An Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) assignment is a temporary transfer of skilled personnel between the Federal Government and State or local governments, institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments, and eligible non-Federal “other organizations,” including Federally Funded Research and Development Centers. The assignment is effected for purposes of mutual concern to the Department and to the participating non-Federal entity and should also serve a sound public purpose. IPA assignments can be used to achieve a number of objectives, such as to: 1) strengthen the management capabilities of Federal agencies; of State, local, and Native American tribal governments; and of other eligible organizations; 2) assist in the transfer and use of new technologies and approaches to solving governmental problems; 3) involve State and local officials in the development and implementation of Federal policies and programs; and 4) provide program and developmental experience that will enhance a DOE employee’s performance in his or her regular job.
Before an assignment begins, an agreement (OF 69) must be executed between DOE and the participating organization. The agreement should make clear that if an employee is paid allowable travel, relocation, and per diem expenses, he or she must complete the entire period of the assignment or one year, whichever is shorter, or reimburse the Government for those expenses. For Federal employees the agreement should assure that the assignee knows of his or her obligation to return to the Federal service for a time equal to the length of the assignment, or be liable for all expenses (exclusive of salary and benefits) associated with the assignment.
The cost-sharing arrangements involved in a mobility assignment are worked out between the participating organizations. The Federal agency may agree to pay all, some, or none of the costs of an assignment. Such costs may include employee pay, fringe benefits, relocation costs, and travel and per diem expenses.
Each proposed assignment must be examined by the Office of Human Capital, the Office of Financial Policy, and the Office of the Assistant General Counsel for General Law to ensure that it is for sound public purposes and furthers the goals and objectives of the participating organizations. Assignments should not be requested primarily to meet the personal interests of employees, to circumvent personnel ceilings and contractor support limitations, or to avoid unpleasant personnel decisions.
Information is available that provides general conflict of interest guidance to incoming and outgoing IPA assignees, templates of letters from DOE to the participating institution, and the general authorities related to the IPA. If you have any questions regarding IPA assignments, contact the Office of the Assistant General Counsel for General Law at 202-586-1522.