U.S. Code as of: 01/02/2006
Section 458aaa-8. Construction projects

    (a) In general
      Indian tribes participating in tribal self-governance may carry
    out construction projects under this part if they elect to assume
    all Federal responsibilities under the National Environmental
    Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), the National Historic
    Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.), and related provisions of
    law that would apply if the Secretary were to undertake a
    construction project, by adopting a resolution - 
        (1) designating a certifying officer to represent the Indian
      tribe and to assume the status of a responsible Federal official
      under such laws; and
        (2) accepting the jurisdiction of the Federal court for the
      purpose of enforcement of the responsibilities of the responsible
      Federal official under such environmental laws.
    (b) Negotiations
      Construction project proposals shall be negotiated pursuant to
    the statutory process in section 450j(m) of this title and
    resulting construction project agreements shall be incorporated
    into funding agreements as addenda.
    (c) Codes and standards
      The Indian tribe and the Secretary shall agree upon and specify
    appropriate building codes and architectural and engineering
    standards (including health and safety) which shall be in
    conformity with nationally recognized standards for comparable
    projects.
    (d) Responsibility for completion
      The Indian tribe shall assume responsibility for the successful
    completion of the construction project in accordance with the
    negotiated construction project agreement.
    (e) Funding
      Funding for construction projects carried out under this part
    shall be included in funding agreements as annual advance payments,
    with semiannual payments at the option of the Indian tribe. Annual
    advance and semiannual payment amounts shall be determined based on
    mutually agreeable project schedules reflecting work to be
    accomplished within the advance payment period, work accomplished
    and funds expended in previous payment periods, and the total prior
    payments. The Secretary shall include associated project
    contingency funds with each advance payment installment. The Indian
    tribe shall be responsible for the management of the contingency
    funds included in funding agreements.
    (f) Approval
      The Secretary shall have at least one opportunity to approve
    project planning and design documents prepared by the Indian tribe
    in advance of construction of the facilities specified in the scope
    of work for each negotiated construction project agreement or
    amendment thereof which results in a significant change in the
    original scope of work. The Indian tribe shall provide the
    Secretary with project progress and financial reports not less than
    semiannually. The Secretary may conduct onsite project oversight
    visits semiannually or on an alternate schedule agreed to by the
    Secretary and the Indian tribe.
    (g) Wages
      All laborers and mechanics employed by contractors and
    subcontractors (excluding tribes and tribal organizations) in the
    construction, alteration, or repair, including painting or
    decorating of a building or other facilities in connection with
    construction projects funded by the United States under this
    subchapter shall be paid wages at not less than those prevailing
    wages on similar construction in the locality as determined by the
    Secretary of Labor in accordance with sections 3141-3144, 3146, and
    3147 of title 40. With respect to construction alteration, or
    repair work to which sections 3141-3144, 3146, and 3147 of title 40
    are applicable under this section, the Secretary of Labor shall
    have the authority and functions set forth in the Reorganization
    Plan numbered 14, of 1950, and section 3145 of title 40.
    (h) Application of other laws
      Unless otherwise agreed to by the Indian tribe, no provision of
    the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act [41 U.S.C. 401 et
    seq.], the Federal Acquisition Regulations issued pursuant thereto,
    or any other law or regulation pertaining to Federal procurement
    (including Executive orders) shall apply to any construction
    project conducted under this part.



[Notes]

Related Resources

American Indian Law Guide

American Indian Lands Summary

American Indian Law Articles and Documents

American Indian Law Discussion


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