Justification for Less than Maximum Competition As defined in sections 319C-1 and 319C-2 of the PHS Act, eligible applicants for this funding opportunity are states, a consortium of states, or eligible political subdivisions that prepare and submit a sufficient application compliant with the statutory and administrative requirements described in this document. For the purposes of this announcement, the term “state” may include a state, territory, or freely associated state.
Justification for Less than Maximum Competition Executive Order 13175, “Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments,” 65 FR 67, 249, issued by President Xxxxxxx on November 6, 2000, and the Presidential Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies on Tribal Consultation, 74 FR 57881, signed by Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxx on November 5, 2009 [xxxx://xxx.xxx.xxx/portal /content/101569] encourage strengthening intergovernmental relations between the federal government and AI/AN tribal nations. As such, eligibility for this CoAg is limited to federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) tribal nations and regional tribally designated organizations. AI/AN tribal nations have the right of self-determination and governance over their citizens. In addition, AI/AN tribal nations and regional tribally designated organizations have a unique understanding of AI/AN cultures, fluency in Native languages, knowledge of indigenous history and traditional practices. These entities are the best qualified to address AI/AN public health needs in an efficient, effective, and culturally-appropriate manner. AI/AN tribal public health infrastructure and capacity initiatives and quality improvements are more likely to be sustained when they begin as tribal initiatives rather than as external initiatives. This CoAg will further efforts in Indian Country by supporting a culturally- appropriate approach advocated for and by the CDC/ATSDR Tribal Advisory Committee, tribal public health practitioners and partners. Direct funding will support tribal governments and tribal-serving organizations in making sound and efficient public health planning and resource allocation. The funding method for this CoAg will allow for more programs in CDC to provide direct funding to Indian Country in order to improve tribal public health systems and reach the outcomes stated in the logic model.
