Understanding Federally Funded Research and Development Centers: A Legal Overview
Definition & Meaning
Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) are organizations that conduct research and development activities under a broad charter from government agencies. These centers are primarily funded by the government, receiving at least seventy percent of their financial support from federal sources. FFRDCs are characterized by:
- A long-term relationship with the government.
- Facilities that are mostly owned or funded by the government.
- Access to government data, employees, and facilities that exceed what is typically available in standard contracts.
Legal Use & context
FFRDCs play a crucial role in various legal contexts, particularly in federal contracting and procurement. They are often involved in:
- Conducting research that informs public policy.
- Developing technologies for national defense and security.
- Providing expert analysis and support to government agencies.
Users may encounter FFRDCs in legal documents related to government contracts, grants, and research agreements. US Legal Forms offers templates that can assist in navigating these legal processes.
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
One example of an FFRDC is the Los Alamos National Laboratory, which conducts research for the Department of Energy. This center focuses on national security and scientific research.
Another example is the MITRE Corporation, which provides technical expertise to various federal agencies, including the Department of Defense. (hypothetical example)