In recognition of the breadth and complexity of the research challenges posed by environmental issues, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is exercising its position of leadership by fostering a more open business model for conducting environmental research. With its valuable and highly specialized research facilities located in laboratories and research centers across the country, EPA has opportunities for states, private sector companies, utilities, nonprofit organizations, and academic institutions to use EPA's facilities for research. By making its research facilities and equipment available when not otherwise in use for Agency research, EPA can serve as a catalyst for progress in efforts to identify, understand, and solve current and future environmental problems. This web site highlights a few of EPA's unique facilities where opportunities for productive research alliances exist. The facilities, when available for use, may charge fees to cover the costs of equipment maintenance and facility staff time. Research efforts must be in line with the mission of participating laboratories.

EPA also promotes collaboration through the Federal Technology Transfer Act (FTTA) program. This program focuses on the development of collaborative research and development projects between non-federal parties and EPA laboratories, and licenses EPA patented technologies for further development and commercialization. For more information on this program, visit the FTTA website. For more information on either using EPA facilities and equipment or on collaborations with the Agency, please contact Sarah Bauer at 202-564-3267 (bauer.sarah@epa.gov) or Valerie Blank at 202-564-1720 (blank.valerie@epa.gov).