U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Indian Health Service: The Federal Health Program for American Indians and Alaska Natives
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Office of Tribal Self-Governance (OTSG)

Agency Lead Negotiators (ALNs)

rock bridge The IHS Director has delegated authority to the Agency Lead Negotiators (ALNs) to represent the IHS Director during negotiations. Only the ALN has the delegated authority to negotiate on behalf of the IHS Director. The ALNs also provide Tribes with self-governance information, assist Tribes in self-governance planning, coordinate meetings between the Tribe and the IHS during the negotiation process, and coordinate the Agency's response to Tribal questions. Since the IHS OTSG is charged with the implementation of the Tribal Self-Governance legislation and authorities within the IHS, the OTSG oversees the ALNs.

The ALN role requires detailed knowledge of IHS, awareness of current policy and practice, and understanding of the rights and authorities available to a Tribe under Title V of the ISDEAA. In most instances, ALNs perform negotiation duties in addition to other full-time jobs. As necessary, ALNs receive assistance from other Area or Headquarters (HQ) staff prior to and during negotiations, including staff from the OTSG, IHS Office of Finance and Accounting (OFA) and the Office of the General Counsel (OGC). Such assistance may include:
  • Reviewing documents.
  • Identifying Agency concerns.
  • Providing advice on issues.
  • Calculating HQ Tribal shares.
  • Advising the ALN on IHS retained services.
  • Drafting language for Compacts and Funding Agreements.

IHS staff must be available to assist ALNs as necessary to increase the speed and accuracy with which ISDEAA agreements are negotiated.

Aberdeen
Vacant
Point of Contact: Sandy Nelson

Alaska
Vacant
Max Tahsuda, Acting
(BIO) [PDF - 193KB]

Albuquerque
RC Begay

Bemidji
Deanna Dick
(BIO) [PDF - 194KB]

Billings
Garfield Little Light
(BIO) [PDF - 207KB]

California
Travis Coleman
(BIO) [PDF - 193KB]

Nashville
Vacant

Navajo
Vacant
Floyd Thompson, Acting
Point of Contact: Alva Tom

Oklahoma
Max Tahsuda
(BIO) [PDF - 193KB]

Phoenix
Rusty Tahsuda

Portland
Denise Imholt

Tucson
Vacant
Point of Contact: Robert Price

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