Who can be partners with Department of the Interior bureaus?
Almost any individual, organization, entity, or state, local, tribal, or federal government agency can be a partner with a DOI bureau. When contemplating a partnership with a particular entity, the bureau must identify legal authority both to support the proposed partnership activity and to determine whether there are any limitations on the bureau’s ability to enter into the partnership with that potential partner. Such limitations may include whether the potential partner or partnership activity would create an improper appearance for the Department. The Solicitor’s Office can help with this process. Bureaus also must fully consider the ethical implications of a proposed partnership. For example, agencies generally may not accept benefits from “prohibited sources.” Prohibited sources can include those who: 1) the agency regulates; 2) have business relationships with the agency; and 3) are in litigation with the agency. The Department’s Ethics Office can assist agencies in identifying
