MASTER AGREEMENT INTRODUCTION

The new right-of-way regulations outline the procedures for processing applications and monitoring grants under a Master Agreement. A Master Agreement is a negotiated agreement between an applicant and the BLM covering the processing and monitoring of multiple applications and grants within a defined geographic area. Master Agreements can be utilized for actions authorized pursuant to Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) and Mineral Leasing Act (MLA).

The National Business Center has created the 5103 subactivity and developed an account numbering system specifically for Master Agreements. Unique project numbers have been assigned to each state e.g., F001 for Nevada, A001 for Arizona etc. Additionally, blocks of unique subproject numbers (e.g., AA00, AA01 etc.) are reserved for use with each unique project number.

The Collections and Billings System (CBS) has been modified to allow for the tracking of cost recovery funds for Master Agreements. The process for tracking deposits and expenditures for Master Agreement rights-of-way is similar to the process currently in use for major category rights-of-way (5101 subactivity).

Field offices will need to closely coordinate with NBC (BC-612) in order to establish the appropriate accounts for tracking cost recovery deposits and expenditures. Specific guidance for establishing and managing accounts for Master Agreements will be outlined in a future instruction memorandum.

Field offices should not confuse the deposit of cost recovery funds with the deposit of right-of-way rental. The deposit of rental in CBS for Master Agreement rights-of-way remains unchanged from current procedures.

All field office personnel who charge time to a Master Agreement right-of-way must document their expenditures on a Reimbursable Project Log (Form 1323-1). This is the same process which is currently being used for major category rights-of-way.

Guidance in the form of instruction memoranda will be forthcoming to address changes to CBS, appropriate use of Program Elements, and changes to LR2000 and the Alaska Land Information System (ALIS).