[Decision Concerning Navy Payment of Fees in Support of Mutual Aid Fire Protection Agreement]

The Navy requested an advance decision concerning whether it should pay fees to support a mutual aid fire protection agreement between it and participating municipal fire departments. GAO noted that the: (1) agreement provided for assistance from participating municipalities whenever a fire or other disaster was too large for the local fire department to handle; and (2) municipal organization created the fund to train personnel and purchase special equipment to respond to incidents involving hazardous substances. GAO held that the Navy had the authority to enter into the mutual aid agreement with the local fire department to protect federal property against fires and related disasters. Accordingly, the Navy should pay the fees.