This Spring and Summer, NAFOA started our first virtual internship program. Meet one of our policy interns, Sheiyenne Baloo (Navajo Nation). Sheiyenne recently graduated from Brigham Young University and is supporting our policy team’s work on the Tribal Energy Loan Guarantee Program. Stay tuned in the following weeks to meet our other interns! Photo courtesy NAFOA

5 Things You Need to Know this Week

Helping tribes stay informed and make the most of opportunities.

1. CORONAVIRUS RELIEF UPDATES:
UNDERSTANDING CORONAVIRUS RELIEF FUND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

On Wednesday, August 5, 2020, at 1:00 PM EDT, the U.S. Department of Treasury Office of the Inspector General will provide an overview of the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) reporting requirements. This webinar will be related to updated guidance slated to be issued on July 31, 2020. NAFOA will provide a link to the document once available on July 31, 2020. Registration is required and can be accessed here.

Panelists:

• Rich Delmar, Deputy Inspector General
• Debbie Harker, Assistant Inspector General for Audit
• Jeneba Moiwo, CARES Act Audit Manager

2. POLICY UPDATES:
MAIN STREET LENDING PROGRAM: APPLICABILITY FOR TRIBAL BUSINESSES

On Tuesday, August 4, 2020, at 2:00 PM EDT, the Federal Reserve will provide an overview of the Main Street Lending Program‘s applicability for Tribal Businesses. The session will cover terms, conditions, and eligibility requirements. The session will focus in particular on issues of interest to tribal businesses, including the waiver of CARES Act restrictions relating to dividend distributions made by tribal businesses to tribal governments. The webinar is also an opportunity for participants to get answers to questions from officials from the Federal Reserve. Registration is now open.

3. FOR TRIBES:

COVID-19 TRIBAL ENERGY SURVEY: DEADLINE EXTENDED TO AUGUST 7

The purpose of this survey is to understand current COVID-19-related tribal energy challenges, gaps, and existing capacities. Tribes’ updated and timely input will guide actions and policies DOE and/or the Office of Indian Energy may implement with the administration, including directing COVID-19 relief funding, technical assistance, and/or other resources. Please complete this COVID-19 Tribal Energy Survey using this link, including legislative language as applicable.

4.  MORE FOR TRIBES:
NATIVE AMERICAN BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE (NABDI) GRANT; SOLICITATION OF PROPOSALS

The Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development (IEED), through its Native American Business Development Institute (NABDI), is soliciting proposals from Tribes for technical assistance funding to hire consultants to perform feasibility studies of economic development opportunities located in designated Opportunity Zones. Eligibility for funding is limited to those applicants whose proposed projects, businesses, or technologies will be located in designated Opportunity Zones. These grants are also intended to fund applicants to obtain qualified guidance on how the development projects, businesses, or technologies they propose can attract investments from an Opportunity Fund.  Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. ET on September 15, 2020.

5. JOBS:
IMPORTANT UPDATES TO NAFOA.ORG JOB AND OPPORTUNITIES SITE

NAFOA is launching a new jobs site! After August 2, 2020, NAFOA’s jobs section will switch to a premium service with discounts for NAFOA Member Tribes and corporate partners. Users will be able to build your account and start posting jobs, RFPs, and internships at competitive rates. We’ll be releasing an update that allows users to purchase and manage their job submissions from a registered account.