Private, Profitmaking Firms' Reports on Research and Development Contracts with the Environmental Protection Agency Can Be Evaluated Better

Most of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) large-dollar research and development contracts with private, profit-making businesses result in reports. If the project officer finds the report acceptable, it is printed as an official EPA document and distributed within EPA. Depending on the subject matter it is also sent to other Federal agencies, State and local governments, and industry. Wider distribution is achieved through the Commerce Department's National Technical Information Service.