FLC Federal Technology Transfer Mechanisms

Site Navigation:

Links and Resources

A Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) is the primary tool linking government and industry researchers. This program, authorized under the Federal Technology Transfer Act of 1986, allows federal laboratories and businesses to form commercial partnerships that help move new technologies into the marketplace through commercialization.

Agricultural Research Service (ARS): The cooperating firm provides the resources needed to develop and commercialize a new product, process or service. The firm may fund additional costs to ARS for work done under the agreement as well as contribute other resources such as personnel or equipment.The objective of the CRADA must be related to the ARS mission.
Forest Service (FS): For the Forest Service, a CRADA is defined as funding from an outside entity to perform research. The Forest Service seeks to transfer federally owned or originated technology to state and local governments and to the private sector. The Forest Service may not transfer funding to non-federal parties.

ARS provides staff, facilities, supplies and other in-kind contributions. Both parties conduct a portion of the work.A CRADA allows the company the first right to negotiate an exclusive license to any patented inventions that emerge from the agreement.