The Federal CIP was established by Executive Order 13162 on July 10, 2000, to attract men and women to the Federal workforce who have diverse professional experiences, academic training, and competencies, and to prepare them for careers in public service. By drawing individuals with diverse backgrounds, the CIP provides a continuing source of trained men and women to meet the future challenges of public service. To view the CIP rules and regulations, outlining the authority, policies and administration: Executive Order. The Office of Personnel Management Federal Register Notice defines the Program Policy for the CIP.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)prohibits discrimination in its programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation and marital or familial status.(Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs). Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the FAS Civil Rights Staff at (202)720-7233 (voice) or (202)720-1786 (TDD).