Our research underscores the importance of contingency theory of network formation. Previous research provided some theoretical foundation for contingency management (McGuire 2002; Mintzberg 1979; Raab 2002; Simon 1981). Contingency theory suggests that there is an identifiable and predictable logic to organizational management. Organizations should respond to their environment and vary the internal coordination between and within parts of the organizations according to their need and the environments. As Simon (1981) stated, it is the goal that internal systems are properly designed to fit outer environments. Our research supports Simon’s (1981) thesis that public administrators have to ‘‘deliberately select action appropriate to their goal achievement within the context of a given ... environment’’ (p. 52). Notwithstanding, this current study helps extend the thesis of contingency logic from organization-level management to the formation of networks, providing guidance on how and under what circumstances public managers allocate their efforts in forging partnerships for effectuating program outcomes.