On March 17, 2023, the General Services Administration (GSA) announced it will be holding a Tribal Consultation on April 3, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:50 p.m., Pacific Time. The Tribal Consultation will be held at the Reservation Economic Summit 2023 (RES 2023), in Caesars Palace. 

GSA identified three primary topics for the Tribal consultation:

• Consulting with Tribes on the GSA’s publication ‘‘Tribes and Tribal Organizations: Guide to Using GSA Solutions,” which outlines how Tribes and Tribal organizations are eligible to use GSA solutions in the procurement of goods and services, with the goal of “invit[ing] Tribal feedback to assist GSA in improving the existing guidance to help ensure that it speaks to needs that are unique to Tribes and better supports future Tribal acquisitions”;
• Consulting with Tribes, Tribally owned businesses, Tribal utilities, and Tribal entrepreneurs regarding the availability, development, or challenges associated with generating and/or selling carbon pollution-free electricity to the federal government in connection with the implementation of an “Indian Energy Purchase Preference at Federal Facilities”; and
• Consulting with Tribes to better understand Tribal Nations’ role and needs as GSA, subject to applicable authorities, assists Tribes with purchasing or leasing electric vehicles, mapping the federal facilities in Indian country to support EV infrastructure deployment, and expanding training for Tribal members on the GSA solutions available.

Tribes or individuals interested in attending the GSA’s Tribal Consultation can register at gsa.gov/resources/native-american-tribes. 

Schwabe is a sponsor of RES 2023, and Schwabe lawyers will be attending RES 2023 and attending the GSA’s Tribal Consultation. If you are attending RES 2023, please let us know. We look forward to seeing you there. 

This article summarizes aspects of the law and does not constitute legal advice. For legal advice for ‎your situation, you should contact an attorney.