This subpart explains what happens when a Tribe/Consortium fully or partially and voluntarily returns a program to a bureau before the expiration of the term of the compact or funding agreement.

No, a decision by a Tribe/Consortium not to include a program in a successor agreement is not considered a retrocession.

A Tribe/Consortium may retrocede a program. However, the right of a Consortium member to retrocede may be subject to the terms of the agreement among the members of the Consortium and §§ 1000.205 through 1000.235.

The Tribe/Consortium must submit:

(a) A written notice to:

(1) The Office of Self-Governance for BIA programs; or

(2) The appropriate bureau for non-BIA programs; and

(b) A Tribal resolution or other official action of its governing body.

The retrocession becomes effective on the date that is mutually agreed to by the parties in writing. In the absence of a mutually agreed upon effective date, the retrocession becomes effective on the earlier of:

(a) One year after the date the Tribe/Consortium submits its notice of retrocession; or

(b) The date the funding agreement expires.

Retrocession does not affect other parts of the funding agreement or funding agreements with other bureaus. A Tribe/Consortium may request to negotiate for and include retroceded programs in future funding agreements or through a self-determination contract.

The Tribe/Consortium and the Secretary must negotiate the amount of funds that have not been obligated by the Tribe/Consortium to be returned to the Secretary, less close out costs, for the Secretary's operation of the retroceded program. This amount must be based on such factors as the time remaining or functions remaining in the funding cycle or as provided in the funding agreement.

On the effective date of any retrocession, the Tribe/Consortium must, at the option of the Secretary, return all property and equipment, and title thereto:

(a) That was acquired with funds under the funding agreement for the program being retroceded; and

(b) That has a per item current fair market value in excess of $5,000 at the time of the retrocession, or as otherwise provided in the funding agreement.

If a Tribe/Consortium retrocedes operation of a program carried out under a title IV funding agreement, at the option of the Tribe/Consortium, the resulting self-determination contract is considered mature if the Tribe/Consortium meets the requirements of 25 U.S.C. 5304(h).

The level of operation of the program will depend upon the amount of funding that is returned with the retrocession.