Transmittal of Department of the Interior Partnership Policy: New Departmental Manual Chapter 301 DM 5

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20240

March 12, 2009

In Reply Refer To:
1114 (172) P

EMS TRANSMISSION 03/19/2009
Instruction Memorandum No. 2009-093
Expires: 09/30/2010

To: All WO Officials, AFOs
Attn: Partnership Coordinators
Challenge Cost Share Coordinators
Volunteer Coordinators

From: Director, Office of the National Landscape Conservation System &
Community Partnerships

Subject: Transmittal of Department of the Interior Partnership Policy: New Departmental
Manual Chapter 301 DM 5

Program Areas: Partnerships, Challenge Cost Share, Volunteers.

Purpose: This Instruction Memorandum (IM) transmits new Departmental Manual Chapter 301 DM 5, “Partnership Policy,” effective November 17, 2008 (copy attached).

Policy/Action: It is the policy of the Department to use partnerships, when appropriate, to enhance the ability of bureaus and offices to carry out the mission of the Department. Partnerships are appropriate when they provide benefits such as greater efficiency, improved effectiveness, increased equity, and greater public commitment to the Department’s mission. Through the use of meaningful partnerships, the Department seeks to accrue benefits and achieve its public purposes more effectively.

In addition to providing a Departmental policy statement, the new Departmental Manual chapter includes a definition of “partnerships” and describes the roles and responsibilities of bureaus and offices within the Department.

Further guidance and information on training will be provided in the near future.

Timeframe: This IM is effective upon issuance.

Budget Impact: Minimal.

Background: In order to facilitate the partnership objectives of the Department of the Interior, the Departmental Office of Conservation, Partnerships, and Management Policy developed this policy in cooperation with Interior agencies, including the Bureau of Land Management.

Manual/Handbook Sections Affected: Assistance Agreements (Manual Section 1511, Handbook H-1511-1); Cooperating Associations (Manual Section 8362, Handbook H-8362-1); Volunteers (Manual Section 1114)

Contact: Questions regarding this IM may be directed to Karlee Yurek of the BLM Division of Education, Interpretation & Partnerships at (202) 785-6583.

Signed by: Authenticated by:
Carl Rountree, Robert M. Williams
Director, Office of the National Landscape Division of IRM Governance,WO-560
Conservation System & Community Partnerships

1 Attachment
1 - Departmental Manual Chapter 301 DM 5, “Partnership Policy” (4 pp)