Cooperative Research and Development Agreement(CRADA)
A partnership agreement between a government laboratory and private entity to collaborate on research and development without exchanging funds.
Overview
A Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) is a partnership mechanism authorized by the Federal Technology Transfer Act that enables federal laboratories to collaborate with private companies, universities, or other organizations on research and development. Notably, CRADAs do not involve the exchange of government funds to the partner—each party contributes its own resources.
Why It Matters in GovCon
CRADAs offer a unique path to work with government laboratories outside the traditional procurement process. Companies can access government facilities, equipment, and expertise while retaining intellectual property rights to inventions made under the agreement. Successful CRADAs can also position firms for future procurement opportunities.
Key Details
- No Funds Exchange: The government does not pay the private partner; instead, both parties contribute personnel, equipment, or materials.
- IP Protection: Partners may negotiate exclusive or non-exclusive licenses to inventions arising from the collaboration.
- Data Protection: CRADA information provided by partners can be protected from public disclosure for up to five years.
- Lab Participation: Over 300 federal laboratories across agencies like DoD, DOE, and NIH actively participate in CRADAs.
- Authority: Authorized under 15 U.S.C. § 3710a as part of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act as amended.
Related Terms
- Technology Transfer
- Federal Laboratory
- Other Transaction Authority (OTA)
- Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
More Agencies Terms
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