Tribal Voluntary Bison Inspection Fee Coverage Program

Funder: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office of Tribal Relations

Geographic Scope: United States (Native American establishments or those operating on Tribal lands)

Program Type: Reimbursement program

Program Overview:
This program provides reimbursement of USDA voluntary bison inspection fees to Native American-owned establishments or those operating on Tribal lands. The program implements a reimbursement process for voluntary bison inspection fees in accordance with Section 765 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 (Public Law 118-42).

Objective

To reimburse voluntary meat inspection fees associated with the slaughtering or processing of bison/buffalo.

Eligible Activities

• Reimbursement of USDA-FSIS Inspection fees paid on or after October 1, 2023

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet ALL of the following requirements:

• Must be a Native American-owned establishment OR operating on Tribal lands
• Must be slaughtering or processing USDA-inspected bison/buffalo
• Must have an active Federal Grant of Inspection
• Must have paid USDA-FSIS Inspection fees on or after October 1, 2023

Funding

Funds are limited and reimbursements are paid on a first-come, first-served basis. Requests received after all funds are obligated will not be paid.

Contact Information:

• Email: hmoore@flowerhill.institute
• Website: flowerhill.institute

Application Process

Step 1: Request Application
Contact hmoore@flowerhill.institute to receive an application.

Step 2: Submit Initial Application Materials
Applicants must submit the following to verify eligibility:

1. One-page Application Form
2. W-9 Tax Form
3. Copy of Federal Grant of Inspection
4. Proof of Native American Ownership OR Proof of Business Operating on Tribal lands

Step 3: Eligibility Confirmation
Once confirmed as an eligible entity, proceed to Step 4.

Step 4: Submit Reimbursement Documentation
Eligible entities must submit:

• Itemized FSIS invoices
• Proof of payment

Important Notes

• Funds are limited and reimbursements are paid on a first-come, first-served basis
• Requests received after all funds are obligated will not be paid
• Contact program administrator for application form and submission details