by Gary Hartz, P.E. Director of the Office of Environmental Health and Engineering, Indian Health Service
October 8, 2019
For more than two decades, the IHS
Joint Venture Construction Program
has strengthened partnerships with tribes across the country and expanded
access to comprehensive, culturally acceptable health services for American
Indian and Alaska Native people.
The
Office of Environmental Health and Engineering
recently posted a
solicitation
for Joint Venture Construction Program applications. All federally
recognized tribes are eligible to apply.
The highly competitive program enables a partnership wherein a tribe
constructs, acquires, or renovates a facility using non-IHS funds, and IHS
requests funding from Congress to staff, operate and maintain the facility
for 20 years. More than 25 tribes have partnered to provide more than 30
facilities, from health centers to hospitals, providing increased access to
quality health care services for their communities.
The program began in 1991 to highlight the potential of cooperative efforts
between the IHS and tribes. A demonstration project was developed to assist
tribes and tribal organizations desiring to use tribal funds to increase
the level of health care services provided to their population. The first
congressionally approved joint venture project between IHS and the
Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs resulted in a 37,246 square foot health
and wellness center constructed in 1993. The project was completed on
schedule and below budget. Tribal leaders reported a very positive
experience, stating “this health and wellness center will forever be a
source of community pride because it truly belongs to our community.”
With the success of this demonstration project, IHS established the JVCP
for future projects. The JVCP became an opportunity for adding healthcare
space across the country for American Indians and Alaska Natives as an
alternative to the Healthcare Facilities Construction Priority System.
IHS is currently accepting
pre-applications
from tribes for Fiscal Year 2020. The pre-application phase is used to
determine if the proposed project is eligible for consideration and has the
potential for successful competitive selection. For more information on program
requirements and evaluation criteria, please visit the
Division of Facilities Planning and Construction’s “Programs” page
.
Related content:
Recognizing the 60th Anniversary of the Indian Sanitation Facilities Act
Office of Environmental Health and Engineering recognizes outstanding employees
Update on Tribal Consultation for the Sanitation Deficiency System Guide
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