FEMA Grants (September 2022)

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Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program (THSGP) 

Individual Assistance – Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (IA-CCP) 

Public Assistance Grant Program (PA) 

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) 

Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) 

Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program 

Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Program 

Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) 

State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) 

Operation Stonegarden (OPSG) 

Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) Program 

Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) 

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Program 

(New) Tribal Cybersecurity Grant Program [note: has not been offered yet, NOFO later this year] 

Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Grant 

National Preparedness Directorate 

National Continuity Programs 

(New, released 9.16.22) State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program [note: Tribes are not directly eligible, but they “may be eligible subrecipients, and can receive SLCGP funding as a local government.”] 

Interior Department Issues Guidance to Strengthen Tribal Co-Stewardship of Public Lands and Waters

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WASHINGTON – The Department of the Interior today released new guidance to improve federal stewardship of public lands, waters and wildlife by strengthening the role of Tribal governments in federal land management. New guidance from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), National Park Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) outlines how each bureau will facilitate and support agreements with Tribes to collaborate in the co-stewardship of federal lands and waters.

“From wildfire prevention to managing drought and famine, our ancestors have used nature-based approaches to coexist among our lands, waters, wildlife and their habitats for millennia. As communities continue to face the effects of climate change, Indigenous knowledge will benefit the Department’s efforts to bolster resilience and protect all communities,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. “By acknowledging and empowering Tribes as partners in co-stewardship of our country’s lands and waters, every American will benefit from strengthened management of our federal land and resources.”

In managing public lands and waters, the Department is charged with trust responsibility and treaty rights to protect American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal interests and further the nation-to-nation relationship, and with distinct obligations to the Native Hawaiian Community. Tribal consultation and collaboration will continue to be implemented as components of, or in addition to, federal land management priorities and direction for recreation, range, timber, energy production, and other uses, and conservation of wilderness, refuges, watersheds, wildlife habitat, and other values.

The guidance will help further the directives from Joint Secretarial Order 3403 – signed by the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture during the 2021 White House Tribal Nations Summit – which outlines how the two Departments will strengthen Tribal co-stewardship efforts. The guidance also outlines how agreements might proceed with Alaska Native corporations and the Native Hawaiian Community.

Since the Joint Secretarial Order was signed, the Interior Department has celebrated a number of co-stewardship agreements, including:

• Bears Ears National Monument in Utah: On June 18, 2022, the BLM, U.S. Forest Service, and five Tribes of the Bears Ears Commission formalized their partnership for co-management of the Bears Ears National Monument. The BLM and U.S. Forest Service will provide resources to each Tribe through a separate process to support the work that the five Tribes will perform under this agreement and through their representatives on the Bears Ears Commission.

• Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Bison Range Restoration in Montana: On January 2, 2022, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) assumed full management of the Bison Range. The FWS and CSKT continue to partner together to ensure the land and resources are managed at a high-level including prioritizing much needed improvements to address deferred maintenance to enhance safety to the public and wildlife.

• Rappahannock Indian Tribe’s Homeland Restoration in Virginia: On April 1, 2022, the Rappahannock Tribe’s re-acquired 465 acres of their ancestral homelands at Fones Cliffs, a sacred site to the Tribe and a globally significant Important Bird Area for resident and bald eagles and other migratory birds. The land is located within the authorized boundary of the Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge; the parcel will be owned by the Tribe and be publicly accessible and held with a permanent conservation easement conveyed to FWS.

• Dworshak National Fish Hatchery Transfer to the Nez Perce Tribe in Idaho: On June 16, 2022, the Department transferred fish production at Dworshak National Fish Hatchery to the Nez Perce Tribe. The FWS will continue to provide support to the hatchery through the Idaho Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office and Pacific Region Fish Health Program.

The Interior Department is responsible for the management of millions of acres of federal lands and waters that were previously owned and managed by Tribes and also manages many important natural and cultural resources that once belonged to the Native Hawaiian Community. Those lands and waters contain cultural and natural resources of significance and value to Indigenous peoples, including sacred religious sites, burial sites, wildlife and its habitat, and sources of Indigenous foods and medicines. In addition, many of those lands and waters lie within areas where Tribes have the reserved right to hunt, fish, gather plants, and pray pursuant to ratified treaties and other long-standing legal agreements with the United States.

The Department is committed to ensuring that decisions relating to co-stewardship will continue to advance safeguards for traditional subsistence, cultural practices, trust interests and treaty rights for Tribes. Each bureau publishing guidance today is taking steps to ensure that Tribal governments play an integral role in the continued management of federal lands and waters through consultation, capacity-building, and partnerships consistent with federal authority.

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $1 Billion in Funding for First-Ever State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program 

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Funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will be available over four years to help States and Territories become more resilient to cyber threats
WASHINGTON — Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a first-of-its-kind cybersecurity grant program specifically for state, local, and territorial (SLT) governments across the country. This State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program, made possible thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, provides $1 billion in funding to SLT partners over four years, with $185 million available for FY22, to support SLT efforts to address cyber risk to their information systems. With this funding, SLT governments will be better equipped to address cybersecurity risks, strengthen the cybersecurity of their critical infrastructure, and ensure resilience against persistent cyber threats for the services SLT governments provide their communities. 

With the release today of a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), DHS has opened the application process for the grant program. Applicants have 60 days to apply for a grant, which can be used to fund new or existing cybersecurity programs.   

This program is the latest example of a unified approach across DHS, in which a FEMA-administered program leverages CISA’s capabilities to accomplish the Department’s goal of increasing state and local cyber defenses. By leveraging FEMA’s grant administration expertise, along with CISA’s expertise in cybersecurity, DHS is taking steps to help more SLT stakeholders across the country understand the severity of cyber threats and cultivate partnerships to reduce risks across the state, local, and territorial enterprise. 

“Cyberattacks have emerged as one of the most significant threats to our homeland,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “In response, we continue to strengthen our nation’s cybersecurity, including by resourcing state and local communities to build and enhance their cyber defenses. The cybersecurity grant process we are starting today is a vital step forward in this critical effort. Our approach is one of partnership, in the service of an all-of-society investment in the security of our homeland.”

“As we build a better America, we’re ensuring that our infrastructure is more modern and digitally connected. But along the way, we must also take proactive steps to increase our resilience to the increasing threat of cyberattacks,” said White House Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu. “Thanks to the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we’re making a once-in-a-generation investment of $1 billion in infrastructure cybersecurity, giving our state and local governments the resources they need to guard against debilitating cyber threats. Today’s announcement marks an important step in our commitment to strengthen resilience, protect and improve our nation’s infrastructure, and safeguard our economy.” 

“As the nation’s cyber defense agency, CISA works hand-in-hand with our partners in state, local, and territorial governments who face unique cybersecurity challenges but often lack the resources to address them. The State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program will play a critical role in helping these organizations build their capability and capacity,” said CISA Director Jen Easterly. “We encourage all eligible entities to apply for grant funds to protect our critical infrastructure and communities from malicious cyber activity and to grow their partnership with CISA. CISA is here to provide the expertise, tools, and technical assistance to be a reliable partner to state, local, and territorial governments in combatting the growing cyber threats they face each day.”  

“FEMA’s mission to help people before, during, and after disasters is not limited to climate-related events. Responding to manmade threats to our nation’s critical infrastructure, like cybersecurity, is a role we take seriously and stand ready to support,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “We value our partnership with CISA and look forward to administering this novel cybersecurity grant program that will help protect crucial resources nationwide and ensure that state, local, and territorial governments have more tools to become more resilient to all hazards.”

“Today’s announcement is another example of President Biden’s commitment to secure the essential services Americans rely on.  The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to trying creative, new approaches, like this grant program to state and local governments, to strengthen our cyber defenses to protect the Americans we serve,” said Anne Neuberger, Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technology.  

“Securing the Nation’s cyber ecosystem requires a whole-of-society approach, and that includes the crucial work that state, local, and territorial governments do in partnership with the Federal government every day. This program, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, demonstrates the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to ensuring that all Americans can thrive in cyberspace,” saidNational Cyber Director Chris Inglis.

The cyber grant program is an innovative program established by the State and Local Cybersecurity Improvement Act, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to help address the unique challenges state and territorial governments face when defending against cyber threats. This new grant program will help state and local partners reduce cyber risk and build resilience to the dynamic and evolving cybersecurity threat environment.  

Specifically, the cyber grant program will fund efforts to establish critical governance frameworks across states and territories to address cyber threats and vulnerabilities, identify key vulnerabilities and evaluate needed capabilities, implement measures to mitigate the threats, and develop a 21st-century cyber workforce across local communities. CISA will support these efforts with a suite of available resources, including state cybersecurity coordinators and cybersecurity advisors.  

The grants will significantly improve national resilience to cyber threats by giving state, local, and territorial governments much-needed resources to address network security and take steps to protect against cybersecurity risks to help them strengthen their communities. There will be two funding opportunities for this program. The funding opportunity being announced today is for state, local, and territorial governments. As part of this NOFO, local governments are eligible sub-recipients through their respective states and territories. A separate tribal grant program will be released later in the fall. 

For more information and helpful resources on the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program, visit CISA’s webpage here cisa.gov/cybergrants.
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ATNI Position Announcement: Tribal Gaming Director With the Squaxin Island Tribe

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Job Title: Tribal Gaming Director
Department: Gaming
Reports To: Gaming Commission
FLSA Status: Exempt
TS Range: 13/14 DOQ
Opening Date: September 2, 2022
Closing Date: September 19, 2022

SUMMARY: Plans, directs and implements all Federal, State and Tribal gaming regulations, manages staff, develop and administer budget, develop(s) unit goals and objectives according to Commission policy. Works harmoniously with Casino Management to insure maximum productivity and profitability of the operation while promoting an environment of strong compliance with applicable regulations. Develops a work ethic that sets an example for all peers and subordinates to follow. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. 

  • Represents the best interests of the Squaxin Island Tribe and understands the impact of his/her actions and the need to act as a liaison between the Agency and the casino operations. Understands the complex nature of a gaming operation. 
  • Provides regulatory oversight of the Tribal Gaming Ordinance through the implementation of federal, state and tribal gaming regulations and the Squaxin Island Gaming Ordinance. 
  • Manages the operation of the Tribal Gaming Agency pursuant to provision contained in the rules and regulations of the National Indian Gaming Commission, Tribal-State Compacts and the Squaxin Island Gaming Ordinance. 
  • Advises and reports to the Tribal Council and the Tribal Gaming Commission. Plans and implements the Tribal Gaming Commission’s goals and objectives by developing, recommending and implementing its operating policy and procedures. 
  • Supervises a fiscally efficient and effective staff. Observes and promotes compliance through administrative action with State, NIGC and Tribal Ordinance regulations and adherence to minimum internal control standards. 
  • Promotes and monitors the confidential treatment of all relevant information and maintains all appropriate information and materials as confidential. 
  • Provides Squaxin Island Gaming Ordinance enforcement and loss control by monitoring, observing, reporting and taking appropriate action as determined to insure the integrity of the gaming enterprise. 
  • Prepares and maintains systems, logs and other means to track and report gaming incidents and activities which are not normal to the operation or are in violation of specific gaming procedures and ordinances. 
  • Develops and maintains the gaming licensing function for Vendors and Individuals required by regulation; develops and maintains the Tribal Gaming Commission’s operating policies and procedures. 
  • Prepares and administers the department’s yearly operating budget and financial reports regarding the agency using generally accepted accounting principles. 
  • Monitors fiscal performance, audit findings and report findings to Management, the Gaming Commission and to the Tribal Council routinely. 
  • Responds to a wide variety of property or asset-threatening conditions with immediate assistance in an appropriate manner as determined by gaming regulations, gaming policy and current operating conditions. 
  • Maintains an awareness of gaming and non-gaming procedures within the casino operation to monitor those operations and ensure compliance with proper procedures and Tribal Gaming Ordinance. 
  • Observes violations of policies, procedures, rules or laws and communicates them to the Department Managers as appropriate. 
  • Within current acceptable practices and expectations and the scope of the position, uses independent judgment to assess situations and conditions and determine an appropriate course of action. 
  • Coordinates and communicates with casino supervision and management to best enforce and investigate compliance with Squaxin Island Gaming Ordinance and sound business practices. 
  • Coordinates and supervises standard audit functions and ensures follow through to promote compliance. 
  • Coordinates with other Tribal Gaming Agencies and/or entities. 
  • Reviews all Tribal Gaming incident reports, reviews and approves internal controls, gaming policy and procedures and structures. 
  • Supervises and manages the Tribal Gaming Commission staff and Surveillance Department; evaluates, counsels and takes appropriate disciplinary action of Tribal Gaming Agents. Establishes performance standard and possesses the ability to properly train Tribal Gaming Agents. 
  • May staff, schedule, evaluate, train, develop and monitor subordinate personnel. May interview applicants for subordinate positions, assign work, discipline and train employees and recommend wage increases and promotions in accordance with Tribal policies. 
  • Makes suitability determination pursuant to the Tribal Gaming Ordinance to determine the eligibility of each primary management official and each key employee for employment in the gaming operation. 
  • Maintain adequate written records of Class II and Class III gaming activities conducted in the Tribal Gaming Operation for a period of at least 4 years. 

SALARY: 100,900.00 – annually DOQ

TIME STATUS: Full-time

LOCATION: On Site

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Manages subordinate supervisors within the department and also the Surveillance Department, who in turn supervise employees within the Tribal Gaming Commission and Surveillance. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of these units. Also directly supervises non-supervisory employees. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Supervises and manages all departmental staff, including the on-going training and evaluation of all staff personnel in the performance of their assigned duties. Additionally, responsibilities include interviewing prospective employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. 

 QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Demonstrate ability to effectively communicate in both written and verbal forms; essential as the original statements, reports, logs and other written material completed by Tribal Gaming Agency personnel may be utilized for legal and judicial proceedings which many not accept taped, transcribed or otherwise translated materials. Demonstrate ability to address issues of enforcement while maintaining a positive relationship with those impacted. Demonstrate understanding of generally accepted accounting principles, to work within fiscal guidelines and manage budgets, fiscal operations and project revenues and expense over time. Demonstrate ability to manage positive relations with employees, management, outside organizations and/or agencies and political entities. Demonstrate computer skills and proficiency with Excel spreadsheets. Understands the confidential nature of information related to agency and demonstrates an ability to keep information confidential. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  Must pass standards to qualify for gaming license under regulations annually as established by the Commission and other standards as established by Tribal Council.  

 INVESTIGATIVE SKILLS: Must be knowledgeable of all aspects of the Tribal Gaming Operation, its system of internal controls, Tribal  Minimum Internal Control Standards, to adequately detect, investigate and resolve regulatory issues, including the application of Federal,  State and Tribal laws for purpose of protecting the integrity of the Tribal Gaming Operation. 

GAMING KNOWLEDEGE: Must be knowledgeable of all aspects of Class II and Class III Tribal Gaming Activities, including but not limited to, game protection, rules of play and irregularities. 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: 

 Master’s Degree in business administration or a related degree and five (5) years’ experience at management level in gaming regulation, particularly Class III Gaming; OR 

Bachelor’s Degree in business administration or related degree and seven years of business, public administration, administrative services, which includes five (5) years’ experience at management level in gaming regulation, particularly Class III Gaming; OR 

Associates Degree in business administration or related degree and nine years of business, public administration, administrative services which includes five (5) years’ experience at management level in gaming regulation, particularly Class III Gaming; OR 

  • High School Diploma or GED and eleven years of business, public administration, administrative services which includes five (5) years’ experience at management level in gaming regulation, particularly Class III Gaming. 

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors. 

 MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations. 

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form. 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS; Must have or be able to obtain a Class III Washington State Gaming License. Must have valid Washington State Driver’s License. 

DRUG FREE WORKPLACE: The successful candidate will be required to have a urinalysis for drug and alcohol screening, in accordance with the Tribe’s Drug Free Workplace Policy. 

INDIAN PREFERENCE: Indian Preference will be exercised in the hiring of this position in accordance with the Tribe’s Personnel Policies. 

DISQUALIFICATION: The candidate must possess a clear criminal history prior to employment and must maintain a clear criminal history during the period of employment. Failure to maintain a clear criminal history is grounds for termination of employment. For the purpose of this part, licensing requirements in RCW 9.46.075, shall apply.  

TO APPLY:  Submit. application packets including a resume and cover letter to apply@squaxin.us  Contact, Human Resources for more information: 360-432-3865.