Inter-governmental Personnel Agreement: What You Need to Know
An inter-governmental personnel agreement (IPA) is an agreement between a federal agency and a non-federal organization that allows for the temporary transfer of an employee from one organization to the other. The IPA is intended to promote the exchange of personnel between the federal government and state and local governments, universities, and other non-profit organizations.
The IPA is typically used for short-term assignments, usually for a period of 2-4 years. The employee remains on the payroll of his or her home organization, but is detailed to the receiving organization. During the assignment, the employee continues to receive his or her full salary and benefits, and his or her position is held open at the home organization.
The IPA is a useful tool for federal agencies that need to access specialized expertise or knowledge that is not available in-house. It is also a way for federal agencies to build relationships with non-federal organizations and to promote the transfer of knowledge and best practices.
The IPA has a number of benefits for both the federal agency and the non-federal organization. For the federal agency, the IPA allows access to specialized expertise and knowledge, and can help to build relationships with non-federal organizations. For the non-federal organization, the IPA allows access to federal resources and expertise, and can help to build relationships with federal agencies.
The IPA is subject to a number of regulations and requirements. Both the sending and receiving organizations must agree to the terms of the IPA, and the employee must be qualified for the assignment. The IPA must also comply with federal regulations related to personnel management, including equal employment opportunity, non-discrimination, and collective bargaining.
In addition to the regulations related to personnel management, the IPA is also subject to regulations related to funding. The sending organization is responsible for paying the employee’s salary and benefits, but the receiving organization may provide additional funding for expenses related to the assignment.
If you are interested in pursuing an IPA, there are a number of resources available to you. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) provides guidance on the IPA process, and can assist in developing IPA agreements. Additionally, many federal agencies have established IPA programs and can provide information on available assignments.
In conclusion, the inter-governmental personnel agreement is a valuable tool for federal agencies and non-federal organizations that allows for the temporary transfer of personnel between organizations. The IPA promotes the exchange of knowledge and best practices, and can help to build relationships between federal agencies, state and local governments, universities, and non-profit organizations. If you are interested in pursuing an IPA, be sure to consult with the appropriate resources and ensure that you meet all of the regulatory requirements.