Legislation

Federal Technology Transfer legislation, regulations, and policy enable Federal agencies to make their research and development facilities and expertise available to the private sector through cooperative research. Technology advancements achieved are transferred to private industry for commercialization. For more information, please contact the Technology Transfer Staff.

Reclamation Manual Directives and Standards

In March 2016, the Research and Development Office (R&D) released Reclamation Manual Directives and Standards (D&S) RES 01-01 for implementing the U.S. Department of the Interior’s new Departmental Manual Chapter for Technology Transfer Policy and Procedures (761 DM 1), which was issued on May 16, 2014. The D&S establishes responsibilities and requirements for Reclamation to maximize the benefits provided by the Federal Technology Transfer Act. The Act authorizes Reclamation to work jointly with non-Federal entities in developing and commercializing new solutions to water and water-related problems.

The purpose of the D&S is to facilitate effective partnerships that can leverage shared capabilities and costs, and more effectively develop and move technologies to stakeholders, the public, and private sectors. Additionally, these partnerships allow Reclamation and non-Federal partners to efficiently and cost-effectively generate userready solutions that can improve the economic, environmental, and social well-being of the United States.

Federal Legislation

  • America Competes Act of 2007
  • Technology Transfer Commercialization Act of 2000 (P.L. 106-404)
  • Small Business Research and Development Enhancement Act of 1992 (P.L. 102-564)
  • National Competitiveness Technology Transfer Act of 1989 (P.L. 101-189)
  • Executive Order 12591 of 1987
  • Federal Technology Transfer Act of 1986 (P.L. 99-502)
  • Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1982 (P.L. 97-219)
  • Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (P.L. 96-480)
  • Bayh-Dole Act of 1980 (P.L. 96-517) codified in 35 USC 200-209, Patent Rights in Inventions Made with Federal Assistance
  • 37 CFR, part 404, Licensing of Government Owned Inventions
  • 37 CFR, part 501, Uniform Patent Policy for Rights in Inventions Made by Government Employees

(Note: laws previous to 1992 are not hosted on government sites)

Administrative Orders and Initiatives

Last Updated: 6/22/20