How VA structures engagement for innovation initiatives
VA uses a number of agreements and legal documents to protect your interests and to detail the terms of the collaboration. Your data and information is protected upon submission through Pathfinder. If VA decides to move forward with your innovation, you will work in tandem with VA employees to develop a Statement of Work which will form the basis for the collaboration agreement.
Your Legal Journey to Collaboration
The documents that frame your engagement with VA and protect your interests
1. Submit: VA ensures your IP is protected upon submission
Privacy Act Statement
Personal information you share will only be used to evaluate your submission
VA will only share information with another Government agency if the submission relates to that agency, or as required by law
Your information will never be shared with private organizations
Intellectual Property Rights
As the submitter, you retain all title to any and all data/information you submit
You must clearly identify any copywritten material with markings or restrictive legends
Nothing you submit will be copied, distributed, transmitted or disclosed outside of the Government
2. Engage: If your submission is successful, VA will work with you to develop the story of the project
Statement of Work (SOW)
Captures the scope and goals of the project and advocates for the value that the collaborator and VA can mutually provide
Shows how the desired collaboration aligns to VHA’s mission and priorities
3. Collaborate: VA’s Office of General Counsel reviews and approves each SOW and chooses the best type of agreement for successful collaboration
Collaborative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA)
The VA cannot pay funds under a CRADA, but otherwise the parties can share resources
Intellectual property developed as a result of the CRADA will be determined through negotiations - can remain with you, be transferred to the Government, or be shared
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) / Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
Outlines the individual responsibilities, and typically methods to measure success
There can be no exchange of funds under an MOU or MOA, only a mutual sharing of resources
Broader in scope than CRADAs, less binding, and build in less accountability structures
MOUs are similar to MOAs, but are broader in scope, less binding, and build in less accountability structures
Data Use Agreement (DUA)
Establishes how data may be used by collaborators
VA sets rules on the use, storage, transfer, disposal, access, and control of shared data
