Providing Technical Assistance

Rarely is a product that has been developed in a research environment ready for immediate manufacturing and distribution at the time the project ends. Sometimes it will go through a period of formal evaluation at other VA stations, and sometimes it will go directly to a manufacturer but be redesigned by an industrial designer. In either event, you are likely to be called upon for advice or assistance. Giving this assistance will undoubtedly help to assure transfer. However, there are practical limit s on what you should commit to without a formal agreement authorized by the Center Director.

Specific suggestions follow for those situations when

• you are assisting in VA evaluations
  
  
• you are assisting manufacturers during start-up.

Remember that you are acting on behalf of the government. Therefore, throughout your dealings with outside manufacturers, be sure to avoid any conflict of interest.

work is performed by a full-time VA employee for a manufacturer that would normally be accomplished by a company employee (rather than the VA RR & D staff), and you have - neither arranged for leave without pay to carry out the activity - nor previously negotiated (and had approved) a Cooperative R & D Agreement with the company that specifically includes this consulting or technical assistance activity.

or

you are reimbursed in any form for your services above and beyond your normal salary.

Investigator

Transfer Officer

Center Director