COMDTINST 5216.18A governs the Coast Guard’s policy for using Memoranda of Understanding and Memoranda of Agreement.
View COMDTINST 5216.18A on armypubs.army.mil
It explains distinctions between MOUs and MOAs, statutory authority, limitations, required content, review, modification, funding, disputes, and termination. It requires legal office review before Coast Guard approval and signature and sets format and agreement provisions.
Applies to: The Parties to an MOU/MOA covered by this Instruction are the United States Coast Guard and one or more governmental or private entities, if specifically authorized by law.
A unit’s servicing legal office (SLO) must review each MOU/MOA prior to final approval and signature by the Coast Guard. (paragraph 7)
Every MOU/MOA must include references indicating that the Coast Guard has statutory authority to enter into the agreement with the named Party or Parties, and to conduct the underlying activity.
Neither this Instruction nor any MOU/MOA may be used as the sole legal authority or means to acquire or procure goods or services, exchange funds or property, or transfer or assign personnel.
An MOU/MOA is not the appropriate method for establishing shared responsibilities or understanding between two Coast Guard units.
MOU/MOAs should be written in 12 point, Times New Roman font and must include page numbers, centered in the lower footer in the same pitch and font as the body text.