Indian Highway Safety Occupant Protection Grant

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Office of Justice Services, is soliciting proposals from federally recognized tribes to implement child passenger safety (CPS) seat programs and related traffic safety projects designed to reduce traffic crashes, fatalities, and injuries within tribal communities. Eligible applicants must be federally recognized tribal governments and must demonstrate measurable need through data-driven problem statements, establish realistic targets for car seat clinics and distribution, and employ a certified CPS technician on staff. Applications must include a comprehensive submission package consisting of the completed application form, tribal resolution, approved indirect cost rate letter, current A-133 audit, and detailed budget justification; all required sections must be completed without blank fields, and applications lacking required initials, signatures, and dates will not be considered for funding. Eligible budget categories include child car seats, equipment and supplies (LATCH manuals, traffic cones, portable canopies, brochures), CPS training and conference registration fees, and travel expenses, though indirect costs cannot be applied to car seat purchases or shipping. The application deadline is May 1, 2026, for the next fiscal year award, with applications submitted electronically to ojs_indian_highway_safety@bia.gov or by mail to the BIA Office of Justice Services in Albuquerque, New Mexico; an informational training session is available at the Lifesavers Conference on April 18, 2026, in Baltimore, Maryland.

This is a one-year reimbursable grant program operating on a performance-based, data-driven model wherein tribes must expend funds first and then submit monthly documentation for reimbursement consideration. The specific award values are not detailed in the opportunity materials, though the program operates under the State and Community Highway Safety formula grant structure (CFDA 20.600), which historically distributes ranging from approximately $50,000 to millions of dollars depending on statutory apportionment formulas and tribal needs. The grant requires tribes to maintain records for a minimum of three years from final financial report submission, with performance measured through documented achievement of established targets for car seat distribution, clinic operations, and training activities. The estimated burden to complete the application is 240 minutes, with the OMB Control Number 1076-0190 expiring August 31, 2028.