Retrocession

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

25 C.F.R. § 1000.330 What is the purpose of this subpart?

This subpart explains what happens when a Tribe/Consortium voluntarily returns a program to a bureau.

25 C.F.R. § 1000.331 Is a decision by a Tribe/Consortium not to include a program in a successor agreement considered a retrocession?

No, a decision by a Tribe/Consortium not to include a program in a successor agreement is not a retrocession because the Tribe/Consortium is under no obligation beyond an existing AFA.

25 C.F.R. § 1000.332 Who may retrocede a program in an AFA?

A Tribe/Consortium may retrocede a program. However, the right of a Consortium member to retrocede may be subject to the terms of the agreement among the members of the Consortium.

25 C.F.R. § 1000.333 How does a Tribe/Consortium retrocede a program?

The Tribe/Consortium must submit: (a) A written notice to: (1) The Office of Self-Governance for BIA programs; or (2) The appropriate bureau for non-BIA programs; and (b) A Tribal resolution or other official action of its governing body.

25 C.F.R. § 1000.334 When will the retrocession become effective?

Unless subsequently rescinded by the Tribe/Consortium, a retrocession is only effective on a date mutually agreed upon by the Tribe/Consortium and the Secretary, or as provided in the AFA.

25 C.F.R. § 1000.335 How will retrocession affect the Tribe's/Consortium's existing and future AFAs?

Retrocession does not affect other parts of the AFA or funding agreements with other bureaus. A Tribe/Consortium may request to negotiate for and include retroceded programs in future AFAs or through a self-determination contract.

25 C.F.R. § 1000.336 Does the Tribe/Consortium have to return funds used in the operation of a retroceded program?

The Tribe/Consortium and the Secretary must negotiate the amount of funding to be returned to the Secretary for the operation of the retroceded program. This amount must be based on such factors as the time remaining or functions remaining in the funding cycle or as provided in the AFA.

25 C.F.R. § 1000.337 Does the Tribe/Consortium have to return property used in the operation of a retroceded program?

On the effective date of any retrocession, the Tribe/Consortium must return all property and equipment, and title thereto: (a) That was acquired under the AFA for the program being retroceded; and (b) That has a per item value in excess of $5,000 at the time of the retrocession, or as otherwise provided in the AFA.

25 C.F.R. § 1000.338 What happens to a Tribe's/Consortium's mature contract status if it has retroceded a program that is also available for self-determination contracting?

Retrocession has no effect on mature contract status, provided that the 3 most recent audits covering activities administered by the Tribe have no unresolved material audit exceptions.

25 C.F.R. § 1000.339 How does retrocession affect a bureau's operation of the retroceded program?

The level of operation of the program will depend upon the amount of funding that is returned with the retrocession.

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