Memorandum of Agreement
What is it?
A memorandum of agreement (MOA) or cooperative agreement is a document written between parties to cooperatively work together on an agreed-upon project or meet an agreed-upon objective. The purpose of an MOA is to document the details of the agreement between parties. The MOA can also be a legal document that is binding and hold the parties responsible to their commitment, or it can just be a fairly simple partnership agreement.
How to use this tool
An MOA is a good tool to use for many heritage projects. It can be used between agencies, the public and the federal or state governments, communities, and individuals. An MOA lays out the ground rules of a positive cooperative effort.
Sample MOAs
- A Partnership Agreement among cultural organization for joint marketing to increase visitation.
- An Interlocal Agreement (pdf) among counties and cities in two states, chambers of commerce, nonprofits, state agencies, federal agencies, a tribe, and others. This agreement created a heritage tourism partnership.
- An Interagency Agreement to protect and enhance cultural resources, agreement between Forest Services, BLM, National Park Service, and State History.
- An Interlocal Agreement to create a heritage tourism partnership that includes four communities and Sanpete County.
- A Partnership of Multiple Trail Organizations to identify, mark, and promote historic trails.
- Cooperative Agreement creating a Four Corners Heritage Council to manage and promote cultural resources in the four corners area of Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and Colorado.