XL EagleMOA (Memorandum of Agreement)
MOA stands for Memorandum of Agreement. A memorandum of agreement is a written document setting out specific commitments between parties, such as who provides which resources, who pays for what, and how long the arrangement lasts. It is usually more specific than an MOU.
Government agencies often use MOAs with each other or with outside partners, sometimes to support transfers of funds or shared use of facilities. Whether an MOA is binding depends on its terms and on the legal authority behind it.
Why it matters to a small contractor
You may see MOAs as background in solicitations, for example an agency doing work on another agency's property. They can explain who your real customer is, who controls site access, and who inspects your work.
Example
A contractor working at a building shared by two agencies learns from the solicitation that an MOA gives one agency responsibility for site access. They coordinate badge requests with that agency, not the one paying the contract.
MOA: common questions
What is the difference between an MOU and an MOA?
Both describe a relationship. An MOA usually sets more specific commitments, such as resources and responsibilities, while an MOU often records general intent.
Can an MOA replace a contract?
Not when the government is buying goods or services from a business. That requires a contract under the FAR.
Want the contract without the paperwork? Send XL Eagle your price on an open government job. We write and submit the bid under our registrations, free to you. Find open jobs →