The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (PL 95-910) establishes requirements for State participation in remedial activities undertaken by the Federal government. Specifically, the Act requires States to enter into a 'contract or cooperative agreement' with the President (EPA, as the responsible agency) prior to undertaking any remedial action. These required agreements provide a mechanism for State participation in the remedial action and are used to obtain the assurances required in the Act. Policies and procedures governing the development, execution and administration of these agreements are explained in this document. The manual itself has been designed to function as a handbook for the use of staff who deal with remedial response agreements. It summarizes, in one central reference, agency regulations, directives, and procedures which apply to such agreements.