A Tribal Self-Governance Negotiation Cooperative Agreement Program | HHS 2026 IHS TSGN 0001

Opportunity Information: Apply for HHS 2026 IHS TSGN 0001

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is offering a discretionary cooperative agreement called the Tribal Self-Governance Negotiation Cooperative Agreement Program (Funding Opportunity Number: HHS 2026 IHS TSGN 0001). The program is designed to support federally recognized Tribes and eligible Tribal organizations that want to enter into negotiations with IHS under the Tribal Self-Governance Program (TSGP). The central idea is to help Tribes move toward greater control over how health care programs are planned, managed, and delivered for their communities by allowing them to assume responsibility for specific programs, services, functions, and activities (often referred to as PSFAs) that IHS would otherwise run.

This opportunity focuses on the negotiation process itself. It provides funding to help cover the practical costs of preparing for and participating in negotiations with IHS, which can require significant planning, coordination, and administrative capacity. Rather than funding direct clinical services, the cooperative agreement is meant to reduce the financial burden Tribes may face while doing the behind-the-scenes work needed to transition into self-governance arrangements, such as organizing negotiation teams, preparing documentation, and engaging in the formal discussions required to reach agreements with IHS.

The grant is tied to the broader framework of three ways Tribes can receive federally supported health care for their citizens, and applicants may use one approach or combine approaches depending on their needs. First, a Tribe can continue to receive health care services directly from IHS. Second, a Tribe can contract with IHS to administer certain individual programs and services that IHS would otherwise provide, which is known as Title I Self-Determination Contracting. Third, a Tribe can compact with IHS to assume control over a broader set of health care programs that IHS would otherwise provide, known as Title V Self-Governance Compacting, which is what people typically mean when they refer to the TSGP. The announcement emphasizes that these options are not mutually exclusive, meaning a Tribe can mix and match strategies to fit local priorities, capacity, and long-term goals.

Eligible applicants include federally recognized Native American tribal governments and Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments), consistent with statutory definitions. The opportunity cites the definition of an "Indian Tribe" from 25 U.S.C. 1603(14), which includes Tribes, bands, nations, and other organized groups or communities, including Alaska Native villages or groups and certain Alaska Native corporations recognized as eligible for special federal programs and services due to their status as Indians. It also cites the definition of "Tribal organization" from 25 U.S.C. 1603(26) and the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304(l)), covering recognized Tribal governing bodies and legally established Indian organizations that are controlled, sanctioned, or chartered by Tribal leadership (or democratically elected by the adult members of the community served), with strong requirements for Indian participation. If a Tribal organization is applying to serve more than one Tribe, the notice makes clear that each Tribe benefiting must approve, and applicants must submit letters of support or Tribal Resolutions from the Tribes they will serve.

Key funding details included in the source data are straightforward. The awarding agency is IHS, the instrument type is a cooperative agreement (which typically implies substantial involvement or partnership with the federal agency compared to a standard grant), and the activity area is health. The opportunity lists an award ceiling of $84,000, anticipates making about three awards, and has an original application closing date of 2026-08-03. The funding opportunity was created on 2026-06-04.

• The Indian Health Service in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "A Tribal Self-Governance Negotiation Cooperative Agreement Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.00E.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2026-06-04.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-08-03. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $84,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 3 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments).

Apply for HHS 2026 IHS TSGN 0001

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