((a)) ** Establishment** There is established within the Service an office, to be known as the “Office of Direct Service Tribes”.

((b)) ** Treatment** The Office of Direct Service Tribes shall be located in the Office of the Director.

((c)) ** Duties** The Office of Direct Service Tribes shall be responsible for—

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

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

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

((4)) 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

((5)) 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.