Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes

The Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes (ODSCT) is located in the Office of the Director, Indian Health Service (IHS), Department of Health and Human Services, Rockville, Maryland. ODSCT is responsible for a wide range of agency functions that are critical to the IHS' relationships with tribal leaders, organizations, and other American Indians/Alaska Natives. ODSCT is the Agency's principal liaison with Indian organizations and more than 574 federally recognized tribes.

ODSCT provides information, technical assistance, and policy coordination in support of Indian self-determination. ODSCT is the primary focal point for Title I, Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, activities and implementation and Direct Service Tribes (DST). ODSCT provides Agency leadership and advocacy for DST in the development of health policy program management, budget allocation and advises the IHS Director and senior management on DST issues and concerns. ODSCT also coordinates and collaborates with Direct Service Tribes Advisory Committee to host a national forum for all tribal leaders to discuss best practices, partnerships and resources to improve the Indian health care delivery system.