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Laboratory Representative
Tech Transfer Website:
https://www.epa.gov/ftta/learn-about-epas-federal-technology-transfer-act-progra…Description
The Office of Science Policy (OSP) in the Environmental
Protection Agency's (EPA's) Office of Research and Development
(ORD) integrates and communicates scientific information generated
by or for ORD's laboratories and centers, as well as ORD's expert
advice on the use of scientific information. EPA and the scientific
community at large use this information to ensure that EPA's
decisions and environmental policies are informed by sound science.
The EPA seeks opportunities to transfer federal technologies into
the marketplace, and collaborate on environmental research and
development projects with outside entities, such as industry,
consortia, academia, trade associations, and state and local
agencies. The Federal Technology Transfer Act (FTTA) provides a
mechanism for these cooperative research and development
partnerships. Through the FTTA program, federal agencies can
conduct joint research with non-federal partners and protect
intellectual property that may be developed. The alliance that is
formed through the FTTA program supports and improves U.S.
competitive positions worldwide, helps remove barriers to
collaboration, and encourages cooperative research and development
with the goal of commercialization. EPA FTTA program partners
benefit from cooperative research and development agreements
(CRADAs) by tapping into EPA's resources and knowledge base to
conduct joint research and technology commercialization. Other
benefits include:
-
Access to EPA laboratory facilities. By entering into CRADAs, non-federal partners can conduct research in EPA's scientific facilities;
- Collaboration with EPA scientists and engineers to work on cutting-edge research projects;
- Opportunities for licensing patented technologies and bringing new technologies to the marketplace.
There are also many benefits of cooperative research and development to the public at large, including:
-
Research projects that lead to better protection of human health and the environment;
- Government research reaches the marketplace;
- Collaboration enhances the quality of products;
- New environmental technology reaches the field quickly.
Mission
EPA functions as both a scientific and
regulatory agency in the United States. Research conducted under
ORD provides the basis for the formulation of environmental
policies and programs. OSP plays a vital role by providing expert
advice and evaluation on the use of scientific knowledge and
science policy to support sound science in the Agency. OSP
accomplishes this mission by leading efforts in science
integration, coordination and communication across ORD, and between
ORD and the Agency's programs, regions, and external parties.
Science Integration by developing unified ORD positions on the use
of science in regulations and policies, managing the ORD research
planning process, and coordinating the implementation of
Agency-wide science policies. Science Coordination by bringing ORD
and the ten EPA Regions together to address critical science
issues, leading the Agency-wide effort to ensure that ORD's
research program addresses the Agency's priorities, and
facilitating access to scientists in ORD laboratories and centers
for input in agency regulations and policies. Science Communication
by representing ORD to Tribal, state, and local communities, and
sponsoring external and internal colloquia, workshops, and
scientific meetings on topical science issues. The unique role of
OSP has resulted in an ORD-wide focus on meeting the needs of ORD's
internal and external customers to enhance the use of sound science
in the Agency.
