Dear Tribal Leaders Letters (Subscribe)

Notice of Financial Opportunity

Date:

Dear Tribal Leader & Urban Indian Organization Leader:

On behalf of Martin O'Malley, Commissioner of Social Security, I am pleased to identify flexibilities under Executive Order 14112 in providing a simplified Notice of Financial Opportunity. Pursuant to the Presidential Memorandum on Tribal Consultation and Strengthening Nation-to-Nation Relationships, the Social Security is marketing the application process to Tribal communities for the Interventional Cooperative Agreement Program (ICAP), due on Monday, June 3rd, 2024.

ICAP allows us to enter into cooperative agreements with non-federal entities to conduct interventional research supporting our programs. Interventional research evaluates the efficacy of specific treatments or preventative measures, such as new service models or policy alternatives, to achieve specific outcomes. The research and interventions funded by ICAP will target five priority research areas:

  • Eliminating the structural barriers for people with disabilities in the labor market, particularly for people of color and other underserved communities, that increase the likelihood of people receiving or applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI);
  • Increasing employment and self-sufficiency of individuals with disabilities, including people in underserved communities;
  • Coordinating planning between private and public human services agencies to improve the administration and effectiveness of the SSDI, SSI, and related programs;
  • Assisting claimants in underserved communities to apply for or appeal decisions on claims for SSDI benefits and SSI; and
  • Conducting outreach to people with disabilities who are potentially eligible to receive SSI.

To learn more about ICAP funding opportunity and how to apply, please register to attend our information session on Thursday, April 25, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET. Registration closes Monday, April 22, 2024.

We will continue to keep you informed of funding opportunities and updates to our policies that affect Indian Country. Together, we look forward to meeting you throughout our travel activities to continue building trust and understanding your unique needs.

Sincerely,

Reneé Ferguson, Acting Director
Office of Native American Partnerships
Office of the Commissioner
Social Security Administration
www.SSA.gov/people/aian