Tribal Self-Governance Negotiation Cooperative Agreement Program | HHS 2025 IHS TSGN 0001

Tribal Self-Governance Negotiation Cooperative Agreement Program (IHS) - FAQs

What is the Tribal Self-Governance Negotiation Cooperative Agreement Program?

It is a discretionary funding opportunity from the Indian Health Service (IHS) intended to help Tribes cover the practical costs of preparing for and participating in negotiations under the Tribal Self-Governance Program (TSGP).

What is the main purpose of this funding?

The funding is designed to add capacity so Tribal applicants can plan, organize, and effectively engage in a negotiation process that can be complex and time-intensive, especially because each Tribe has its own health system needs, priorities, and goals.

Is this opportunity focused on negotiations under the Tribal Self-Governance Program (TSGP)?

Yes. The program is specifically aimed at supporting readiness for and participation in negotiations under the TSGP.

What kinds of costs does the program help cover?

The opportunity is described as supporting the "practical, real-world costs" of getting ready for and participating in self-governance negotiations, including the capacity needed to show up prepared with accurate data, clear plans, and appropriate staffing or technical support for negotiations.

Why are these negotiations described as "tribally driven and dynamic"?

They are characterized as tribally driven because each Tribe enters negotiations based on its own priorities and goals. They are described as dynamic because negotiations often evolve as both sides exchange updated information and work through details specific to a Tribe's situation.

What key documents do these negotiations typically produce?

The negotiations are intended to lead to two central self-governance documents: the Compact and the Funding Agreement (FA).

What is the Compact?

The Compact describes the overarching government-to-government relationship between the Tribe and the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

What is the Funding Agreement (FA)?

The Funding Agreement is the operational blueprint for what the Tribe will assume under self-governance. It describes the agreement term (annual or multi-year), which IHS Programs, Services, Functions, and Activities (PSFAs) will be assumed (in whole or in part), the associated funding amount, and required federal terms along with any additional terms mutually agreed to by the parties.

Are the Compact and Funding Agreement legally binding?

Yes. Once signed, the Compact and Funding Agreement become legally binding and enforceable.

Can a Tribe renegotiate the Compact or Funding Agreement later?

Yes. A Tribe can request renegotiation of either document in the future, reflecting the flexible and ongoing nature of self-governance described in the opportunity.

Are negotiations intended to be collaborative?

Yes. The opportunity emphasizes that negotiations are intended to be collaborative rather than one-sided, with active participation by both Tribal and IHS representatives, including the IHS Office of Tribal Self-Governance.

What are the stated goals of the negotiation approach supported by this program?

The stated goals include enabling Tribes to set their own priorities when assuming responsibility for IHS PSFAs, honoring and maintaining the federal-Tribal government-to-government relationship, and ensuring active participation by both Tribal and IHS representatives.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to: (1) an Indian Tribe as defined in 25 U.S.C. 5304(e), (2) a Tribal Organization as defined in 25 U.S.C. 5304(l), or (3) an Inter-Tribal Consortium as defined at 42 CFR 137.10.

Are some Tribes ineligible even if they meet the definition of an eligible entity?

Yes. Tribes that are prohibited from contracting under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act are not eligible, as referenced through provisions in multiple Consolidated Appropriations Acts (2014, 2018, and 2021).

Is a Tribal resolution or official action required to apply?

Yes. The applicant must show that participation in self-governance has been formally requested through a resolution or other official action by the governing body of each Tribe to be served (25 U.S.C. 5383(c)(1)(B)).

Does the financial history of the applicant matter?

Yes. The applicant must demonstrate financial stability and financial management capability for three consecutive fiscal years (25 U.S.C. 5383(c)(1)(C)).

What does "three consecutive fiscal years" mean in this context?

Based on the eligibility description provided, it means the applicant needs a track record showing financial stability and financial management capability for three fiscal years in a row.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is HHS-2025-IHS-TSGN-0001.

What type of award is this?

Awards are issued as cooperative agreements.

What is the CFDA number for this program?

The CFDA number listed is 93.444 (health).

What is the maximum award amount?

The award ceiling is $84,000.

How many awards does IHS expect to make?

IHS expects to make about three awards.

When was this opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on December 18, 2024.

What is the original application closing date?

The original application closing date is February 19, 2025.

What applicant types are listed as eligible?

Eligible applicant types listed include federally recognized Native American tribal governments, Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments), and certain others consistent with the legal definitions provided for Indian Tribes, Tribal Organizations, and Inter-Tribal Consortia.

Does the Funding Agreement cover which IHS PSFAs a Tribe will assume?

Yes. The Funding Agreement identifies which IHS Programs, Services, Functions, and Activities (PSFAs) the Tribe will assume, in whole or in part.

Does the Funding Agreement specify the funding amount tied to PSFAs?

Yes. The Funding Agreement includes the funding amount tied to the assumption of PSFAs.

Does the Funding Agreement include required federal terms?

Yes. It includes any required terms from federal law as well as additional terms the parties mutually agree to.

Is the term of the Funding Agreement fixed?

The Funding Agreement can be annual or multi-year, as described in the opportunity.

Which IHS office is specifically mentioned as participating in negotiations?

The IHS Office of Tribal Self-Governance is specifically mentioned as participating in negotiations.

What does the program aim to strengthen for Tribal applicants during negotiations?

It aims to strengthen a Tribe's ability to engage effectively by supporting preparedness such as having accurate data, clear plans, and the staffing or technical support needed to navigate discussions about health care concerns, service delivery strategies, and funding details.