Interagency collaboration is a type of relationship where two or more organizations, often from different sectors or disciplines, come together to cooperate and collectively achieve a common goal This type of collaboration is often seen between government agencies, but can also be seen between various nonprofits and businesses. Agencies can decide to collaborate due to a shared purpose or to leverage the experience and resources of each other. Collaboration typically takes the form of an agreement or memorandum of understanding and allows agencies to work together efficiently on complex tasks.
One example of successful interagency collaboration is the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF). This collaborative effort was created by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in 1980 to combat terrorism throughout the United States. The JTTF is composed of representatives from federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and works together to identify, prevent, and disrupt terrorist activities. Some members of the JTTF are even deputized to make arrests and investigate leads related to terrorism.
A second example of successful interagency collaboration is the International Joint Commission (IJC). This group, established in 1909, is composed of two subcommissions, one in Canada and one in the United States, and works to protect boundary waters shared by both countries. The IJC assesses water-related issues and makes recommendations to both governments on ways to protect the shared waters.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) collaborate to reduce environmental health risks. Both organizations have a common goal of protecting communities from environmental hazards, such as air and water pollution. The EPA and CDC work together to identify and monitor environmental threats, assess risks, and develop strategies to protect public health.
The Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) collaborate together to ensure that our nation’s veterans receive the support and benefits that they deserve. The two organizations coordinate on a variety of activities, such as healthcare, benefits, and employment. The collaboration between the two agencies helps to ensure that veteran needs and concerns are addressed in a timely and responsive manner.
Finally, the Department of Education (ED) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) collaborate to protect students from discrimination and ensure equal access to education. Through this collaboration, the agencies provide advice and assistance on civil rights issues, investigate allegations of discrimination, and enforce the civil rights laws that protect students. This partnership helps to ensure that all students, regardless of race, gender, or disability, are provided with equal access to a quality education.
Interagency collaboration is essential to solving complex problems and ensuring the success of our nation. These five examples of interagency collaboration demonstrate the importance of organizations coming together to work towards a common goal. By combining their resources and expertise, organizations are able to better serve their constituencies and achieve positive outcomes.