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View the latest Information from the Office of Native American Programs.

Tribal Build America, Buy America (BABA) Waiver – Proposed Extension and Public Comment Period

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), in coordination with the Department of the Interior and six other federal agencies, is seeking public comments on a proposed extension of the manufactured-products portion of the multi-agency Tribal Build America, Buy America (BABA) waiver.

The proposed extension would provide Tribal Nations and eligible Tribal entities additional flexibility to purchase manufactured products for federally funded infrastructure projects while agencies continue evaluating longer-term approaches to BABA implementation.

The Office of Management and Budget's Made in America Office has approved a proposed 90-day extension beginning on the effective date of the final waiver, rather than a fixed December 31, 2026, expiration. This change will be reflected in the final waiver, subject to completion of the public comment and approval process.

Public Comment Period: October 23 – November 22, 2026

HUD encourages Tribal Nations, Tribally Designated Housing Entities (TDHEs), and other interested stakeholders to submit comments, particularly regarding:

• Challenges obtaining BABA-compliant manufactured products 
• Availability of domestic suppliers, including Native-owned businesses 
• Procurement costs, construction delays, and supply-chain challenges 
• Recommendations for longer-term solutions to BABA implementation in Tribal communities 

Comments may be submitted through the Federal Register under Docket DOI-2026-0232.

For additional information and to submit comments, please view the Federal Register notice.

HUD remains committed to working with Tribal Nations and federal partners to address implementation challenges and support critical housing and infrastructure projects in Indian Country. 

Additional Guidance on TIAC Member Eligibility Criteria

HUD has published a Federal Register Notice asking Tribes to provide nominations for its Tribal Intergovernmental Advisory Committee (TIAC). Members will be selected based on proven experience and interest in AIAN housing and community development. Selected nominees will serve a two-year term beginning in January 2027. More information is available in the Federal Register Notice.

The public session at the HUD summit highlighted the need to clarify eligibility criteria for members and provide guidance on these requirements. Below, we address the questions that were raised.

Nominees must be elected leaders or employees of the Tribe. We have gotten some inquiries recently on what constitutes an employee, and if the same flexibilities that apply to representatives for the negotiated rulemaking process can apply to TIAC nominees.

Can a Tribe appoint someone to participate in TIAC as an employee?

To participate, the individual must be a designated employee with authority to act on behalf of the Tribe.  Whether an individual is properly characterized as an employee is likely largely dependent on tribal law. If a Tribe intends to “appoint” a person as an employee specifically for the purpose of participating in TIAC, that the Tribe include an analysis/justification of how the individual meets the definition of employee under tribal law and provide evidence that the individual has authority to act on behalf of the Tribe to meet the requirements of the FACA exemption.

Eligibility and Proxy Designation for TIAC vs negotiated rulemaking

The TIAC and negotiated rulemaking committees differ fundamentally in their eligibility requirements and proxy designation rules. For TIAC, the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) strictly limits participation to elected officers of tribal governments or their designated employees acting in official capacities, meaning only formal tribal leadership and their authorized representatives may participate. There is no provision for third-party proxy nominations. By contrast, negotiated rulemaking under 5 USC 564(b) permits broader stakeholder participation, allowing individuals or organizations significantly affected by a proposed rule to nominate themselves or others as representatives, provided they can demonstrate authorization to represent those interests, commit to good faith participation, and show why existing representatives inadequately cover their concerns. This means negotiated rulemaking allows for flexible proxy designation through formal nomination applications, while TIAC maintains a closed intergovernmental channel reserved exclusively for tribal government officials and their direct designees.

Nominations are due to HUD by 11/2/26

Submit your nominations at https://www.regulations.gov

Contact [email protected] with questions

Shape the Future of Disaster Recovery Funding

Section 504 of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act (RTHA), enacted July 11, 2026, establishes HUD’s Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program as a standalone statutory resource to help Tribes, states, and local governments rebuild after disasters and support long-term mitigation, while preserving the existing ICDBG-IT program.

CDBG-DR operates under a different administrative framework than ONAP programs and HUD is conducting Tribal consultation during the rulemaking process. We welcome your feedback on the questions included, plus any ideas on how to enable Tribes to use CDBG-DR funding more effectively. The deadline for comments is 30 days from today (11/26/26), however HUD will take comments throughout the entire rulemaking process and additional consultation opportunities will be available throughout the rulemaking timeline. For additional information, view the Dear Tribal Leader.

Please submit comments to [email protected]. Please include “Tribal Consultation on CDBG-DR” in the subject line with your submission.
Learn more about CDBG-DR on the HUD EXCHANGE.  

Beginning July 9, 2026, Tribes/TDHEs can request up to 2 hours of targeted, direct ICDBG-IT-related TA.

This virtual TA will assist Tribes/TDHEs navigate ICDBG-IT applicability and requirements and will answer questions related to:

• Determining if proposed activities are eligible for ICDBG-IT funding
• If applicable, understanding and planning next steps

On-call TA is available at no cost to Tribes/TDHEs. To request TA, please email [email protected] and include the following information:

• Tribe/TDHE name
• Primary contact (name, phone number, email)
• Prior experience with the ICDBG-IT grant
• Brief description of activity type
• Specific questions to address

2nd Annual Underwriter’s Boot Camp of the Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Program

On August 31, 2026, the Office of Native American Programs (ONAP) will host its 2nd Annual Underwriter’s Boot Camp of the Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Program here at HUD Alexandria, VA. This immersive training session will focus on a range of key topics that are essential for Direct Lenders & Underwriters, Non-Direct Lenders & Support Staff, and Prospective Lenders interested in working with the Section 184 Program on how to become an approved lender. The boot camp will provide in-depth coverage, offering valuable insights and strategies to enhance your skills and knowledge.

This is an invaluable opportunity to preview the new program guidance directly with Section 184 staff. Whether you’re new to the Section 184 program or an experienced underwriter, this boot camp will provide you with tools and knowledge to enhance your efficiency and support.

We also invite you to stay the rest of the week at the HUD Summit, offered September 1-3, for additional in-depth sessions on handbook guidance, Tribal land leasing, and other topics while networking with Tribes, TDHEs and Tribal housing folks from all over the country. Free registration is here HUD Housing Summit

The deadline for R.S.V.P is August 21, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Register Here