RO personnel, or their designees, negotiate MOUs with State-level agencies interested in entering into one agreement that covers all facilities under the jurisdiction of the agency, e.g. the State Department of Correction or Juvenile Detention Authority. When travel is not possible for RO personnel, the RO designates who may negotiate the MOU. The RO Enumeration Specialist reviews the MOU before submitting it to the RC for signature.

A FO manager or Area Director negotiates agreements with correctional facilities in their service area, including a single agreement covering multiple facilities, in their area. SSA prefers negotiating a MOU with the highest level management authority for the prison, and prefers covering all facilities under one management authority under a single MOU. For example, if there are four county jails, all under a regional jail authority, SSA prefers to negotiate one MOU with the regional jail authority that covers all four facilities.

Before beginning to negotiate an agreement, contact the RO Enumeration Specialist to confirm the appropriate level manager for the negotiations. RO personnel are also available to participate in negotiations, when practicable. The RO Enumeration Specialist reviews the MOU before submitting it to the RC for signature.