Tribal Self-Governance - Negotiation

The Indian Health Service is preparing to issue cooperative agreements to support tribes and tribal organizations in planning and negotiating for the assumption of responsibility for delivering health care services to their members under the Tribal Self-Governance Program. This initiative aims to strengthen tribal capacity by providing funding and resources to develop the necessary infrastructure, policies, and operational frameworks required to transition from federal provision of health care to tribal self-management. The agency anticipates making three awards under this specific solicitation focused on negotiation, enabling eligible entities to engage in meaningful discussions and preparations necessary to formalize self-governance compacts. The opportunity is posted as a forecast with a notification date of August 6, 2026, and is administered by the Division of Grants Management within the Department of Health and Human Services. Interested parties can reach out via the designated point of contact, dgm@ihs.gov or 301-443-5204, for further information. Although no specific NAICS code, set-aside designation, or physical place of performance is specified, the agreement is intended for use by tribal entities nationwide, and all award recipients will be expected to work towards establishing sustainable, tribe-led health care systems consistent with federal self-governance objectives.