What is the purpose of an "interagency agreement"?

An interagency agreement serves as a cooperative framework among federal agencies, facilitating the sharing of resources, funding, or services. It allows agencies to collaborate effectively on projects or initiatives that may require pooled expertise or resources. This collaboration is essential in achieving common goals, especially when a single agency may not have all the necessary capabilities to address a particular issue or embark on a comprehensive project.

The essence of these agreements lies in their ability to foster cooperation rather than competition among agencies, leading to more efficient utilization of federal resources and ensuring that services are delivered more effectively to the public. They are particularly valuable when addressing complex, multifaceted problems that require the involvement of multiple stakeholders, enhancing inter-agency communication and operational synergy.