[sanddrag]

I've always thought it would be fun to at least try out. I can definitely see the benefits. For example it is usually much easier to machine 4 of one part than 2 ea. of 2 different parts. And you could even set it up so one team handles the whole frame and drivetrain and the other team handles all the mechanisms and that way neither team has to worry about the other thing much.

For starting one up, finding the right team to collaborate with is the first key. Not every team is suitable for the job, even if they may want to do it. Next, you have to "sell" them on the idea. I would start with something like "You know, last year our robots were so similar. We have a lot of the same ideas. I bet we could have saved some time during the build period if we put or resources together and split up the work. You've heard of those teams who get together and build identical robots right? See, we could handle the drivetrain, and you could build the arm, and all we'd have to do is just build twice the quantity of parts, but each team wouldn't have to design and set up so many different individuial parts. Just think of the time we could save! And it be such a great team building experience too getting the interaction with memebers of another team." And then see what the other team replies.

I see two ways of approaching it. Kind of casually introducing the idea in face to face discussion. Or, writing up a very flattering letter/email basically saying "We have all these crazy machines and resources and stuff and you have all these crazy design ideas and we'd like to join together with you in creating a masterpiece!"

Again, I've never really worked as part of a collaboration in FRC so I don't know as well as someone who has, but at least that's how I'd get one going.

You should also be prepared to answer all the questions this team is going to have
Which team does what?
How often will joint meetings be needed?
What if we get behind schedule?
How does the financial apsect work?
Who has authoritative power over designs?
etc etc