We at the NMDC recognize that intellectual property and ITAR restrictions are extremely important when working in a user facility. Thus we offer three approaches for operating at our laboratory. Standard User Agreement The Principle Investigator (PI) pays a user fee and to have his/her staff trained by the NMDC to operate equipment and use facility. Intellectual property is maintained by the PI provided he/she does not develop a process that could only be completed at NMDC due to unique equipment tooling. In some cases the PI may wish to install a small safe within the cleanroom to protect IP in his/her absence. Similarly, operational privacy agreements may be negotiated, provided they do not interfere with other academic or research programs. Collaborative User Agreement The PI may wish to collaborate with faculty and/or staff of the NMDC to complete a project. Intellectual property will be shared for collaborative efforts based on individual contribution. A cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) will be required prior to initiating work. Individual Faculty Agreement The PI may establish a CRADA with a UAH faculty member and his/her graduate students to complete a project. In this case, the individual faculty member should complete the Project Application. Said faculty member will then monitor the performance of a graduate student who will complete work within the NMDC. Become Partners with the NMDC! Be sure to visit our Partners page to learn what the NMDC can do for you!