What is a CRADA?

This is a special type of government award. It is not a contract, nor a financial assistance agreement (grant or cooperative agreement). Thus, it is not limited to the normal government contract clauses and there is much greater flexibility in negotiating contract terms.

A CRADA is a special agreement authorized by the Technology Transfer Act of 1986 to allow federal laboratories to do cooperative research. The Act authorized the laboratory directors to enter into these agreements and gave them the authority to negotiate licenses and/or waive rights for government-owned inventions arising from the agreement. This was important because it allowed large businesses to obtain rights to government inventions. The University doesn’t have this problem because the government lets universities retain all rights to inventions. (The patent clause in university contracts contains Alternate IV.)

What is the important thing to remember about CRADAs?

No federal money can be provided. The government can provide personnel, facilities, and other contributions, but no money.

What should you do when you see a CRADA?

Since these agreements are so different, you should make sure you coordinate reviews with Carol Roberson, Research Division, Special Asstistant for Contract Affairs. Make sure the PI knows that no federal funds can come to the University under a CRADA.