Unified Reporting Form for Cooperating/Interpretive Associations DD: 11/01/2007

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20240

September 5, 2007

In Reply Refer To:
8362 (250) P

EMS TRANSMISSION 09/28/2007
Instruction Memorandum No. 2007-194
Expires: 09/30/2008

To: All Field Officials
From: Assistant Director, Renewable Resources and Planning

Subject: Unified Reporting Form for Cooperating/Interpretive Associations DD: 11/01/2007

Program Area: Recreation, National Landscape Conservation System, and all Bureau of Land Management (BLM) offices that have a cooperative agreement with a cooperating/interpretive association.

Purpose: The purpose of this Instruction Memorandum is to request the 2006 information to document the monetary and non-monetary contributions that cooperating/interpretive associations provide to the BLM. The BLM and other Federal land management agencies worked with the cooperating/interpretive association community to develop a unified reporting format called the “Annual Report of Operations and Aid to Federal Land Management Agencies.” The consolidated Federal financial form “Attachment 1” provides a standard format and reporting requirements for non-profit cooperators who have agreements with one or more Federal agencies.

Policy/Action: The BLM requires that all cooperating/interpretive associations operating under a BLM cooperative agreement complete the Annual Report (Attachment 1) using 2006 tax reporting forms and records.

The form should be completed by all associations which are non-profit, federally tax-exempt, private organizations who assist Federal agencies in serving the public through interpretation and educational outreach by running sales areas within government i.e., facilities, visitor centers, interpretive information centers, and BLM public rooms. The net profits from sales are used to develop interpretive and educational products. Interpretive associations also enhance the agencies’ interpretive and educational efforts by supplying materials for special events and helping to develop interpretive products (Cooperating Association Handbook; H-8362-1.)

Attachment 2 is a sample letter the BLM Field Officials may use to contact cooperating/interpretive associations about these consolidated reporting requirements.

Timeframe: Completed forms must be submitted to Amy Galperin by September 1, 2007, addressed to Amy Galperin, Division of Recreation and Visitor Services (WO-250), c/o BLM, Colorado State Office, 2850 Youngfield Street, Lakewood, Colorado 80215.

Background: The consolidated Federal financial form was developed with representatives from the Federal land managing agencies and the cooperating/interpretive association community. These associations contribute funds, time, and materials. This form is designed to account for financial and non-financial contributions, based upon the IRS form 990. There is also a separate section of the form designed to specifically account for program services that are not direct financial aid.

Budget Impact: The budget impact for the BLM is minimal, requiring some additional staff coordination with the Cooperating/Interpretive Associations to obtain the required information.

Manual/Handbook Sections: Cooperating Association Handbook; H-8362-1.

Coordination: The consolidated Federal financial form was developed with representatives from the Federal land managing agencies and the cooperating/interpretive association community.

Contact: Amy Galperin, National Lead for Interpretation, WO-250 at (303) 239-3960.

Signed by:
Authenticated by:
Todd S. Christensen
Robert M. Williams
Acting, Deputy Assistant Director
Division of IRM Governance,WO-560
Renewable Resources and Planning

2 Attachments
1 - Instructions and Standard reporting Forms (8pp)
2 - Sample Letter to send to Cooperating/Interpretive Associations (1p)