Case Studies

DOI Tribal Electrification Program (TEP)

Client: Levelock Village
Date: 2023-2024

Project Summary

The Tribal Electrification Program is administered by the Department of the Interior and funded through the Inflation Reduction Act. Funds from this program are given to recognized Tribes and tribal organization for the purpose of implementing zero-emissions electrification projects. Funding is given to both planning projects, and implementation projects. TBEC was hired by Levelock Village to help them prepare applications for both planning (Round One, 2023) and implementation (Round Two, 2024).

Funding from Round One would be used for the development of a feasibility study and implementation plan to help the Village reduce the use of diesel and high energy costs for residents. The purpose of this study is to aid the Village in a transition to a green energy-fueled village microgrid. TBEC conducted client meetings and project support to gain information to draft the grant proposal. They also gathered additional information to support the proposal. In addition to drafting the grant proposal and a budget narrative, TBEC also drafted documents (a Letter of Support; a Tribal Resolution) and completed forms to be submitted alongside the proposal.

With the information from Round One’s feasibility study, TBEC was able to start working on drafting a proposal for Round Two of funding, which would be used for the construction of the village’s new microgrid. This includes battery storage, distribution poles, and the incorporation of energy efficient technology. TBEC’s work on this grant proposal looked very similar to that of Round One, including client meetings, budget drafting, information gathering, and forms completion. The drafting of a Tribal resolution also occurred for the completion of this project. Because this proposal was building off Round One’s, information was able to be taken from Round One’s proposal and then edited and repackaged to meet the needs of Round Two’s proposal.

In total, it took 18 weeks to complete both TEP proposals. Ten weeks were spent in 2023 drafting the proposal for Round One, and eight weeks in 2024 were spent creating the proposal for Round Two. Both rounds were highly competitive and only open to Tribal applicants. $72.1 million was awarded to 21 Round One applicants, with $333,813 going to Levelock Village. There were 13 applicants awarded Round Two funding, which totaled $71 million. Of that, Levelock Village received $3,313,978 for the construction of a microgrid in the town.

Project Deliverables:

Round One

Completed TEP Round One grant application that includes:
- Work plan
- Work schedule
- Budget narrative
- Procurement policy summary
Forms
Tribal resolution
Letter of Support

Round Two

Completed TEP Round Two grant application that includes:
- Work plan
- Project implementation
- Work schedule
- Budget narrative
- Procurement policy summary
Forms
Tribal resolution

External Links:

Round One Award Announcement: Biden-Harris Administration Announces $72 Million from President’s Investing in America Agenda to Electrify Homes Across Indian Country with Clean Energy | U.S. Department of the Interior

Round Two Award Announcement: Biden-Harris Administration Announces $71 Million to Electrify Homes Across Indian Country with Clean Energy through President’s Investing in America Agenda | U.S. Department of the Interior

Tribal Electrification Program | Indian Affairs