Partnership Agreements

 

To increase participation of non-federal cooperators in all authorized Forest Service programs and activities in a manner that is of mutual benefit and benefit interest to the partner and the Forest Service.

Active 10.699 Forest Service, Department of Agriculture C - Direct Payments For Specified Use Not applicable. 2014 Farm Bill, Agriculture Conservation Experienced Service (ACES) Program, Public Law 113-79, Section 8302, Public Law 113-79
Federal Technology Transfer Act of 1986, Public Law 96-480, 15 U.S.C. 3710a
Cooperative Funds and Deposits Act of December 12, 1975, Public Law 94-148, 16 U.S.C. 565a1 – a3
Wyden Amendment, Public Law 105-277, Sec 323, 16 U.S.C. 565a-1
Interior and Related Appropriations Act of 1992 (Challenge Cost-Share Authority), Public Law 102-154
Public Land Corps Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2005, Public Law 109-154, 16 U.S.C. 1701
25 U.S.C. 3115(b). Tribal forest management demonstration project, Title 2018 Farm Bill P.L. 115-334, Section 8703 The Forest Service partners with non-profits; for-profit; institutions of higher education; federal, state, local, and Native American tribe governments; individuals; foreign governments and organizations. The Forest Service has partnership authorities to enter into agreements and cooperative arrangements with willing members of the public, which include but are not limited to, for profit; non-profits; institutions of higher education; federal, state, local, and Native American tribe governments; foreign governments and organizations. The partner must maintain information provided for the original award in the System for Award Management (SAM) until receipt of final payment. This requires review and update to the information at least annually after the initial registration, and more frequently if required by changes in information. System for Award Management (SAM) means the Federal repository into which an entity must provide information required for the conduct of business as a Cooperative. Additional information about registration procedures may be found at the SAM Internet site (currently at https://www.sam.gov). Also, the partner must immediately inform the U.S. Forest Service if they or any of their principals are presently excluded, debarred, or suspended from entering into covered transactions with the Federal Government according to the terms of 2 CFR Part 180. Additionally, should the partner or any of their principals receive a transmittal letter or other official Federal notice of debarment or suspension, they shall notify the U.S. Forest Service without undue delay. This applies whether the exclusion, debarment, or suspension is voluntary or involuntary. Preapplication coordination is required. Environmental impact information is not required for this program. An environmental impact assessment is not required for this listing. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. The U.S. Forest Service may approach or be approached by a potential partner to enter into a partnership or cooperative agreement. Any party may initiate discussions to enter into an agreement. 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards applies to this program. A partnership agreement is not considered a procurement contract under the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) or a grant as that term is used in the Federal Grants and Cooperative Agreements Act, 31 U.S.C. 6301 et seq. Partnership agreements do not incorporate 2 CFR Part 200 into the terms of the agreement. A partnership agreement is a mutually binding legal relationship between two or more parties creating obligations that are enforceable or otherwise recognizable at law. Partnership agreements do not require competition as the partner is required to provide a contribution or match to the agreement. Contributions are necessary to meet the intent and requirements of mutual interest mutual benefit partnership as stated in the authorizing authority provided to the U.S. Forest Service by Congress. Contributions from either party may include cash, services, in-kind contributions, donation of equipment, volunteer labor, and so forth. Partnership agreements and their supporting documentation are both negotiated and drafted in collaboration with prospective partners prior to entering into an agreement. Discussions cover at a minimum, the appropriate statutory authority; a description of the project, including methodology and technical specifications; contributions and the responsibilities of the parties; financial plan; the period of performance; monitoring and accomplishments reporting. Regardless of who initiates discussions, all elements of a project are subject to negotiation. Any party may terminate the agreement at any time. Except for provisions necessary for legal compliance, all elements of a partnership agreement are subject to negotiation and modification. Both parties are expected to negotiate, resolve, and document differences in cost and/or proposed work in writing. Any party may terminate the agreement at any time. None of the parties should perform work outside the scope of the existing instrument or in excess of the funding prior to the execution of a modification. Contact the headquarters or regional location, as appropriate for application deadlines Not applicable. Not applicable. Not applicable. Not applicable. Partnership agreements and cooperative agreements are entered into in support of the U.S. Forest Service's mission. The U.S. Forest Service’s mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world. The U.S. Forest Service may approach or be approached by a potential partner to enter into a partnership agreement that results in a joint accomplishment of work benefiting both organizations. The principal purpose of partner agreements is the creation of partnerships in support of projects of mutual interest and mutual benefit to each party. Partnership agreements are considered non-assistance agreements and are not considered grants or cooperative agreements as those terms are used in the Federal Grants and Cooperative Agreements Act, 31 U.S.C. 6301 et seq. The principal purpose of partner agreements is the creation of partnerships in support of projects of mutual interest and mutual benefit to each party. Mutual interest exists when both parties benefit in the same qualitative way from the objectives of the agreement. If one party independently has an interest in a project that is shared by the other party, and both parties pool resources to obtain the end result of the project, mutual interest exists. Not applicable. Not applicable. Retain all records pertinent to this agreement for a period of no less than 3 years from the expiration or termination date. Records include books, documents, accounting procedures and practice, and other data, regardless of the type or format. Statutory formula is not applicable to this assistance listing.

Matching is mandatory. Cooperator match contributions shall align with the statutory authority requirements, may be greater or less than 20 percent.

MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing. Partnership Agreements may last up to a maximum of 5 years. Payment is generally made on a reimbursement basis. Cash advances are limited to agreements citing P.L. 94-148. Cooperator cash advances are limited to the minimum amount needed to perform anticipated activities or no more than is needed for a 30-day period, whichever is less. U.S. Forest Service Regional Partnership websites may be found at the following link http://www.fs.usda.gov/prc Chernoh Barrie
201 Independence Ave, SW
Washington, DC 20250 USA
chernoh.barrie@usda.gov
Phone: 2023657774 http://www.fs.fed.us/working-with-us/partnerships 12-5004-0-1-302 (Direct Payments for Specified Use) FY 22$133,753,783.00; FY 23 est $395,794,469.00; FY 24 FY 21$87,811,282.00; FY 20$146,165,614.00; FY 19$147,883,263.00; FY 18$74,769,656.00; FY 17$139,956,169.00; FY 16$74,792,047.00; - Not applicable/available. Not applicable. Not applicable.