December 16, 2011 

Dear Tribal Advisory Committee Member: 

On behalf of the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC/Commission), we would like 

to take this opportunity to wish all of the members of the Tribal Advisory Committee (TAC) 

a happy holiday season. Further, we wish to commend the members of the TAC for their 

continued hard work and diligence. 

We realize that all members of the TAC hold important jobs within their respective tribes. 

The Commission is mindful and respectful of each Committee member’s time, expertise and 

resources. As mentioned by some members of the TAC, we know that week long in-person 

meetings can be burdensome to your daily responsibilities. 

It is also clear to us that the TAC is on target to finish ahead of schedule. In light of this rapid 

progress and the costs associated with in-person meetings, the Commission requests that the 

group complete its in-person review and recommendations at the January meeting. 

Preparations for the January meeting will continue as scheduled, allotting three (3) full days 

to complete the review of the remaining material. Should the TAC not need a full three days, 

we would welcome a modified, shorter schedule. This approach will conserve everyone’s 

time and resources. 

The Commission is implementing practices throughout the Agency to maximize the 

efficiency of limited resources. In addition to our own practices, we are mindful of the 

President’s recent Executive Order 13589 “Promoting Efficient Spending” issued on 

11/09/11 which calls on Federal agencies to use cost-efficient methods to perform their 

duties. 

Considering the TAC’s progress, the NIGC’s efficiency efforts and President Obama’s recent 

Executive Order, the final in-person meeting will be the January meeting with no February or 

March in-person meetings. In February and March, work will continue as needed through 

conference calls and correspondence to allow both the TAC and the NIGC to complete its 

work in a timely and effective manner. 

This “virtual” format will allow discussions to continue, as necessary, to address overarching 

policy questions and will serve to facilitate delivery of the TAC’s final recommendations. 
Further, the TAC will not be requested to provide consensus responses to the policy 

questions. Committee members may respond to such questions through written submissions 

or calls. Additionally, during this time, members are encouraged to discuss areas not raised 

in the Tribal Gaming Working Group’s proposal and to expand upon areas previously 

covered that may warrant further consideration by the NIGC. 

The TAC was formed to provide the Commission with advice on the development of these 

regulations. We look forward to considering the Committee’s final recommendations as the 

Commission moves forward with the promulgation of regulations. Our goal is to produce the 

best regulations in a timely and efficient manner that will serve to best protect the industry. 

Lastly, at the December meeting the TAC discussed the possibility of early submittal of its 

recommendations for technical standards (Part 547). Again, being mindful of everyone’s 

time and desire to complete this review, the Commission welcomes the early submission of 

its recommendations on Part 547 as suggested by the TAC. 

We thank each and every one of the members of the Tribal Advisory Committee and look 

forward to the work ahead of us. 

Sincerely, 

Tracie L. Stevens Steffani A. Cochran Daniel J. Little 

Chairwoman Vice-Chairwoman Associate Commissioner