The Indian Health Service (IHS) is now accepting applications for the Fiscal Year 2017 Tribal Self-Governance Planning and Negotiation Cooperative Agreements administered by the Office of Tribal Self-Governance (OTSG). Title V of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA) provides the OTSG statutory authority to offer funding opportunities to Tribes and Tribal Organizations (T/TO) seeking participation in the Tribal Self-Governance Program (TSGP) or currently participating in the TSGP and looking to assume additional or expand current Programs, Services, Function, and Activities (PSFAs).
The Planning Cooperative Agreement assists T/TO with the planning phase in deciding what PSFAs to assume and which organizational changes may be necessary to support those PSFAs through the IHS TSGP. Approximately five Planning Cooperative Agreement awards will be issued, and individual award amounts are anticipated to be $120,000. The project period is for one year.
The Negotiation Cooperative Agreement provides T/TO with resources to help defray the costs associated with preparing for and engaging in TSGP negotiations. Approximately five Negotiation Cooperative Agreement awards are available, and individual award amounts are anticipated to be $48,000. The project period is for one year.
Important dates to remember for either a Planning or Negotiation Cooperative Agreement:
- Applications due: June 23, 2017
- Review dates: July 17-21, 2017
- Earliest anticipated start date: August 15, 2017
In Fiscal Year 2016, the OTSG awarded eight cooperative agreements (seven planning and one negotiation) totaling more than $887,000, the largest amount awarded since Title V was permanently authorized in 2000. This increase demonstrates the Agency’s commitment to Tribal Self-Governance in partnership with Tribes.
Acquiring a cooperative agreement is not a prerequisite to enter the TSGP. T/TO that receive cooperative agreements are not obligated to participate in the TSGP and may choose to delay or decline participation in the TSGP. This also applies to existing Self-Governance T/TO exploring the option to expand current PSFAs or assume additional PSFAs. T/TO may utilize other resources to meet the planning requirement in preparation to negotiate the terms of the Compact and Funding Agreement. Meeting the eligibility requirements does not mean that T/TO are automatically eligible for participation in the IHS TSGP under Title V of the ISDEAA.
For more information about the Planning and Negotiation Cooperative Agreements, please contact the OTSG Program Officer, Ms. Anna Johnson by telephone at (301) 443-7821 or by e-mail at Anna.Johnson2@ihs.gov.
Related Content:
Tribal Management Grants Available for Tribes and Tribal Organizations
