Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) Mobility Program
To facilitate Federal-State-local cooperation and to aid in solving problems and delivering improved services at all government levels through the sharing of professional, administrative, and technical expertise.
General information about this opportunity
Last Known Status
Deleted 04/02/2020 (Archived.)
Program Number
27.011
Federal Agency/Office
Agency: Office of Personnel Management
Type(s) of Assistance Offered
Provision of Specialized Services; Advisory
Services and Counseling.
Program Accomplishments
There are approximately 1,400 mobility assignments each fiscal year. All States, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the District of Columbia, 519 local governments, 512 universities, 106 Indian tribal governments, and 161 other organizations have had mobility assignments.
Authorization
Intergovernmental Personnel Act of 1970, as amended, Public Law 91-648, 5 U.S.C. 3371-3376; Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, Section 105, Public Law 93-638, 25 U.S.C. 450; Executive Order 11589, April 1, 1971.
Who is eligible to apply/benefit from this assistance?
Applicant Eligibility
Federal agencies, State, local and Indian tribal governments, and institutions of higher education are generally eligible. Other organizations, which includes: (1) A national, regional, Statewide, areawide, or metropolitan organization representing member State or local governments; (2) an association of State or local public officials; or (3) a nonprofit organization which has as one of its principal functions the offering of professional advisory, research, educational, or development services, or related services to governments or universities concerned with public management, must have their eligibility certified by the Office of Personnel Management before they will be eligible to enter into an assignment agreement with a Federal agency.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Federal agencies, State, local and Indian tribal governments, and institutions of higher education are generally eligible. Other organizations, which includes: (1) A national, regional, Statewide, areawide, or metropolitan organization representing member State or local governments; (2) an association of State or local public officials; or (3) a nonprofit organization which has as one of its principal functions the offering of professional advisory, research, educational, or development services, or related services to governments or universities concerned with public management.
Credentials/Documentation
Intergovernmental assignments will be undertaken on the basis of a joint agreement between a State or local government, Indian tribe or tribal organization or institution of higher learning, or other eligible organization, the Federal agency and the employee. Each assignment will be implemented by a written agreement between the Federal agency, the State or local government, Indian tribe or tribal organization, educational institution, or other eligible organization and the employee to be assigned, to assure full understanding of the rights, responsibilities, conditions, and duration of the assignment.
What is the process for applying and being award this assistance?
Pre-Application Procedure
The nature and conditions of the assignment, including fiscal obligations and employee benefits, are subject to agreement between the participating organizations and the employee, within the provisions of the IPA. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.
Application Procedure
A proposal for assignment may be initiated either by the State or local government, institution of higher education, Indian tribe or other eligible organization which must then obtain the agreement of the Federal agency; alternatively the request may be originated by the Federal agency which must then obtain the agreement of the State or local jurisdiction, or Indian tribe, institution of higher education, or other eligible organization.
Award Procedure
Not applicable.
Deadlines
Not applicable.
Approval/Disapproval Decision Time
Not applicable.
Appeals
Not applicable.
Renewals
Assignments may be extended for up to an additional 2 years when the need and value of the extension can be agreed upon by the three parties involved.
How are proposals selected?
Not applicable.
How may assistance be used?
Permits the temporary assignment of personnel back and forth between Federal agencies, State and local governments, Indian tribes or tribal organizations, institutions of higher education and other eligible organizations. Assignments are for specific work beneficial to both the State, local government, Indian tribe, or other eligible organizations and the Federal agency concerned. An assignment agreement may not exceed 2 years but can be extended for 2 additional years. Cost sharing is negotiable. The employee, after receiving full information about the proposed assignment and his benefits under the various options, must also agree to the assignment before the agreement can be implemented. An employee of a Federal agency must serve in the Civil Service upon the completion of his or her assignment for a period equal to that of the assignment. Should the Federal employee fail to fulfill this requirement (except for good and sufficient reason as determined by the head of the Federal agency from which assigned), the Federal employee shall be liable to the United States for all expenses (excluding salary and benefits) of the assignment.
What are the requirements after being awarded this opportunity?
Reporting
Not applicable.
Auditing
Not applicable.
Records
Not applicable.
Other Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Not applicable.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Original assignments not to exceed 2 years, with extensions for an additional 2 years. Assignments cannot exceed 48 months.
Who do I contact about this opportunity?
Regional or Local Office
Contact the nearest Office of Personnel Management Service Center listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog.
Headquarters Office
Office of Merit Systems Oversight and, Effectiveness Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street, NW., Room 7463, Washington, DC 20415-001. Telephone: (202) 606-1181. Contact: Tony Ryan.
Website Address
http://www.opm.gov.
Financial Information
Account Identification
24-0100-0-1-805.
Obligations
Program oversight is provided by OPM. Federal agencies develop the Intergovernmental Personnel Act agreement. Obligations are devoted to administration and are not separately identifiable.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Not applicable.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
Further information may be obtained from the offices listed under Information Contacts section of the program.
Examples of Funded Projects
Not applicable.