On May 29, 2026, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) proposed sweeping revisions to the “Uniform Guidance,” the rules that govern nearly all federal grants and other forms of federal financial assistance. These proposed rules will apply broadly to the federal funding that Alaska Native Tribes, Tribal consortiums, non-profit organizations, housing authorities, and village and regional corporations, among others, rely on to serve our communities.
Importantly, the proposed rule would affect eligibility for federal funding, expand the federal government’s authority to suspend or terminate awards, and create new compliance requirements. OMB initially provided only 45 days for public comment, raising concerns about the limited opportunity for Tribal governments and Alaska Native corporations to fully evaluate the proposed changes and their potential impacts. Following the public comment period, Congress enacted language temporarily prohibiting OMB from finalizing the proposed rule through December 11, 2026. However, this restriction is set to expire.
On Wednesday, November 4, OMB announced that it will hold two Tribal consultations on the proposed rule on Monday, November 9 (in-person in Washington, D.C.) and Tuesday, November 10 (virtually). AFN encourages members to participate in these consultation sessions. You can read OMB’s letter to Tribal leaders announcing the consultation here.
To RSVP to either session, contact the OMB Office of Federal Financial Management at MBX.OMB.Grants@omb.eop.gov.