The purpose of this NOFO is to strengthen public health capacity of 1) Tribal Epidemiology Centers (TECs) and 2) the Tribes, Tribal Organizations, Urban Indian organizations, and Intertribal Consortiums that they support to fulfill the seven functions of TECs as outlined in the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) at 25 U.S.C. 1621m(b). It is the intent of IHS to fund sufficient TECs to serve Tribes and Urban Indian communities in all 12 IHS administrative areas and serving the Urban population as a consolidated Area. Applicant objectives may include activities beyond the required activities but must address all required activities.

Federally recognized Indian TribesAn Indian Tribe as defined by 25 U.S.C. 1603(14). The term "Indian Tribe" means any Indian Tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community, including any Alaska Native village or group, or regional or village corporation, as defined in or established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (85 Stat. 688) [43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.], which is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians.Tribal organizations A Tribal organization as defined by 25 U.S.C. 1603(26). The term "Tribal organization" has the meaning given the term insection 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C.5304(l)): "Tribal organization" means the recognized governing body of any Indian Tribe; any legally established organization of Indians which is controlled, sanctioned, or chartered by such governing body or which is democratically elected by the adult members of the Indian community to be served by such organization and which includes the maximum participation of Indians in all phases of its activities: provided that, in any case where a contract is let or grant made to an organization to perform services benefiting more than one Indian Tribe, the approval of each such Indian Tribe shall be a prerequisite to the letting or making of such contract or grant.You must submit letters of support or Tribal Resolutions from the Tribes you will serve.Urban Indian OrganizationsUrban Indian organization as defined by 25 U.S.C. 1603(29), that is currently administering a contract or receiving an award pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 1653. The term "Urban Indian organization" means a nonprofit corporate body situated in an urban center, governed by an urban Indian controlled board of directors, and providing for the maximum participation of all interested Indian groups and individuals, which body is capable of legally cooperating with other public and private entities for the purpose of performing the activities described in 25 U.S.C. 1653(a).You must provide proof of nonprofit status.

Indian Health Service Division of Grants Management dgm@ihs.gov