Indian Housing Block Grant Competitive Program (IHBG-COMP) for FY2025

The Indian Housing Block Grant Competitive Program for Fiscal Year 2025, known as IHBG-COMP, is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through its Office of Public and Indian Housing. The program operates under the authority of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996, as amended, and is governed by regulations in 24 CFR Part 1000. Its purpose is to provide competitive funding to eligible recipients of the formula-based Indian Housing Block Grant program in order to increase the supply of safe, decent, and affordable housing for low-income Native American families. Funding is made available through the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025. The program prioritizes projects that increase the housing stock in tribal communities through new construction, rehabilitation of existing units, or acquisition of housing. New construction projects are given the highest priority as they add new housing units directly, although rehabilitation and acquisition projects are also eligible and encouraged. Applicants must ensure that funded projects serve low-income Native American families, except in limited cases authorized by statute. The program also encourages projects that address critical needs such as overcrowding, lack of permanent residence, and homes lacking basic plumbing or kitchen facilities. For fiscal year 2025, approximately $150 million is available for distribution under this Notice of Funding Opportunity, with HUD expecting to make about 35 awards. Awards will range from $500,000 to $7,500,000, with maximum award ceilings determined by population size categories of the applying tribe or Tribally Designated Housing Entity. The period of performance is 60 months, beginning July 1, 2026, and ending July 1, 2031. Funding may be used for eligible housing activities under NAHASDA, but costs must be reasonable, allowable, and consistent with federal regulations. Prohibited expenditures include unallowable costs under 2 CFR Part 200 and 24 CFR Part 1000. Eligible applicants include federally recognized Indian tribes that receive formula-based Indian Housing Block Grants, Tribally Designated Housing Entities that have previously received IHBG funding, and certain Native Alaskan tribes under specific statutory conditions. Individuals and other entities are not eligible. HUD will only consider one application per tribe or its designated housing entity, and applications from entities with unresolved enforcement actions or compliance issues will be deemed ineligible. Subawards are allowed but must also be limited to eligible entities. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by January 15, 2026, at 11:59:59 PM Eastern Time. Applicants are required to be registered and active in SAM.gov and Grants.gov at the time of application submission and throughout the life of any award. The application package must include standard federal forms, budget documents, a detailed project plan narrative, and other certifications such as a drug-free workplace certification and assurances for construction projects if applicable. HUD has also introduced revised forms including HUD-4123 (Cost Summary) and HUD-4125 (Implementation Schedule), and applicants should carefully review the new requirements. HUD evaluates applications using a merit review process with three primary rating factors: project feasibility, program priorities, and past performance. Project feasibility includes the soundness of the project rationale, implementation plan, budget, capacity, and sustainability. Program priorities give weight to projects involving new construction, projects that serve priority beneficiaries such as families without permanent housing, and projects proposed by tribes with higher need factors. Past performance considers timely use of funds, audit findings, and reporting compliance. Applications must score at least 25 points in the feasibility category and 75 points overall across all three rating factors to be considered for funding. Program and application inquiries may be directed to Rebecca L. Halloran at IHBGCompetitiveProgram@hud.gov. Anticipated award announcements will occur on June 17, 2026, with projects beginning July 1, 2026. Post-award, grantees must comply with federal reporting requirements, including submission of Annual Performance Reports, Federal Financial Reports, and Single Audits as applicable. The program also requires compliance with the Build America, Buy America Act and HUD’s environmental review requirements. These post-award obligations ensure accountability and the effective use of funds to increase affordable housing opportunities for Native American families.