Partnerships: Policy & Procedures

Partnerships - Policy & Procedures

Engineer Pamphlets

EP 1130-2-550, dated 15 November 1996 revised 15 August 2002
Projection Operations - Recreation Operations and Maintenance Guidance and Procedures

Engineer Regulations

ER 1130-2-500, dated 10 April 2025
Project Operations - Partners and Support (Work Management Policies)
ER 1130-2-550, dated 15 November 1996 revised 15 August 2002
Project Operations - Recreation Operations and Maintenance Policies
ER 1140-1-211, dated 10 Sep 2020
Support for Others - Non-DoD Reimbursable Services
ER 37-1-30, dated 12/12/19
Financial Administration - Accounting and Reporting
- Chapter 5, Reimbursements
ER 405-1-12, dated 20 November 1985 revised 15 May 2000
Real Estate Handbook
ER 700-1-1, dated 04/30/15
Logistics - USACE Supply Policies and Procedures

Policy Letter

04-01, dated 27 October 2004
Volunteer Value of Service Hourly Rate
Volunteer Bonding Policy Letter, dated 07 September 2016

Public Law Regulation

WRDA 2024, Section 1153, Challenge Cost-Sharing Program for the Management of Recreational Facilities
Authorizes the use of challenge cost-sharing cooperative management agreements with non- Federal public and private non-profit entities to collect and retain user fees for the use of developed recreation sites and facilities, whether developed or constructed by that entity or the Department of the Army, and reinvest collected fees at the project at which the fees are collected. Section 1153 further authorized participating public entities to use any visitor reservation service that the Secretary of the Army has provided for by contract or interagency agreement.
33 USC 2339, WRDA 2000, Sec 213, Assistance Programs
Authorizes the use of cooperative agreements to transfer funds to non-federal or nonprofit entities for services relating to natural resources conservation or recreation management both on and off Corps lands that involve programs fulfilling educational or training purposes.
Implementation Guidance Memo for WRRDA 2014 1047e, August 31, 2015
33 USC 2328, WRDA 1992, Challenge Cost-Sharing Program for the Management of Recreational Facilities, Section 225, October 31, 1992
Section 225 of this law authorized the Secretary of the Army to enter into cooperative agreements with non-Federal public and private entities to provide for operation and/or management and development of recreation facilities and natural resources at water resource development projects where such facilities are being maintained at full Federal expense.
This also authorized the Secretary of the Army to accept contributions of funds, materials, and services from non-Federal public and private entities. If your cooperating association wants to contribute funds to the Corps, refer to the Contributions Program section of the Gateway.
WRRDA 2014, Sec 1031(b), Cooperative Agreements with Indian Tribes
Authorizes the use of cooperative agreements to transfer funds to Indian Tribes or a designated representative of an Indian tribe to carry out authorized activities of the Corps of Engineers to protect fish, wildlife, water quality, and cultural resources.
Implementation Guidance Memo for WRRDA 2014 1031(b), August 3, 2016
31 USC 1535, Economy Act
41 USC 501, 95-224, Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act of 1977
This act set forth requirements to use cooperative agreements and grants to transfer funds to non-Federal entities, but did not provide authority by itself to enter into an agreement.
7 USC 2814, Federal Noxious Weed Act- Management of Undesirable Plants on Federal Lands
Authorizes Federal agencies to complete and implement cooperative agreements with State agencies regarding the management of undesirable plant species on Federal lands under the agency's jurisdiction.
16 USC 661, Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act
Authorizes the Department of Interior to provide assistance to and cooperate with Federal, State, and public or private agencies and organizations in the development, protection, rearing, and stocking of all species of wildlife and their habitat, in controlling losses from disease or other causes, in minimizing damages from overabundant species, in providing public shooting and fishing areas, including easements across public lands for access, and in carrying out other measures necessary. Also authorizes Interior to make surveys and investigations of wildlife of the public domain, including lands and waters controlled by any agency of the United States.
16 USC 594, Protection of Timber Owned by the US from Fire, Disease, or Insect Ravage
Authorizes the Department of Interior to protect and preserve timber owned by the United States upon public lands, national parks, national monuments, Indian reservation, or other lands under the jurisdiction of the DOI from fire, disease, beetles, or other insects. This can be done directly or in cooperation with other Federal Government departments, States, or other owners of timber.
10 USC 2358, Research and Development Projects
Authorized the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of a military department to engage in basic research, applied research, advanced research, and development projects.
WRDA 2022, Section 8124, Reserve Component Training at Water Resources Development Projects
Authorizes USACE to accept services and supplies in support of a water resources development project or program, without reimbursement, from units or members of a reserve component of the Armed Forces carrying out military training activities or otherwise fulfilling military training requirements.
33 USC 569c, Public Law 98-63, Chapter IV of Title, Services of Volunteers
33 USC 569c, further amended by WRDA 2024 authorized: The United States Army Chief of Engineers may accept the services of volunteers and provide for their incidental expenses, including expenses relating to uniforms, transportation, lodging, and the subsistence of those volunteers, to carry out any activity of the Army Corps of Engineers except policy-making or law or regulatory enforcement. Such volunteers shall not be employees of the United States Government except for the purposes of (1) chapter 171 of title 28, relating to tort claims, and (2) chapter 81 of title 5, relating to compensation for work injuries.
31 USC 6301-08, Using Procurement Contracts and Grant and Cooperative Agreements
Amended the FGCAA of 1977
33 USC 2325, WRDA 1992, Sec 203, Voluntary Contributions for Environmental and Recreation Projects, October 31, 1992
Voluntary Contributions for Environmental and Recreation Projects.
(a) Acceptance.--In connection with carrying out a water resources project for environmental protection and restoration or a water resources project for recreation, the Secretary is authorized to accept contributions of cash, funds, materials, and services from persons, including governmental entities but excluding the project sponsor.

Executive Orders

E.O. 13352, Facilitation of Cooperative Conservation

Policy Memos

Memos

04/23/25 Updated National MOU Between USACE and Scouting America
Please find attached the updated National MOU between USACE and Scouting America (formerly the Boy Scouts of America), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1910. Today, Scouting America serves over one million youth members, ages 5 to 21, and is supported by a network of more than 130 million alumni. Traditional Scouting programs are delivered through local chartering organizations—including religious institutions, clubs, civic associations, and educational groups—with all programs led by dedicated volunteers and supported by local councils composed of both staff and volunteers.
USACE and Scouting America have enjoyed a strong partnership for over 50 years, working together to provide meaningful educational, recreational, and environmental stewardship opportunities for youth at USACE Civil Works projects and beyond. The primary goal of this renewed MOU is to support the development of leadership, confidence, and character in Scouts, while fostering a spirit of service and stewardship that aligns with the missions of both organizations.
Past collaborations have included a wide range of impactful projects, such as:
Invasive species removal

Construction of recreational facilities

Installation of bird and bat nesting boxes

Habitat restoration and lakeshore cleanups

Trail improvements and National Public Lands Day events

Water safety outreach and Eagle Scout service projects

This MOU establishes a framework for continuing and expanding joint efforts. Future activities may include Eagle Scout projects, volunteer initiatives, ranger-led programs, and environmental education events at Civil Works sites. Off-site opportunities may involve job fairs, scout camps, jamborees, and other collaborative events. The agreement also encourages Scouts to take on leadership roles, engage in service learning, explore environmental stewardship with USACE NRM staff, and consider potential internships or careers with USACE.
You can find a copy of the signed MOU on the NRM Gateway here: https://cor pslakes.erdc.dren.mil/employees/cecwon/mou.cfm
To learn more about Scouting America, please visit: https://www.scouting.org
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or your division’s Partnership Advisory Committee member:
NAD – Jared Gagnon

SAD – Cassie Cross

MVD – Phil Manhart

LRD – Mike McCoy

SWD – Vacant

SPD – Taylor Baughn

NWD – Keith Hyde

Thank you for your continued support of this valuable partnership.
Heather Burke
US Army Corps of Engineers
National Partnership and Volunteer Program Manager
02/05/25 2024 Volunteer Award Recipients
Pleased to share the attached memos, signed by Mr. Stephen Hill, Director of Operations and Regulatory Programs, announcing the selection of the awardees for the 2024 Excellence in Partnership Award and the National Volunteer of the Year Award. These awards will be presented to each of the recipients later this year.
National Volunteer Award: This year's USACE national volunteer of the year award recipient is Stanley J. Frerich of Lake Georgetown in the Fort Worth District. Mr. Frerich has supported USACE and the recreating public by serving as a park host and maintenance volunteer at Lake Georgetown since 2021 with more than 2,300 hours of service. Mr. Frerich's background in general maintenance and experience as an equipment operator has been invaluable in addressing various problems and challenges encountered in the parks.
02/04/25 2024 Excellence in Partnerships Award Recipient
Pleased to share the attached memos, signed by Mr. Stephen Hill, Director of Operations and Regulatory Programs, announcing the selection of the awardees for the 2024 Excellence in Partnership Award and the National Volunteer of the Year Award. These awards will be presented to each of the recipients later this year.

Excellence in Partnerships Award: The Mississippi River Water Trail Association has been a partner with USACE since 2005, contributing over 20,000 volunteer hours, $180,000 in professional services, and $50,000 of materials and equipment donated to the St. Louis community and the Mississippi River. It is the shared mission of the Rivers Project and the MRWTA to create safe, accessible opportunities for lifelong enjoyment of paddling on the Mississippi River.
01/22/25 Partnerships and Volunteers 2025-26 Photo Contest
The Partnership Advisory Committee is pleased to announce a new photo contest for 2025 focused on partnerships and volunteer programs. The goal is to develop a collection of great photos that capture a sense of partnership, collaboration, and accomplishment which can be used in various publications, presentations, websites, social media, etc.
There are 4 categories of photos for the contest:
- Environmental Stewardship Partnerships
- Recreation Partnerships
- Volunteers in Action
- Special Events with Partners
Entries will be rated and ranked based on the following criteria:
- Composition/Quality: The arrangement of elements within the frame, including balance, framing, and use of negative space, quality of exposure, focus, and lighting.
- Creativity: The originality and inventiveness of the photograph. Unique perspectives or concepts can stand out.
- Emotional impact: The ability of the photograph to evoke feelings or convey a message.
- Storytelling: How well the image tells a story or captures a moment.
Prizes: (all are being donated by the Corps Foundation)
- Grand prize winner will receive a large, heavy duty metal print of your photo for your project office.
- Winners of each category will receive a framed enlargement of your photo for your project office.
- Top 3 winners in each category will receive a Corps Foundation challenge coin and a one-year membership to the Corps Foundation.
The contest is open to all USACE employees and volunteers. Photographers may submit up to five entries per category – each photo with a descriptive caption. Each entry must be submitted with ENG Form 5067-R
Deadline for Submissions: January 30, 2026
Submit by email, Teams, or DoD SAFE to: Keith Hyde, NWD Partnerships Advisory Committee keith.b.hyde@usace.army.mil. No need to wait until next January! You can submit photos anytime between now and the deadline.
There will be a webinar invitation sent out soon to learn more about the contest and to answer any questions.
Thanks,
Heather Burke
US Army Corps of Engineers
01/16/25 Comprehensive Approach to Co-Land Management and Co-Stewardship of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Managed Lands and Facilities with Tribal Nations