Research Joint Venture Agreement
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
Program Objective
To increase participation by partners in Agricultural forestry research activities, agricultural formal teaching activities, and agricultural extension services.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- Unrestricted by Entity Type
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.
Program details & compliance
Description
Joint venture agreements allow the Forest Service and partners to work on agricultural research projects that serve a mutual interest and benefit to the partners.
Mission Categories
Primary: Research and Development
Other categories:
Forestry
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
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.
Joint venture 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.
Restrictions
Restrictions are determined by the authority utilized for the award.
Required Documentation
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 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.
Matching Requirements
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.