Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy
Preferred Provider Program

A Pathway to Equitable Clean Energy Partnerships with Tribal Nations

The Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy’s Preferred Provider Program is a first-of-its-kind, thoughtfully designed clean energy developer and product and service provider qualification initiative. While the primary goal of the program is to minimize the risk of exploitation for tribes, it also offers valuable opportunities for energy developers and service providers to build meaningful and profitable long-term partnerships with tribal nations, and enhances providers’ ability to navigate the unique dynamics of working with tribal communities.

THE PROGRAM

The Preferred Provider Program (PPP) begins with a rigorous screening process to ensure that applicant companies meet essential qualifications. A key requirement is the completion of our comprehensive cultural awareness training, Pathways to Trust: A Learning Journey Towards Equitable Tribal Partnerships. This five-module program is designed to cultivate respectful and equitable collaborations with tribal communities, laying a crucial foundation for success. By promoting mutual respect and deep understanding, Pathways to Trust ensures that the relationships we facilitate between tribes and companies are culturally informed and equitable, resulting in impactful, effective, and profitable tribal clean energy projects.

Once the initial criteria are met, applicants are categorized into one of two tiers:

  • Preferred Providers: Companies with a proven history of successful collaborations with tribal nations. 
  • Provisional Providers: Organizations that are new to working with tribes but have demonstrated a strong commitment to learning how to respectfully engage with tribal communities, and have a proven track record of equitable engagements with other communities. Provisional Providers have the opportunity to advance to Preferred Provider status once they successfully complete a tribal project.

Both Provisional and Preferred Providers enter the Alliance’s trusted pool of vetted service providers. When tribal nations seek developers or other clean energy products and services, they can confidently select from this network, knowing the Providers have been thoroughly vetted and meet high standards of cultural and professional competency. This approach protects tribal interests while offering providers a clear pathway to build lasting, mutually beneficial partnerships.

It’s important to note that the Preferred Provider Program is currently in its Beta phase. As we continue to gather feedback from both tribes and providers, the program will evolve to ensure it meets the needs of all parties involved in these critical clean energy projects.

The Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy’s Preferred Provider Program serves as a resource for tribes by offering a vetted directory of clean energy service providers. While we carefully review and assess all providers for inclusion in the program, the Alliance does not guarantee the quality, performance, or outcomes of any projects or services provided by Preferred Providers. All engagements between tribes and Preferred Providers are independent agreements, and the Alliance shall not be held liable for any actions, omissions, or issues arising from such engagements. Tribes are encouraged to conduct their own due diligence and exercise their own judgment when selecting and working with Preferred Providers.

Proven Expertise

Providers are selected for their high standards in business practices and their demonstrated success in building long-term, trust-based relationships with tribal and other communities.

Cultural Awareness

Through Pathways to Trust, providers undergo specialized training tailored to their varying levels of experience with Native nations, ensuring respectful, informed, and effective collaboration with tribal communities.

Trusted Network

Qualified providers are included in the Alliance's Preferred Provider Directory, offering tribes access to a trusted pool of vetted service providers and creating valuable opportunities for providers to contribute to meaningful tribal clean energy projects.

(Even if you have already applied for the Preferred Provider Program, please complete this form. Thank you!)