Technical Services Agreements

technical-services-agreements

Technical Services Agreements (TSAs) are used when there is no need for technical collaboration between NPS and the requesting entity. The entity making the request must agree that NPS’s entering into the agreement will not constitute undue competition with the private sector, and each agreement requires the requesting entity to agree to indemnify and hold harmless NPS and the United States except for willful misconduct or gross negligence in performance of the agreement.

A TSA allows a federal laboratory to provide testing services and access to unique government facilities or equipment to non-federal entities on a fee-for-service basis when excess capacity is available.

What a TSA Allows

  • Use of specialized facilities, equipment, or technical testing services
  • Reimbursement from non-federal partners for services performed
  • Performance of work using existing capabilities only
  • Support to external entities consistent with the laboratory’s mission

What a TSA Does Not Allow

  • Collaborative or joint research
  • Co-development of intellectual property
  • Shared research objectives or publications
  • Substitution for a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA)

Appropriate TSA Projects

TSA projects are limited to testing, evaluation, analysis, or use of existing facilities and equipment. Each agreement documents the scope of work, principal investigator(s), period of performance, and cost.

Eligible Non-Federal Partners

  • Large corporations
  • Small businesses
  • U.S. colleges or universities
  • State or local governments
  • Individuals

Funding and Certifications

All TSA costs must be reimbursed by the non-federal partner. Federal funds may not be used. Partners must certify that the work does not constitute undue competition with the private sector and does not require expansion of laboratory facilities or capabilities.

When to Use a TSA

A TSA is appropriate when an external entity requires access to unique government testing facilities or technical services without collaboration or joint research.

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