Skip to main content

Forms & Model Agreements

We provide a complete array of services to support NCATS technology development and partnership activities.

About Forms & Model Agreements

We provide a full range of services to support NCATS technology development and partnership activities, including negotiating standard forms and model agreements between NCATS and outside parties, such as universities and biopharmaceutical companies. These agreements provide for: 

  • Exchange of research materials under material transfer agreements (MTAs) 
  • Joint research done under cooperative research and development agreements (CRADAs)
  • Clinical studies to determine the safety and effectiveness of new agents or treatments under clinical trial agreements (CTAs)
  • Exchange of confidential information under confidential disclosure agreements (CDAs) 
  • Informal partnerships for transferring materials and data under a Research Collaboration Agreement (RCA)

We review employee discovery and invention reports (EIRs), make recommendations about filing domestic and foreign patent applications, and manage licensing of all NCATS technologies. 

Inventions created by NCATS employees are owned by the federal government. Patenting and licensing are used to help ensure that the technology is fully developed and commercialized and will advance public health. See all NCATS licensing opportunities.


Confidential Disclosure Agreements (CDAs)

Used to exchange confidential information.

Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs)

Used to exchange research materials.

Research Collaboration Agreement (RCA)

Used in a collaborative project where confidential information and materials may be exchanged.

Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs)

Used when NIH and industry collaborate to further develop a technology for commercialization.

Employee Invention Report

Used when NCATS employees create new technologies.

Licensing Application and Agreements

Used when industry is interested in licensing a technology.


Last updated on November 8, 2023