The Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) program is the primary tool linking government and industry researchers. This program, authorized under the Federal Technology Transfer Act of 1986, allows federal laboratories and businesses to form partnerships that help move new technologies to the marketplace. ARS scientists and companies work together to conduct research consistent with the agency's mission. A CRADA allows the company the first right to negotiate an exclusive license to inventions emerging under the agreement. Cooperative research helps foster American businesses and enhances global and domestic competitiveness.

ARS has seven-geographically based Technology Transfer Coordinators who negotiate CRADA agreements. Contact one of them for more information.