What is GAP?
The Indian Environmental General Assistance Program Act was passed by Congress in 1992. This act authorizes the EPA to provide General Assistance Program (GAP) grants to federally recognized tribes and intertribal consortia for the planning, development, and establishment of environmental protection programs, as well as the development and implementation of solid and hazardous waste programs on tribal lands.
The American Indian Environmental Office (AIEO) leads EPA's efforts to protect human health and the environment of federally recognized Indian Tribes, and is the National Program Manager of GAP.
On this page:
2022 GAP Guidance
The 2022 GAP Guidance provides information to Tribes and intertribal consortia on how to develop, apply for, and manage Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (GAP) financial assistance agreements, generally referred to as GAP grants. It also describes how the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administers GAP grants to ensure national consistency in EPA’s actions when negotiating, reviewing, and administering GAP awards.
This Guidance outlines the statutory and regulatory requirements that govern the use and management of GAP funds. This Guidance is effective for all GAP financial assistance agreements beginning October 1, 2022, and supersedes previous guidance issued on May 15, 2013.
GAP Guidance Highlights
The GAP Guidance Highlights document is a comparative analysis of the 2013 and 2022 GAP Guidances. It identifies and discusses the key changes between the two documents. The document was developed as a reference tool for GAP applicants and recipients to quickly understand the differences between the guidances.
The 2022 GAP Guidance significantly updates the 2013 guidance. The changes include:
- Expanded scope of allowable activities
- Reduced administrative burden
- Increased clarity
- Flexibility for intertribal consortia documentation
The GAP Guidance Highlights document provides a comprehensive overview of the changes between the two guidances and is a resource for anyone who is applying for or implementing a GAP grant.
2022 GAP Guidance Highlights (pdf)
FY24 GAP Notice of Financial Assistance (NOFA)
With this NOFA, EPA invites proposals for Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (GAP) grants and assistance amendments from the Fiscal Year 2024 Congressional appropriation to fund work plans beginning on or after October 1, 2024.