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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)This regulation establishes the policy for the management of operation and maintenance
activities of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) personnel performing civil works
functions
related to flood control, navigation, dredging, hydroelectric power generation, environmental
stewardship, and recreation services at water resource, waterway, and other USACE projects.
- ER 1130-2-550, dated 15 November 1996 revised 15 August 2002
Project Operations - Recreation Operations and Maintenance PoliciesThis regulation establishes the policy for the management of recreation programs and
activities, and for the operation and maintenance of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
recreation facilities and related structures, at civil works water resource projects.
- ER 1140-1-211, dated 10 Sep 2020
Support for Others - Non-DoD Reimbursable ServicesThis regulation provides guidance on USACE performing reimbursable work for non-DOD
Federal agencies, States, Commonwealths, Territories, and local governments of the United
States.
- ER 37-1-30, dated 12/12/19
Financial Administration - Accounting and ReportingThis regulation establishes the framework for financial management within the Corps of
Engineers. It supersedes ER 37-2-10 Chapter 4, Accounts Receivable and Collection
Procedures, referenced in the Contributions, Fundraising, and Recognition Reference Guide of
October 2008.
- ER 405-1-12, dated 20 November 1985 revised 15 May 2000
Real Estate Handbook"Real Estate Handbook," this regulation establishes policy for the management and operation of
real estate responsibilities on Military and Civil Works Projects, to include encroachments; and
issuing, managing, and administering outgrants authorizing the use of this real property.
- ER 700-1-1, dated 04/30/15
Logistics - USACE Supply Policies and ProceduresPrior coordination with Logistics Management should occur before contributed
personal property is accepted. Personal property is property of any kind except lands and
improvements that are permanently attached and ordinarily regarded as real estate. Recording,
accounting, and management of property items will be in accordance with ER 700-1-1.
Policy Letter
- 04-01, dated 27 October 2004
Volunteer Value of Service Hourly RateThis memorandum initiated the Corps using the Independent Sector's hourly rate to
determine the value of volunteer service.
Since 2005, the value of volunteer service is calculated automatically in OMBIL by entering
the number of volunteer hours.
For reference, the volunteer value of service hourly rates
- FY 2025 - $34.79
- FY 2024 - $33.49
- FY 2023 - $31.80
- FY 2022 - $29.95
- FY 2021 - $28.54
- FY 2020 - $27.20
- FY 2019 - $25.43
- FY 2018 - $24.69
- FY 2017 - $24.14
- FY 2016 - $23.56
- FY 2015 - $23.07
- FY 2014 - $22.55
- FY 2013 - $22.14
- FY 2012 - $21.79
- FY 2011 - $21.36
- FY 2010 - $20.85
- FY 2009 - $20.25
- FY 2008 - $19.51
- FY 2007 - $18.77
- FY 2006 - $18.04
- FY 2005 - $17.55
- FY 2004 - $17.19
- 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
Other Guidance/Policy
- Delegation Memos
- WRRDA 2014, Sec 1031(b)
Delegation memo from ASA(CW) to DCG, Jun 09, 2016
- 33 USC 2339, WRDA 2000, Sec 213 Delegation memo from CG to MSC
Commanders, 18 Sep 2024
- 33 USC
2339, WRDA 2000, Sec 213 Delegation of authority memo from Secretary of Army to
ASA(CW), 7 August 2024
- 33 USC 2339, WRDA
2000, Sec 213 Delegation memo from ASA(CW) to CG, 9 August 2024
- 33 USC 2339, WRDA 2000, Sec 213 Delegation memo from LRD Commander to
District Commanders, 02 October 2024
- 33 USC 2339, WRDA 2000, Sec 213 Delegation memo from MVD Commander to
District Commanders, 12 December 2024
- 33 USC 2339, WRDA 2000, Sec 213 Delegation memo from NAD Commander to
District Commanders, 07 April 2025
- 33 USC 2339, WRDA 2000, Sec 213 Delegation memo from NWD Commander to
District Commanders, 31 October 2024
- 33 USC 2339, WRDA 2000, Sec 213 Delegation memo from POD Commander to
District Commanders, 22 January 2025
- 33 USC 2339, WRDA 2000, Sec 213 Delegation memo from SAD Commander to
District Commanders, 25 November 2024
- 33 USC 2339, WRDA 2000, Sec 213 Delegation memo from SPD Commander to
District Commanders, 08 October 2024
- 33 USC 2339, WRDA 2000, Sec 213 Delegation memo from SWD Commander to
District Commanders, 21 October 2024
- Authority to Accept Inmate Labor from State and Local Corrections Facilities- Army General Counsel MFR (15 Aug 2018)
- CECC-G Bulletin 14-01, Revised Department of Defense Instruction (DODI) 4000.19 for
- CECC-G Bulletin No. 02-12, Challenge Partnership Program
- CECC-G Bulletin No. 02-16, Acceptance of Non-Federal Funds for Work at Recreation Facilities
- Civilian Inmate Labor Programs at Army Civil Works Projects-- Approval of Model Agreements for Acceptance of Federal, State, and Local Civilian Inmate Labor Services and Delegation of Approval and Execution Authority- ASA(CW) to USACE Commanding General (12 Mar 2020)
- Civilian Inmate Labor Programs at Army Civil Works Projects- Delegation of Approval and Execution of Authority: CG to MSC Commanders (14 May 2020)
- Contributed Funds Implementation Guidance
- Delegation of Authority to Establish Civilian Inmate Labor Programs at Army Civil Works Projects- Secretary of Army to Assistant Secretary of Army for Civil Works (5 Feb 2020)
- Documenting Reimbursable Orders from DOD Components under the Economy Act, April 2018
- DOD Financial Management Regulation 7000.14-RReimbursable Operations Policy, July 2020
- DOD Instruction 4000.19, Support Agreements - December 2020
- DPM Memo: Implementation-Documentation of Inter and Intra-Agency Reimbursable Agreements, Feb 2020
- Inmate Labor Program for Federal and State/Local Inmate Labor at Army Civil Works Projects (2 Mar 2020)
- Interagency and International Service Model Agreements Sharepoint Site
- (May need to open in Microsoft Edge browser if Chrome does not work)
- LRD: Economy Act Order Process, 2019
- MVD: Economy Act Flow Chart, 2018
- NWD Commander's Policy #33, Processing Interagency Economy Act Orders within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Northwestern Division, April 2022
- NWS SOP for Economy Act Orders, 2024
- Partner-Funded Personnel Policy Memo and Challenge Partnership agreement modified template
- Signature approval levels for Contributions and Challenge Partnership Agreements
Item is restricted to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, CAC required. Document will open in a new window.
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Home
Challenge Cost Sharing Cooperative Management Program
Challenge Partnerships Program
Contributions Program
Cooperative Agreements
Cooperating Associations Program
Economy Act Agreements
Handshake Partnerships Program
Memoranda of Understanding/Agreement (MOU/MOA)
Volunteer Program
Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Outdoor Recreation Economy Data
CWBI-OPS: Partnerships and Volunteers Module
Division & District POCs
FAQs
Good Enough to Share
Grants/Alternative Funding Sources
News / Current Issues
NRM Partnership Agreement Signature/Approval Levels
Partnership Advisory Committee
Policy & Procedures
Power BI App - Partnerships/Volunteers Data Visualization Tool
Training
USACE NRM Partnership Agreements - Flow of Money/Contributions
Value to the Nation Economic Data
Partnerships/Volunteer Photo Contest
Corps Lakes Gateway Partnerships Webpage
Corps Photo Album for Partnerships
FY 24 Partnerships and Volunteer Fact Sheet
Military Partnerships
Partnership Success Stories
National Partners
Tribal Partnerships
Partnership and Volunteer Awards
Partnership Outreach Sheet
Partnership/Volunteer Program Newsletter
School/University Partnerships
Special Events with Partners
Water Safety Partnerships
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