Federal Agencies' Contracting for Research and Development in the Private, Profitmaking Sector

Federal research and development contract awards to the private, profitmaking sector are increasing. These contract awards have particular potential problems which should receive attention. The authority, practices, and procedures for awarding research and development contracts to private, profitmaking firms were investigated for the following agencies: the Maritime Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Federal Railroad Administration, and the Office of the Secretary of Transportation.