payments 
will be deposited to the banking information designated by the Bureau 
of Indian Affairs in the SAM.
    OIED will disburse grant funds awarded to eligible applicants in 
annual installments except that, OIED may make disbursements more 
frequently, on request by the applicant, as long as disbursements are 
not made more frequently than quarterly. IBIP grant awards may not be 
duplicative of existing Federal funding from another source that 
overlaps funding for the same activities described in the Applicant's 
proposal.

XV. Reporting Requirements for Award Recipients

    The applicant must deliver all products and data required by the 
signed Grant Agreement for the proposed IBIP grant to OIED within 30 
days of the end of each reporting period and 120 days after completion 
of the project. The reporting periods will be established in the terms 
and conditions of the final award. IBIP will require yearly cumulative 
financial reporting per a SF-425. IBIP will require annual Performance 
reporting, which will be used to conduct annual grantee evaluations 
towards renewal determinations, as well as final reports due at the end 
of the 3-year term.
    The Performance Report will include:
    <bullet> Not later than one year after the date OIED awards the 
grant, and then annually for the duration of the grant, the awardee 
must submit to OIED a report describing the services the awardee 
provided under the IBIP during the preceding year, including:
    [cir] A detailed breakdown of the Native businesses and Native 
entrepreneurs receiving services from the business incubator, 
including, for the year covered by the report:
    [ssquf] The number of Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs 
participating in or receiving services from the business incubator and 
the types of services provided to those Native businesses and Native 
entrepreneurs;
    [ssquf] The number of Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs 
established and jobs created or maintained; and
    [ssquf] The number of Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs 
maintained; and
    [ssquf] The performance of Native businesses and Native 
entrepreneurs while participating in the business incubator and after 
graduation or departure from the business incubator; and
    [cir] Any other information the Secretary may require to evaluate 
the performance of a business incubator to ensure appropriate 
implementation of the IBIP.
    <bullet> To the maximum extent practicable, OIED will not require 
an awardee to report the information listed above that the awardee 
provides to OIED under another program.
    <bullet> OIED will coordinate with the heads of other Federal 
agencies to ensure that, to the maximum extent practicable, the report 
content and form above are consistent with other reporting requirements 
for Federal programs that provide business and entrepreneurial 
assistance.
    Annual Evaluations will measure successful outcomes of the grant 
based on the identified milestones and outcomes from the incubator 
project application, as well as identified deliverables. OIED will 
measure performance of an awardee's business incubator as it compares 
to the performance of other business incubators receiving grants under 
IBIP. The reporting function will not require detailed capital 
investments and revenue growth information, instead it will focus on 
the total number of Native businesses and entrepreneurs the incubator 
assists and their performance while participating and after graduation 
or departure from the incubator.
    OIED oversight reporting is tracking grant funding only, not 
incubator activities. Proper justification and use of grant funds in 
the application and through the term of the grant are required. Release 
of business and entrepreneur financial disclosures, that may deter 
participation in the program, will not be required. Equity created from 
the program should be reinvested back into the program by mentoring and 
sharing best practices with other businesses.
    OIED requires that deliverable products be provided in digital 
format and submitted in the GrantSolutions system. Reports can be 
provided in either Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat PDF format. 
Spreadsheet data can be provided in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, 
or Adobe PDF formats. All vector figures should be converted to PDF 
format. Raster images can be provided in PDF, JPEG, TIFF, or any of the 
Windows metafile formats. The contract between the grantee and the 
consultant conducting the IBIP grant must include deliverable products 
and require that the products be prepared in the format described 
above.
    The contract should include budget amounts for all printed and 
digital copies to be delivered in accordance with the grant agreement. 
In addition, the contract must specify that all products generated by a 
consultant belong to the grantee and cannot be released to the public 
without the grantee's written approval. Products include, but are not 
limited to, all reports and technical data obtained, maps, status 
reports, and the final report.
    In addition, this funding opportunity and financial assistance 
award must adhere to the following provisions in Section XVI Conflicts 
of Interest through Section XIX Authority.

XVI. Conflicts of Interest

Applicability

    <bullet> This section intends to ensure that non-Federal entities 
and their employees take appropriate steps to avoid conflicts of 
interest in their responsibilities under or with respect to Federal 
financial assistance agreements.
    <bullet> In the procurement of supplies, equipment, construction, 
and services by recipients and by sub-recipients, the conflict of 
interest provisions in 2 CFR 200.318 apply.

Requirements

    <bullet> Non-Federal entities must avoid prohibited conflicts of 
interest, including any significant financial interests that could 
cause a reasonable person to question the recipient's ability to 
provide impartial, technically sound, and objective performance under 
or with respect to a Federal financial assistance agreement.
    <bullet> In addition to any other prohibitions that may apply with 
respect to conflicts of interest, no key official of an actual or 
proposed recipient or sub-recipient, who is substantially involved in 
the proposal or project, may have been a former Federal employee who, 
within the last one (1) year, participated personally and substantially 
in the evaluation, award, or administration of an award with respect to 
that recipient or sub-recipient or in development of the requirement 
leading to the funding announcement.

[[Page 16488]]

    <bullet> No actual or prospective recipient or sub-recipient may 
solicit, obtain, or use non-public information regarding the 
evaluation, award, administration of an award to that recipient or sub-
recipient or the development of a Federal financial assistance 
opportunity that may be of competitive interest to that recipient or 
sub-recipient.

Notification

    <bullet> Non-Federal entities, including applicants for financial 
assistance awards, must disclose in writing any conflict of interest to 
the DOI awarding agency or pass-through entity in accordance with 2 CFR 
200.112, Conflicts of Interest.
    <bullet> Recipients must establish internal controls that include, 
at a minimum, procedures to identify, disclose, and mitigate or 
eliminate identified conflicts of interest. The recipient is 
responsible for notifying the Financial Assistance Officer in writing 
of any conflicts of interest that may arise during the life of the 
award, including those that have been reported by sub-recipients.
    <bullet> Restrictions on Lobbying. Non-Federal entities are 
strictly prohibited from using funds under this grant or cooperative 
agreement for lobbying activities and must provide the required 
certifications and disclosures pursuant to 43 CFR part 18 and 31 U.S.C. 
1352.
    <bullet> Review Procedures. The Financial Assistance Officer will 
examine each conflict of interest disclosure on the basis of its 
particular facts and the nature of the proposed grant or cooperative 
agreement, and will determine whether a significant potential conflict 
exists and, if it does, develop an appropriate means for resolving it.
    <bullet> Enforcement. Failure to resolve conflicts of interest in a 
manner that satisfies the Government may be cause for termination of 
the award. Failure to make the required disclosures may result in any 
of the remedies described in 2 CFR 200.338, Remedies for Noncompliance, 
including suspension or debarment (see also 2 CFR part 180).

Data Availability

    <bullet> Applicability. The Department of the Interior is committed 
to basing its decisions on the best available science and providing the 
American people with enough information to thoughtfully and 
substantively evaluate the data, methodology, and analysis used by the 
Department to inform its decisions.
    <bullet> Use of Data. The regulations at 2 CFR 200.315 apply to 
data produced under a Federal award, including the provision that the 
Federal Government has the right to obtain, reproduce, publish, or 
otherwise use the data produced under a Federal award as well as 
authorize others to receive, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use such 
data for Federal purposes.
    <bullet> Availability of Data. The recipient shall make the data 
produced under this award and any subaward(s) available to the 
Government for public release, consistent with applicable law, to allow 
meaningful third-party evaluation and reproduction of the following:
    [cir] The scientific data relied upon;
    [cir] The analysis relied upon; and
    [cir] The methodology, including models, used to gather and analyze 
data.

XVII. Questions and Requests for OIED Assistance

    OIED staff may provide technical consultation, upon written request 
by an applicant. The request must clearly identify the type of 
assistance sought. Technical consultation does not include funding to 
prepare a grant proposal, grant writing assistance, or pre-
determinations as to the likelihood that a proposal will be awarded. 
The applicant is solely responsible for preparing its grant proposal. 
Technical consultation may include clarifying application requirements, 
confirming whether an applicant previously submitted the same or 
similar proposal, and registration information for SAM or ASAP.

XVIII. Paperwork Reduction Act

    The information collection requirements contained in this notice 
have been reviewed and approved by the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 3504(h). The OMB 
control number is 4040-0004. The authorization expires on December 31, 
2022. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and Applicant is not 
required to respond to, any information collection that does not 
display a currently valid OMB Control Number.

XIX. Authority

    This is a discretionary grant program authorized under the Native 
American Business Incubators Program Act, Public Law 116-174, codified 
at 25 U.S.C. 5801. The IBIP, also known as the Native American Business 
Incubator's Program, is a program in which OIED provides competitive 
grants to eligible applicants to establish and operate business 
incubators that serve Tribal reservation communities. Congress enacted 
the Native American Business Incubators Program and required the 
Secretary to promulgate regulations to implement the program, see 25 
U.S.C. 5804. The regulations are codified at 25 CFR part 1187 and 
provide the framework for operation of the grant program so that there 
is certainty as to who is eligible for a grant, how eligible applicants 
can apply for a grant, how OED will evaluate, award and administer the 
grants, and what terms and conditions will apply to the grants. The 
Final Rule enabled OED to provide grants that will stimulate economic 
development in reservation communities.

Bryan Newland,
Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2022-06077 Filed 3-22-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4337-15-P


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