Army-Community Partnership Initiative
“Shared Problems. Shared Solutions.”
We care about all the communities where we live, work and play.
The Army-Community Partnership Initiative is a pilot program co-sponsored by the Army
Intergovernmental Support Agreements (IGSA) Program and the Northern Virginia Regional
Commission (NVRC). The IGSA Program works to develop collaborations between Army installations
and local and state government agencies to mutually reduce operating and service costs, manage
risk, and support the Army mission. NVRC recently established the Northern Virginia Regional
Community, Military, and Federal Facility Alliance to foster greater cooperation between NVRC
constituents and Federal agencies in the NVRC region. Budget challenges at all levels of
government require new approaches and new paradigms of partnerships. The Army CommunityPartnership Initiative seeks to provide guidance and support to installation and community leaders
in the Northern Virginia region as they develop, prioritize, and implement shared services.
Process
Overview
This initiative is focused around a proven approach for promulgating and
exploring mutually beneficial partnerships between military installations, local
and state government, and the private sector (including nonprofit organizations).
The process provides tools and techniques for developing a shared
understanding of needs, challenges, and values created through partnership.
The process addresses both the technical and social challenges presented by
partnering, assembling key decision makers and subject matter experts to create
a sense of ownership in the outcomes.
The Army-Community Partnership Initiative process consists of four (4) meetings
including a two-hour kick-off/orientation meeting, two half-day planning
workshops, and a one-half to day-long Final Planning Meeting. Smaller
workgroup meetings occur between the larger meetings to address specific
partnership opportunities. An After Action Report serves to document and track
results and provide a springboard for future partnership efforts.
1
Kickoff/Orientation
Meeting
“The Art of the
Possible”
The Kick-off Meeting (KOM) provides participants with a common frame of
reference and language to understand the need and the process. Key
stakeholders are identified. Participants are introduced to the process and
share thoughts on the needs of their respective organizations. They are also
briefed on similar initiatives and the results produced for both the military and
their partners from around the country. A Core Group of senior staff provide
planning and support for all meetings.
Initial Planning
Meeting/
“Ideas
Workshop”
The Initial Planning Meeting (IPM), known as the “Ideas Workshop,” gives primary
partners an opportunity to provide a profile of each organization’s mission and
activities, and express specific needs and partnership capacities. Brainstorming
teams identify potential partnership opportunities based upon partners’ profiles,
while a Leadership Committee work group discusses how to create a repeatable
and sustainable regional partnership process.
Mid Planning/
Gap Analysis
Meeting
At the Mid Planning/Gap Analysis Meeting partners will share progress to date
and identify data needs to assess each opportunity. Detailed statements of need
for resources, subject matter expertise, legal and policy opinions will help Work
Groups focus and refine their work. Post-GAP Work Groups refine the factors of
each opportunity and seek the support needed to prepare them for decisions.
2
Final Planning
Meeting/
“Realities and
Agreements
Workshop”
During the Final Planning Meeting (FPM), known as the “Realities and
Agreements Workshop,” partners discuss the details of each high potential
opportunity, including tools and actions required for implementation. Where
possible, agreements are reached either in principle or fact. As needed, points
of contact are tasked, tools and requirements are identified, and timelines are
established to bring additional opportunities to fruition. Leaders also discuss
and set the framework for long-term regional partnership efforts. After the FPM,
the Core Group finalizes an After Action Report and convenes future partnership
process meetings.
3