Title
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PRINCIPAL CHIEF TO EXECUTE CERTAIN CONTRACTS
Body
WHEREAS, the Cherokee Nation since time immemorial has exercised the sovereign rights of self-government on behalf of the Cherokee people;
WHEREAS, the Cherokee Nation is a federally recognized Indian Nation with a historic and continual government to government relationship with the United States of America;
WHEREAS, the Principal Chief on behalf of the Cherokee Nation issued an Emergency Disaster Declaration on March 16, 2020 in response to COVID-19, the virus that has been declared an international pandemic;
WHEREAS, certain contracts require Tribal Council authorization prior to execution pursuant to Article X, Section 7 of the Cherokee Nation Constitution; 62 CNCA § 61; 73 CNCA § 4; and 73 CNCA § 301 et seq.; and
WHEREAS, the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council wishes to expedite the execution of certain contracts for emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Such contracts include only those relating to personal protective equipment (PPE); other medical supplies and equipment; software and other technology agreements to meet remote work and telemedicine requirements; and emergency food, supplies and equipment;
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CHEROKEE NATION, that the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council authorizes the Principal Chief execute contracts that would otherwise require prior approval by the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council pursuant to Article X, Section 7 of the Cherokee Nation Constitution; 62 CNCA § 61; 73 CNCA § 4; and 73 CNCA § 301 et seq. This authority shall be limited to contracts for the emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This authority shall be limited to contracts that do not exceed one million dollars ($1,000,000.00). Tribal Council shall be notified as soon as possible, but no later than one business day later, of any contracts executed pursuant to this Resolution. Notification shall include name of vendor, amount, and a brief description of goods or services. Further, if the contract is sole sourced, the justification should be included in the notification to Tribal Council. Copies of all contracts executed pursuant to this Resolution will be maintained in the Office of the Attorney General and will be available for review by any Tribal Councilor upon request. The Office of the Attorney General shall ensure that review of any contract signed pursuant to this Resolution will occur virtually if needed.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE CHEROKEE NATION, that this Resolution expires June 15, 2020 or simultaneously with the expiration of any Emergency Disaster Declaration by the Principal Chief whichever is sooner.