Mineral Materials Appraisal Policy

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20240
http://www.blm.gov

June 29, 2009

In Reply Refer To:
3630 (320) P

EMS TRANSMISSION 07/07/2009
Instruction Memorandum No. 2009-160
Expires: 09/30/2010

To: All Field Officials

From: Assistant Director, Minerals and Realty Management

Subject: Mineral Materials Appraisal Policy

Purpose: This Instruction Memorandum (IM) issues policy and guidance for preparing appraisals for mineral materials and use of the Producer Price Index to extend the applicable time period for appraisals.

Policy: Appraisals for disposals of mineral materials from public lands are a high priority of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The BLM's goal is to determine values of mineral materials to ensure proper compensation to the Federal Government in an efficient manner that controls costs. The methods and frequency for appraisals are provided in Attachment 1.

Timeframes: The guidance contained in this IM is effective immediately.

Budget Impact: Implementation of this IM is to be performed within existing budget allocations. Because existing policy requires use of current fair market value for sales, appraisals are already factored into budget allocations. The impact of this IM is expected to reduce the workload, reduce expenditures, and enable more timely pricing updates.

Background: This IM provides the BLM’s nationwide policy on appraisals for the mineral materials program previously covered by expired IM 2003-059, Reissuance of Minerals Appraisal Policy. The Materials Act and implementing regulations require that materials be sold at not less than fair market value as determined by appraisal.

Manual/Handbook Sections Affected: This IM transmits interim policy that will be incorporated into Manuals 3600 and 3630 and Handbooks 3600-1 and 3630-1 during the next revision.

Coordination: Preparation of this IM was coordinated with the Washington Office, state offices, and National Training Center.

Contact: If you have any questions concerning the content of this IM, please contact me at 202-208-4201, or your staff may contact George Brown (WO-320) at 202-452-7765 or by email at george_brown@blm.gov.

Signed by: Authenticated by:
Timothy R. Spisak Robert M. Williams
Acting, Assistant Director Division of IRM Governance,WO-560
Minerals and Realty Management

1 Attachment
1 - Policy for Mineral Materials Appraisals (2 pp)