If you have a question, please contact your CRF Liaison, email your question directly to MICA, or submit the question via the âcontact usâ tab on this website.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:.
1. Will the Tribes/SHPOs have to pay back the Phase 1 grant if it is not all used by the end of the 2016?
No. Phase 1 funds should be spent by July 31, 2017. Hardship extensions have been granted until December 31, 2017.
2. Will the Tribes/SHPOs have to provide progress reports during the project activities?
Phase 1 grants require only a close-out report. Templates for this report were sent out in May, 2017. Phase 1 close-out reports are due July 31, 2017. Phase 2 close-out reports are due December 31, 2017.
3. Can Tribes/SHPOs use the funds to purchase equipment needed for the project?
Yes.
4. Who will own the equipment purchased with the funds?
The Tribes/SHPOs will own the equipment.
5. Can Tribes/SHPOs use the funds to update existing tribal historical & cultural plans?
Yes.
6. Are matching funds or in-kind contributions required for CRF grants?
No.
7. If the Tribe does not want to apply for Phase 1 funding, can it apply for Phases 2 and 3?
Yes.
8. When will the review criteria, application and deadlines be available for Phase 2 and 3?
For Phase 2: Spring 2016
For Phase 3: Fall 2017 for Site grants; Spring 2018 for Language grants
9. Are Phases 2 and 3 funding cycles guaranteed to be available?
Yes.
10. What non-profit credentials does The MICA Group have?
The MICA Group is a 501 (c)(3), private nonprofit organization.
11. How was the MICA Group selected to administer the Cultural Resource Fund?
MICA submitted an application and was hired to administer the funds provided for in the settlement between the seven Class I freight railroads and the Federal Communications Commission in March, 2015.
12. How were the eligible Tribes and SHPOs selected? Was The MICA Group involved in the selection?
The Tribal Eligibility List was provided to MICA by the FCC. MICA did not have a role in the selection of the eligible Tribes.
13. Are CRF Funds federal funds?
No.
14. How will project areas for Phase 3 be selected?
The CRF Advisory Board will select project areas for Phase 3 funding based on the Tribesâ and SHPOsâ cultural and historic preservation priorities listed on the Phase 1 grant applications.
15. Is a budget required for Phase 1?
No.
16. The Phase 1 Application is only 3 pages long. Are pages missing?
No.
17. Our Tribe/SHPO does not know whether cultural sites are affected by the PTC poles. How can we find out?
Please contact the MICA Group to view state-by-state maps.
18. Does my Tribe give up any legal rights by applying for or accepting a grant from the Cultural Resource Fund?
No. By applying for and accepting a grant from the CRF, a Tribe certifies how it is going to use the grant, but it does not waive or lose any rights it may have against the FCC, the railroads, or any other entity.
19. Would the purchase of a vehicle to patrol and protect important cultural properties be considered âequipment" for purposes of the CRF?
Yes. However, be sure to carefully consider and discuss in your application all other costs associated with maintaining a vehicle over time: insurance, upkeep/maintenance, and title. Would the vehicle be titled to the Tribe? Would the Tribal budget cover maintenance, upkeep and insurance? Could a personal vehicle be used instead and the grant pay for mileage?
20. May CRF funds be used to purchase land with important cultural significance?
Yes.
21. Our application was not selected for Phase 2 funding. Can we learn why we were not funded?
Yes. Your CRF Liaison has information about the strengths and weaknesses of your application as noted by two reviewers. Your Liaison will share the strengths and weaknesses with you and is available for technical assistance to revise your application for Phase 3.