USDA Request for Information: CNP Tribal Pilot Project
December 23, 2024

On December 23, 2024, the USDA Food and Nutrition Service released a request for information (RFI) to inform their development of the Child Nutrition Programs Tribal Pilot Projects, as authorized in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024. The Act provided $2 million for Tribal Pilot Projects that will permit Indian Tribes and/or Tribal organizations to administer Child Nutrition Programs, assuming the roles and responsibilities typically held by State agencies. The Act authorized a maximum of 10 Tribal Pilot Projects, to operate for up to two years, with grants ranging from $10,000-$100,000 per school year.
Comments Due: March 24, 2025
Why It Matters
Tribal input is critical to ensure that the Tribal Pilot Projects reflect the needs of grantees and the communities they serve. This Request for Information will also help FNS understand what support eligible Tribes and Tribal organizations may need to successfully operate a Tribal Pilot Project, and to determine how the Tribal Pilot Projects will be evaluated.
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Tribal Pilot Project Eligibility
The Act specifies that the following entities may operate Tribal Pilot Projects:
- an Indian Tribe, as defined by section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Assistance Act;
- a Tribal organization approved by an Indian Tribe;
- a Tribal educational agency;
- a consortium of Indian Tribes; or
- a partnership between an Indian Tribe and either:
- a State educational agency,
- a local educational agency,
- a Tribal educational agency, or
- the Bureau of Indian Education.
Grantees may administer one or more of the following Child Nutrition Programs:
- National School Lunch Program;
- School Breakfast Program;
- Child and Adult Care Food Program;
- Summer Food Service Program;
Finally, grantees may administer Child Nutrition Programs in the following locations:
- a school funded by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (as defined in section 1141 of the Education Amendments of 1978);
- a school (as defined in section 12(d) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act) that is on or near an Indian reservation; or
- an early child care and education facility.
Questions for Comment
- The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, identifies the entities that may operate and implement the Tribal Pilot Projects. What, if any, additional criteria should be established for a Tribe and/or Tribal organization to be considered eligible to participate in the pilot projects?
- Are there any specific criteria that should be prioritized in the selection process? For example, should FNS give priority to a Tribe or Tribal organization with experience operating a Child Nutrition Program, or other FNS nutrition assistance program, or to a pilot project that is implemented by a group of Tribes or Tribal organizations?
- A Tribe or Tribal organization may partner with a State educational agency, a local educational agency, a tribal educational agency, or the Bureau of Indian Education to administer Child Nutrition Programs.
- How might Tribes or Tribal organizations partner with each of these entities?
- Should FNS consider any criteria or parameters regarding partnerships?
- Considering the State agency roles and responsibilities referenced in the Child Nutrition Programs Administration section of this Request for Information, what support (if any) might Tribes and Tribal organizations need to implement the Tribal Pilot Projects and administer one or more Child Nutrition Programs?
- Given the amount of funding available and timeframe for implementation, should FNS:
- Limit grantees to administering only one Child Nutrition Program?
- Permit grantees to administer only part of a Child Nutrition Program? If yes, what opportunities or challenges might partial administration present?
- How can FNS best ensure that Tribes or Tribal organizations have access to staff, technology, and financial support needed to successfully administer Child Nutrition Programs?
- Should FNS fund as many pilot projects as possible (up to 10) in the first year? Or should FNS fund a limited number of projects in the first year, with future projects funded in subsequent years, to incorporate best practices and lessons learned as pilot projects evolve?
- What outcomes should FNS measure to evaluate the Tribal Pilot Projects? How should FNS measure sustainability or feasibility of long-term implementation?
- Is there anything else FNS should consider when implementing the Tribal Pilot Projects?
For more information, read the full Request for Information: Child Nutrition Programs Tribal Pilot Projects or watch their webinar on the pilot project. To provide feedback to USDA on the RFI, visit regulations.gov.