September 17, 2024

Dear USET/USET SPF Family,

On September 9, 2024, the Indian Health Service (IHS) issued a Dear Tribal Leader Letter (DTLL) announcing that is has transitioned administration of the 105(l) Lease Program from the IHS Office of Environmental Health and Engineering and the Alaska Area IHS Office to the IHS Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes (ODSCT). 

Since its creation in 2012, the IHS 105(l) Lease Program has expanded significantly and this transition will enable "improved Headquarters oversight" and centralize this function at the IHS. 

Per the DTLL, in order to streamline and improve communications, all 105(l) proposals, supporting documents, communications regarding 105(l) leases, lease proposals, and renewals, should be submitted to the new 105(l) emails at HQ105LLease@ihs.gov. The IHS intends to publish a 105(l) guide, website and additional resources for the program in the coming months as well. To get in contact with the IHS ODSCT, please email Dr. Chris Poole, Acting ODSCT Director, at chris.poole@ihs.gov. 

For more information, please contact Ashton Martin, USET SPF Health Policy Analyst, at amartin@usetinc.org or 629-736-1433. 

Established in 2014, the USET Sovereignty Protection Fund (USET SPF) is a non-profit, inter-Tribal organization advocating on behalf of thirty-three (33) federally recognized Tribal Nations from the Northeastern Woodlands to the Everglades and across the Gulf of Mexico. USET SPF is dedicated to promoting, protecting, and advancing the inherent sovereign rights and authorities of Tribal Nations and in assisting its membership in dealing effectively with public policy issues.