IEA Mission Statement

Functions of the Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs (IEA):

Advises HHS on state, local, and tribal issues.
- advises Departmental officials on state, local, and tribal perspectives regarding HHS policies and programs.
- facilitates the coordination and implementation of Administration and Secretarial initiatives at the headquarters, regional, state, tribal, local and community levels.
- formulates and recommends Department policies on the delivery of services to states, territories and communities.
- ensures that HHS services are consistent in approach on state, local, and tribal levels of government.
Facilitates communication between HHS and state, local, and tribal governments.
- serves as the Departmental liaison to state, local, and tribal governments and the organizations that represent them.
- represent the Secretary and Deputy Secretary in communications with intergovernmental officials of other Federal agencies, officials of state, tribal and local governments, and non-governmental organizations, including national advocacy groups and national associations that represent state, local, and tribal governments.
Coordinates the HHS Regional Offices.
- directs the Regional Directors (RDs) and their offices in their role in planning, development and implementation of Departmental policy.
- serves as point of contact between the SRRs and the Regional Offices.

advises the Secretary and senior HHS staff on the intergovernmental aspects of HHS policies, programs, and initiatives.
coordinates the Department’s strategies to strengthen intergovernmental relationships and works with governors, state legislative leaders, county and city officials, and tribal leaders to improve multi-level coordination of Health and Human Services’ programs.

represent the Department in direct official dealings with state, local, and tribal governmental officials and offices, as well as non-government organizations.