Arctic Slope Native Ass'n, Ltd. v. Sebelius, 10-1013

Indian tribe's suit against the Secretary of Health and Human Services for contract support costs

Arctic Slope Native Ass'n, Ltd. v. Sebelius, 10-1013, concerned an Indian tribe's suit against the Secretary of Health and Human Services for breach of contract, claiming that the government failed to pay plaintiff's so-called contract support costs shortfall for fiscal years 1999 and 2000.


In affirming the grant of summary judgment in favor of the Secretary, the court held that the "not to exceed" language in the appropriations acts for fiscal years 1999 and 2000 imposes a statutory cap on funding for contract support costs, such that the Secretary is not permitted to make payments beyond the maximum specified in the appropriations acts.  Further, the approach in Ferris v. United States, 27 Ct. Cl. 542 (1892), is inapplicable as the availability of funds provision coupled with the "not to exceed" language limits the Secretary's obligation to the tribes to the appropriated amount.  Lastly, plaintiff's alternative claim that the Secretary breached the contract by not requesting sufficient appropriations is without merit.

Related Link:

• Read the Federal Circuit's Full Decision in Arctic Slope Native Ass'n, Ltd. v. Sebelius, 10-1013