Memorandum of Understanding Between the U.S. Army Accessions Command and HOSA, Inc.

Mar 12, 2010

I. PARTIES

The Parties to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) are the U.S. Army Accessions Command (USAAC) and HOSA, Inc. (Health Occupations Students of America).

II. PURPOSE

The purpose of the MOU is to provide the cooperative framework for the Parties to increase collaboration in supporting the Nation’s young people in developing the skills and leadership qualities necessary for success in health care-focused careers and beyond. Specific areas of focus that have been identified as fruitful for potential collaboration include: building a comprehensive understanding of career choices among HOSA members, including the opportunities and benefits of health care careers in the U.S. Army; expanded career exploration/assessment and test preparation resources for educators and students; leadership development; and improving the health and fitness of students.
 
III. OBJECTIVES

A.  The objectives of the Parties are to identify productive ways to share the educational and subject matter expert resources of the Army with health science teachers, HOSA advisors and students; to emphasize education, training and leadership as pathways to success (via Army service or other post-secondary options); to support USAAC in meeting its strategic vision and goals; to support HOSA in meeting its commitment to developing the knowledge, skills and leadership qualities of future health professionals.

B.  In accordance with these objectives, the Parties will look for opportunities to increase collaboration beyond the annual HOSA National Leadership Conference, develop additional programming, and heighten awareness of the benefits of Army service and Officership among HOSA students, health science teachers, HOSA advisors and parents via:

1. Expanding visibility of Army career, education and leadership opportunities through the distribution of curriculum or other informative programming that speaks to the multiple health care career specialties within the Army, including but not limited to Army-led leadership programs occurring at existing HOSA events.

2. Distributing information on opportunities offered through Army JROTC/ROTC, and providing student, instructor, advisor and parental introductions to the appropriate U.S. Army representatives or Commands.

3. Distributing information on U.S. Army career planning/assessment and other educational tools and providing student, instructor, advisor and parental introductions to the appropriate U.S. Army representatives or Commands.

4. Expanding visibility of Army ROTC and AMEDD scholarships as avenues for educating the Nation’s future health professionals and addressing critical shortages in nursing and allied health professions.

5. Facilitating introductions and enabling communication between local Army representatives and regional and state HOSA representatives in select Army priority markets.

6. Participation by Army representatives and integration of Army expertise into existing HOSA programs, workshops, seminars, conferences and other leadership training/development initiatives, including programming that addresses fitness and nutrition as essential to overall wellness and future success.

IV. RESPONSIBILITIES

In fulfilling the objectives of this MOU, the Parties agree to participate and to be responsible for the following activities:

USAAC, at its sole and unfettered discretion and without obligation; and consistent with law, regulation, and policy and subject to availability of funds, will:

A. Develop metrics to account for program progress within 60 days of the signing of this agreement and report semi-annually on program success and identify adjustments needed to meet objectives.
B. Meet on a regular and appropriate basis and undertake all efforts required to advance collaboration and progress in the Parties’ shared objectives. 

C. Provide Army subject matter experts at up to four HOSA activities to serve as speakers/discussion leaders who can provide Army informational materials and resources to HOSA representatives at local or state level.

D. Create or provide opportunity for HOSA executive leadership to participate as a subject matter expert in a local U.S. Army community engagement group. 

E. Participate as appropriate in outreach programs, forums, workshops, training, media activities and relevant programs aimed at increasing leadership skills, fostering personal growth and enabling career success in students.

HOSA, Inc., at its sole and unfettered discretion and without obligation, will:

A. Develop metrics to account for program success within 60 days of the signing of this agreement and report semi-annually on program success and identify adjustments needed to meet objectives.

B. Meet on a regular and appropriate basis and undertake all efforts required to advance collaboration and progress in the Parties’ shared objectives. 

C. Create or provide up to four opportunities for Army representatives to inform local or state level HOSA personnel and members about Army education, career opportunities, advanced training, skills and leadership development, including JROTC/ROTC and other pathways to Army Officership (e.g. participation at select HOSA state conventions or other key events, workshops and leadership development activities).

D. Create or provide up to two opportunities for select Brigade Nurse Counselors to meet HOSA leadership and members from their region at the National Leadership Convention or at local chapter activities.

E. Participate, as appropriate, in U.S. Army/USAAC outreach within the broader education community.

V. MUTUAL UNDERSTANDINGS

It is mutually agreed and understood by the Parties that:

A.  This MOU is an agreement of mutual support, and not an enforceable contract at law. It may not be enforced against the other Party by any legal or equitable suit or action. 

B.  This MOU is neither a fiscal nor a funds obligation document. Any endeavor involving reimbursement or contribution of funds or transfer of anything of value, between the Parties to this MOU will be handled in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and procedures. Any contract or agreement for training or other services must fully comply with all applicable requirements for competition.

C.  Nothing in this MOU shall be construed as affording HOSA any preferential treatment, exclusive rights, or privileges. USAAC is prohibited from formally endorsing or appearing to endorse a specific private organization. 

D.  The Parties to this MOU or their designated representatives shall review the MOU annually.  Either Party may withdraw from the agreement upon written notification to the other Party, which notice shall become effective when mailed by United States certified mail, postage prepaid, to that Party’s headquarters address set forth below:

To USAAC:                                                                                 To HOSA, Inc.:

Commander                                                                              National President                                         
U.S. Army Accessions Command                                         HOSA, Inc.         
90 Ingalls Road                                                                         021 Morriss Road                           
Fort Monroe, VA  23651                                                            Flower Mound, TX 75928                     

VI. EFFECTIVE DATE

The Parties have executed this MOU on 12 MARCH 2010.

BENJAMIN C. FREAKLEY                     MICHAEL BRODE                                  VIRGINIA BISHOP
Lieutenant General, U.S Army              HOSA, INC.                                              HOSA, INC.
Commanding                                           National President                                Board of Directors

___________________  ___________________  __________________