TO: ALL WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS AMATEURS
ALL NON-WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS AMATERUS
FROM: KEN HARRIS WA8LLM
WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS INCORPORATED
WOOD COUNTY BULLETIN NR 12.39 DATE: September 23, 2012
SUBJECT: WHAT IS A MOU?
An MOU is the acronym for "Memorandum Of Understanding". It is a written agreement between two groups or organizations, known as parties, which tells each other's party what they expect, or what they can provide.
An MOU is an instrument of a less formal kind of contract. An MOU can often be dissolved by either party. An MOU isn't like a written contract, where it can only be dissolved by an agreement of both parties
Most MOUs are written with the understanding that the other party will provide some kind of service, IF, it is available. It is not a requirement to provide the service if it's not available. The most important reason for an MOU is to have a formal agreement in place, and some kind of service is needed. With an MOU, additional steps to request a service can be eliminated, saving a lot of time and explanation.
MOUs are not as binding as written contracts. An organization should have MOUs with all other agencies which they may be working with.
Ken Harris WA8LLM
WCEC
Wood County WV