Advantages

Disadvantages

• The Deputy Director, would be able to elevate negotiation issues to the highest level of the agency quickly.
• Establishing this reporting structure sets a precedent to maintain negotiations at the highest level of the agency’s leadership and maintain consistency across all Areas.
• The Deputy Director currently has no direct reports, allowing increased time to manage the transition and continued oversight.
• The Deputy Director, similar to the ALN, is often designated to represent the agency in place of the Director providing an opportunity for more timely decision-making.

• The Deputy Director does not directly oversee or coordinate with the OTSG.

Advantages

Disadvantages

• The Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs also oversees the OTSG, which may allow for greater partnership and communication between OTSG and ALNs.
• This reporting structure maintains the ALNs position centralized and closer to the IHS Director to ensure greater consistency.
• This also reflects the informal role ALNs often play as a liaison between the Agency and Tribes.
• A single reporting structure would help Tribes when issues arise that need to be addressed by the IHS Director.

• Adding the oversight of Tribal negotiations to this position increases the number of direct reports for the Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs.

Advantages

Disadvantages

• OTSG often assists in facilitation of negotiation.
• OTSG is the primary office in IHS charged with implementation of Self-Governance policy.
• There could be greater cohesion between OTSG Program, Policy, and Financial Analysts and the ALNs by increasing communication.
• A single report structure would help Tribes when issues do arise that need to be addressed by the IHS Director.

• OTSG is often a mediator between Tribes and the ALN and makes recommendations on any Final Offers.  If the Director of OTSG is the ALN’s direct supervisor, there may not be enough separation of roles.