AI Governance Framework Consulting

The contract seeks to develop culturally grounded AI governance policies, ethical guidelines, and data sovereignty frameworks specifically tailored for tribal nations through deep stakeholder engagement and collaborative policy co-creation. The work emphasizes community-driven processes that center Indigenous knowledge, self-determination, and sovereignty over data and emerging technologies, ensuring that tribal voices shape the ethical and operational parameters of AI systems affecting their communities. This effort is not a top-down imposition but a participatory initiative designed to build trust, align technological development with tribal values, and establish enduring frameworks for responsible AI use. The contract is structured as a subcontract under the Administration for Children and Families within the Department of Health and Human Services, with a NAICS code of 541611 indicating management consulting services. It was posted on July 30, 2026, with a response deadline of August 27, 2026, and is open to qualified entities capable of facilitating nuanced, culturally responsive engagement across diverse tribal populations. While the place of performance and point of contact are unspecified, the nature of the work requires on-the-ground collaboration and requires deep understanding of Indigenous governance structures, legal jurisdictions, and data ownership norms. The goal is to produce actionable, adaptable governance models that tribes can own and implement autonomously.