The IPA agreement is the mechanism used for securing professional and technical services from an affiliate of the VA Houston. Each proposed assignment (IPA) should be carefully examined to ensure that it is for sound public purposes and furthers the goals and objectives of the participating organizations. Assignments arranged to meet the personal interest of employees, to circumvent personnel ceilings or to avoid unpleasant personnel decisions are contrary to the spirit and interest of the mobility assignment program.

Eligibility

• Non-VA employees must be employed in a paid position by their organization for at least 90 days to be eligible for an IPA assignment.
• Employees who hold an H1B- Visa and Students are not eligible for IPA agreements.
• An employee that has served four continuous years without a break, cannot be assigned to another IPA without a 12-month return to his/her regular employer. 

Terms and Conditions

• IPA agreements may be for part-time or full-time positions.
• IPAs are intended for skilled personnel only. IPAs cannot be established for administrative staff, principal investigators, or clinical positions. 
• Costs of the IPA are restricted to basic pay and fringe benefits. The VA is not authorized to issue reimbursement for indirect or administrative costs associated with the assignment. 
• These agreements are established to coincide with the VA Federal Fiscal Year (Oct. 1-Sept. 30) and the principal investigator's funding.
• An IPA may be terminated at any time at the option of the Federal or non-Federal government. A written notice from the PI must be provided to all parties involved. The Research Finance Office will work with your affiliate administrator to establish or terminate your IPA agreement.