Intergovernmental Personnel Agreement (IPA)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does IPA stand for?

Intergovernmental Personnel Act. Also sometimes referred to as Interagency or Intergovernmental Personnel Agreement.

IPAs are intended to facilitate cooperation between federal agencies and institutes of higher education (among other entities) for the temporary assignment of skilled personnel. They are a mechanism for temporary assignments that allow reimbursement of salary, fringe benefits and other limited costs.

How to start an IPA

For all IPAs, please work with your department business office.

For questions please contact:

Staff Physician, Academics, Faculty: Jackie Corbeil
Postdocs: Jennifer Bourque
Staff, non-Physician MSPs (including Physician Assistants): Submit a General Inquiry through HHR.

VASDHS IPAs can be submitted through RSC's Service Now module

Access the RSC's Service Now module here.

For IPAs with all other federal agencies please work directly with the agency and your business office to fill out the required paperwork for that agency.

Useful links for more detailed information on IPAs:

U.S. Office of Personnel Management – IPA Provisions

PALs _ IPA Training Presentation