Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q)

How do I initiate a test at RMOTC? Complete and submit an Initial Project Proposal. Directions for submitting the form are included on the page. As a new testing partner, you are encouraged to visit RMOTC for a tour of our assets and capabilities. Out-of-town visitor information is available upon request. If you have questions about a project proposal or would like to set of a site visit, please call our Business Development Manager at (888) 599-2200.

What happens after I submit the Initial Project Proposal? RMOTC prepares a Project Concept document based on information in your Initial Project Proposal. Upon approval by RMOTC management, your project is assigned to a project engineer who begins the project planning process. The engineer will contact you at this time to discuss more specific information for your test. This information will form the basis for an agreement. View the Project Process Flow chart.

	Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA). CRADAs are best for partners who wish RMOTC to share testing and tech transfer costs. Cost sharing of RMOTC's resources with the test partner is on an in-kind basis. RMOTC may require a cash payment in addition to your in-kind contribution. A CRADA can protect test data for up to five years. Specific roles and expectations of RMOTC and the test partner are defined in the Joint Work Statement (JWS). After testing is complete, RMOTC can prepare an engineering report. Execution of the agreement and RMOTC's receipt of specified cash payments are required prior to testing.

	Funds-In Agreement (FIA). An FIA is best for test partners who don't require cost sharing, who wish a rapid turn-around, and whose test involves confidential information. Under the terms of an FIA, the test partner pays 100% of RMOTC's costs to conduct testing. RMOTC will neither prepare a report, nor conduct tech transfer. The FIA typically requires less time to execute than a CRADA. All funds required under an FIA are payable to RMOTC prior to the start of testing. Execution of the agreement and RMOTC's receipt of specified cash payments are required prior to testing.

What is the cost of testing at RMOTC? Costs under a CRADA and FIA can vary significantly, depending on agreement terms and the complexity of testing. For the industry test partner, CRADA in-kind resources typically include labor (professional, technical, and administrative support), equipment, materials, travel, shipping, site restoration, and third party contracts. RMOTC usually requires a cash payment in addition to your in-kind contribution. Daily and hourly rates for RMOTC labor and equipment are available upon request.

Can I bring foreign nationals to RMOTC as part of my test? Generally, yes. In the Initial Project Proposal form, you would have indicated that foreign nationals will be on-site at RMOTC. RMOTC would then send you a foreign visitor information form. Clearances typically require 30-45 days, depending on the security classification of the country of origin. A list of countries and their classifications is available upon request.

How long does it take to get actual on-the-ground testing started? CRADAs typically require 20-40 business days for execution, while an FIA requires only 5-10 business days. Testing may be delayed by equipment or facility availability, weather, third party equipment and services, and foreign national clearances. In all cases, testing can begin only upon execution of the agreement and RMOTC's receipt of specified payments.

Can RMOTC assist in marketing my technology? No, not in the true sense of marketing. In a tech transfer role, RMOTC can prepare press releases and technical papers, articles, and talks. The foundation for tech transfer includes only actual engineering data and observations captured from testing conducted under the terms of a CRADA. RMOTC cannot promote a technology or product.

Can RMOTC maintain confidentiality of my technology and testing results? Yes. The terms of both the CRADA and FIA allow for protection of data acquired during testing. Under a CRADA, the test partner can specify a period of protection up to five years. Protection under an FIA is for a period defined by the test partner. Under either instrument, the test partner can request in writing that RMOTC be released from its obligation to protect data if the test partner wishes test results to be released by RMOTC. Test partners are discouraged from sharing proprietary and confidential data with RMOTC.