A company can initiate a CRADA discussion through contact with a PHS scientist, an individual Institutes Technology Transfer staff, or from monitoring various marketing websites or the Federal Register. Participants in CRADAs can include the individual PHS agency and one or more other parties ( other agencies, state or local governments, non-profit and not for profit institutions, private corporations). A competitive process is generally not require in developing a CRADA partnership, except

• in the case where multiple entities offer the same or similar product, in which case advertisement of the opportunity must be made to meet the requirements of Fair Access guidelines
• when interested parties are unknown
  when competition is deemed to be in the public’s best interest.