An IPA is an assignment made possible through the Intergovernmental Personnel Act. it allows a university faculty member to participate in an exchange style program in a federal agency to lend their scholarly expertise to the government for a period of time, while also maintaining university employment. An IPA typically lasts two years, but cannot exceed four.

IPAs allow faculty the opportunity to experience federal government life and contribute to the nation without having to relinquish their university position. IPA’s help faculty build recognition for their expertise and enhance the presence of Purdue University in the nation’s Capitol, while maintaining university employment and benefits.

Since 2014, 55 IPA awards have been given to 34 different faculty. These assignments vary widely, including assignments with DARPA, NASA, the U.S. State Department, the U.S. Military Academy, Department of Veterans Affairs, and more.

Yes. A detail IPA (the most common IPA structure) is temporary and allows faculty to return to your university position once completed. Employment and benefits will be uninterrupted.

While rare, an IPA can occasionally be an “appointed” position rather than the more common detail IPA assignment. This means faculty are no longer paid by Purdue, and are instead salaried through their federal agency with the option to switch to federal benefits during the assignment. Post-appointed IPA, Purdue status is reinstated.

Purdue employees who temporarily become federal employees become subject to several representation and conflict of interest restrictions. These include 18 USC 207– which prohibits employees from representing Purdue in official communications and/or advocacy, and prohibits IPA’s from also serving as Principal Investigators in a way that would represent Purdue’s interests in interacting with a federal agency; as well as 18 USC 208– meaning employees must recuse themselves from roles or decision-making that would have a financial benefit to themselves or Purdue to avoid a conflict of interest.

IPA contractual agreements are managed through Sponsored Programs Services. Their staff can provide detailed assistance, as well as answer questions about the procedural steps of becoming an IPA.

In addition, the National Science Foundation provides answers to some of the broader questions you may have about what an Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) Assignment entails. Learn more here.

IPAs present a unique opportunity for awareness and growth of individual faculty expertise while fostering relationships with potential partners for the academic unit.

Below is a recordinging of the IPA Informational Session for Deans & Department Heads that took place at Purdue on Oct. 29th, 2024:

Purdue’s support of IPAs doesn’t stop at faculty member participation. Institutional alternatives and support are available for instructional needs to minimize the impact of a faculty member on an IPA assignment.

One major benefit of faculty members participating in an IPA assignment is building federal agency partnerships and cultivating relationships. Faculty experts can provide testimonials regarding their experience and serve on advisory boards, and past IPAs can become advocates and connections for future IPAs.