Department of Homeland Security: Issues Concerning the Establishment of Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Nov. 13, 2003 |
| Report Number |
RS21542 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Michael E. Davey, Resources, Science, and Industry Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) were first established during
World
War II to provide specific defense research and development (R&D) capabilities that were not
readily available within the federal government or the private sector. The federal government
currently operates 36 FFRDCs. Title III of the Department Homeland Security (DHS) Act
( P.L.107-296 ) calls for the creation of one or more FFRDCs , including a Homeland Security
Institute. On September 10th, the DHS released a "Sources Sought" notice requesting that
contractors indicate their interest in competing to operate an FFRDC for DHS. Those responding
must include a 400 words, or less, qualification statement by October 30. DHS plans to release a
formal request for proposal, for the FFRDC, before the end of this year. In the past several years,
some congressional and non-congressional critics have questioned the use of FFRDCs, including the
continuing need for such Centers, diversification into areas beyond the Centers' original missions,
and oversight of each FFRDC's activities by its sponsoring agency. This report will be updated to
reflect most recent events.
