General Services Administration (GSA) Policy for Title 5, Mobility of Federal, State and Local Employees, Intergovernmental Personnel Act of 1970 (IPA)

Purpose

This Order issues and transmits GSA policy for the use of the Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) of 1970 as revised effective May 29, 1997. The legal authority for assignments under the Intergovernmental Personnel Act is 5 U.S.C. sections 3371 through 3375. The regulations can be found in 5 CFR 334.

Background

     a.  The IPA Mobility Program provides for the temporary assignment of personnel between the Federal Government and State and local Governments, colleges and universities, Indian tribal governments, federally funded research and development centers, and other eligible organizations. IPA assignments are intended to facilitate cooperation between the Federal Government and the non-Federal entity through the temporary assignment of skilled personnel. These assignments allow civilian employees of Federal agencies to serve with eligible non-Federal organizations for a limited period without loss of employee rights and benefits. Employees of State and local Governments, Indian tribal governments, institutions of higher education and other eligible organizations may serve in Federal agencies for similar periods.

     b.  The IPA Mobility Program allows Federal agencies to operate in a more efficient and productive manner.  Under the Act, agencies are responsible for the management of the mobility program. This includes the responsibility for certifying the eligibility of "other organizations" for participation in the mobility program, which was previously done by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Further, agencies are not required to submit assignment agreements to OPM.  

Scope 

The goal of the Intergovernmental Personnel Act mobility program is to facilitate the movement of employees, for short periods of time, when this movement serves a sound public purpose and furthers the goals of the participating organizations. Agencies may use mobility assignments to achieve objectives such as:

1. Strengthening the management capabilities of Federal agencies, State, local and Indian tribal governments, and other eligible organizations;
2. Assisting the transfer and use of new technologies and approaches to solving governmental problems;
3. Facilitating an effective means of involving state and local officials in developing and implementing Federal policies and programs; and,
4. Providing program and developmental experience which will enhance the assignee’s performance in his or her regular job.
5. Participating offices should make each assignment for purposes which the Federal agency determines are of mutual concern and benefit to the Federal agency and to the non-Federal organization. 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 as these are contrary to the spirit and intent of the mobility assignment program.

Applicability

This policy applies to all GSA organizations with the exception of:

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) has independent personnel authority. See Section 6 of the Inspector General Act of 1978, (5 U.S.C. App. 3), as amended (Inspector General is authorized “to select, appoint, and employ such officers and employees as may be necessary for carrying out the functions, powers, and duties of Office of Inspector General”) and GSA Order, ADM P 5450.39D GSA Delegations of Authority Manual (Delegations Manual), Chapter 2, Part 1 (“the Inspector General has independent authority to formulate policies and make determinations concerning human capital issues within the [OIG] and GSA determinations/delegations do not limit that authority”). Similarly, GSA specifically recognizes that the Inspector General has independent authority to formulate policies and make determinations concerning training, employee development, and career management.

Cancellation

This Order cancels and supersedes CPO 9110.1, Title 5—Mobility of Federal, State and local employees, Intergovernmental Personnel Act of 1970.

Nature of Revision

1. Removes requirement to submit assignment agreements to OPM, and
2. Updates all organizational titles to reflect current GSA organizations.