Financial Assistance Risk Assessment Checklist and the Financial Capability Questionnaire Consultation

The Bureau of Indian Education is committed to meaningful engagement with \tribal nations about programs and initiatives that may impact their communities. As part of this commitment, we invite tribal leaders and representatives from the Hopi Tribal Community to participate in a consultation concerning a form designed to assess the risk associated with grant applications and awards.

The Hopi Board of Education has submitted a grant application under the Tribally Controlled Schools Act. Under 2 CFR 200.206(b), the BIE must evaluate the risk posed by an applicant before issuing a federal award. This evaluation considers a recipient’s risk of non-compliance with Federal statutes, regulations and award conditions. While the Department of the Interior has the Acquisition, Assistance, and Asset Policy (DOI-AAAP) Financial Assistance Risk Assessment Checklist and the Financial Capability Questionnaire, these documents have not undergone tribal consultation by BIE tribal leaders or Indian education stakeholders.

Topics of Discussion

• Overview of the Financial Assistance Risk Assessment Checklist and the Financial Capability Questionnaire
• Potential impacts on HBE’s award
• Recommendations for improving the Financial Assistance Risk Assessment Checklist and the Financial Capability Questionnaire
• Procedure for ongoing communication and feedback

Tribal leaders, representatives, and other interested parties are encouraged to attend this consultation and share their perspectives. Please register to ensure your participation. Written comments may also be submitted before the meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with details for joining the meeting.

Background information on the Financial Assistance Risk Assessment Checklist and the Financial Capability Questionnaire is under "Resources" below. The DOI/BIE strongly recommends reviewing the listed documents before attending a tribal consultation session or submitting written comments to provide meaningful feedback.

If you would like to provide written input, please submit your comments by email to kimberly.smith@bie.edu or by mail to Kimberly Smith, 909 1st Avenue, Suite 192, Seattle, WA 98104. Written comments are due no later than June 26 at 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time and may also be submitted prior to the webinar.

If you have any questions regarding the tribal consultations, please contact Dr. Berdina Tsosie by phone at (612) 875-4985 or by email at berdina.tsosie@bie.edu.