(FAL 2026-03) Guidance on Identification of Potential Impacts of DOE Funded Projects on Indian Tribes and Tribal Consultations

Financial Assistance Letter

What is the purpose of this FAL?

The purpose of this FAL/OTL is to provide guidance to GOs and AOs during the planning and issuance of a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)/Other Transaction (OT) solicitation and the selecting and awarding of financial assistance and OT agreements to evaluate if projects may potentially impact Indian Tribes. This guidance applies to the pre-award process for applicants as well as the post-award process for recipients/awardees. Further, this FAL/OTL provides guidance on consultation and engagement with Indian Tribes if projects submitted to DOE are determined to potentially impact Indian Tribes. The requirements within this FAL/OTL also apply to applications submitted by Indian Tribes, both when an Indian Tribe’s application impacts itself or when an Indian Tribe potentially impacts another Indian Tribe. This FAL/OTL does not apply to situations where state recognized Tribes are potentially impacted or are applicants.