(a)  The department shall develop uniform cooperative agreement formats containing standardized agreement language. Each uniform format shall be developed with the participation of the affected parties. The purpose of the uniform formats shall be to consolidate and simplify administrative and programmatic requirements, maintain systemwide consistency, develop procedures that promote ease of use by clients, streamline processes, eliminate unnecessary paperwork, and ensure fiscal accountability. Uniform formats shall be outcome oriented and conducive to the business and operational needs of all parties to the extent practical.

(b)  For purposes of this section “standardized agreement language” means language that constitutes terms and conditions of performance necessitated by sound contract management and compliance practices, including, but not limited to, payment and invoicing systems and procedures, record management requirements, and programmatic reporting requirements. Excluded from this definition are scopes of work, line item budgets, funding related provisions, preprinted generic exhibits, and cancellation or amendment clauses.

(c)  The department may form working groups including representatives of all affected parties to implement this section.

(d)  After finalization of uniform cooperative agreement formats, no unilateral change to standardized agreement language may be implemented without making the changes available for public comment. These changes include changes caused by programmatic decisions, control agency requirements, and administrative needs.

(e)  Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent or delay changes necessitated by state or federal statute or regulations.

(Added by Stats. 1993, Ch. 1033, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1994.)