How to Partner with USGS
USGS Partners with the Great Lakes Fishery Commission
USGS Partners with Early Warning Systems, LLC
USGS Partners with Planetary Science Institute
USGS is considering research and development proposals for work on specific projects or technologies: gs-bfa_opa@usgs.gov
Partner with the USGS
USGS scientists are world-renowned experts in the following areas:
- geology
- mapping
- remote sensing
- geospatial data
- land resources
- water resources
- coastal changes
- natural hazards
- biology
- and more!
Learn about our scientific laboratories.
Agreements
Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADA) and Technical Assistance Agreements (TAA) are written agreements wherein the Federal government contributes experts, services, facilities, and (or) equipment to interested parties. While the government cannot provide funds to external parties, the CRADA partner can contribute the same resources, including funds, towards the effort. The CRADA and TAA leverage the parties' existing resources to the fullest extent so that both parties produce beneficial results. These agreements also protect sensitive information. The CRADA provides non-Federal partners the opportunity to obtain an exclusive or non-exclusive license to the subject invention due to the partnership. TAAs allow an exchange of more focused technical or research efforts and do not typically result in the development of intellectual property.
Facility Use and Service Agreements (FUSA) are written agreements that permit non-USGS parties the use of unique USGS laboratory facilities, specialized equipment, and research and technology development services not readily available from the private sector.
Material Transfer Agreements (MTA) are short-term written agreements that enable the exchange of a unique material with another party for research purposes only. Under the MTA agreement: either party can use the unique material for research purposes, title to the material is not transferred, and the material is either returned or destroyed, as specified in the MTA, when it expires. The USGS executes an MTA for all materials that require unique handling and (or) have environmental and safety concerns. The agreement requires the recipient to abide by all applicable Federal standards for handling biological, radiological, and other hazardous materials.