The NIST Technology Partnerships Office (TPO) recognizes the importance of collaboration in translating early-stage discoveries to outside entities to improve our quality of life and enhance U.S. economic competitiveness. In support of this goal, the TPO establishes formal collaborative agreements with industry, academic institutions, and non-profit organizations to facilitate co-development of technologies through the exchange and development of research materials and knowledge.

Non-disclosure Agreements (NDA)

• To facilitate the transfer of confidential knowledge to NIST

Material Transfer Agreements (MTA)

• For the exchange of research materials into or out of NIST

Software Transfer Agreements (STA)

• For the exchange of software programs for non-commercial use

Data Transfer Agreements (DTA)

• For the exchange of research data into or out of NIST

Research Collaboration Agreements (RCA)

• For collaborative research between NIST and companies, universities, state/local governments, other Federal labs, and non-profit organizations
• May include the terms of an NDA and MTA to permit a two-way exchange of materials and information, and assumes exchange of results will occur between the parties
• Simplified research plan
• Exchange of new material created during the collaboration is addressed
• No funding from the outside party allowed
• No license option to NIST’s interest in jointly owned IP invented during the project
• Rights to foreground IP are not addressed

Collaborative Research and Development Agreements (CRADA)

• Permits research between NIST and companies, universities, state/local governments, other Federal labs, and non-profit organizations
• NIST may receive supporting funds or in-kind contributions
• NIST may provide confidentiality of research results for up to five years
• Collaborator may receive exclusive option to license any inventions developed by NIST
• Collaborator may receive access to unique reagents and resources
• Collaborator may receive access to scientific and regulatory expertise
• Collaborator may receive access to Federal lab