1. Preliminary Recommendations to the Tribal/Interior Budget Council
May 3, 2017
Washington, DC

2. Project Focus By The End Of This Project, TIBC Will Have:
Improved knowledge about its current processes, including existing strengths and specific areas to improve
Direct input from stakeholders in regions and sub-regions
Recommended approaches to implement Continuous Quality Improvement in TIBC processes, to include:
Suggested measures of impact/success
Suggested approaches to improved information gathering on the needs and priorities of Tribes
Suggested high-level process flow showing key steps and responsibilities
Suggested methods and formats for reporting performance
A presentation of findings and recommendations to the TIBC on July 24, 2017
A final report, documenting findings, recommendations, and comments no later than December 31, 2017

3. Project Schedule

4. Project Schedule
Recommendations ready to implement for FY2020 budget cycle October 2017

5. Interviews Conducted April 17 to April 28
Tribal Representatives
TIBC Leadership
BIA Regional Budget Staff
BIA Central Office Budget Office
Background with process
Elements that work well
Elements that should be improved
Other issues

6. Initial Findings Mixed understanding of the budget process
Absence of on-boarding procedure for Tribal Representatives
Different Region approaches to involving Tribes
Long budget formulation cycle complicates priority-setting
Baseline uncertain (Enacted, Tribal Request, President’s Budget)
Tribal advice to BIA/DOI may not carry through President’s request (9-10 month embargo)
Limited information on Current Year budget execution (unexpended funds, underfunded activities)

7. Initial Findings (continued)
Limited assessment of program need, effectiveness, best practices
Variations between Regions and Tribes
Program definition by budget line uneven
Inconsistent access to information shapes Tribe budget decisions/priorities
Lack of clarity permits variable influence
Benefits seasoned users
Disadvantages less-expert users

8. Preliminary Recommendations (1)
Define multi-year budget process flow
Responsibility for specific steps by phase
Process transparency
status visible at any time
Initial metrics
Involvement/inclusion
Timeliness

9. Preliminary Recommendations (2)
Define a process owner
Overall responsibility for maintaining process
Specific steps
Set in context of annual budget outlook
Ensures consistency in application
Manage communication flow
Define process governance
Structure decision process
Who is empowered to make what decisions
Accountability/timing for follow up actions

10. Preliminary Recommendations (3)
Train to defined process
On-boarding for new participants
Clear, consistent expectations for all participants
Training modules available on demand
Define DOI Region best practices
Approaches to working with Tribes
Advance best practices
Consistent application across Regions

11. Preliminary Recommendations (4)
Nationwide kick-off for annual guidance
DOI consultation with TIBC
Presentation by DOI/BIA via webinar
Available on-demand after kick off
Error proof priorities survey
Content
Field test, technical capabilities
Advisory support

12. Preliminary Recommendations (5)
Improve budget to budget comparisons
How does final advice from Tribes compare to:
President’s Budget
Congressional Action
Budget execution
Explore Current Law/Current Services concept for budget baseline
What funding is required by Current Law
What funding is required to support Current Services

13. Preliminary Recommendations (6)
Define funding need
Review overall programs (treaties, legislation, administrative)
Document current funding level
Define funding needed to fulfill obligation
Region A
Pgm W
Tribe 1
Funding to Meet Obligation $$ $
Current
Funding

14. Preliminary Recommendations (6)
Define funding need (cont)
For each Tribe, develop for all applicable BIA programs
Current Funding
Funding to Meet Obligation
All Tribes in each Region
Funding to Meet Obligation
 All BIA Programs 
Region A
Pgm W
Pgm X
Pgm Y
Pgm Z
Total
Tribe 1
Tribe 2
Tribe 3
Etc…
Current
Funding

15. Preliminary Recommendations (6)
Define funding need (cont)
Compile for all Regions
Evaluate variations
Gaps
Situation-specific actions
Meets Obligation
Review Required
Critical Need
 All BIA Programs 
Pgm W
Pgm X
Pgm Y
Pgm Z
Total
Region A
Region B
Region C
Etc…

16. FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS BY JULY 24, 2017
Next Steps
PHASE ONE
Define Multi-Year Budget Process
Process Owner
Agreed flow
Roles/responsibilities
Timing
Develop Budget Process Training
Best practices
Consistent for all
Effective involvement
PHASE TWO
Select Best Budget Baseline
Existing practice
Current Services
Current Law
Other
Define Needed Funding
Current funding by tribe
Funding to meet obligation
Gaps/actions
FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS BY JULY 24, 2017