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Handbooks are typically companions to Indian Affairs Manual (IAM) policy chapters, and provide a greater level of detail (i.e., the procedures) for Indian Affairs (IA) employees. In other words, the handbook provides the procedures that implement the companion policy. The handbook's “Title” should reference the program topic covered in the IAM chapter(s), and be numbered accordingly. For example, 5 IAM 2-H is the companion handbook to 5 IAM 2 (the policy).
Employees can access the Handbook development guidance and an example by visiting RACA's internal website via SharePoint (for IA employees only)
Implements a certification system for those designated/delegated the authority to function as an awarding official for P.L. 93-638 contracts and grants.
This handbook documents the procedures required to implement the Occupational Safety portion of IA's Occupational Safety and Health Program (OSHP) policy, as documented in 25 IAM 3. It supersedes all related content in 25 IAM H: Safety and Health Handbook for Field Operations, issued (updated) 10/05/2004.
This handbook documents the procedures required to implement the Occupational Health portion of IA's Occupational Safety and Health Program (OSHP) policy, as documented in 25 IAM 3. It supersedes all related content in 25 IAM H: Safety and Health Handbook for Field Operations, issued (updated) 10/05/2004.
This handbook documents the procedures required to implement the Safety Awards and Recognition Program portion of IA's Occupational Safety and Health Program (OSHP) policy, as documented in 25 IAM 3. It supersedes all related content in 25 IAM H: Safety and Health Handbook for Field Operations, issued (updated) 10/05/2004.
This handbook documents the procedures required to implement the Inspections and Abatement portion of IA's Occupational Safety and Health Program (OSHP) policy, as documented in 25 IAM 3. It supersedes all related content in 25 IAM H: Safety and Health Handbook for Field Operations, issued (updated) 10/05/2004.
Provides the procedures for recording costs for IA-managed construction projects where ownership or ultimate ownership of the facility will reside with IA.
28 IAM 2-H: Attendance and Leave Handbook
This handbook has been rescinded as of 12/05/24. For updated guidance/references, please see 28 IAM 2: Attendance & Leave.
Documents the procedures required to implement the merit promotion and placement policy (28 IAM 335). This handbook is intended primarily for HR professionals but may also be useful to IA employees.
This handbook documents the procedures required to implement the BIA Division of Land Titles and Records (DLTR) program and policies, as documented in Part 51 of the Indian Affairs Manual (IAM).
Supplements the Department Manual 303 DM 7. Provides guidance for the preparation of four certificates which document and formalize the collection and analysis of boundary evidence relating to Indian trust assets: Land Description Review Certificate, Chain of Surveys Certificate, Certificate of Inspection and Possession, and Boundary Assurance Certificate.
The purpose of this handbook is to provide guidance to BIA staff for processing leasehold and trust land mortgages on trust or restricted land; specifically, how to review and analyze a mortgage loan request from a lender using a standardized process.
This handbook provides guidance to Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Division of Real Estate Services (DRES) personnel (Realty staff) in preparing, reviewing, and processing a grant of right-of-way (ROW) across land(s) held in trust or restricted status by the United States of America for the beneficial use of an individual Indian trust landowner(s) and/or a federally recognized Tribe(s).
This handbook provides guidance to BIA Division of Real Estate Services personnel in preparing, reviewing, and processing fee-to-trust acquisitions of fee or restricted fee lands by the United States for the beneficial use of individual Indian trust landowners(s) or federally recognized Tribes. The corresponding IAM chapter, 52 IAM 12: Processing Fee-to-Trust Applications, provides the general authorities and responsibilities, and is the official policy for processing fee-to-trust acquisitions.
This handbook documents the procedures required to implement 52 IAM 14: Business Leases policy. Specifically, it documents the business leasing process to assist Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) management, BIA Division of Real Estate Services (DRES) staff, and support staff in providing services to Indian landowners, applicants, and the general public.
This handbook provides guidance to BIA Division of Real Estate Services personnel in preparing, reviewing, and processing excess real properties pursuant to the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act (FPASA), the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA), Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC), and through special legislation. This guide provides a step-by-step process for the acquisition, transfer, and disposal of excess land to Tribes. The corresponding IAM chapter, 52 IAM 16: Processing Excess Real Property Land Transfers, provides the general authorities and responsibilities, and is the official policy for processing excess real property land transfers.
The related forms, checklists, and templates, referenced in this handbook can be found on BIA's Online Forms website.
52 IAM X-H: Fluid Mineral Estate Procedural Handbook
Provides procedures for each action necessary to accomplish management of Fluid Mineral estate. The Fluid Mineral estate consists of the subsurface resources of Hydrocarbons (oil and natural gas, and various other gases such as hydrogen, carbon dioxide, helium, and nitrogen) and Geothermal.
Replaces and combines relevant content from the old 53 IAM 3-H: Contract Sales of Forest Products (issued in 2004) and 53 IAM 4-H: Permit Sales of Forest Products (issued in 2005). This is the companion handbook to the policy documented in 53 IAM 3: Harvest of Forest Products.
53 IAM 4-H: Permit Sales of Forest Products
This handbook has been superseded by the updating and reissuance of 53 IAM 3-H: Harvest of Products Handbook. Any relevant content from this handbook was included as appropriate in the updated [53 IAM 3-H] handbook.
Replaces 53 BIAM Supplement 5; provides guidance on procedures and processes necessary to prepare, administer, and report on forest development projects on Indian forest lands.
Documents the practices and procedures required to implement the Woodland Management policy (53 IAM 10); namely to manage woodland resources on Indian lands.
Replaces 53 BIAM & Timber Sale Records Handbook; provides the information, procedures, and processes to collect, monitor, and distribute forest management deductions.
Provides the standards, requirements, and procedures required to implement the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ (BIA) policy on the Agricultural and Rangeland (Ag & Range) Management program as documented in the Indian Affairs Manual (IAM); specifically 54 IAM 1: Agricultural and Rangeland Overview, and in other Part 54 policy chapters.
Provides operating procedures and guidance in one location in order to achieve the Safety of Dams program mission more effectively. This Handbook applies to all new and existing BIA high- and significant-hazard potential dams.
59 IAM 3-H: National Environmental Policy Act Guidebook
Provides guidance for preparing documents required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, and the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations implementing NEPA for BIA actions. This is an update to the 2005 version of the Handbook. This handbook is under review/to be updated
This handbook documents the practices and procedures necessary to manage HIP resources on Indian lands. It applies to all IA offices and programs participating in the management, accountability, utilization, or protection of housing.
Provides standard operating procedures and guidelines for the administration and management of the BIA Hazardous Fuels Reduction Program, and is intended as a supplement to the Interagency Prescribed Fire Planning and Implementation Procedures Reference Guide. This Handbook also supports operational guidance established in 90 IAM 1.4C (2)-H, Fuels Management.
Standard operating procedures and guidelines for managing and administering the BIA Wildfire Prevention Program, including prevention planning, implementation, evaluation, and reporting.
This handbook replaces 90 IAM 1.4 C (10)-H: National Wildfire Investigations Handbook, and it documents the standards and procedures to implement the policy on wildland fire origin and cause investigations on Indian lands as documented in 90 IAM 6: Wildfire Investigation. Specifically, it addresses the complicated jurisdictional issues associated with wildfires, the investigation process as it relates to wildfire trespass, the importance of coordination with law enforcement agencies, and establishes national Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) wildfire investigation documentation requirements from the initial response through the litigation process.
This version replaces the handbook titled "90 IAM 1.4 C (7)-H: Fuels Program Business Management Handbook," issued 2/01/06. This handbook functions as a companion text to the BIA Fuels Management Handbook.
Indian Affairs Pandemic Plan
This document serves as the pandemic plan for the Office of the Assistant Secretary - Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Bureau of Indian Education. It applies to all Indian Affairs offices and employees in planning work and executing response activities. The plan is dynamic and will be updated as needed. The World Health Organization declared an end to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2023; therefore, this document is no longer applicable. If you would like to request a copy of this document, please reach out to the Office of Regulatory Affairs & Collaborative Action here: RACA@bia.gov.
Indian Probate Procedural Handbook
Provides the requirements and procedures for probate case preparation and processing, including estates subject to the American Indian Probate Reform Act. Please contact the Office of Trust Services' Division of Probate to request a copy of their handbook: (202) 208-5831.
Leasing and Permitting Handbook Chapter 1 - General Information
Provides general requirements for processing agricultural, residential, and business leases and permits on Indian trust lands under the jurisdiction of the BIA. This handbook is under review/to be updated.
Leasing and Permitting Handbook Chapter 2 - Agricultural
Provides general requirements for processing agricultural, residential, and business leases and permits on Indian trust lands under the jurisdiction of the BIA. This handbook is under review/to be updated.
Leasing and Permitting Handbook Chapter 3 - Residential
Provides general requirements for processing agricultural, residential, and business leases and permits on Indian trust lands under the jurisdiction of the BIA. This handbook is under review/to be updated.
Leasing and Permitting Handbook Chapter 4 - Business Exhibits
Provides general requirements for processing agricultural, residential, and business leases and permits on Indian trust lands under the jurisdiction of the BIA. This handbook is under review/to be updated.
Provides guidance for the acquisition of direct leased and General Services Administration (GSA)-provided space by programs and offices within Indian Affairs.
