Partnerships: Policy & Procedures

Partnerships - Policy & Procedures

Engineer Pamphlets

EP 1130-2-550, dated 15 November 1996 revised 30 January 2013
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 12/09/22
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

04/08/26 Delegation Memo to CG for cooperative agreements with Indian Tribes
01/30/26 2025 Excellence in Partnerships Award Recipient
Excellence in Partnerships Award: The Friends of Lake Ouachita (FOLO) in the Vicksburg District have been selected as the 2025 Excellence in Partnerships Award recipients. FOLO has partnered with USACE since 2001, contributing over 22,000 volunteer hours and $3 million in funding to foster community involvement, enhance recreational opportunities, and protect the natural resources of Lake Ouachita. Their ability to secure funding, navigate complex grant processes, and remain committed to the elevated walkway rebuild project exemplifies their dedication to enhancing recreation at Lake Ouachita, resulting in lasting benefits for the public, the environment, and USACE.
01/27/26 FY 25 Partnerships and Volunteer Program Summary Sheet
I'm pleased to present two versions of the attached summary sheets for the NRM FY 25 Partnerships and Volunteer programs. These documents emphasize the significant impacts and opportunities generated through our collaborations internally, as well as with the organizations and individuals we engage with. Your commitment to fostering impactful partnerships and volunteer experiences has not only enhanced our connections within the communities surrounding USACE projects but has also paved the way for future growth and collaboration.
Key highlights from the past year:
Partnership Engagement: We successfully engaged 4,196 partners, resulting in a remarkable $155.15 million in value, complementing $40.1 million in USACE investments.

Volunteer Program Growth: Our volunteer program expanded, with 42,992 volunteers contributing an impressive 1.9 million hours of service— equivalent to the efforts of 917 full-time federal employees.

For further reference: All related documents will be accessible on the following platforms:
NRM Gateway CWBI-OPS Partnerships Annual Report: https://corpslakes. erdc.dren.mil/partners/annual.cfm

NRM Gateway Volunteer Program Annual Reports: https:/ /corpslakes.erdc.dren.mil/employees/volunteer/annual.cfm

NRM KM portal Partnership page: https://usace.dps.mil/sites/KMP- CW/SitePages/Partnerships.aspx

NRM KM Volunteer page: https://usace.dps.mil/sites/KMP- CW/SitePages/Volunteers.aspx

As we take a moment to celebrate these achievements, we look forward to the ongoing success and development of our volunteer and partnership programs.
I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the PAC team and Tara Whitsel for their dedication in creating these summary sheets. A heartfelt thank you also goes out to all our USACE partnership and volunteer program managers, partner organizations, and volunteers who have generously contributed their time and efforts to support our USACE lakes.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about the programs or the information provided or contact your division Partnership Advisory Committee member: (NAD - Jared Gagnon; SAD – Cassie Cross; MVD – Breanna Trovillion; LRD - Mike McCoy; SWD – Arianna Jacinto; SPD - Taylor Baughn; NWD - Keith Hyde).
Heather Burke
US Army Corps of Engineers
National Partnership and Volunteer Program Manager
01/22/26 WRDA 2024 Updates to ER 1130-2-500 Volunteers and Partnerships Chapters 8-11 and 14
The attached memo signed by Director of Operations and Regulatory, Mr. Hill provides updated guidance for Sections 1112 and 1153 of WRDA 2024. Section 1112 authorizes USACE to recognize volunteers' service through awards. Section 1153 authorizes USACE to enter into Challenge Cost Sharing Cooperative Management (CCSCMA) agreements with private nonprofit entities to collect and retain user fees for the use of developed recreation sites and facilities and reinvest collected fees at the site where collected.
The previous authority provided by Section 1155 of WRDA 2016 only allowed CCSCMAs with nonfederal public entities. WRDA 2024 also allows partners in jointly managed areas to fully use the R1S reservation service. This expanded authority will assist USACE in meeting one of the goals established in the attached "FY 26 NRM Strategic Staffing and Operation Plan" to implement Cooperative Joint Management at 25 PSAs during FY26.
This update to the Partnership and Volunteer Programs is effective immediately and supersedes Chapters 8-11 and 14 in the 10 April 2025 version of ER 1130-2-500. These changes will be incorporated into ER 1130-2-500, "Project Operations - Partners and Support" when revised and published.
For more information, please contact Heather Burke, National Partnership Program Manager at heather.d.burke@usace.army.mil.
Jeff
Jeffrey F. Krause
Chief, Natural Resources Management