Research Joint Venture and Cost Reimbursable Agreements

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

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.

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.

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 are determined by the authority utilized for the award.

Joint Venture and Cost Reimbursable Agreements may last up to a maximum of 5 years. 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.

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.