FLC Federal Technology Transfer Mechanisms

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Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3712)
Federal Technology Transfer Act (P.L. 99-502)

Personnel Exchange Programs (PEX) are arrangements allowing government or laboratory staff to work in industry facilities, and industry personnel to work in government laboratories and facilities to enhance technical capacities and support research in specific areas.

PEX are usually reached in accord with other technology transfer agreements and must conform to the terms of other relevant agreements negotiated between parties. These agreements normally extend for a one-year term, but can be renewed.

Types of PEXs vary from Industrial Staff Member Agreement to Industrial Assignment Agreement to Industrial Fellow Agreement.

Industrial Staff Member Agreement: Company staff member works at the laboratory.
- Company pays the cost of the staff member assigned to the laboratory (salary and benefits).
- The laboratory provides office space, laboratory, and any support costs, works part-time at a company in a liaison capacity.
Industrial Assignment Agreement: Laboratory staff member works at a company.
- Company pays the costs of the laboratory staff member assigned to the company site.
- Company provides office space, laboratory and associated support costs.
Industrial Fellow Agreement: Laboratory staff member works part-time at a company in a liaison capacity at a company.
- Company pays 50% of the laboratory staff member's direct salary.
- Company provides office space, laboratory and associated support costs.
These agreements normally extend for a one-year term, but can be renewed.

Costs are borne by the organization sending the personnel.

Intellectual property arrangements can be addressed in exchange agreements.

Personnel Exchange Agreements frequently are reached in accord with other technology transfer agreements and must conform to the terms of other relevant agreements negotiated between parties.