Sponsored Research

Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADA)

CRADAs provide a flexible way for non-federal entities to access the unique technologies, facilities, and expertise available at BNL on a collaborative basis. Research work under a CRADA may be performed at BNL, at the laboratory of the non-federal participants(s), or at both institutions, and work is usually supported by contributions from all participants in the CRADA. BNL contributions to the CRADA can take the form of personnel, facilities, equipment, and other resources, but BNL cannot provide funds to the other participant. Non-federal participant contributions can take the form of funds, personnel, facilities, equipment, and other resources.

Research work under a CRADA may be performed at BNL, at the non-federal participants(s) laboratory, or at both institutions. Work is usually supported by contributions from all participants in the CRADA.  BNL contributions to the CRADA can take the form of personnel, facilities, equipment, and other resources, but BNL can not provide funds to the other participant.  Non-federal participant contributions can take the form of funds, personnel, facilities, equipment, and other resources.

Benefits of CRADAs

• BNL and the participant can negotiate the sharing of intellectual property, such as rights to patents, protection of confidential information and licensing rights.
• The participant can take advantage of the unique world renowned BNL facilities.
• Data generated as a part of a CRADA effort can be treated as proprietary for up to five years and is not subject to the Freedom of Information Act.

A DOE Modular CRADA has been established to expedite the DOE approval process and provides BNL and the non-federal participant flexibility to negotiate rights to inventions and other intellectual property.  All CRADAs are subject to the approval of DOE. 

Sample CRADA Document: Standard Funds-In CRADA Agreement (PDF)

Initiatives for Proliferation Prevention (IPP) CRADA

Initiatives for Proliferation Prevention (IPP) CRADA  enhances U.S. national security by engaging former Soviet weapons scientists, engineers and technicians in research directed toward peaceful commercial pursuits., Upendra S. Rohatgi, program manager for global initiatives for proliferation and technology centers, helps to create and broker cooperative research projects involving former Soviet weapons scientists and U.S. industry. 

An IPP project usually involves the identification of non-military, commercial applications for former Soviet institute technologies. These unique partnerships provide new resources and markets for U.S. companies, while establishing important private sector linkages for former Soviet weapons scientists and engineers. More information regarding IPP.

Work For Others

Research initiatives funded by outside sources (sponsored research) are conducted through the DOE's Work for Others (WFO) program. While most research conducted at Brookhaven National Laboratory is financially supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, funding from other Federal agencies in the form of interagency agreements or grants can also be beneficial and appropriate. Funding arrangements of this kind can help advance the Laboratory's own research goals and interests and enable BNL scientists to engage in some of the important research challenges currently faced by other Federal agencies, including research associated with homeland security, countering terrorism, medical challenges, and more.

The guiding principles of the WFO process seek to assure that the proposed sponsored research assignment will:

• Be consistent with or complementary to the missions of DOE and BNL.
• Not adversely impact execution of regularly assigned BNL programs.
• Not place BNL in direct competition with the domestic private sector.
• Not create a detrimental future burden on DOE resources.  

TCP's role in the WFO program

• Help BNL scientists identify appropriate funding opportunities provided by federal agencies other than DOE.
• Assist in the preparation of a complete and responsive grant proposal.
• Help investigators and department-based administrators secure DOE approval for these sponsored activities.

Comprehensive list of relevant federal agencies  |  Non-federal funding opportunities

Please contact Alison Schwarz at 631-344-3428 or aschwarz@bnl.gov for assistance with federal WFO's and Ginny Coccorese at 631-344-2506 or vcoccorese@bnl.gov for assistance with non-federal WFO's.

For more information on WFO

• BNL Financial Conflict of Interest Policy (PDF)
• Management System Description: Work For Others (WFO) at Brookhaven National Laboratory
• How Federal Agencies Obtain Technical Resources and Skills from the U.S. Department of Energy
• How Private Sponsors and Non-Federal Governments Obtain Technical Resources and Skills from the U.S. Department of Energy
• Doing Business with the National Labs (Laboratory Coordinating Council of the U.S. DOE)

WFO Forms

• Federal WFO Proposal Information Questionnaire
• Non-Federal WFO Proposal Information Questionnaire

Research Resources for Small Business

Small businesses are welcome and encouraged to seek out new opportunities with BNL.  They are advised to investigate all the various federal and state-supported programs for which they may qualify including New York Small Business Administration and organizations such as the Long Island High Technology Incubator.  The organizations are designed to help entrepreneurs with business plans, marketing, or with providing an affordable modern laboratory or business facility.  Other programs, like the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants, provide direct financial assistance to aid research and product development.  Research collaborations involving the laboratory can greatly strengthen many competitive SBIR and STTR grant proposals. 

Small businesses can benefit greatly by investigating all of the scientific and capital resources and developing appropriate short- and long-term plans for their usage.  At BNL, TCP is committed to being well-informed about all of these important small business initiatives and will assist in any way possible.

If you represent a small business interested in exploring potential research collaborations and technology development with BNL, please contact Michael J. Furey at 631-344-3428 or mfurey@bnl.gov.

For procurement opportunities with BNL, please contact Jill Clough-Johnston at 631-344-3173 or clough@bnl.gov.

Regional Resources for Small Businesses

• Long Island Development Corporation
• Long Island High Technology Incubator
• Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Stony Brook
• New York State Small Business / Empire State Development

Other Resources

• How Private Sponsors and Non-Federal Governments obtain Technical Resources and Skills from the U.S. Department of Energy
• Doing Business with the National Labs