Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) Mobility Program

The Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) Mobility Program allows skilled personnel to easily switch between government and non-government institutions, such as accredited universities and non-profit organizations.

Temporary IPA assignments aim to promote cooperation between ACF (a federal government agency) and non-federal entities. Essentially, a federal ACF employee can be temporarily assigned to work at a non-federal organization, or an employee from a non-federal organization can be assigned to work at ACF. The original workplace of the individual is referred to as the "home institution" (if non-federal) or "home agency" (if a federal agency), while the temporary assignment location is called the "hosting institution" or "hosting agency." An IPA assignment can be carried out either through a detail or an appointment. ACF typically opts for a detail when conducting an IPA assignment.

IPA assignments can be used to achieve a number of objectives, including to:

• strengthen the management capabilities of federal agencies; of state, local, and American Indian tribal governments; and of other eligible organizations;
• assist in the transfer and use of new technologies and approaches to solving governmental problems;
• involve state and local officials in the development and implementation of federal policies and programs; and
• provide program and developmental experience that will enhance an ACF employee’s performance in their regular job.