User Agreements between each user’s home institution and Berkeley Lab are required before work on the user project can begin. This agreement forms the contractual basis covering the distribution of intellectual property rights and defines liability for use of DOE User Facilities. Many organizations already have a signed user agreement; if your organization has not established an agreement, email the Foundry User Office to set one up.
In some rare instances, an alternate type of contract between the user home institution and Berkeley Lab may take the place of a User Agreement. To learn about Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADA) and Strategic Partnership Programs (SPP) agreements, see the Berkeley Lab Strategic Partnerships Office.
Non-Proprietary User Agreement
Nearly all user projects at the Foundry are non-proprietary. Under the Non-Proprietary User Agreement (NPUA), all incoming data and data generated is non-proprietary; all results can be freely published and shared; and users are performing work on the project either alone or in collaboration with Foundry staff. There is no cost to users unless the project requires significant staff effort or expenses above and beyond an ordinary user project.
See sample NPUA. Contact the Foundry User Office for more information.
Proprietary User Agreement
The Foundry also offers a mechanism for users to perform proprietary work, which requires an approved, peer-reviewed proposal and a Proprietary User Agreement (PUA). Under a PUA, incoming user data may be proprietary; the user may keep their generated research results private; the user performs all research on the project; and Foundry staff may provide technical assistance but do not generate data. The user pays for the full costs of use of the facility and staff assistance.
See sample PUA. Contact the Foundry User Office for more information.
