The Indian Health Service (IHS) is accepting applications for the Tribal Self-Governance Planning Cooperative Agreement Program. Applications are due June 20, 2023. Through the Tribal Self-Governance Program (TSGP), Tribes negotiate with the IHS to assume Programs, Services, Functions, and Activities (PSFAs), or portions thereof, which gives Tribes the authority to manage and tailor health care programs in a manner that best fits the needs of their communities. The purpose of a Planning Cooperative Agreement is to provide resources to Tribes interested in entering the TSGP and to existing Self-Governance Tribes interested in assuming new or expanded PSFAs.
Title V of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA) requires a Tribe or Tribal organization to complete a planning phase to the satisfaction of the Tribe. The planning phase must include legal and budgetary research and internal Tribal government planning and organizational preparation relating to the administration of health care programs. A Planning Cooperative Agreement is not a prerequisite to enter the TSGP and a Tribe may use other resources to meet the planning requirement. Tribes that receive Planning Cooperative Agreements are not obligated to participate in the TSGP and may choose to delay or decline participation based on the outcome of their planning activities. This also applies to existing Self-Governance Tribes exploring the option to expand their current PSFAs or assume additional PSFAs.
The total funding identified for fiscal year (FY) 2023 is approximately $900,000. Individual award amounts are anticipated to be $180,000. The IHS anticipates issuing approximately five awards under this program announcement. The Federal Register notice announcing this funding opportunity is available here.
Please let us know if we may provide additional information about the Tribal Self-Governance Planning Cooperative Agreement Program.
