Work for Others Program
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flowchart. (PDF)
Work-for-other agreements (WFOs) are a mechanism through which industry can use the unique expertise and facilities at Argonne National Laboratory. In this type of arrangement, the industrial sponsor pays 100% of the cost of the work to be performed by Argonne. Under certain conditions, a company may take title to inventions created by Argonne under the WFO.
Some key points in such arrangements include product, general and IP indemnification; advance payment requirements; and the fact that Argonne may not compete with the private sector for such work. Work to be performed by Argonne via a successfully funded SBIR/STTR proposal is also a WFO; however, in this case, it is federally funded and different terms will apply.
- U.S. Department of Energy: Work for Others (Non-DOE-funded work) - DOE Order 481.1C
- WFO Agreement Samples:
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Generic Work for Others Process |
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Argonne National Laboratory |
Joint |
Industry Sponsor |
| 1 |
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Identify unique area of mutual interest
Draft the scope of work to be performed by Argonne
Submit the WFO Proposal Package |
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| 2 |
Review WFO Proposal Package
Prepare the appropriate forms for the DOE review/approval process |
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Identify In-house Project Support
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| 3 |
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Draft Statement of Work (SOW) with milestones. |
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| 4 |
Submit WFO information to DOE Operations Office
Send Draft WFO Agreement to Sponsor |
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Review Draft WFO Agreement |
| 5 |
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Negotiate WFO Terms |
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| 6 |
Prepare Final WFO Agreement |
Review final WFO Agreement |
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| 7 |
Obtain necessary DOE approvals |
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Approve WFO Agreement |
| 8 |
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Execute WFO Agreement |
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