Tribal Self-Governance Planning Cooperative Agreement Program

The Tribal Self-Governance Planning Cooperative Agreement Program provides funding to Tribes seeking to enter or expand their participation in the Tribal Self-Governance Program, enabling them to assume control over health care programs, services, functions, and activities currently delivered by the Indian Health Service. Tribes may choose to contract under Title I Self-Determination or compact under Title V Self-Governance, or use a combination of both to tailor health care delivery to their community’s unique needs. This cooperative agreement supports planning activities essential to transitioning or expanding responsibilities, including analyzing the IHS budget, evaluating current health care capacity, identifying specific programs to assume, and determining the administrative scope of each. Applicants must submit a project summary, a detailed ten-page narrative, a five-page budget narrative, a one-page work plan chart, a tribal resolution, and other supporting documentation such as biographical sketches, letters of support, audit records, and proof of nonprofit status if applicable. All applications must be submitted through Grants.gov using required forms including the SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-LLL. Evaluation is based on five weighted criteria: introduction and need for assistance (25 points), project objectives and work plan (25 points), program evaluation (25 points), organizational capabilities (15 points), and budget narrative (10 points). Applications must pass a mandatory risk and responsibility review, including verification of SAM.gov status for awards over $250,000, and any significant risk may result in rejection or restrictive award conditions. Funding decisions also consider portfolio balance, geographic distribution, and past performance, with flexibility to fund applications in whole, in part, or at a reduced level. Awardees must comply with 2 CFR 200 Uniform Guidance effective October 1, 2025, the HHS Grants Policy Statement, and all applicable federal statutes, including strict adherence to antidiscrimination laws and prohibitions on using funds for racial preferences, denial of the sex binary, illegal immigration, or activities compromising public safety. Financial and performance reports are required, and failure to submit reports may result in payment being switched to a reimbursement model. Indirect costs must be supported by an approved agreement unless using the de minimis rate. All activities must be conducted with the approval of the Tribe and, where applicable, supporting documentation from other Tribes served must be provided. The program is administered by the Indian Health Service under the Department of Health and Human Services, with technical and financial inquiries directed to designated points of contact