1. PURPOSE

This regulation implements the Master Memorandum of Understanding between the Departments of Defense (DOD) and Agriculture (USDA) relative to cooperation with respect to food, agriculture, forestry, nutrition, and other research of mutual interest. The Memorandum requires the Secretary of Agriculture to appoint a Policy Steering Committee, and a Lead Liaison Manager; and specifies that representation on the committee will be from the USDA Agencies conducting joint research activities with the Department of Defense.

The Memorandum, effective November 15, 1982, is an Agreement under which work responsive to defense needs will be undertaken by USDA and work responsive to agricultural needs will be undertaken by DOD. The purpose is to provide a framework whereby cooperative research activity in the areas of food and agriculture, forestry, nutrition, strategic and critical materials, pest control and disease vectors can be conducted.

Closer coordination in these areas can contribute to more efficient resource utilization, alleviate duplication of effort and broaden the Department's access to resources. The Department supports the notion that closer coordination can be achieved through mutual understanding and efficient administration of programs and projects of mutual interest.

The work carried out under the terms of this Agreement will be of significant benefit to the United States. Such work may address national defense needs as articulated by the Department of Defense, national security agencies, and mandates of the Executive Branch or statutory mandates legislated by the Congress. Agriculture can play an important role in the development of critical materials for defense and industry and this Agreement can mutually benefit the Departments of Agriculture and Defense to achieve this purpose.

2. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

The Policy Steering Committee will consist of the following members: Assistant Secretary for Science and Education; Assistant Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment; Assistant Secretary for Food and Consumer Services; Under Secretary for Small Community and Rural Development; Under Secretary for International Affairs and Commodity Programs; and Director, Office of Budget and Program Analysis.

 The committee members may appoint a representative providing said delegate is authorized to act fully on their behalf.

 The Assistant Secretary for Science and Education will chair and report the Committee's activities to the Secretary's office. The Committee will have the authority to include additional representatives from USDA Agencies that may develop joint research activity with the Defense Department. The first meeting of the Policy Steering Committee will be held within 30 days after the effective date of this Regulation.

 The Program Manager of the Strategic and Essential Industrial Materials Office, Science and Education will serve as Lead Liaison Manager.

3. RESPONSIBILITIES

The Committee has the responsibility to oversee the coordination of this Agreement and report its activities to the Secretary's office. The Lead Liaison Manager will report to the Policy Steering Committee, serve as its Executive Secretary, and coordinate the work of the committee in cooperation with Agency Administrators.

4. POLICY

It is the policy of the Department of Agriculture to conduct or sponsor research which contributes to the achievement of policies, programs, and initiatives of other Federal agencies which pertain to food, forestry, and agriculture and where the research is initiated through such means as interagency agreements, memoranda standing , cooperative agreements, and direct requests; national defense needs as articulated by the Department of Defense, national security agencies, or Congressional or Executive Branch m;mandates; and where encouragement of agricultural production contributes to the national defense.