 In October 1977, Carter appointed a new three-member task force (the "White House Work Group"), consisting of Eliot Cutler, a former legislative assistant to Senator Muskie and staffer at OMB, Leo M. Krulitz, the Interior Solicitor, and A. Stevens Clay, a partner at Judge Gunter's law firm.Over a period of months, the task force facilitated negotiations over a settlement that would include portions of cash, land, and BIA services.A memorandum of understanding was signed in early February 1978.