A government cooperative agreement is a type of funding mechanism used by the federal government to support partnerships between government agencies and non-federal organizations. This funding mechanism is often used to support research and development projects, public health initiatives, disaster response efforts, and a variety of other programs that require collaboration across different sectors.

In a cooperative agreement, the federal government typically provides funding to a non-federal organization, such as a university, nonprofit organization, or private company, to undertake a specific project or program. Unlike traditional grants, which are more restrictive in terms of how funds can be used and how much discretion the recipient organization has in directing the project, cooperative agreements are intended to facilitate more collaborative relationships between government agencies and non-federal partners.

One of the key features of a cooperative agreement is the amount of collaboration and communication required between the government agency and the non-federal partner. Typically, cooperative agreements involve regular meetings, reports, and other forms of communication between the two parties to ensure that the project is progressing according to the agreed-upon timeline and objectives.

Another important feature of cooperative agreements is the sharing of resources between the government agency and the non-federal partner. This may include access to specialized equipment or materials, expertise, or other resources that are necessary for the success of the project.

Government cooperative agreements can be a powerful tool for achieving important public policy goals, especially when the project or program requires collaboration across different sectors and stakeholders. By fostering more collaborative relationships between government agencies and non-federal partners, cooperative agreements can help to leverage resources and expertise, improve the effectiveness of programs, and ultimately achieve better outcomes for the public.

In summary, a government cooperative agreement is a funding mechanism used to support collaborative partnerships between government agencies and non-federal organizations. These agreements require close communication and collaboration between the two parties and often involve the sharing of resources to achieve important public policy goals.