Background
Last updated: February 08, 2010
The partnership concept presented in this document involving state agencies will be utilized as a model to establish the framework upon which partnership initiatives with other entities may be constructed. The ultimate goal is to utilize existing relationships, or establish new relationships, with federal/state/local agencies, industry, academia, and other organizations, to build cooperative partnerships to assist the USDA in meeting current and future challenges as it carries out its mission.
Partnership agreements will clearly define roles and responsibilities of the partners. The primary objective of such agreements is to increase the efficiency of service delivery in specific program areas. This can only be achieved through joint planning, improved communication, and each partner demonstrating equivalent commitment. This will lead to greater acceptance of one another's scientifically sound inspection and analytical work.
The activities conducted under partnerships (i.e. planned meetings/conferences, inspections, sample collection, joint development of shared databases, etc.) may be a part of a formal agreement or an informal (non-written) agreement.
The partnership relationships are defined as follows:
"Partnership Agreements" are formal, written documents which are intended to clearly define specific goals, activities, and responsibilities of each partner. Partnership Agreements are developed to produce measurable outcomes relatable to programmatic objectives and/or operational needs. Such agreements may be negotiated at the regional or national levels.
"Partnership Activities" are informal arrangements or other working relationships that are not reduced to a formal, written document. Partnership activities, separate and apart from formal agreements, are reportable within the guidance provided by this document.
"Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)" is also a formal, written document. Unlike Partnership Agreements, MOU's are general in scope and contain broad statements of cooperative relationships. MOU's are not intended and generally do not produce measurable outcomes.