What's New on Codetalk

Subscribe to Codetalk

ONAP regularly sends out updates via our CODETALK listserve to notify subscribers of recent updates to our webpage, webinars, policy changes, and time sensitive information.  Sign up today if you'd like to be notified of current housing updates.

FY 2024 Indian Housing Block Grant Formula Allocation Estimates

The purpose of this Dear Tribal Leader letter is to inform Tribes and Tribally Designated Housing Entities (TDHE) of their Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) formula allocation estimate for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 and to transmit the forms required for correcting the FY 2024 IHBG formula data.  HUD is posting the following information on-line at: https://ihbgformula.com/fy2024/:

• FY 2024 Formula Response Form (FRF) including the FY 2024 FRF Appendices A through D.
• Calendar of Critical Deadlines and Frequently Asked Questions.
• FY 2024 Correction/Challenge Log showing changes to the IHBG database between February 13, 2023, and May 4, 2023.

Tribes/TDHEs must review their data on the FY 2024 Formula Response Form and report any changes no later than August 1, 2023, to the IHBG Formula Customer Service Center.  Census Challenges for the FY 2025 IHBG Needs data must be submitted no later than March 30, 2024, for consideration for the FY 2025 IHBG formula allocation estimates.

HUD is in the process of incorporating the 2020 U.S. Decennial Census data into the Needs data component in the IHBG formula allocation formula in the near future.  As a result, the FY 2025 Needs data will be published and distributed when it is available.  To provide Tribes and TDHEs with a similar amount of time as they had in prior fiscal years to review their data, HUD is considering issuing a waiver extending the deadline for submitting the FY 2025 Needs data challenges to a later date.  Tribes and TDHEs will be notified should the waiver be issued.

Vacancy Announcement-Program Analyst, GS-13

1 position at one of the following locations: 

• Phoenix, AZ/Albuquerque, NM
• Anchorage, AK
• Washington, D.C.
• Denver, CO
• Honolulu, HI
• Chicago, IL
• Oklahoma City, OK
• Seattle, WA

Open: May 29, 2023
Close: June 12, 2023

As an Program Analyst, you will:

• Provide administrative and technical guidance to staff.
• Assist with developing a plan and implementation of the Department's Management Plan for the Office and meet the performance standards established through the Government Performance and Results Act.
• Assist with evaluating staff operations to improve the effectiveness of the organization and to adjust to changing conditions.

Apply Now

Vacancy Announcement-Deputy Administrator GS-14

Location: Albuquerque, NM

Open: May 23, 2023
Close: June 1, 2023

As a Deputy Administrator, you will:

• Provide administrative coordination of Albuquerque Satellite Office (ASO) functions such as managing travel, staff and equipment, supplies and training based upon the Department's Strategic Plan, Office of Native American Programs (ONAP's) Management Action Plan, risk assessments, and a proper balance between resource allocation and mission accomplishments.
• Represent the Administrator and HUD in meetings and conferences on matters relating to applicable programs based on contacts with tribal officials, tribally designated housing entities (TDHE), the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Indian Health Service, as well as other public and private officials in connection with Native American programs.
• Provide extensive integration and coordination of applicable programs through frequent contact and discussions with the ASO and Area Office (AO) Grants Evaluation (GE) and Grants Management (GM) Division Directors and staff, the National GE and GM Directors, and the AO Administrator.
• Be responsible for planning and conducting on-going outreach to the public and client groups, including Tribal representatives and TDHEs participating in HUD programs.

Apply Now

Build America Buy America Waiver Extended for One More Year

HUD has issued a one-year extension of the public interest, general applicability Build America Buy America (BABA) waiver for its Tribal grantees. The waiver is effective as of May 23, 2023 and is available here.

BABA, enacted as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, established a domestic content procurement preference for all Federal financial assistance obligated for infrastructure projects after May 14, 2022.  The domestic content procurement preference requires that all iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials used in covered infrastructure projects are produced in the United States.  For the next 12 months, HUD Tribal grantees are exempt from these requirements while the waiver is in effect.

Over the course of the upcoming year, HUD will be conducting Tribal consultations with Tribes and TDHEs to better understand the impact that BABA requirements will have on future infrastructure development in Tribal communities and to determine how to implement BABA requirements applicable to Tribal grantees.

• The first consultation session will be held at the National Congress of American Indians Mid-Year session at 3pm on June 7, 2023 in Prior Lake, Minnesota.
• The second consultation session will be held at the Southern Plains Indian Housing Association Meeting on July 11, 2023 in Durant, Oklahoma.

Notice of Funding Opportunity

The Department of Energy recently announced $50M in grant funding for the Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas.  These grants range from $500K-$5M and are for community-based projects that help ensure an equitable transition to a clean energy future.  The grants are only for communities with 10,000 or fewer people and require no match or additional funding from awardees.  Tribal entities are encouraged to submit a concept paper (due July 13^th) which would allow them to be invited to apply!  An informational webinar will be held on May 30^th and folks can register here. 

More information on the NOFO can be found here; OCED eXCHANGE: Funding Opportunity Exchange (energy.gov)

HUD Awards $95.5 Million for Affordable Housing and Community Development Activities in Native American Communities

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today awarded $95 million to 55 communities through the Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) Program. Grant funds may be used for infrastructure, community facilities, housing rehabilitation, economic development, and more to support Native American and Alaskan Native families on Indian reservations and in other Indian areas.

"The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to sharing resources with Tribal communities so they can meet their own unique needs," said HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. "The funding announced today will help make Tribal communities safer, healthier, and help families thrive.”

The ICDBG program is a competitive grant that provides a range of eligible activities on reservations and related areas. Eligible activities include housing rehabilitation, land acquisition, roads, water and sewer facilities, and single or multipurpose community buildings.

View the list of awardees here.

Vacancy Announcement-Native American Program Specialist, GS-12/13

Location: Washington, D.C.

Open: May 23, 2023
Close: June 5, 2023

As a Native American Programs Specialist, you will:

• Represent the agency as a consultant and advisor in providing communication and liaison activities with HUD clients, tribal leaders, local, State and Federal leaders, representatives of the housing and lending industries, foundations, universities, public and private interest groups, etc.
• Develop, implement and monitor projects and initiatives intended to stimulate, develop interest in, and utilization of HUD programs in Indian country. Participate in the planning and conduct of training seminars. Coordinate, develop and implement a variety of HUD programs and initiatives.
• Participate in proactive meetings with HUD customers, tribal and housing officials and tribal members to trouble-shoot and resolve problems. Provide guidance in developing solutions, and making recommendations to the Administrator, as appropriate. Follow up to monitor full implementation of recommended solutions.
• Assist in monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of HUD program delivery in Indian Country. Demonstrate skills in partnership building, especially with respect to bringing representatives from the public, private, non-profit sectors, including constituencies of diverse racial, ethnic and economic backgrounds, into the program planning and execution process. Considerable diplomacy, communication and negotiation skills are required to deal effectively with such divergent groups.
• Assist in coordinating HUD programs with other Federal, tribal, and state agencies and planning organizations to assure effective program linkages. Conduct meetings with grantees, applicants and representatives of other Federal agencies, financial institutions, industrial and commercial housing developers, to explain Departmental policies, program requirements, funding criteria and issues specific to Indian country.

Apply Now

Vacancy Announcement-Native American Program Specialist, GS-9/11

Location: Washington, D.C.

Open: May 23, 2023
Close: June 5, 2023

As a Native American Programs Specialist, you will:

• Represent the agency as a consultant and advisor in providing communication and liaison activities with HUD clients, tribal leaders, local, State and Federal leaders, representatives of the housing and lending industries, foundations, universities, public and private interest groups, etc.
• Develop, implement and monitor projects and initiatives intended to stimulate, develop interest in, and utilization of HUD programs in Indian country. Participate in the planning and conduct of training seminars. Coordinate, develop and implement a variety of HUD programs and initiatives.
• Participate in proactive meetings with HUD customers, tribal and housing officials and tribal members to trouble-shoot and resolve problems. Provide guidance in developing solutions, and making recommendations to the Administrator, as appropriate. Follow up to monitor full implementation of recommended solutions.
• Assist in monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of HUD program delivery in Indian Country. Demonstrate skills in partnership building, especially with respect to bringing representatives from the public, private, non-profit sectors, including constituencies of diverse racial, ethnic and economic backgrounds, into the program planning and execution process. Considerable diplomacy, communication and negotiation skills are required to deal effectively with such divergent groups.
• Assist in coordinating HUD programs with other Federal, tribal, and state agencies and planning organizations to assure effective program linkages. Conduct meetings with grantees, applicants and representatives of other Federal agencies, financial institutions, industrial and commercial housing developers, to explain Departmental policies, program requirements, funding criteria and issues specific to Indian country.

Apply Now

Vacancy Announcement-Lead Grants Management Specialist, GS-13

Locations: 

• Phoenix, AZ/Albuquerque, NM
• Anchorage, AK

Open: May 22, 2023
Close: June 6, 2023

As a/an Lead Grants Management Specialist, you will:

• Articulate and communicate team assignments, potential program issues/problems to be addressed, project milestones, and deadlines and time frames for completion.
• Provide technical assistance to division staff in team-building methods and techniques to accomplish tasks and arranges for additional training when necessary for the accomplishment of specific individual or team tasks.
• Prepare reports and maintain records of work accomplishments and administrative information as required, and coordinates the preparation, presentation and communication of work related information to the Division Director.

Apply Now

Vacancy Announcement-Grants Management Specialist, GS-9-12

Location: Phoenix, AZ/Albuquerque, NM.

Open: May 18, 2023
Close: June 1, 2023

As a/an Grants Management Specialist, you will:

• Primarily be responsible for managing relationships with participating tribally designated housing entities (TDHE), Indian tribes, and others involved in the administration of all applicable programs. Makes decisions and recommendations in consultation with the AO Grants Management Division Director.
• Implement national policies, standards, procedures and guidelines with regard to the grants administration of all applicable programs.
• Provide on-going technical guidance to Indian tribes and TDHEs regarding the interpretation and application of grants administration program policies and procedures.
• Provide pro-active services and technical assistance to tribes and TDHEs to prevent or mitigate problems related to administration and implementation of applicable programs.
• Conduct and/or participates in formal national and regional training programs for Area Office Grants Management personnel, Indian tribes, and TDHEs, as appropriate.
• Represent the Grants Management Division in meetings with members of Federal, State and local groups, and other HUD offices with regard to the administration of applicable programs. Meets with Indian tribes, TDHEs, and others to explain the administration of applicable programs.

Apply Now

Vacancy Announcement-Supervisory Grants Management Specialist, GS-15

Director of Grants Evaluation

Location: Washington, D.C.

Open: May 17, 2023
Close: Extended to June 5, 2023

As a/an Supervisory Grants Management Specialist (Director of Grants Evaluation), you will:

• Represent ONAP in meetings with visitors and members of Congress, other Federal, State and local groups, and other HUD offices with regard to the management of applicable programs.
• Formulate guidelines and provide on-going technical guidance in interpreting complex policies and procedures of applicable programs to Indian tribes, TDHEs, and Program and Area Office personnel.
• Develop comprehensive complex documents including legislative proposals, regulations, handbooks and reports with regard to grants management functions applicable to Native American housing and community development programs.
• Respond to complex inquiries regarding Native American housing and community development grant program policies and procedures from members of Congress and interest groups, as well as GAO reports and OIG inquiries.

Apply Now

Vacancy Announcement-Supervisory Grants Management Specialist, GS-15

Director of Grants Management

Location: Washington, D.C.

Open: May 17, 2023
Close: Extended to June 2, 2023

As a Supervisory Grants Management Specialist (Director of Grants Management), you will:

• Represent ONAP in meetings with visitors and members of Congress, other Federal, State and local groups, and other HUD offices with regard to the management of applicable programs.
• Formulate guidelines and provide on-going technical guidance in interpreting complex policies and procedures of applicable programs to Indian tribes, TDHEs, and Program and Area Office personnel.
• Develop comprehensive complex documents including legislative proposals, regulations, handbooks and reports with regard to grants management functions applicable to Native American housing and community development programs. This entails negotiation and coordination with legal and technical offices, applicable Federal Agencies, ONAP National and Area Offices, Indian tribes and TDHEs.
• Issue national policies, programs, standards, procedures and guidelines to be used by Program and Area Offices, Indian tribes, TDHEs and others involved in the implementation of all applicable programs.

Apply Now

Dear Lender Letter 2023-02: Expansion of an approved program area for the Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee (Section 184) program

This Dear Lender Letter (DLL) updates the process for Tribes to request an expansion of the area in which the Section 184 program may operate.

Youth Homeless Demonstration Program - Notice of Funding Opportunity (4/13/23)

The purpose of the YHDP is to implement projects that demonstrate how a comprehensive approach to serving homeless youth age 24 and under can dramatically reduce youth homelessness. The population to be served by this demonstration program is youth experiencing homelessness, including unaccompanied and pregnant or parenting youth. In order to effectively implement a system that addresses the needs of youth experiencing homelessness, Continuums of Care (CoCs) must understand the subgroups of unaccompanied youth and incorporate those understandings into the YHDP CCP and awarded projects. This will require CoCs to use innovative practices to design better projects and strong comprehensive plans to prevent and end youth homelessness.

Closing date:  June 27, 2023 at 11:59;59 Eastern. 

FY23 Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grants - Notice of Funding Opportunity

The Choice Neighborhoods program leverages significant public and private dollars to support locally driven strategies that address struggling neighborhoods with severely distressed public housing and/or HUD-assisted housing through a comprehensive approach to neighborhood transformation. Local leaders, residents, and other stakeholders, such as public housing agencies, cities, schools, police, business owners, nonprofits, and private developers, come together to create and implement a plan that revitalizes distressed HUD housing and addresses the challenges in the surrounding neighborhood.

Closing date:  June 6, 2023

New White House Publication - GUIDEBOOK TO THE INFLATION REDUCTION ACT’S CLEAN ENERGY AND CLIMATE INVESTMENTS IN INDIAN COUNTRY APRIL 2023. 

This guidebook provides an overview of the clean energy, climate mitigation and resilience, agriculture, and conservation-related funding programs in the Inflation Reduction Act for which Tribes are eligible. The guidebook also provides information on how Tribes can leverage new and expanded clean energy tax credits to reduce pollution and energy costs on Tribal lands.

HUD Revises Section 8/Part 5 Definition of “Annual income”

Earlier this month, HUD released a Final Rule implementing Sections 102, 103, and 104 of the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act of 2016 (HOTMA). This rule makes changes to the section 8/part 5 rules on how income is calculated for families.  While most of these changes will not impact ONAP programs, the rule does make changes to the definition of annual income in 24 CFR 5.609. Many Tribes and TDHEs follow or adopt this definition of annual income when implementing their IHBG program. The effective date for 24 CFR 5.609 is January 1, 2024. ONAP will be developing guidance and training to help tribes and TDHEs that use the Section 8 definition of annual income adjust policies to reflect the new rules. We will be in touch with more information in the near future.

Notice PIH 2023-01 - Recent Changes to the Federal Micro-Purchase and Simplified Acquisition Thresholds 

This Notice informs Tribes and Tribally Designated Housing Entities about increases to the micro-purchase and simplified acquisition thresholds for Federal grant programs.  The micro-purchase threshold has increased from $10,000 to $50,000.  Additionally, the simplified acquisition threshold is now $250,000.  Tribal grantees will now have increased flexibility when conducting procurement under the IHBG and ICDBG programs.  Please read the Notice for additional information and contact your Area ONAP with any questions regarding this Notice.

HUD published a Request for Information (RFI) in Federal Register regarding the Fiscal Year 2023 Learning Agenda Supplement

HUD’s Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R) seeks public input regarding potential additions and adjustments to the Department’s published Learning Agenda to reflect changes in learning priorities since March 2022. Information provided in response to this RFI will inform the development of the ‘‘Learning Agenda Supplement: Fiscal Year 2023’’ that HUD will publish to accompany the 2022–2026 Learning Agenda to document updates to the Department’s priority learning needs. ONAP encourages Tribes to review the Learning Agenda Supplement and consider submitting suggestions on research topics related to HUD’s Tribal programs:

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-02-09/pdf/2023-02740.pdf

Notice PIH 2023-02- Closeout Instructions for the Tribal Housing and Urban Development-Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing (Tribal HUD-VASH) Grant Program

This Notice provides the Tribal HUD-VASH closeout procedures. Grant closeout occurs when HUD determines that a grantee has completed all applicable administrative and programmatic requirements of a grant. This Notice explains the readiness determination and instructions for grant closeouts for the Tribal HUD-VASH program.

Indian Housing Block Grant Competitive Program Frequently Asked Questions Published

Please visit the Indian Housing Block Grant Competitive program website to view FAQs.

Visit ONAP's COVID-19 Recovery Programs webpage to view Waivers, Program Notices and Guidance and Training Materials related to IHBG-CARES, ICDBG-CARES, IHBG-ARP and ICDBG-ARP.

The Office of Native American Programs is working tirelessly to support all of our Tribal housing partners as we deal with the impact of COVID-19 as a Nation. The safety and security of Native American families, Tribal housing staff, and all in Indian Country is our top priority. For more information and resources related to COVID-19, please visit: www.hud.gov/coronavirus 

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Tribal Playbook: A roadmap for delivering opportunity and investments in Indian Country

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) provides more than $13 billion in funding to directly support Tribal communities and makes Tribes eligible to apply for or request billions in discretionary, formula, and other funding. In total, this funding represents the single largest investment in Tribal infrastructure ever. This funding will deploy record investments to provide affordable high-speed internet, safer roads and bridges, modern wastewater and sanitation systems, clean drinking water, reliable and affordable electricity, and good paying jobs in every Tribal community. To help Tribal applicants navigate the full range of funds both available to Tribal Nations and set aside for their communities, this playbook provides an overview of the “what, when, where, and how” to apply for funds.

Treasury’s ERA Reporting page for Tribes, TDHEs, and DHHL

Regulatory and Administrative Requirement Flexibilities Available to Native American Programs During CY 2022 and CY 2023 to Tribal Grantees To Assist With Recovery and Relief Efforts on Behalf of Families Affected by Presidentially Declared Disasters

This notification advises the public of waivers and flexibilities from HUD requirements for its Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG), Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG), and Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant (NHHBG) grantees located in areas that are covered by Presidentially Declared Disasters (PDDs).

Back to Top