Fire Protection Cooperative Agreement

To allow reciprocal agreements with fire organizations (as defined in 42 USC 1856) for mutual aid in furnishing fire protection. Increase efficiency by facilitating the coordination and exchange of personnel, equipment, supplies, services, and funds among the parties in sustaining wildland fire suppression activities.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs may enter into Cooperative Fire Protection Agreements with a “fire organization.” The term “fire organization” means any governmental entity or public or private corporation or association maintaining fire protection facilities within the United States, its Territories and possessions, and any governmental entity or public or private corporation or association which maintains fire protection facilities.

State & Local governments, Volunteer Fire Departments

2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards applies to this program. Completed applications will be submitted to the local BIA agency office.

Cooperative Fire Protection Agreements are developed in collaboration with defined fire organizations. These are complex agreements that have several components. The agreements require execution of separate operating plans.Regardless of who initiates discussions, all elements of a Fire Protection Agreement are subject to negotiation. Any party may terminate discussions at any time. Cooperative Fire Protection Agreements must include a waiver by each party ofall claims against every other party for compensation for any loss, damage, personal injury, or death occurring in consequence of the performance of such agreement. Any such agreement may provide for the reimbursement of any party for all or any part of the cost incurred by such party in furnishing fire protection for or on behalf of any other party. The Bureau of Indian Affairs may only provide reimbursable payments to its cooperators. Cash advances are not allowed due to statutory restrictions. Cooperators will not be eligible for indirect costs.

Date Range for approval is from 1 to 90 days

The Fire Protection Agreement will be recommended at the agency level and/or regional level and approved by a Grants Officer.