Cooperative agreements and contracts

(a) Definition of eligible entity In this section, the term eligible entity means— (1) a State; (2) an Indian Tribe; (3) a county or municipal government; (4) a fire district; (5) a nongovernmental organization; and (6) a private entity. (b) Authorization The Secretary concerned may enter into a cooperative agreement or contract with an eligible entity to authorize the eligible entity to coordinate, plan, or conduct a prescribed fire on Federal land in accordance with other applicable laws, regulations, and land management plans. (c) Subcontracts The Secretary concerned may authorize a State, an Indian Tribe, or a county that enters into a cooperative agreement or contract under subsection (b) to enter into a subcontract to conduct a prescribed fire on Federal land pursuant to that cooperative agreement or contract, subject to any other terms and conditions that the Secretary concerned determines to be appropriate. (d) Long-Term contracts A cooperative agreement or contract with an eligible entity under subsection (b) may authorize the eligible entity to conduct a series of prescribed fires on Federal land for a period of not longer than 10 years.