providing Service-wide leadership, guidance and support for direct service tribes to include strategic planning and program evaluation;

ensuring maximum flexibility to tribal health and related support systems for Indian beneficiaries;

serving as the focal point for consultation and participation between direct service tribes and organizations and the Service in the development of Service policy;

holding no less than biannual consultations with direct service tribes in appropriate locations to gather information and aid in the development of health policy; and

directing a national program and providing leadership and advocacy in the development of health policy, program management, budget formulation, resource allocation, and delegation support for direct service tribes.