Policies and directives for infrastructure in First Nation communities
Learn about the policies and directives guiding Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) infrastructure funding in First Nation communities.
On this page
Protocol for infrastructure
Protocol for ISC-Funded Infrastructure
This protocol describes the requirements that a First Nation council must follow to receive funding from ISC's Capital Facilities and Maintenance Program (CFMP).
Water and wastewater
Water and Wastewater Policy and Level of Service Standards (Corporate Manual System)
ISC's policy and level of service standards for funding to support First Nations in delivering potable water and wastewater services on reserves.
Schools and education facilities
School Space Accommodation Standards
Level of service standards for sizing school facilities funded by Indigenous Services Canada.
School Site Development Policy
ISC's guidelines for CFMP funding for developing on-reserve schools.
Level of Service Standards and Management of Teacherages on Reserve
ISC's guidelines for CFMP funding for planning, developing and implementing living accommodations for teachers working at schools on-reserve.
Rental of Facilities for Federal and Band Operated Schools
ISC's guidelines for funding the rental of school facilities through CFMP.
Fire protection
Level of Service Standards for Fire Protection
This standard explains the funding support ISC's provides to First Nation communities based on the community's existing fire protection services and assets.
Energy systems
Electric Power Supply and Distribution System
ISC's guidelines for determining the level of funding available for eligible electrical supply systems on-reserve.
Capital projects evaluation
Evaluation of Capital Projects under Contribution Arrangements
Learn how ISC's reviews and evaluates capital projects under contribution agreements.
Operation and maintenance
Operation and Maintenance Directive
Learn about the capital asset inventory system, the asset condition reporting system, the operation and maintenance of capital assets, and compliance requirements.
Please contact your ISC regional office for a copy.
Capital Facilities and Maintenance Program Cost Reference Manual for Operations and Maintenance
Provides detailed information about the formula Indigenous Services uses to determine operation and maintenance funding levels, for First Nations’ community infrastructure on reserve, and eligible expenditures for assets funded under the Capital Facilities and Maintenance Program.
Tendering for capital projects
Policy on Tendering for First Nations’ Federally Funded Capital Projects
ISC’s tendering policy states the requirements for hiring contractors and consultants for capital projects funded through the Capital Facilities and Maintenance Program and First Nations Infrastructure Fund authorities.
ISC’s tendering policy is supported by the following appendices:
- Appendix 1: Guidelines for the Development of First Nations' Own Tendering Policies
- Helps First Nations create their own tendering policies.
- Appendix 2: Developing and Evaluating Business Plans
- Helps First Nations prepare business plans for construction management projects using own forces works, and explains how ISC Regional Offices review these plans.
- Appendix 3: Thresholds for Professional Services and Construction
- Lists the threshold values for each First Nation community to determine which process will be used for soliciting proposals and bids for professional services and construction contracts.
- Appendix 4: Best Practices to Support the Implementation of the Tendering Policy
- Provides an overview of industry best practices for soliciting bids and proposals for construction, professional services, and non-professional services, and awarding contracts, to support the implementation of this policy.
- Appendix 5: Additional Guidance on Evaluating Bids and Proposals
- Provides additional guidance to help First Nations create their own rules and methods for evaluating bids and proposals.
Roads and bridges
Directive on roads and bridges
ISC's criteria for determining funding levels for roads and bridges.