Partnership Agreements
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
Program Objective
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.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- U.S. Federal Government
- Local
- State
- Nonprofit Organization
- Federally Recognized Tribal Government
- Tribal Government (other)
How to Apply
Award Procedure
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.
Modification and extensions of agreements are subject to project requirements and available resources.
Program details & compliance
Description
The U.S. Forest Service collaborates with a wide range of partners through partnership agreements, including nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities, tribal communities, universities, and land management agencies. These partnerships agreements are essential for achieving shared goals related to the health and sustainability of national forests and grasslands. The Forest Service recognizes the value of diverse contributions from partners, including traditional ecological knowledge and innovative public outreach strategies.
Mission Categories
Primary: Forestry
Other categories:
Agricultural Resource Conservation and DevelopmentRecreationEmergency Preparedness
Use of Funds
Restrictions
Funding is limited to the program directions provided by the agency.
Required Documentation
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 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
Cooperator match contributions shall align with statutory authority requirements and may exceed 20 percent. Reductions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.