Indian Housing Plan (IHP)

24 C.F.R. Part ..., Subpart C
in effectEffective: 2024-07-01

24 C.F.R. § 1000.201 How are funds made available under NAHASDA?

Every fiscal year HUD will make grants under the IHBG program to recipients who have submitted to HUD for a tribal program year an IHP in accordance with § 1000.220 to carry out affordable housing activities.

24 C.F.R. § 1000.202 Who are eligible recipients?

Eligible recipients are Indian tribes, or TDHEs when authorized by one or more Indian tribes.

24 C.F.R. § 1000.204 How does an Indian tribe designate itself as recipient of the grant?

(a) By resolution of the Indian tribe; or (b) When such authority has been delegated by an Indian tribe's governing body to a tribal committee(s), by resolution or other written form used by such committee(s) to memorialize the decisions of that body, if applicable.

24 C.F.R. § 1000.206 How is a TDHE designated?

(a)(1) By resolution of the Indian tribe or Indian tribes to be served; or (2) When such authority has been delegated by an Indian tribe's governing body to a tribal committee(s), by resolution or other written form used by such committee(s) to memorialize the decisions of that body, if applicable. (b) In the absence of a designation by the Indian tribe, the default designation as provided in section 4(21) of NAHASDA shall apply.

24 C.F.R. § 1000.208 What happens if an Indian tribe had two IHAs as of September 30, 1996?

Indian tribes which had established and were operating two IHAs as of September 30, 1996, under the 1937 Act shall be allowed to form and operate two TDHEs under NAHASDA. Nothing in this section shall affect the allocation of funds otherwise due to an Indian tribe under the formula.

24 C.F.R. § 1000.210 What happens to existing 1937 Act units in those jurisdictions for which Indian tribes do not or cannot submit an IHP?

NAHASDA does not provide the statutory authority for HUD to grant NAHASDA grant funds to an Indian housing authority, Indian tribe or to a default TDHE which cannot obtain a tribal certification, if the requisite IHP is not submitted by an Indian tribe or is determined to be out of compliance by HUD. There may be circumstances where this may happen, and in those cases, other methods of tribal, Federal, or private market support may have to be sought to maintain and operate those 1937 Act units.

24 C.F.R. § 1000.212 Is submission of an IHP required?

Yes. An Indian tribe or, with the consent of its Indian tribe(s), the TDHE, must submit an IHP to HUD to receive funding under NAHASDA, except as provided in section 101(b)(2) of NAHASDA. If a TDHE has been designated by more than one Indian tribe, the TDHE can submit a separate IHP for each Indian tribe or it may submit a single IHP based on the requirements of § 1000.220 with the approval of the Indian tribes.

24 C.F.R. § 1000.214 What is the deadline for submission of an IHP?

IHPs must be initially sent by the recipient to the Area ONAP no later than 75 days before the beginning of a tribal program year. Grant funds cannot be provided until the plan due under this section is determined to be in compliance with section 102 of NAHASDA and funds are available.

24 C.F.R. § 1000.216 What happens if the recipient does not submit the IHP to the Area ONAP by no later than 75 days before the beginning of the tribal program year?

If the IHP is not initially sent by at least 75 days before the beginning of the tribal program year, the recipient will not be eligible for IHBG funds for that fiscal year. Any funds not obligated because an IHP was not received before this deadline has passed shall be distributed by formula in the following year.

24 C.F.R. § 1000.218 Who prepares and submits an IHP?

An Indian tribe, or with the authorization of a Indian tribe, in accordance with section 102(d) of NAHASDA a TDHE may prepare and submit a plan to HUD.

24 C.F.R. § 1000.220 What are the requirements for the IHP?

The IHP requirements are set forth in section 102(b) of NAHASDA. In addition, §§ 1000.56, 1000.108, 1000.120, 1000.134, 1000.142, 1000.238, 1000.302, and 1000.328 require or permit additional items to be set forth in the IHP for HUD determinations required by those sections. Recipients are only required to provide IHPs that contain these elements in a form prescribed by HUD. If a TDHE is submitting a single IHP that covers two or more Indian tribes, the IHP must contain a separate certification in accordance with section 102(d) of NAHASDA and IHP Tables for each Indian tribe when requested by such Indian tribes. However, Indian tribes are encouraged to perform comprehensive housing needs assessments and develop comprehensive IHPs and not limit their planning process to only those housing efforts funded by NAHASDA. An IHP should be locally driven.

24 C.F.R. § 1000.222 Are there separate IHP requirements for small Indian tribes and small TDHEs?

No. HUD requirements for IHPs are reasonable.

24 C.F.R. § 1000.224 Can any part of the IHP be waived?

Yes. HUD has general authority under section 101(b)(2) of NAHASDA to waive any IHP requirements when an Indian tribe cannot comply with IHP requirements due to exigent circumstances beyond its control, for a period of not more than 90 days. The waiver authority under section 101(b)(2) of NAHASDA provides flexibility to address the needs of every Indian tribe, including small Indian tribes. The waiver may be requested by the Indian tribe or its TDHE (if such authority is delegated by the Indian tribe), and such waiver shall not be unreasonably withheld.

24 C.F.R. § 1000.225 When may a waiver of the IHP submission deadline be requested?

A recipient may request a waiver for a period of not more than 90 days beyond the IHP submission due date.

24 C.F.R. § 1000.226 Can the certification requirements of section 102(c)(5) of NAHASDA be waived by HUD?

Yes. HUD may waive these certification requirements as provided in section 101(b)(2) of NAHASDA.

24 C.F.R. § 1000.227 What shall HUD do upon receipt of an IHP submission deadline waiver request?

The waiver shall be decided upon by HUD within 45 days of receipt of the waiver request. HUD shall notify the recipient in writing within 45 days of receipt of the waiver request whether the request is approved or denied.

24 C.F.R. § 1000.228 If HUD changes its IHP format will Indian tribes be involved?

Yes. HUD will first consult with Indian tribes before making any substantial changes to HUD's IHP format.

24 C.F.R. § 1000.230 What is the process for HUD review of IHPs and IHP amendments?

HUD will conduct the IHP review in the following manner: (a) HUD will conduct a limited review of the IHP to ensure that its contents: (1) Comply with the requirements of section 102 of NAHASDA, which outlines the IHP submission requirements; however, the recipient may use either the HUD-estimated IHBG amount or the IHBG amount from their most recent compliant IHP; (2) Are consistent with information and data available to HUD; (3) Are not prohibited by or inconsistent with any provision of NAHASDA or other applicable law; and (4) Include the appropriate certifications. (b) If the IHP complies with the provisions of paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(3) of this section, HUD will notify the recipient of IHP compliance within 60 days after receiving the IHP. If HUD fails to notify the recipient, the IHP shall be considered to be in compliance with the requirements of section 102 of NAHASDA and the IHP is approved. (c) If the submitted IHP does not comply with the provisions of paragraphs (a)(1), and (a)(3) of this section, HUD will notify the recipient of the determination of non-compliance. HUD will provide this notice no later than 60 days after receiving the IHP. This notice will set forth: (1) The reasons for noncompliance; (2) The modifications necessary for the IHP to meet the submission requirements; and (3) The date by which the revised IHP must be submitted. (d) If the recipient does not submit a revised IHP by the date indicated in the notice provided under paragraph (c) of this section, the IHP will be determined by HUD to be in non-compliance unless a waiver is requested and approved under section 101(b)(2) of NAHASDA. If the IHP is determined by HUD to be in non-compliance and no waiver is granted, the recipient may appeal this determination following the appeal process in § 1000.234. (e)(1) If the IHP does not contain the certifications identified in paragraph (a)(4) of this section, the recipient will be notified within 60 days of submission of the IHP that the plan is incomplete. The notification will include a date by which the certification must be submitted. (2) If the recipient has not complied or cannot comply with the certification requirements due to circumstances beyond the control of the Indian tribe(s), within the timeframe established, the recipient can request a waiver in accordance with section 101(b)(2) of NAHASDA. If the waiver is approved, the recipient is eligible to receive its grant in accordance with any conditions of the waiver.

24 C.F.R. § 1000.232 Can an Indian tribe or TDHE amend its IHP?

Yes. Section 103(c) of NAHASDA specifically provides that a recipient may submit modifications or revisions of its IHP to HUD. Unless the initial IHP certification provided by an Indian tribe allowed for the submission of IHP amendments without further tribal certifications, a tribal certification must accompany submission of IHP amendments by a TDHE to HUD. HUD's review of an amendment and determination of compliance will be limited to modifications of an IHP which adds new activities or involve a decrease in the amount of funds provided to protect and maintain the viability of housing assisted under the 1937 Act. HUD will consider these modifications to the IHP in accordance with § 1000.230. HUD will act on amended IHPs within 30 days.

24 C.F.R. § 1000.234 Can HUD's determination regarding the non-compliance of an IHP or a modification to an IHP be appealed?

(a) Yes. Within 30 days of receiving HUD's disapproval of an IHP or of a modification to an IHP, the recipient may submit a written request for reconsideration of the determination. The request shall include the justification for the reconsideration. (b) Within 21 days of receiving the request, HUD shall reconsider its initial determination and provide the recipient with written notice of its decision to affirm, modify, or reverse its initial determination. This notice will also contain the reasons for HUD's decision. (c) The recipient may appeal any denial of reconsideration by filing an appeal with the Assistant Secretary within 21 days of receiving the denial. The appeal shall set forth the reasons why the recipient does not agree with HUD's decision and include justification for the reconsideration. (d) Within 21 days of receipt of the appeal, the Assistant Secretary shall review the recipient's appeal and act on the appeal. The Assistant Secretary will provide written notice to the recipient setting forth the reasons for the decision. The Assistant Secretary's decision constitutes final agency action.

24 C.F.R. § 1000.236 What are eligible administrative and planning expenses?

(a) Eligible administrative and planning expenses of the IHBG program include, but are not limited to: (1) Costs of overall program and/or administrative management; (2) Coordination monitoring and evaluation; (3) Preparation of the IHP including data collection and transition costs; (4) Preparation of the annual performance report; (5) Challenge to and collection of data for purposes of challenging the formula; and (6) Administrative and planning expenses associated with expenditure of non-IHBG funds on affordable housing activities if the source of the non-IHBG funds limits expenditure of its funds on such administrative expenses. (b) Staff and overhead costs directly related to carrying out affordable housing activities or comprehensive and community development planning activities can be determined to be eligible costs of the affordable housing activity or considered as administration or planning at the discretion of the recipient.

24 C.F.R. § 1000.238 What percentage of the IHBG funds can be used for administrative and planning expenses?

Recipients receiving in excess of $500,000 may use up to 20 percent of their annual expenditures of grant funds or may use up to 20 percent of their annual grant amount, whichever is greater. Recipients receiving $500,000 or less may use up to 30 percent of their annual expenditures of grant funds or up to 30 percent of their annual grant amount, whichever is greater. When a recipient is receiving grant funds on behalf of one or more grant beneficiaries, the recipient may use up to 30 percent of the annual expenditure of grant funds or up to 30 percent of the annual grant amount, whichever is greater, of each grant beneficiary whose allocation is $500,000 or less, and up to 20 percent of the annual expenditure of grant funds or up to 20 percent of the annual grant amount, whichever is greater, of each grant beneficiary whose allocation is greater than $500,000. HUD approval is required if a higher percentage is requested by the recipient. Recipients combining grant funds with other funding may request HUD approval to use a higher percentage based on its total expenditure of funds from all sources for that year. When HUD approval is required, HUD must take into consideration any cost of preparing the IHP, challenges to and collection of data, the recipient's grant amount, approved cost allocation plans, and any other relevant information with special consideration given to the circumstances of recipients receiving minimal funding.

24 C.F.R. § 1000.239 May a recipient establish and maintain reserve accounts for administration and planning?

Yes. In addition to the amounts established for planning and administrative expenses under §§ 1000.236 and 1000.238, a recipient may establish and maintain separate reserve accounts only for the purpose of accumulating amounts for administration and planning relating to affordable housing activities. These amounts may be invested in accordance with § 1000.58(c). Interest earned on reserves is not program income and shall not be included in calculating the maximum amount of reserves. The maximum amount of reserves, whether in one or more accounts, that a recipient may have available at any one time is calculated as follows: (a) Determine the 5-year average of administration and planning amounts, not including reserve amounts, expended in a tribal program year. (b) Establish 1/4 of that amount for the total eligible reserve.

24 C.F.R. § 1000.240 When is a local cooperation agreement required for affordable housing activities?

The requirement for a local cooperation agreement applies only to rental and lease-purchase homeownership units assisted with IHBG funds which are owned by the Indian tribe or TDHE.

24 C.F.R. § 1000.242 When does the requirement for exemption from taxation apply to affordable housing activities?

The requirement for exemption from taxation applies only to rental and lease-purchase homeownership units assisted with IHBG funds which are owned by the Indian tribe or TDHE.

24 C.F.R. § 1000.244 If the recipient has made a good-faith effort to negotiate a cooperation agreement and tax-exempt status but has been unsuccessful through no fault of its own, may the Secretary waive the requirement for a cooperation agreement and a tax exemption?

Yes. Recipients must submit a written request for waiver to the recipient's Area ONAP. The request must detail a good faith effort by the recipient, identify the housing units involved, and include all pertinent background information about the housing units. The recipient must further demonstrate that it has pursued and exhausted all reasonable channels available to it to reach an agreement to obtain tax-exempt status, and that failure to obtain the required agreement and tax-exempt status has been through no fault of its own. The Area ONAP will forward the request, its recommendation, comments, and any additional relevant documentation to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Native American Programs for processing to the Assistant Secretary.

24 C.F.R. § 1000.246 How must HUD respond to a request for waiver of the requirement for a cooperation agreement and a tax exemption?

(a) HUD shall make a determination to such request for a waiver within 30 days of receipt or provide a reason to the requestor for the delay, identify all additional documentation necessary, and provide a timeline within which a determination will be made. (b) If the waiver is granted, HUD shall notify the recipient of the waiver in writing and inform the recipient of any special condition or deadlines with which it must comply. Such waiver shall remain effective until revoked by the Secretary. (c) If the waiver is denied, HUD shall notify the recipient of the denial and the reason for the denial in writing. If the request is denied, IHBG funds may not be spent on the housing units. If IHBG funds have been spent on the housing units prior to the denial, the recipient must reimburse the grant for all IHBG funds expended.

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