CONTACTS
![]() |
TT Tip: User Facility AgreementWhat is a User Facility Agreement? The User Facility Agreement (UFA) is a contractual agreement between the Laboratory and external parties designed to permit outside users, including scientists and engineers from industry, universities and other governmental agencies, to conduct research using the Laboratory's unique experimental research equipment and facilities. (The Laboratory has approximately 40 facilities currently approved and available.) Why is a User Facility Agreement necessary? The UFA provides the Laboratory facility managers (groups/divisions) additional sources of funding as well as commercial validation of systems, processes and procedures. In addition, partnership or collaborative agreements can be negotiated concurrently with the UFA providing technical staff with other commercial research validation opportunities and the potential to obtain additional research dollars. The highly unique laboratory facilities also can serve as a magnet for high-tech companies to collaborate with Los Alamos scientists, providing additional opportunities for technical staff to interact with industry. How does a User Facility Agreement work? The industrial partner directs the activity that occurs in the Laboratory facility within the framework of the agreement, with Laboratory staff oversight. Typical requests from industry for user-facility access are for fabrication, calibration, testing and evaluation of products and processes. Laboratory staff should keep in mind the following points when entering into a UFA:
Keys to ensure UFA success:
How can I engage in User Facility activities? For additional information or questions about having a facility approved, go to TT Division Web or contact Sharon Trujillo at 5-6708. ![]() |