Definition
A financial assistance award instrument used by awarding agencies when the relationship with the recipient has as its principle purpose the transfer of a thing of value to the recipient in order to carry out a public purpose of support or stimulation authorized by a law of the United States, and substantial involvement is expected.[1]
Department of Interior Policy
Selecting the cooperative agreement as the proper award instrument
The basic criterion for selecting a cooperative agreement is that substantial involvement is expected between the bureau or office and the recipient when carrying out the activity contemplated in the agreement.[2] Additionally, cooperative agreements may be the solely authorized award instrument for specific programs; check the program's guidance for clarification.
[1] 505 DM 2.6 C.
[2] ibid, 2.9 B.
