The Indian Highway Safety Program (IHSP) Grant, administered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Office of Justice Services, aims to reduce traffic crashes, fatalities, and injuries within Indian Country through data-driven, performance-based grant opportunities. Funded under the Highway Safety Act of 1966, U.S.C. Title 23, Section 402, this program supports federally recognized tribes in implementing traffic safety projects. Eligible activities include participation in grant writing training, attendance at the Lifesavers Conference, and other traffic safety-related conferences. The grant reimburses registration fees and travel expenses for tribal employees working in traffic enforcement or safety.
Funding under the IHSP is reimbursement-based, requiring tribes to expend funds and submit documentation monthly for reimbursement. Applicants must identify and justify a traffic safety problem using supporting data, and the proposed projects should complement existing traffic safety programs on reservations. Key requirements include a Tribal Resolution and the tribe’s most recent Indirect Cost Rate Agreement letter. The application must detail problem statements and provide a narrative of expected benefits from participation in training.
Eligible applicants include federally recognized tribes, with specific requirements such as providing a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), SAM Cage Code, and details about tribal statutes on impaired driving, seat belt, and child safety laws. The submission also requires completion of a travel and training authorization form, which includes estimated costs for travel, lodging, and per diem within federal guidelines. All terms and conditions must be acknowledged and signed by an authorized official.
The deadline for the Lifesavers Conference grant application is February 10 of the current year, while other deadlines will be announced through training notifications. Applications can be submitted via email to **ojs_indian_highway_safety@bia.gov** or mailed to the BIA IHSP office in Albuquerque, NM.
Grant applications are evaluated based on the completeness of required documentation, clarity in identifying traffic safety issues, and alignment with federal regulations. Post-award requirements include submitting detailed travel reports, receipts, and financial documents. Participating tribes must comply with federal auditing standards and maintain accurate records. The IHSP staff is available for support during regular business hours.
