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Collaborating with EPA through the Federal Technology Transfer Act

Under the Federal Technology Transfer Act (FTTA), EPA can collaborate with external parties on research projects, and share research materials. These collaborations can lead to improved research outcomes, and often, the creation of new intellectual property. Intellectual property refers to ideas of the mind, such as inventions. This intellectual property can be protected under a patent.

Under FTTA, EPA can also protect confidential business information that is provided to us by research partners.

Research Partnerships with EPA through FTTA Ms. Amy Zhao and Dr. Endalkachew Sahle-Demessie withdraw sample material to test effects of ultraviolet light and zero valent iron on the perchlorate concentration in water.

EPA looks to partner with the following:

You don’t have to be located near our laboratories to partner with EPA.

FTTA program partners benefit from cooperative research and development agreements (CRADAs) by utilizing EPA's resources and expertise 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. These include:

Types of FTTA Partnerships

Cooperative research and development agreements (CRADAs): CRADAs allow for collaborative research among partners, and may involve the development or enhancement of intellectual property. New intellectual property that is developed under a CRADA can be protected, used by CRADA partners, and licensed. EPA can share a variety of in-kind resources, such as facilities, researchers’ time, and expertise. EPA cannot provide any direct funding to CRADA partners, but can accept funding toward the research from CRADA partners.

Materials Transfer Agreements (MTAs): MTAs provide a one-way transfer of research materials.

Materials CRADAs (MCRADAs): MCRADAs are a combination of an MTA and a CRADA. They involve a transfer of research materials, some collaborative research, and last for a year.
