Indian Education Facilities, Operations, and Maintenance

To provide funds to BIE funded elementary schools, secondary schools and peripheral dormitories for facilities operations and maintenance.

The program funds operational expenses for educational facilities at BIE-funded schools and dorms it has in the school system. The everyday costs of operating BIE-Funded schools are electricity, grounds maintenance, vehicle rental (excluding school buses), refuse collection, custodial services, pest control, water, sewer service, fire/intrusion monitoring, and operations program administration.

Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments or tribal organizations currently served by a Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) funded elementary school, secondary school or peripheral dormitory.

Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments and occupants and visitors of BIE funded elementary or secondary schools or peripheral dormitories.

Funds may be used for salaries and related expenses of maintenance personnel, utilities, maintenance of school grounds, supplies, equipment, materials, and for minor repairs to facilities.

Awards are made on an annual basis and the funds remain available until expended by the contractor/grantee. Payments may be made in advance or by way of reimbursement. The timing of the payments will be negotiated with the Indian tribe.

Federally recognized Indian tribal organizations with BIE‑funded K-12 schools receive facilities operation and maintenance funding to support expenses related to maintaining and operating BIE school buildings and grounds. This funding is formula‑based and provided as an entitlement for tribally operated BIE schools.

All applicants meeting the requirements of 25 CFR Part 900 or the requirements of the Tribally Controlled Schools Act will be selected if they are currently served by a BIE-funded school.

Applications should be submitted to the BIE Education Line Officer (ELO) who will ensure that the application is complete. The application is forwarded by the ELO to the Director, Office of Indian Education Programs, with a recommendation for approval or disapproval. The dollar value of the awards is based upon school age and condition, size, utilities costs, and other pertinent factors.

For more information visit https://www.bie.edu/

Applications will be processed within 90 to 180 days.

Awards may be renewed indefinitely upon satisfactory performance by the contractor/grantee and continued use of the facilities. A notice of intent to renew should be submitted at least 90 days prior to the expiration of the current award. The amount of the award may be adjusted based on appropriations and need.

An unsuccessful applicant may request an informal conference with the deciding official, or may appeal the denial of the application to the Interior Board of Indian Appeals, or may bring suit in U.S. District Court. Full appeal procedures are found in 25 CFR Part 900.