NIST Technology Partnerships: NIST Receives Confidential Information

NIST Receives Confidential Information
	Purpose
		Organizations often wish to visit NIST staff to hold technical discussions. NIST welcomes this exchange; but does not accept proprietary information unless absolutely necessary. The receipt of that proprietary information must be approved by NIST management. NIST does recognize that organizations may need to disclose proprietary information in order to have effective technical discussions. In these cases, A NIST Non-disclosure Agreement is used when NIST personnel receive proprietary information from external organizations. The Non-disclosure Agreement defines the treatment of this proprietary information by NIST under terms that are acceptable to NIST and the discloser.

	Procedure
		If a NIST employee and an outside party feel that it is absolutely necessary for non-NIST proprietary information to be disclosed in the absence of a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA), the NIST employee must obtain the approval of his/her management. To do so, s/he obtains a copy of the "Non Disclosure Agreement for Receipt of Proprietary Information by NIST" from the Counsel for NIST and forwards it, along with other relevant information, through his/her management chain for review and approval. If approved, copies of the Agreement are signed by both parties.

	Examples of Use
		Example 1: NEWCO wishes to have a NIST scientist tour its production facilities. NEWCO staff will also be providing an update on their work on a new technique for nondestructively testing composite materials. Example 2: NEWCO personnel have begun early stage proprietary research involving laser catalyzed polymerization. They have identified several potential safety issues and they want to visit a NIST lab to present their findings and concerns. Their presentation will contain proprietary R&D information.

	FAQs
		Q.	Scientific information is traditionally traded freely among researchers. Why is NIST concerned about proprietary information?
		Q.	Do NIST personnel share my proprietary information with NIST colleagues engaged in similar research?

	Sample Form
		The following form is in PDF format and requires *Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print. This software may be downloaded without charge. If Adobe Acrobat Reader is not accessible, you may request a paper copy from the Webmaster. Forms may be downloaded and distributed.
			Nondisclosure Agreement (receipt of proprietary information)

	See Also
			Nondisclosure Agreement for Receipt of Proprietary Information by NIST
			NIST Provides Confidential Information

	Point of Contact
			Office of the NIST Counsel (301) 975-2803

* Adobe Acrobat Reader is identified in order to assist users of this information service. In no case does such identification imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
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