§ 458aaa-8. Construction projects
(a)
In general
Indian tribes participating in tribal self-governance may carry out construction projects under this part if they elect to assume all Federal responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.), and related provisions of law that would apply if the Secretary were to undertake a construction project, by adopting a resolution—
(c)
Codes and standards
The Indian tribe and the Secretary shall agree upon and specify appropriate building codes and architectural and engineering standards (including health and safety) which shall be in conformity with nationally recognized standards for comparable projects.
(d)
Responsibility for completion
The Indian tribe shall assume responsibility for the successful completion of the construction project in accordance with the negotiated construction project agreement.
(e)
Funding
Funding for construction projects carried out under this part shall be included in funding agreements as annual advance payments, with semiannual payments at the option of the Indian tribe. Annual advance and semiannual payment amounts shall be determined based on mutually agreeable project schedules reflecting work to be accomplished within the advance payment period, work accomplished and funds expended in previous payment periods, and the total prior payments. The Secretary shall include associated project contingency funds with each advance payment installment. The Indian tribe shall be responsible for the management of the contingency funds included in funding agreements.
(f)
Approval
The Secretary shall have at least one opportunity to approve project planning and design documents prepared by the Indian tribe in advance of construction of the facilities specified in the scope of work for each negotiated construction project agreement or amendment thereof which results in a significant change in the original scope of work. The Indian tribe shall provide the Secretary with project progress and financial reports not less than semiannually. The Secretary may conduct onsite project oversight visits semiannually or on an alternate schedule agreed to by the Secretary and the Indian tribe.
(g)
Wages
All laborers and mechanics employed by contractors and subcontractors (excluding tribes and tribal organizations) in the construction, alteration, or repair, including painting or decorating of a building or other facilities in connection with construction projects funded by the United States under this subchapter shall be paid wages at not less than those prevailing wages on similar construction in the locality as determined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with sections
3141–3144,
3146, and
3147 of title
40. With respect to construction alteration, or repair work to which sections
3141–3144,
3146, and
3147 of title
40 are applicable under this section, the Secretary of Labor shall have the authority and functions set forth in the Reorganization Plan numbered 14, of 1950, and section
3145 of title
40.
(h)
Application of other laws
Unless otherwise agreed to by the Indian tribe, no provision of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act [41 U.S.C. 401 et seq.], the Federal Acquisition Regulations issued pursuant thereto, or any other law or regulation pertaining to Federal procurement (including Executive orders) shall apply to any construction project conducted under this part.