The Department of the Interior (DOI) and the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) implemented the service first initiative to better manage the real property assets of the DOI Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the USDA Forest Service (USFS). In Colorado, Oregon, Washington, and New Mexico, the USFS and BLM have collocated and even combined their operations. This cooperation between DOI and USDA broke down institutional barriers without relinquishing authority of either agency.
The two bureaus purchase services from one another on a reimbursable basis. For example, the BLM uses a USFS archaeologist for certain tasks in Alamosa, CO. In the past, BLM would fly in an archaeologist of its own from Canon City, CO, some 150 miles away. This has created a win-win situation for both organizations. The BLM and USFS currently share more than 50 employees in Oregon and Washington through reimbursable details.
The service first initiative has created numerous instances of cost avoidance and savings in addition to the increased efficiency of both agencies. BLM and USFS collocations in New Mexico and Oklahoma created a cost avoidance of $2.4 million over a five-year period. Since BLM was able to use USFS staff in Alamosa, it was able to relocate its own staff to other locations saving $700,000 over the next five years.
For more information, contact Ms. Terri Barry at (202) 208-4328 or via e-mail at teresa_barry@os.doi.gov
