Research Joint Venture and Cost Reimbursable Agreements

 

To increase participation by partners in Agricultural rangeland and forestry research activities, agricultural formal teaching activities, and agricultural extension services.

Active 10.707 Forest Service, Department of Agriculture C - Direct Payments For Specified Use Not applicable. National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, Public Law 95-113, 7 U.S.C. 3318 and 3319a Joint Venture Agreements: State cooperative institution, State department of agriculture, college, university, other research or educational institution or organization, Federal or private agency or organization, individual, or any other party. Cost Reimbursable Agreements: State cooperative institutions or other colleges and universities that provides an educational program for which a bachelor's degree or any other higher degree is awarded. 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 current information 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. Preapplication coordination is required. Environmental impact information is not required for this program. 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 joint venture 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. Joint venture and cost reimbursable agreements do not incorporate 2 CFR Part 200 into the terms of the agreement. A Joint venture and cost reimbursable agreement is a mutually binding legal relationship between two or more parties creating obligations that are enforceable or otherwise recognizable at law. Joint venture 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. Cost reimbursable agreements do not require competition as stated in 7 USC 3319a. The Forest Service pays for the direct costs of the goods and/or services as negotiated and up to 10 percent indirect costs on the goods/services. Not applicable Not applicable. Not applicable. Not applicable. Not applicable. Not applicable. Joint Venture Agreements are entered into to support the U.S. Forest Service’s research 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 U.S. Forest Service may approach or be approached by a potential partner to enter into a joint venture agreement that results in a joint accomplishment of work benefiting both organizations. The principal purpose of agreement is the creation of partnerships in support of projects of mutual interest and mutual benefit to each party. Cost reimbursable agreements allow the U.S. Forest Service research stations and other units to work with Colleges and Universities providing an educational program for which a bachelor’s degree or any other higher degree is awarded. The U.S. Forest Service enters into the agreement for the acquisition of goods or services, including personal services, to carry out agricultural research, teaching, or extension. The U.S. Forest Service then obtains a deliverable from the College or University as agreed to in the award. CR agreements are the equivalent of a cost contract where the Forest Service must obtain a research, teaching, or extension agricultural science deliverable as defined at 7 USC 3103. Both joint venture and cost reimbursable 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 the agreements is the creation of partnerships in support of projects of mutual benefit and/or mutual interest 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. Performance Reports: Agreements require performance reports. Frequency and level of detail are based on the type or complexity of the project. At a minimum, performance reports are submitted at least annually. 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. 20%. Matching Requirements: Percent: Other For Joint venture agreements, the partner’s contribution should not be less than 20 percent of the total research project to include all costs. The partner may satisfy the matching requirement by providing cash, real or personal property, services, and/or in-kind contributions, such as volunteer labor. There is no matching requirement for Forest Service Research Cost-Reimbursable Agreements. Reimbursable costs shall include the actual direct costs of performance, as mutually agreed on by the parties, and the indirect costs of performance, not exceeding 10 percent of the direct costs.

MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing. Joint Venture and Cost Reimbursable Agreements may last up to a maximum of 5 years. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: Payment is generally made on a reimbursement basis. Cash advances are limited to Joint Venture Agreements. 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. See Research Stations. https://www.fs.fed.us/research/ Jacqueline Henry
1400 Independence Ave, SW
Washington, DC 20250 USA
jacqueline.henry@usda.gov
Phone: 703-605-4776 https://www.fs.fed.us/research/ 12-1115-0-1-302 (Direct Payments for Specified Use) FY 22$27,740,072.00; FY 23 est $67,877,297.00; FY 24 FY 21$30,394,782.00; FY 20$45,779,535.00; FY 19$37,589,559.00; FY 18$51,653,417.00; FY 17$70,997,322.00; - Not applicable/available. Not applicable. Not applicable.