Tlingit & Haida Technical Assistance

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Preapplication Preparation

Before you apply for any federal grants, applicants must have an EIN and a DUNS number. If you are seeking federal contracts in the procurement process, then there is a separate set of requirements to meet. The key requirement involves registering in the CCR. These requirements are discussed below.

Employer Identification Number (EIN)

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a federal tax identification number, and is used to identify a business entity. Generally, businesses need an EIN. You may apply for an EIN in various ways, and now you may apply online.

DUNS Number

Every applicant for federal funds must have a DUNS number. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a directive to implement the requirement for grant applicants to provide a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number when applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements. DUNS stands for "Data Universal Numbering System." It is a unique nine-digit numbering system that is used to identify a business. To find your DUNS number, please go to http://smallbusiness.dnb.com. If you do not have a DUNS number, you can get one for free by either calling 1-800-333-0505 or registering online at: http://www.dnb.com/us/. If you complete the online DUNS application, it takes approximately one week before the information is reflected in the Dun and Bradstreet web site. You can usually get your DUNS number faster if you call the toll free number.

Central Contractors Registry (CCR)

In order to be eligible for federal contract opportunities, contractors must be registered in the Central Contractors Registry at http://www.ccr.gov .The Central Contractor Registration (CCR) is the primary vendor database for the U.S. Federal Government. The CCR collects, validates, stores and disseminates data in support of agency acquisition missions. Both current and potential government vendors are required to register in CCR in order to be awarded contracts by the government. Vendors are required to complete a one-time registration to provide basic information relevant to procurement and financial transactions. Vendors must update or renew their registration annually to maintain an active status.

Identify Opportunity and Download Funding Announcement and Required Documents

Once you have reviewed available grant opportunities (usually on the Grants.gov website) and downloaded the announcement and grant application, you must begin to prepare for writing the application by pulling all the relevant information together including the NOFA or RFP, the required forms, relevant information on the proposed program, required statistical information and required support documents. This can be done from the Fund Search Page.

Required Support Documents

There are a number of items that fund sources will require from applicants. We have included samples of the Tribe's support documents for applicants to use in developing their own. Among these are: audited financial statements, tribal authorization, concurring tribal resolutions, indirect cost rate agreement, tribal signatories resolution, fiscal policy resolution, service area map, organizational chart and staff resumes. Click here to access that page.

Thoroughly Review the NOFA or RFP

To ensure that you, your community, or your organization are eligible to apply. To ensure that your proposed activity falls within the area covered by the fund program. To develop a checklist of all items and documents required in the application . Many fund sources provide a handy checklist for this purpose. This list, with minor modification will become the table of contents for your application. A sample list is included in the Writing the Narrative section. To determine if an authorizing resolution is required. Many fund sources require a board or tribal resolution authorizing the submittal of the grant application. Preparation of this authorizing document should be one of the first things done in the application process since this is one of the threshold requirements.

Develop a Grants Checklist

Generally, fund sources will include a checklist for applicants to use to ensure that all requirements are met. Required documents are included on this list. Two sample check lists from ANA and ICDBG are linked here.

Prepare Authorizing Resolution [back to top]

We have included the Central Council's resolutions to demonstrate a format for developing required board and governing body resolutions. To review these documents use the link keys to access the resolution template and poll form.

Prepare Concurring Resolution(s) [back to top]

Some fund sources, such as the HUD ICDBG program, require concurring resolutions from the tribal government of each community to be included in the service area. In that case you must ask the local Tribe if they wish to participate. A sample concurring resolution is presented here.

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