Denver Intergovernmental Agreements Guide
This guide explains the process for intergovernmental shared services agreements in Denver, Colorado, including legal authority, negotiation steps, approvals, enforcement, and practical next steps for municipal staff and partner agencies. It covers typical timelines, required approvals within City government, the role of the City Attorney and Finance, documentation standards, and how to submit and track agreements. Use this page to find official sources, required forms if published, and the normal review and signature workflow for shared services or cooperative agreements between Denver and other public entities.
Legal Basis and Who Oversees Agreements
Denver executes intergovernmental agreements under its municipal authority and applicable Colorado law. Official consolidated code text for Denver is available via the Denver Revised Municipal Code host Municipal Code - Denver[1]. Policy and execution guidance, including review by the Office of the City Attorney, is published on Denver government pages for contracts and legal review Office of the City Attorney - Contracts[2]. Where a specific form, fee, or penalty is not listed on those pages, the guide notes "not specified on the cited page."
Typical Process Steps
- Initiation: department identifies need for shared services and drafts a scope and purpose statement.
- Preparation: legal review and risk assessment by the City Attorney and relevant department.
- Negotiation: terms, duration, liability, cost-sharing, and data/privacy provisions agreed with partner agency.
- Approval: departmental sign-off, finance review, and executive or Council approval if required by charter or code.
- Execution: authorized official signs and copies filed with contracting office and department records.
Penalties & Enforcement
Penalties and enforcement for breaches of intergovernmental shared services agreements in Denver depend on the agreement terms and any controlling municipal code or statute. Monetary fines or penalties are contract remedies rather than set municipal bylaw fines unless a specific ordinance applies; specific penalty amounts are often set in the executed agreement and may be absent from public guidance pages. Where the municipal code or departmental guidance sets administrative penalties, those figures will appear on the cited official pages; if not present, they are "not specified on the cited page." For the primary code host and contract guidance see the cited official sources below.[1][2]
Escalation and remedies typically follow these patterns:
- Initial notice and cure period: written notice with a fixed period to remedy failure (term often specified in the agreement).
- Contract damages or cost recovery: the agreement may allow recovery of direct costs or liquidated damages if negotiated.
- Termination for cause: suspension or termination of services and potential reprocurement.
- Court action or arbitration: where dispute resolution clauses require litigation or arbitration.
Applications & Forms
Some departments use internal cover sheets or template agreement forms; where a public form or application exists it is published on the department or contracting office page. If no public template is posted, then "not specified on the cited page." For templates and submission instructions, contact the contracting office listed in Resources below.
Common Compliance Items and Typical Violations
- Missing signatures or lacking required departmental approvals.
- Failure to meet insurance or indemnity requirements.
- Missed reporting deadlines or failure to provide agreed deliverables.
- Nonpayment or disputed cost-sharing obligations.
Action Steps
- Draft a clear scope, schedule, and cost allocation before legal review.
- Contact the City Attorney contracting office for early review to identify required clauses.
- Allow adequate review time: submit drafts at least 4 to 6 weeks before desired start.
FAQ
- Who approves intergovernmental shared services agreements for Denver?
- Department heads and the Office of the City Attorney handle review; Council approval may be required depending on charter or code limitations.
- Are there standard Denver templates for these agreements?
- Some departments use templates; the contracting office or City Attorney provides templates when available, otherwise templates are prepared per case.
- What happens if a partner fails to perform?
- Remedies are governed by the agreement and can include notice to cure, damages, suspension, or termination; specific penalties depend on contract language.
How-To
- Identify participating entities and draft a one-page scope and objectives statement.
- Submit the draft to the Office of the City Attorney and Finance for legal and fiscal review.
- Negotiate terms with partner agency, including duration, indemnity, and cost allocation.
- Obtain required departmental approvals and, if necessary, Council authorization.
- Execute with authorized signatures, file with contracting office, and publish or record as required.
Key Takeaways
- Contracts govern remedies; municipal code provides the authority to enter agreements.
- Start legal and finance review early to avoid delays.
Help and Support / Resources
- Denver Revised Municipal Code (official host)
- Office of the City Attorney - Contracts & Legal Review
- Denver Finance - Contracting & Purchasing