This Agreement is made by and between the National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, hereinafter called the "Agency" and the American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO, Local 2419, hereinafter referred to as the "Union," and collectively referred to as the "Parties." It is the intent and purpose of both Parties to this Agreement to promote and improve the efficient administration of the National Institutes of Health and the major role it plays in the advancement of biomedical research and the nation's health, and the well-being of employees within the meaning of Title VII of the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, PL, 95-454. To further establish a basic understanding relative to personnel policies, practices and conditions affecting their employment and to provide a means for amicable discussion and resolution of matters between the Parties at the National Institutes of Health. Therefore the Parties do hereby agree to:

A. Actively engage each other in the resolution of issues in a timely and professional manner;

B. Recognize and respect the needs of the other party;

C. Consider opportunities to improve the relationship between the Parties; and

D. Recognize that employees are a valuable resource.

This agreement, and any such supplemental agreements thereto, shall constitute a collective bargaining agreement between the parties.