U.S. CODE

U.S. Code

§ 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.

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.

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