Tribal Self-Governance Program: IHS Compacts/Funding Agreements

To make financial assistance awards to Indian tribes to enable them to assume programs, functions, services, and activities (PFSA) with respect to which Indian tribes or Indians are primary or significant beneficiaries, administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) through the Indian
Health Service.

Such assumptions will be by compact/funding agreements.

Agency - Department of Health and Human Services

The Department of Health and Human Services is the Federal government's principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially to those who are least able to help themselves.

Website Address

http://www.ihs.gov




Program Accomplishments

In fiscal year 2008, there are 73 compact, 94 funding agreements covering tribally operated facilities which include 11 hospitals, 71 health centers, one school health centers, and 189 health stations/village clinics.

Uses and Use Restrictions

Funds are to be spent in accordance with Public Law 93-638, as amended, applicable regulations and negotiated compact/funding agreement terms.

Per 42 CFR 137.167 and 137.168, a self-governance tribe must apply the cost principles of the applicable OMB Circular, except as modified by: (a) section 106(k) of the Act (25 U.S.C.

450j-1), (b) other provisions of law, or (c) any exemptions to applicable OMB circulars subsequently granted by the OMB.

No other audit or accounting standards shall be required by the Secretary.

Per 42 CFR 137.100, pursuant to section 508(h) of the Act 25 U.S.C.

458aaa7(h), a Self-Governance Tribe may retain and spend interest earned on any funds paid under a compact or funding agreement.

Per 42 CFR 137.101, a Self-Governance Tribe is under a duty to invest and manage the funds as a prudent investor would, in light of the purpose, terms, distribution requirements, and provisions in the compact or funding agreement and Title V.

This duty requires the exercise of reasonable care, skill, and caution, and is to be applied to investments not in isolation but in the context of the investment portfolio and as a part of an overall investment strategy, which should incorporate risk and return Per 42 CFR 137.167 and 137.168, a self-governance tribe must apply the cost principles of the applicable OMB Circular, except as modified by: (a) section 106(k) of the Act (25 U.S.C.

450j-1), (b) other provisions of law, or (c) any exemptions to applicable OMB circulars subsequently granted by the OMB.

No other audit or accounting standards shall be required by the Secretary.

Per 42 CFR 137.100, pursuant to section 508(h) of the Act 25 U.S.C.

458aaa7(h), a Self-Governance Tribe may retain and spend interest earned on any funds paid under a compact or funding agreement.

Per 42 CFR 137.101, a Self-Governance Tribe is under a duty to invest and manage the funds as a prudent investor would, in light of the purpose, terms, distribution requirements, and provisions in the compact or funding agreement and Title V.

This duty requires the exercise of reasonable care, skill, and caution, and is to be applied to investments not in isolation but in the context of the investment portfolio and as a part of an overall investment strategy, which should incorporate risk and return objectives reasonably suitable to the Self-Governance Tribe.

In making and implementing investment decisions, the Self-Governance Tribe has a duty to diversify the investments unless, under the circumstances, it is prudent not to do so.

In addition, the Self-Governance Tribe must: (a) Conform to fundamental fiduciary duties of loyalty and impartiality; (b) Act with prudence in deciding whether and how to delegate authority and in the selection and supervision of agents; and (c) Incur only costs that are reasonable in amount and appropriate to the investment responsibilities of the Self-Governance Tribe.