IPA Basics: What Is An IPA Assignment?

Let's start with the basics. An "IPA assignment" is a personnel assignment authorized under the IPA Act of 1970. In other words, a federal or non-federal employee leaves her/his "home organization" to work for a "hosting organization" on a temporary basis. In accordance with this act, EPA can approve assignments which clearly demonstrate a mutual benefit to EPA and its counterpart in the non-federal sector.

These assignments may be made to or from state and local governments, institutions of higher education, Indian tribal governments and other eligible organizations and are intended to facilitate cooperation between the Government and the non-Federal organization through the temporary assignment of skilled personnel.

In 1997, the revised IPA mobility program allowed federal agencies to operate in a more efficient and productive matter by making two major changes:

• Agencies are responsible for certifying the eligibility of "other organizations" for participation in the program (click here for more information on certification)
• Agencies don't need to submit assignment agreements to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

(See 5 C.F.R. Part 334 for more information...here's a link to a PDF file of the regulation).