Working with colleagues in other government laboratories

Colleagues in other VA or government laboratories present no special problems for they are operating under agency regulations that are either identical to yours or very close to them. The Technology Transfer Act of 1986 applies to them as well, so they will have a similar interest in product development and transfer.

As you think about involving other government agencies, don't hesitate to branch outside your scientific discipline. For example, different laboratories may be working in areas that complement your own (e.g., developing lightweight materials or creating specialized software or microchips); they can make your work easier or more effective.

The Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer is one source of information about what is going on in other government labs, as is the National Bureau of Standards. The Palo Alto RR & D Center belongs to the Consortium, so the Transfer Officer should be able to help you make inquiries.

Investigator

Transfer Officer

Center Director