Pioneering work on competencies provided evidence that traits, motives, and self-concepts predict success in a particular job context. Research furthered this line of investigation by identifying competencies that apply across jobs. Together, these competency studies introduced a question that endures today: "Are competencies situational or universal?" This research examines this question in the context of collaborative competencies. Given the contemporary emphasis on working effectively across boundaries, this state-level investigation identifies differentiating competencies and behavioral indicators that both support and expand existing federal-level research findings on collaborative competencies. This study’s answer to the enduring question is yes: There are universal collaborative competency dimensions and context matters in terms of application and interpretation.