The Tribal Self-Governance Planning Cooperative Agreement Program, identified as HHS-2025-IHS-TSGP-0001, is administered by the Indian Health Service under the Division of Grants Management. This funding opportunity supports federally recognized Indian Tribes and Tribal Organizations in preparing for participation in the Tribal Self-Governance Program. The program allows Tribes to negotiate and assume control over health care programs, services, functions, and activities that are typically managed by the Indian Health Service. The cooperative agreement provides financial resources to assist Tribes in conducting legal and budgetary research, organizational planning, and other preparatory activities necessary for assuming these responsibilities.

Eligible applicants include federally recognized Indian Tribes and Tribal Organizations as defined by the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. Applicants must demonstrate financial stability by showing they have successfully managed finances for three consecutive fiscal years. Additionally, they must obtain approval from each participating Indian Tribe through an official resolution or other formal action. Tribes that have already completed the planning phase and officially requested participation in the Tribal Self-Governance Program are not eligible for this funding opportunity.

The funding allocation for this program is expected to total five hundred forty thousand dollars, with an anticipated three awards of one hundred eighty thousand dollars each. Awards are structured as cooperative agreements, meaning that the Indian Health Service will have substantial involvement throughout the project period. The funding is designated for a single budget period of one year. Pre-award costs are not allowable, and there is no cost-sharing requirement. The funds must be used for planning activities, including research and evaluation of Indian Health Service budgets, identification of programs and funding available for Tribal assumption, and preparation for program implementation.

Applications must include a project abstract, a project narrative of up to ten pages, a budget narrative of up to five pages, and various required attachments, including tribal resolutions, work plans, letters of support, biographical sketches of key personnel, and audit documentation. The project narrative should address the Tribe’s current health program activities, the need for assistance, the objectives and work plan, and the Tribe’s organizational capabilities. The budget narrative should provide detailed justification for requested funding and describe how the funds will support the proposed project.

Applications will be evaluated based on five main criteria: introduction and need for assistance, project objectives and work plan, program evaluation, organizational capabilities and key personnel, and budget justification. The maximum possible score is one hundred points, with each section weighted differently. The review process will include an initial completeness check followed by a merit review. Risk assessments will be conducted before awards are made to ensure recipients have demonstrated sound financial and management practices.

Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by February nineteenth, two thousand twenty-five at eleven fifty-nine p.m. Eastern Time. Late applications will not be considered unless an official waiver is granted due to a verifiable emergency. Successful applicants will receive a Notice of Award, which serves as the official document confirming the grant. Award recipients must comply with all applicable federal regulations, including financial reporting and performance monitoring requirements. Failure to comply with reporting requirements may result in penalties, including suspension or termination of funding.