Tribal Self-Governance Negotiation

The Tribal Self-Governance Negotiation Cooperative Agreement Program is administered by the Indian Health Service (IHS), a federal agency within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The program is designed to assist Tribes and Tribal Organizations in covering the costs associated with preparing for and participating in negotiations to enter the Tribal Self-Governance Program (TSGP). This initiative allows Tribes to assume control of specific Programs, Services, Functions, and Activities (PSFAs) that the IHS would otherwise provide, enabling them to tailor health care delivery to the needs of their communities. The TSGP is a tribally driven initiative supported by the Office of Tribal Self-Governance (OTSG), which serves as liaison, policy developer, and technical assistance provider. Participation in the TSGP offers Tribes three main pathways: receiving health care directly from IHS, contracting to administer individual IHS programs and services under Title I Self-Determination Contracting, or compacting to take over health care programs under Title V Self-Governance Compacting. These options can be combined based on a Tribe’s specific needs. The negotiation process for entering the TSGP includes four stages: planning, pre-negotiations, negotiations, and post-negotiations. Planning involves legal and budgetary research as well as organizational readiness assessment. Pre-negotiations focus on reviewing program and funding details, while negotiations finalize the terms of the Compact and Funding Agreement (FA). Post-negotiations conclude with official signatures, making the agreements legally binding. Funding for the program is provided through cooperative agreements, with IHS maintaining substantial involvement throughout the period of performance. This includes providing PSFA descriptions, funding methodologies, technical assistance, and statutory authority guidance. Awards are limited to one per applicant, and pre-award costs are not allowable. The total available program funding is estimated at $252,000, with up to three awards anticipated. Each award is expected to be $84,000 for a one-year budget period. Funding includes both direct and indirect costs, and no cost-sharing is required. The program is contingent upon congressional appropriations. Eligible applicants include federally recognized Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations as defined by 25 U.S.C. 1603(26), and urban Indian organizations meeting specific statutory requirements. Applicants must demonstrate financial stability for the past three consecutive fiscal years and submit official Tribal Resolutions or letters of support. Individuals, sole proprietorships, and foreign organizations are not eligible. Tribes prohibited under the Alaska Moratorium from receiving ISDEAA funds may not apply. The forecasted posting date for the next cycle is February 4, 2026, with an estimated application due date of May 21, 2026. The estimated award date is July 31, 2026, and projects are expected to start on August 1, 2026. Applications will require a project abstract, project narrative, budget narrative, Tribal Resolutions, a work plan chart, and other attachments such as biographical sketches, indirect cost agreements, letters of support, and audit documentation. All applications must be submitted through Grants.gov, and applicants must be registered in SAM.gov and Grants.gov prior to submission. Evaluation of applications will be based on criteria including introduction and need for assistance, project objectives and approach, program evaluation, organizational capabilities, and budget narrative. Each section has a maximum point value, with a total possible score of 100 points. Funding decisions will also consider the diversity and geographic distribution of funded projects, as well as past performance of applicants. Contact for program and eligibility inquiries is Jessaka Nakai, Program Officer, at 301-526-6624 or Jessaka.Nakai@ihs.gov. The Division of Grants Management can be reached at 301-443-5204 or DGM@ihs.gov for grants management and financial questions.