Action Steps for a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA)
An outline of the steps that DOE laboratories and industry partners fulfill when undertaking projects together.
| Step | National Laboratory | Both | Industry Partner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Researchers discuss ideas, identify mutual interest, draft scope of work | ||
| 2 | Determine contract considerations | Identify corporate support | |
| 3 | Develop Joint Work Statement (JWS). Send draft CRADA to Industry Partner |
Draft Statement of Work w/milestones, etc. | |
| 4 | Submit JWS to DOE Operations Office | Review draft CRADA | |
| 5 | DOE Operations Office approval of JWS | Review of CRADA documents and complete negotiations | |
| 6 | Develop and distribute final CRADA | Review final CRADA | |
| 7 | Obtain Laboratory, DOE Operations, and DOE HQ approval (if needed) of CRADA | Approve final CRADA | |
| 8 | Execute CRADA |
Keys to Successful Implementations
- Laboratory and industry principal investigators responsible for the technical effort communicate early.
- Laboratory and industry technology transfer staff responsible for coordinating overall activity communicate early.
- All parties agree on funding levels and sources before starting the CRADA process.
- Negotiations deal with several important factors including (1) ownership and intellectual property, (2) product liability and indemnification and hold harmless clauses, (3) U.S. manufacture and competitiveness.
Source: Adapted from material prepared by Oak Ridge National Laboratory