Agency Lead Negotiators

The IHS Director has delegated authority to the Agency Lead Negotiators (ALNs) to represent the IHS Director during Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act Title V negotiations. Only the ALN has the delegated authority to negotiate on behalf of the IHS Director. The ALNs also 1) provide Tribes with self-governance information, 2) assist Tribes in self-governance planning, 3) coordinate meetings between the Tribe and the IHS during the negotiation process, and coordinate the Agency's response to Tribal questions. Since the IHS OTSG is charged with the implementation of the Tribal Self-Governance legislation and authorities within the IHS, the OTSG oversees the ALNs.

The ALN role requires detailed knowledge of IHS, current policies and practices, and understanding of the rights and authorities available to a Tribe under Title V of the ISDEAA. In most instances, ALNs perform negotiation duties in addition to other full-time jobs. As necessary, ALNs lead Federal teams comprised of Area and Headquarters (HQ) staff prior to and during negotiations, including, but not limited to, staff from the OTSG, IHS Office of Finance and Accounting (OFA) and the Office of the General Counsel (OGC). Such assistance may include:

• Reviewing documents.
• Identifying Agency concerns.
• Providing advice on issues.
• Calculating HQ Tribal shares.
• Advising the ALN on IHS retained services.
• Drafting language for Compacts and Funding Agreements.

IHS staff must be available to assist ALNs as necessary to increase the speed and accuracy with which ISDEAA agreements are negotiated.