Indian Highway Safety Law Enforcement Grant

---

Description

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Office of Justice Services Indian Highway Safety Program (IHSP) offers this grant to support federally recognized tribes in developing and implementing traffic safety projects. The primary goal is to reduce the number of traffic crashes, fatalities, injuries, and property damage within tribal communities. Projects may include enhanced law enforcement activities, equipment purchases, officer training, and public education efforts related to traffic safety.

All grants are performance-based and require applicants to identify specific traffic safety problems, set measurable targets, and propose data-driven strategies. Funding is provided on a reimbursable basis, meaning tribes must first expend their own funds and then submit documentation for reimbursement.

---

Due Dates

• Application Deadline: May 1, 2025 (for funding in the next federal fiscal year)
• Award Cycle: Federal fiscal year (October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026)
• Monthly Reporting: Required for reimbursement and performance tracking

---

Funding Amount

• Award Size: No fixed ceiling or floor; awards are based on the scope and justification of the proposed project.
• Eligible Costs: May include law enforcement overtime/straight time, fringe benefits, mileage, training, travel, equipment, software, media, and indirect costs (with approved rate).
• Reimbursement Basis: All costs must be incurred and documented before reimbursement; monthly requests are required.

---

Eligibility

• Eligible Applicants: Only federally recognized Native American tribal governments are eligible.
• Project Focus: Must address traffic safety issues on tribal lands, supported by confirmable data and measurable performance targets.
• Other Requirements:
  • A current Tribal Resolution (draft or final)
  • Most recent approved Indirect Cost Rate Agreement letter
  • Current A-133 audit status
  • Linear trend analysis for each performance measure
  • Complete application with no blank fields

---

Application Process

1. Identify Traffic Safety Problem: Use recent (fiscal year) data to define specific issues (e.g., speeding, impaired driving, seat belt use).
2. Set Performance Targets: Establish measurable goals (e.g., reduce crashes or fatalities by a certain percentage).
3. Develop Strategies: Select enforcement, training, education, and equipment strategies to address the identified problems.
4. Prepare Budget: Include only reasonable and necessary costs directly related to traffic safety activities.
5. Complete Application: Fill out all required sections, initial terms and conditions, and attach all supporting documents.
6. Submit Application: Email to ojs_indian_highway_safety@bia.gov or mail to the BIA IHSP office in Albuquerque, NM.
7. Monthly Reporting: If awarded, submit monthly performance and financial reports for reimbursement.

Note: Incomplete applications or those lacking data justification are unlikely to be funded.

---

Additional Information

• Grant Types: Tribes may apply for straight time hours, overtime hours, or highway safety specialist grants.
• Allowable Activities: Only traffic safety-related activities are reimbursable; non-traffic law enforcement activities are excluded.
• Training: All requested training must be directly related to traffic safety and support the project’s targets.
• Equipment: Must be essential for achieving performance measures (e.g., radar/lidar units for speed enforcement).
• Indirect Costs: Reimbursable with a current approved rate, except for equipment purchases.

---

External Links

• BIA Indian Highway Safety Program (IHSP) Overview
• Official Grants.gov Opportunity Page
• FY26 Indian Highway Safety Grant Opportunities Flyer (PDF)
• Law Enforcement Grant Application & Instructions (PDF)

---

Contact Information

---