In 1975, Congress enacted the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act and entered into a new era in the federal government's relationship with sovereign tribes. Attorneys who are now part of this Firm were instrumental in the enactment of the ISDEAA and in the development of the policy of self-determination prior to 1975. Our Firm continues to be among the leading experts in all aspects of self-determination and self-governance and has been active in advising tribal governments in exercising their self-determination rights.

CONTACT:
S. Bobo Dean, Geoff Strommer, Joe Webster, William Norman, Jr.

Achievements and Actions

• Represented tribes and tribal consortia in negotiation of the Alaska Tribal Health Compact since 1994

• Obtained amendments to the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to strengthen the right of tribal health organizations to collect third-party insurance reimbursement

• Represented tribes and tribal organizations to advocate changes in the contract support system, TPA and permanent IHS self-governance legislation

• Participated in negotiated internal agency procedures to develop Title I and Title IV regulations

• Defeated an IHS attempt to reassume a contract for alleged deficient performance in case involving the Tonono O'Odham Nation

• Represented tribes in the Internal Agency Procedures Rulemaking

• Established right of tribal organization to contract under Public Law 93-638 in a service area that was not a "reservation" based on a resolution from adjacent tribes whose members were most of the service population in Rapid City Indian Health Board v. IHS.

Typical Assignments

• Negotiation of self-determination contracts, self-governance compacts, and annual funding agreements with the BIA, IHS, and non-BIA agencies of DOI

• Monitor legislation and represent tribes in the development of federal regulations and policies in all areas of self-determination and self-governance

• Advice on indirect costs/contract support issues including allowable costs and audit appeals

• Participate in negotiated rulemakings for development of agency regulations

• Interpretation of contracts, including possible redesign of programs and subcontracting

• Collection of insurance reimbursement from Medicaid/ Medicare and third party insurers

• Assistance with applying for planning grants and other funding necessary to take advantage of self-determination and self-governance

• Advise on Indian and Alaska Native preference and other personnel issues

• Interpretation and advice on Federal Torts Claims Act issues

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