Water Resources Division International Program Policies
To: "E - All WRD Employees"
From: "Catherine L Hill, ACH/Operations, Reston, VA "
Cc: "Catherine L Hill, ACH/Operations, Reston, VA ",
"Verne R Schneider, Chief, Intl Water Resources Br, Reston, VA ",
"Anna M Lenox, Deputy Chief,Intl Water Res Br, Reston, VA ",
" WRD Archive File, ",
"Carole Nethaway, Secretary (OA), Reston, VA ",
"Katherine M Long, Office Automation Clerk, Reston, VA ",
"Alice C Dilandro, Secretary (S), Reston, VA "
Subject: WRD Memorandum No. 99.10--WRD International Program Policies
Date: Tue, 30 Mar 1999 09:02:17 -0500
Sender: "Alice C Dilandro, Secretary (S), Reston, VA "
In Reply Refer To:
Mail Stop 441
March 29, 1999
WATER RESOURCES DIVISION MEMORANDUM NO. 99.10
Subject: Water Resources Division International Program Policies
Water Resources Division (WRD) Memorandum No. 99.09 establishes
objectives and responsibilities for the WRD international program and
defines methods of implementation. This companion memorandum establishes
and documents formal policy related to implementation and maintenance of
the international program. In this context, an international activity is
defined as any activity in which a WRD employee is working with foreign
nationals, either within or outside the United States. The policies
defined in this memorandum apply to all individuals, offices, and cost
centers within the WRD. Legislative authority for the U.S. Geological
Survey (USGS) to engage in international work is complex, non-specific,
and limiting. It is the responsibility of the International Water
Resources Branch (IWRB) to develop policy for international activities
undertaken by the WRD, to provide guidance on the appropriate procedures,
and to assist in the development of plans and implementation strategies.
It is the responsibility of WRD personnel involved in any international
activity to coordinate that activity with the IWRB. The following policy
statements are provided to guide and assist WRD staff involved in
international activities.
1. Program Development. The IWRB will coordinate international
program development within the WRD and serve as the division focal point
for all international contacts.
2. Funding. The IWRB is funded by a combination of technical
support funds and reimbursable agreements. Assessment rates for
reimbursable work will be determined, according to division policy, by
the Chief, IWRB, and the WRD office accomplishing the work.
3. Foreign Travel. The IWRB is responsible for processing all
official travel outside the United States by WRD personnel and for
obtaining the appropriate approvals. Any individual in the WRD
considering or planning official international travel must inform the
IWRB as early as possible. Specific regulations governing travel abroad
are described in WRD Memorandum No. 99.11 or can be obtained from IWRB
staff; however, approximately 60 days lead time is required to obtain
approval to travel abroad.
4. International Science & Technology (S&T) and Reimbursable
Agreements. The IWRB is responsible for assisting WRD offices with
developing and obtaining appropriate approvals for any agreement with a
foreign government or international agency, organization, or educational
institution. Any individual or office within the WRD contacted by an
outside entity, or initiating contact that might lead to the development
of international work, should inform the IWRB.
5. Technical Assistance. The IWRB will assist offices in
responding to all requests from other Federal agencies, international
organizations, or foreign governments for international technical
assistance. A WRD employee who receives a request for such assistance
should contact the IWRB as soon as possible. The IWRB will help decide
whether or not the work should be accepted. If the request is for
mission appropriate work, the benefit to the WRD is quantifiable, the
work is legal and reimbursable, and the appropriate staff is available,
the WRD will accept the work.
6. Training, Study Tours, and Visits. International scientists or
visitors contacting the USGS and traveling to the United States to
receive training or participate in a study tour will be charged a program
development fee. For the purpose of this policy, training is defined as a
visit exceeding 5 days for the purpose of attending a USGS-sponsored
training event or to learn specific skills by participating in
work-related activities associated with a WRD office (on-the-job
training). A study tour is any WRD visit lasting more than 5 days by one
or more foreign scientists to two or more locations for the purpose of
obtaining scientific knowledge through observation. Program development
fees for either training or for a study tour are established by IWRB in
cooperation with the office or offices that host the training/study tour.
There is no program development fee for international scientists
or visitors who are in the United States and have a temporary presence
equal to or fewer than 5 days in one or more WRD office(s).
7. Foreign Exchange Visitor Program. The Foreign Exchange Visitor
Program provides a legal framework for a WRD employee to invite one or
more foreign scientists to visit USGS facilities for the purpose of
participating in research, holding discussions, or carrying out other
aspects of collaborative projects. The program also provides the legal
authority to purchase health and repatriation insurance. Division policy
requires that any foreign scientist visiting USGS facilities for more
than 5 days must have health/accident insurance. The Foreign
Exchange Visitor Program is administered by the U.S. Information Agency
and enables visiting scientists to enter the United States on a J-1
"Exchange Visitor" visa. The IWRB will assist the host scientist to
initiate the IAP-66 Form required for a foreign scientist to obtain a J-1
visa. IWRB also will assist in making appropriate arrangements to
satisfy health and repatriation insurance requirements for Exchange
Visitors.
8. Sale of Hydrologic Equipment. Any request for purchase of
USGS-designed or fabricated hydrologic equipment or instrumentation must
be referred to the IWRB. Equipment sales require that 607 Authority be
obtained from the Department of State. This process requires a
description of the equipment and certification that the USGS
is not competing with private industry in the proposed sale.
International science is both complex and rewarding. International
activities can enhance WRD's domestic programs and contribute
substantially to knowledge and understanding of earth and life sciences.
It provides an opportunity for professional growth and for positive
global recognition of the USGS. While it is not possible to establish
policy that will guide every event, the policies described in this
memorandum do provide general guidance. For more specific advice related
to international activities, contact WRD's International Water Resources
Branch.
Catherine L. Hill/signed
Assistant Chief Hydrologist for
Operations
Distribution: E