definite articles - Use of 'the’ in front of acronyms

I tend to not use the word ‘the’ in front of acronyms, but I see this used in documents more and more.

REIP provides regional outreach services to Northeastern Ontario.

or

The REIP provides regional outreach services to Northeastern Ontario.

If the word ‘program’ is added after REIP, I would use ‘the.’

Which is correct?