Icass Agreement

An ICASS Agreement: What It is and How It Works

The Interagency Committee on Administrative Support Services (ICASS) is a federal program that aims to streamline administrative support services across all US government agencies. ICASS agreements are the main mechanism used to achieve this goal.

What is an ICASS Agreement?

An ICASS agreement is a formal arrangement between US government agencies to share administrative support services, such as human resources, financial management, and information technology. Participating agencies contribute funds to ICASS to cover the cost of these services, based on their usage.

The ICASS program was established in 1992 to reduce redundancy and inefficiencies in the provision of administrative services across US government agencies around the world. Currently, the program operates in more than 280 locations worldwide, providing services to over 200 US government agencies.

How does an ICASS Agreement work?

ICASS agreements are negotiated by participating agencies and administered by the Department of State’s Bureau of International Organization Affairs (IO). The agreements typically cover a period of five years and are reviewed annually to ensure that the services provided meet the needs of participating agencies.

Under an ICASS agreement, participating agencies are grouped into service centers based on their location and administrative needs. Each service center is responsible for providing a range of services, including human resources, financial management, and information technology, to all participating agencies in the center.

To ensure that all participating agencies receive fair and equitable services, ICASS uses a standard cost-sharing formula based on each agency’s usage of the services provided. This cost-sharing formula takes into account both direct and indirect costs, such as salaries, benefits, and overhead.

Benefits of an ICASS Agreement

The main benefit of an ICASS agreement is the streamlining of administrative support services across US government agencies. By sharing these services, participating agencies can reduce redundancies and increase efficiencies, leading to cost savings and improved service delivery.

Other benefits of an ICASS agreement include:

– Improved communication and coordination among participating agencies

– Greater transparency and accountability in the provision of administrative services

– Access to expert support services that may not be available within individual agencies

Conclusion

In conclusion, an ICASS agreement is a formal arrangement between US government agencies to share administrative support services, with the aim of reducing redundancy and increasing efficiency. Participating agencies contribute funds to ICASS to cover the cost of these services, based on their usage. ICASS agreements provide a range of benefits, including cost savings, improved service delivery, and access to expert support services.