Which instrument is used to formalize pre-arranged coordination between agencies?

• A. Letter of Agreement
• B. Memorandum of Understanding
• C. Interagency Agreement
• D. Standard Operating Procedure

Answer: (A)

When agencies plan to work together in advance, the document that formalizes that arrangement is a Letter of Agreement. It creates a formal, written understanding that specifies who will do what, for what purpose, and how the coordination will operate. This makes the collaboration official for a defined task or period, establishing clear roles, responsibilities, authorities, and points of contact so everyone knows how to work together.

A Memorandum of Understanding can outline a general intention to collaborate and relationships between parties, but it’s broader and less binding for specific actions. An Interagency Agreement tends to address performance of work or services with particular financial terms and compliance requirements, which makes it heavier and more contract-like. A Standard Operating Procedure focuses on the steps for carrying out routine tasks, typically within an organization, rather than documenting interagency commitments.