Laboratory Information:
Office of Science Policy
1200 Pennsylvania Ave.
NW 8104R
Washington, DC 20460
Website: http://www.epa.gov/osp/
Technology Transfer Website: http://www.epa.gov/osp/ftta.htm
Agency/Department: Environmental Protection Agency
Region: Mid-Atlantic
FLC Laboratory Representative:
Ms. Sarah Bauer
Phone: (202) 564-3267
Fax: (202) 565-2911
Email: bauer.sarah@epa.gov
Ms. Kathleen Graham
Phone: (303) 312-6137
Email: Graham.Kathleen@epa.gov
Background/History of the Laboratory:
The Office of Science Policy (OSP) in the
Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Office of Research and
Development (ORD) integrates and communicates scientific information generated by or for ORD's
laboratories and centers, as well as ORD's expert advice on the use of scientific information. EPA and
the
scientific community at large use this information to ensure that EPA's decisions and environmental
policies
are informed by sound science. The EPA seeks opportunities to transfer federal technologies into the
marketplace, and collaborate on environmental research and development projects with outside entities,
such
as industry, consortia, academia, trade associations, and state and local agencies. The Federal Technology
Transfer Act (FTTA) provides a mechanism for these cooperative research and development partnerships.
Through the FTTA program, federal agencies can conduct joint research with non-federal partners and
protect
intellectual property that may be developed. The alliance that is formed through the FTTA program supports
and
improves U.S. competitive positions worldwide, helps remove barriers to collaboration, and encourages
cooperative research and development with the goal of commercialization. EPA FTTA program partners benefit
from cooperative research and development agreements (CRADAs) by tapping into EPA's resources and
knowledge base to conduct joint research and technology commercialization. Other benefits include:
There are also many benefits of cooperative research and
development to the public at large, including:
Mission of the Laboratory:
EPA functions as both a scientific and
regulatory agency in the United States. Research conducted under ORD
provides the basis for the formulation of environmental policies and programs. OSP plays a vital role
by
providing expert advice and evaluation on the use of scientific knowledge and science policy to support
sound
science in the Agency. OSP accomplishes this mission by leading efforts in science integration, coordination
and communication across ORD, and between ORD and the Agency's programs, regions, and external parties.
Science Integration by developing unified ORD positions on the use of science in regulations and policies,
managing the ORD research planning process, and coordinating the implementation of Agency-wide science
policies. Science Coordination by bringing ORD and the ten EPA Regions together to address critical
science
issues, leading the Agency-wide effort to ensure that ORD's research program addresses the Agency's
priorities, and facilitating access to scientists in ORD laboratories and centers for input in agency
regulations
and policies. Science Communication by representing ORD to Tribal, state, and local communities, and
sponsoring external and internal colloquia, workshops, and scientific meetings on topical science issues.
The
unique role of OSP has resulted in an ORD-wide focus on meeting the needs of ORD's internal and external
customers to enhance the use of sound science in the Agency.
Technology Transfer Mechanisms:
- Fellowships
- Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs)
- Grants
- Patents and Licensing
