Tribal Energy Development Capacity

The Tribal Energy Development Capacity (TEDC) Grant, administered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), is aimed at increasing the capacity of federally recognized tribal entities to manage and regulate their energy resources. The TEDC program provides funding to support the development of tribal management, organizational, and technical capacities needed for effective energy resource development. This includes the creation of regulatory frameworks, business structures, and strategic plans that enable tribes to maximize the economic benefits from their energy resources. Eligible activities for TEDC grants include the establishment of tribal business charters or corporations, the creation of tribal utility authorities, the development of energy policies and regulations, and strategies for managing energy or fuel resources. The focus is on building the infrastructure and knowledge necessary for tribes to independently manage their energy assets, ensuring long-term economic benefits. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by January 16, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST. The program anticipates funding between 10 and 30 projects, with individual awards ranging from $10,000 to $450,000. These funds are non-recurring and must be utilized within a one-year period of performance. Eligible applicants include federally recognized tribes and Tribal Energy Development Organizations (TEDOs). All projects must occur on Indian land, as defined by U.S. law, and should align with the TEDC’s purpose of increasing technical capacity for energy resource management. Grant recipients are responsible for all project reporting requirements, including semi-annual progress reports and final financial and technical reports. Awards are contingent on available congressional appropriations, and applicants must maintain active registrations in the System for Award Management (SAM) and the Automated Standard Application for Payment (ASAP) system. The grant selection process is competitive, with proposals evaluated based on clarity of project objectives, technical descriptions, scope of work, and tribal commitment. Applicants are encouraged to provide detailed plans for project deliverables and show strong evidence of tribal involvement and leadership in the proposed project.