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PHMSA Inter-Agency Memoranda of Understanding

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is a written agreement that clarifies responsibilities between two or more organizations that share services, clients, or other common associations. An MOU creates a clear understanding of each party's purpose and of their commitments. The document will set out expectations for a series of predetermined responses should certain criteria be either intentionally or unintentionally breach the MOU's original purpose and commitments.

An MOU is not a legally binding document. It is the written reflection of an understanding between two parties, developed through negotiation and mutual agreement. An MOU is finalized through acceptance of the MOU, and approved by the agency representatives who show approval by signing the MOU.

Over the years, PHMSA has entered into a variety of MOUs in areas where its statutory authority is shared or overlapped by other government agencies.  PHMSA currently shares the following MOUs: