National Interagency Cooperation and Reform: Building Effective Performance & Exercise of Power

Interagency collaboration among federal agencies with overlapping jurisdictions and shared responsibilities is not a new phenomenon. Attempts to foster co-operation among agencies, reduce their number in particular policy areas, or clarify the division of labour among them date to the early days of the republic. Such arrangements are increasing in the contemporary era in number, prominence, and proposals across virtually all policy areas. This book focuses primarily on analysing key issues that Members of Congress may wish to consider in evaluating existing or proposed NSP initiatives, including the fundamental purpose; the concept of integration; the scope of participation; practical modalities for making the program work; the role of centralised oversight; incentive structures for individuals and agencies; recruiting; and congressional oversight.