Memorandum of Understanding

Between:

USDA - Animal Improvement Programs Laboratory

Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding

National Dairy Genetic Evaluation Program

The National Dairy Genetic Evaluation Program, hereinafter referred to as GEP, is a research program administered by the Animal Improvement Programs Laboratory of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, hereinafter referred to as AIPL, in partnership with the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding, hereinafter referred to as CDCB. GEP Cooperators are organizations, or their designated representatives, whose data are eligible for inclusion in the GEP database.

Objectives:

The objectives of the GEP shall be:

1. To maintain a high standard of integrity in data collection systems providing data for the GEP database.

2. To provide data to AIPL for use in research and education, including the development of effective procedures for estimating the genetic merit of dairy animals.

3. To provide data and summaries of information to research and extension personnel, and to others for educational purposes as appropriate.

4. To improve the genetic merit and production efficiency of U.S. dairy cattle.

5. To enhance the world market competitiveness of the U.S. dairy industry.

Responsibilities:

It is the responsibility of both parties to ensure the integrity of the data submitted by Cooperators, for inclusion in the GEP database, and to maintain the credibility of the GEP by establishing quality standards for data submitted to the GEP.

AIPL shall:

1. Maintain the GEP database.

2. Consult with CDCB regarding quality standards for data submitted to the GEP.

3. Accept data into the GEP database from Cooperators approved by the CDCB.

4. Utilize the GEP database and effective analysis procedures to estimate and periodically publish the genetic merit of dairy animals, and

5. Publish and distribute their research findings.

The CDCB shall:

1. Establish quality standards for data submitted to the GEP in consultation with AIPL.

2. Accept, as Cooperators, organizations that agree to:

.....A. Comply with the quality standards of the GEP;
.....B. Conduct a quality control program to ensure the integrity of the data they submit; and
.....C. Participate in the audit program established by the CDCB;

3. Routinely review the audit program to ensure its effectiveness; and

4. Provide to AIPL a list of Cooperators in compliance with the quality standards of the GEP.

General:

1. The parties hereunto sustain their activities in support of GEP from their own funds contingent upon availability of funds from which expenditures legally are made.

2. This Memorandum of Understanding becomes effective upon date of final signature and shall continue in effect indefinitely.

3. This Memorandum of Understanding supersedes all previous memoranda or other agreements concerning the program among or between the USDA-AIPL and Cooperators.

4. This Memorandum of Understanding may be terminated by either party hereto or revised by agreement of the parties at the request of either party hereto. Notice of termination and requests for revision shall be in writing and submitted to the other party not less than six (6) months in advance of the effective date of termination or revision.