Purpose
This component outlines many of the types of formal
and informal partnerships used throughout the NPS. It
defines when a formal partnership is needed over an
informal one, and what written agreements are required.
Objectives
At the completion of this component the learner will
be able to:
List three common types of formal partnership
agreements;
Determine the appropriate type of partnership
agreement needed for a potential partner;
Create an informal partnership proposal.
Approach
Partnerships in the interpretive field can be utilized
to produce a product or service or enhance an existing
product or service.
This component compliments the Need for Partnerships
and the Developing and Coordinating Partnerships components
of Module 320. Components should be completed in succession.
Full performance level interpreters, with solid understanding
of the park resources and the potential partnership
resources available to them, will be able to expand
their audience or enhance their effectiveness or the
visitor experience through partnership programs and
projects. As suggested in the full performance level
position description, interpreters should be using innovative
and creative approaches to developing interpretive programs
and media.
Content
Outline:
I. Defining formal versus informal partnerships
A. Formal partnership
- formal written agreement
- usually used when money or product is exchanged
or the NPS has substantial involvement
B. Informal partnership
- lacks a formal written agreement
- less involvement provided by the NPS
II. Guidelines effecting partnerships
A. Director's Orders on NPS Agreements
B. Director's Orders on Cooperating Association s
C. Director's Orders on Volunteers in Parks
D. Director's Orders on Concession Management
III. Types of Formal Partnership Agreements
A. Cooperative Agreement (CA)
- definition per Director's Orders on NPS Agreement
- A CA is used when NPS involvement (monetary or non-monetary
involvement) is substantial
- the Scope of Work and Terms of Agreement sections
describe the responsibilities and level of involvement
of each partner
B. Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU)
- definition per Director's Orders on NPS Agreements
- an MOA is used when the NPS is to receive funds
from a non-federal partner. Example - a Cooperating
Association would have a MOA with each park.
- an MOU is used when there is no transfer of funds.
The policies and procedures established are of mutual
interest and concern for either federal or non-federal
partners.
- the Scope of Work and Terms of Agreement sections
of both describe the
responsibilities and level of involvement of each
partner
C. Volunteers in Parks (VIP)
- volunteers assist with interpretive programs and
completion of projects throughout the park
- volunteers must have a signed Volunteer Agreement
Form on file with the park
- complete a Job Description that accurately outlines
the volunteers responsibilities
D. Other Formal Partnership Agreements
1. Financial Assistance Agreement
- the NPS provides financial assistance to another
organization such as a municipality for road repair
2. Interagency Agreement (IA)
- to acquire a product or service from or bestow upon
another Federal agency
3. Intra-agency Agreement
- similar to an Interagency Agreement, however, the
services or products are acquired from other bureaus
and offices within DOI
4. Concessionaire Agreements
- to provide commercial services and facilities deemed
necessary and appropriate for public use and enjoyment
of that unit
5. Supplemental Agreements
- can be used to implement additional activities that
are not outlined by the standard agreement. Frequently
used in conjunction with MOAs as they pertain to cooperating
associations
6. Special Use Permits (SUP)
- under some circumstances, SUPs can provide interpretive
partnerships
IV. Types of Informal Partnerships
Interpreters participate in informal partnerships frequently
as part of day to day interpretive operations.
A. Sample of informal partnerships
- organizations within your park boundaries that perhaps
existed prior to the creation of the park such as
golf courses, ski areas, other entertainment or recreation
facilities
- contacting universities and other educational institutions
for lecture series speakers
- local businesses assist with programs and projects
such as a backpacking outfitter who provides information
on equipment for a backpacking skills program
-interdivisional program efforts within a unit, such
as a mist netting demonstration of neo-tropical birds
involving resource management, interpretation and
the visitors.
V. Selecting the proper instrument
Evaluate the extent of NPS involvement needed to complete
the program or project.
A. Informal Partnership Proposal
1. Meet with your supervisor to discuss appropriate
potential partners
2. Through contact with your potential partners, compile
the following information:
a. name of potential partner and contact person
b. what is the desired product or service the partnership
will provide or enhance
c. what are the benefits of the partnership
d. identify the goals of the partnership
e. what are the obstacles to implementation
f. identify the resources available that can be provided
g. identify who is responsible for implementation
h. identify a time frame for the partnership
i. how will the partnership be recognized
3. Submit to supervisor for evaluation and feasibility
assessment
B. If due to the level of potential involvement, a
formal written partnership must be developed then
contact your supervisor or the appropriate person
at your site with your proposal.
RAILS: Rangers and Amtrak Interpreting Landscapes of
the States, James E. Miculka and Susan Davenport, The
1995 Interpretive Sourcebook, National Association for
Interpretation, 1995. (An article discussing partnership
developed with Amtrak through a cooperative agreement).
Interpretation and Fries: A partnership Between the
National Park Service and McDonald's, Bill O'Donnell
and Cindy Von Halle, The 1995 Interpretive Sourcebook,
National Association for Interpretation, 1995. (An article
discussing a partnership with McDonald's to develop
an information center).
Magic Dividends from Partnership Investments, Beverly
Albrecht and Laurie Risch, The 1995 Interpretive Sourcebook,
National Association for Interpretation, 1995. (Article
discussing the development of a partnership between
several museums and attractions in the Cincinnati area).
Suggested
Developmental Activities
Formal Agreement Analysis
The learner will locate and analyze CAs, MOAs, MOUs
for their park cooperating association, friends group
or other organization in a formal partnership with the
park.
Potential Partner Survey
The learner will use the list of potential partners
and services/products which was developed as a developmental
assignment in Developing and Coordinating Partnerships
Component and determine whether an informal or formal
agreement would be the most appropriate means for establishing
a partnership.
Establishing a Volunteer Partnership
The learner, in cooperation with the park's volunteer
coordinator, will establish a volunteer agreement and
develop a job description for a new volunteer. Note:
The volunteer's responsibilities do not need to be limited
to the Interpretive Division. If volunteering in another
area of the park, the learner will develop the needed
job description based on information provided by the
work area supervisor.
