In addition to legal authority to enter into contracts and grants, DARPA has been
granted broad authority to enter into "innovative agreements and other
transactions" to support research and development activities. Thus, DARPA is able to
channel its support through a variety of legal instruments and flexible arrangements. The
Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) are not applicable to agreements under this
authority. Proposals may, but need not, state that an agreement rather than a contract or
grant is desired. Furthermore, DARPA does not enter into agreements when a contract or
grant is feasible or appropriate. See FAR 35.003 for Government-wide policy on use of
contracts for research and development. Visit the Contracts Management
Office home page for more procurement
information.
Agreements are potentially applicable to a wide variety of DARPA programs. They are
likely to be particularly applicable to support dual-use technologies (those with
commercial non-military potential as well as potential military applications), consortia
or multi-party agreements, and work supported by multiple funding sources. Joint funding
is the norm for agreements. A provision may also be made for payments to DARPA somewhat
similar to the recoupment policy applicable to procurement contracts. DARPA also
encourages cost-sharing in procurement contracts and grants.
We also offer a web version of the Institute for Defense Analyses study, "Participant Views of Advanced Research Projects Agency 'Other
Transactions.'" This study was published in November 1995, and released in
January 1996. It presents the results of a survey of organizations that have participated
in DARPA research projects conducted with "other transactions."
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