NATIVE Act Tribal Tourism Cooperative Agreement

Background
The Department of the Interior, through Indian Affairs, has been engaged in significant regionally focused Tribal tourism efforts since the inception of the NATIVE Act. The NATIVE Act requires identification of a means for delivering and coordinating Federal technical assistance and resources in collaboration with Federal partners, including the Secretary of the Interior, Secretary of Commerce and other Federal agencies and entities with tourism expertise.

Grant Details
The cooperative agreement funding is to support the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act of 2016 (Public Law 114-221) (NATIVE Act). The awardee will serve as the facilitator between the Secretary of the Interior, Secretary of Commerce, Federal agencies, Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations. The recipient will support a five-zone implementation in Alaska, Hawaii, Southwest, Northwest, and Eastern zones. The five-zone approach may be implemented through sub-awards and partnerships with subject matter experts or consultants that may include universities and colleges, private consulting firms, and non-academic non-profit entities.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants are Indian tribes and Tribal Organizations, as defined in Section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA) (25 U.S.C. 5304), including Tribal Consortia. Tribal Colleges and Universities are those institutions cited in Section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note), any other institution that qualifies for funding under the Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities Assistance Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), and Diné College, authorized in the Navajo Community College Act, Public Law 95-471, title II (25 U.S.C. 640a note). Native Hawaiian organization means a nonprofit organization: (A) that serves the interests of Native Hawaiians; (B) in which Native Hawaiians serve in substantive and policymaking positions; (C) that are recognized for having expertise in Native Hawaiian culture and heritage, including tourism.

Period of Performance
The anticipated award date is October 30, 2023. The term is for a 5-year period.

Grant Value
$2,000,000

Place of Performance
The grant will support a five-zone implementation in Alaska, Hawaii, Southwest, Northwest, and Eastern zones.