Master Government List of Federally Funded R&D Centers

Information on this list is current as of February 2023. Changes from the previous edition are noted below; decertified, closed, or renamed FFRDCs are listed in "Historical Notes."

View the Master Government List by grouping or download the list (56 KB)

  • Aerospace Federally Funded Research and Development Center  
    Administrator: The Aerospace Corporation
    Location: El Segundo, CA
    Sponsor: Department of Defense, Department of the Air Force
  • Ames Laboratory  
    Administrator: Iowa State University
    Location: Ames, IA
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
  • Argonne National Laboratory  
    Administrator: UChicago Argonne, LLC
    Location: Argonne, IL
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
    • On 1 January 2007, the Argonne National Laboratory acquired a new university administrator (UChicago Argonne, LLC). The previous administrator was the University of Chicago.
  • Arroyo Center  
    Administrator: RAND Corp.
    Location: Santa Monica, CA
    Sponsor: Department of Defense, Department of the Army
    • The following portions of the RAND Corporation are FFRDCs: National Defense Research Institute (formerly Defense/Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff), Project Air Force, and the Arroyo Center.
  • Brookhaven National Laboratory  
    Administrator: Brookhaven Science Associates, LLC
    Location: Upton, NY
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
    • On 1 March 1998, Brookhaven National Laboratory acquired a new nonprofit administrator (Brookhaven Science Associates, LLC). The previous administrator was a university consortium.
  • Center for Advanced Aviation System Development  
    Administrator: MITRE Corp.
    Location: McLean, VA
    Sponsor: Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration
  • Center for Communications and Computing  
    Administrator: Institute for Defense Analyses
    Location: Alexandria, VA
    Sponsor: Department of Defense, National Security Agency/Central Security Service
  • Center for Enterprise Modernization  
    Administrator: MITRE Corporation
    Location: McLean, VA
    Sponsor: Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service; Department of Veterans Affairs; Social Security Administration; Department of Commerce
    • On 26 August 2022, the Department of Commerce was designated a co-sponsor of the Center for Enterprise Modernization (CEM). In July 2018, the Social Security Administration was designated a co-sponsor of the CEM. In 2013, the Department of Treasury assumed primary sponsorship, with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) having formal delegation to manage, administer, and execute the CEM agreements on behalf of Treasury. On 1 October 2008, the Department of Veterans Affairs was designated a co-sponsor of the CEM. In August 2001, the IRS Federally Funded Research and Development Center was renamed the Center for Enterprise Modernization. In 1998, the IRS established the IRS Federally Funded Research and Development Center.
  • Center for Naval Analyses  
    Administrator: The CNA Corporation
    Location: Arlington, VA
    Sponsor: Department of Defense, Department of the Navy
    • The Center for Naval Analyses relocated from Alexandria, VA, to Arlington, VA, in 2014.
  • Center for Nuclear Waste Regulatory Analyses  
    Administrator: Southwest Research Institute
    Location: San Antonio, TX
    Sponsor: Nuclear Regulatory Commission
  • CMS Alliance to Modernize Healthcare  
    Administrator: MITRE Corp.
    Location: Baltimore, MD
    Sponsor: Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
    • On 15 August 2013, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Federally Funded Research and Development Center changed its name to the CMS Alliance to Modernize Healthcare. On 27 September 2012, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Federally Funded Research and Development Center was created.
  • Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory  
    Administrator: Fermi Research Alliance, LLC
    Location: Batavia, IL
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
    • On 1 October 2006, the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory acquired a new university administrator (Fermi Research Alliance, LLC). The previous administrator was Universities Research Association, Inc.
  • Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research  
    Administrator: Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc.
    Location: Frederick, MD
    Sponsor: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health
    • On 27 September 2013, the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research's administrator changed names from SAIC-Frederick, Inc., a subsidiary of Science Applications International Corp. to Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. On 28 February 2012, the National Cancer Institute at Frederick (NCI-Frederick) changed its name to the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research. On 26 September 2008, NCI-Frederick acquired a single industrial firm administrator: SAIC-Frederick, Inc., a subsidiary of Science Applications International Corp. The previous administration was conducted under a system of four industrial firm contractors: SAIC-Frederick, Inc., a subsidiary of Science Applications International Corp.; Charles River Laboratories, Inc.; Data Management Services, Inc.; and Wilson Information Services, Inc. In 2001, the name of this FFRDC was changed from Frederick Cancer Research and Development Center to the National Cancer Institute at Frederick.
  • Green Bank Observatory  
    Administrator: Associated Universities, Inc.
    Location: Green Bank, WV
    Sponsor: National Science Foundation
    • On 1 October 2016, Green Bank Observatory was split out from the National Radio Astronomy Observatory; both retained FFRDC status.
  • Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center  
    Administrator: RAND Corp.
    Location: Pentagon City, VA
    Sponsor: Department of Homeland Security, Science and Technology Directorate
    • In 2019, the Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center relocated from Crystal City, VA, to Pentagon City, VA. On 15 September 2016, the Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center was created.
  • Homeland Security Systems Engineering and Development Institute  
    Administrator: MITRE Corp.
    Location: McLean, VA
    Sponsor: Department of Homeland Security, Science and Technology Directorate
    • On 5 March 2009, the Homeland Security Systems Engineering and Development Institute was created. This new FFRDC together with the Homeland Security Studies and Analysis Institute replaced the Homeland Security Institute.
  • Idaho National Laboratory  
    Administrator: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Location: Idaho Falls, ID
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
    • On 1 February 2005, the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory was renamed the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). At the same time, INL's administrator, Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLC, was replaced by Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC.
  • Jet Propulsion Laboratory  
    Administrator: California Institute of Technology
    Location: Pasadena, CA
    Sponsor: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
  • Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory  
    Administrator: University of California
    Location: Berkeley, CA
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
  • Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory  
    Administrator: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Location: Livermore, CA
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
    • On 1 October 2007, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory acquired a new industrial firm administrator (Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC). The previous administrator was the University of California.
  • Lincoln Laboratory  
    Administrator: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Location: Lexington, MA
    Sponsor: Department of Defense, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering
    • On 1 February 2018, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics was split into two offices, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. After the split, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering became the sponsor for the Lincoln Laboratory. On 25 April 2011, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics became the sponsor of the Lincoln Laboratory. The previous sponsor was the Department of the Air Force.
  • Los Alamos National Laboratory  
    Administrator: Triad National Security, LLC
    Location: Los Alamos, NM
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
    • On 9 June 2018, Los Alamos National Laboratory acquired a new industrial firm administration (Triad National Security, LLC). Between June 2006 and June 2018, Los Alamos National Laboratory was administered by Los Alamos National Security, LLC. Prior to June 2006, the administrator was the University of California.
  • National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center  
    Administrator: Battelle National Biodefense Institute
    Location: Frederick, MD
    Sponsor: Department of Homeland Security, Science and Technology Directorate
  • National Center for Atmospheric Research  
    Administrator: University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
    Location: Boulder, CO
    Sponsor: National Science Foundation
  • National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence  
    Administrator: MITRE Corp.
    Location: Rockville, MD
    Sponsor: Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology
    • On 19 September 2014, the National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence was created.
  • National Defense Research Institute  
    Administrator: RAND Corp.
    Location: Santa Monica, CA
    Sponsor: Department of Defense, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment
    • On 1 February 2018, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics was split into two offices, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. After the split, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment became the sponsor for the National Defense Research Institute. On 25 April 2011, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics became the sponsor of the National Defense Research Institute. The previous sponsor was the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
    • The following portions of the RAND Corporation are FFRDCs: National Defense Research Institute (formerly Defense/Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff), Project Air Force, and the Arroyo Center.
  • National Radio Astronomy Observatory  
    Administrator: Associated Universities, Inc.
    Location: Charlottesville, VA
    Sponsor: National Science Foundation
    • On 1 October 2016, Green Bank Observatory was split out from the National Radio Astronomy Observatory; both retained FFRDC status.
  • National Renewable Energy Laboratory  
    Administrator: Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC
    Location: Golden, CO
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
    • On 29 July 2008, National Renewable Energy Laboratory acquired a new nonprofit administrator (Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC).
  • National Security Engineering Center  
    Administrator: MITRE Corp.
    Location: Bedford, MA, and McLean, VA
    Sponsor: Department of Defense, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering
    • On 1 February 2018, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics was split into two offices, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. After the split, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering became the sponsor for the National Security Engineering Center. On 25 April 2011, C3I Federally Funded Research and Development Center changed its name to the National Security Engineering Center, and it changed its sponsor from the Office of the Secretary of Defense to the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics.
  • National Solar Observatory  
    Administrator: Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc.
    Location: Boulder, CO
    Sponsor: National Science Foundation
    • In 2015, the National Solar Observatory relocated its headquarters from Sunspot, NM to Boulder, CO. On 1 October 2009, the National Solar Observatory split from the National Optical Astronomy Observatory; both retained FFRDC status.
  • NSF's National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory  
    Administrator: Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc.
    Location: Tucson, AZ
    Sponsor: National Science Foundation
    • On 1 October 2019, the National Optical Astronomy Observatory was renamed NSF's National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory. The new laboratory also incorporates operations of the International Gemini Observatory and the Vera C. Rubin Observatory. On 1 October 2009, the National Solar Observatory split from the National Optical Astronomy Observatory; both retained FFRDC status. Between February 1984 and September 2009, the National Optical Astronomy Observatory included three former FFRDCs: Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory, Kitt Peak National Observatory, and the National Solar Observatory (formerly Sacramento Peak Observatory).
  • Oak Ridge National Laboratory  
    Administrator: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Location: Oak Ridge, TN
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
    • On 1 April 2000, Oak Ridge National Laboratory acquired a new nonprofit administrator (UT-Battelle, LLC). The previous administrator was the industrial firm Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corp.
  • Pacific Northwest National Laboratory  
    Administrator: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Location: Richland, WA
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
  • Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory  
    Administrator: Princeton University
    Location: Princeton, NJ
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
  • Project Air Force  
    Administrator: RAND Corp.
    Location: Santa Monica, CA
    Sponsor: Department of Defense, Department of the Air Force
    • The following portions of the RAND Corporation are FFRDCs: National Defense Research Institute (formerly Defense/Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff), Project Air Force, and the Arroyo Center.
  • Sandia National Laboratories  
    Administrator: National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Location: Albuquerque, NM
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
    • On 1 May 2017, Sandia National Laboratories acquired a new administrator (National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC, a subsidiary of Honeywell International, Inc.). The previous administrator was Sandia Corporation, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corp.
  • Savannah River National Laboratory  
    Administrator: Battelle Savannah River Alliance, LLC
    Location: Aiken, SC
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
    • On 22 December 2020, Savannah River National Laboratory acquired a new nonprofit administrator, Battelle Savannah River Alliance, LLC. The previous administrator, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, continues to administer the Savannah River Site. On 1 August 2007, Savannah River National Laboratory acquired a new industrial firm administrator (Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC).
  • Science and Technology Policy Institute  
    Administrator: Institute for Defense Analyses
    Location: Washington, DC
    Sponsor: National Science Foundation
    • On 1 December 2003, RAND Corp. was replaced by the Institute for Defense Analyses as the administrator of the Science and Technology Policy Institute.
  • SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory  
    Administrator: Stanford University
    Location: Menlo Park, CA
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
    • On 15 October 2008, the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center was renamed the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory.
  • Software Engineering Institute  
    Administrator: Carnegie Mellon University
    Location: Pittsburgh, PA
    Sponsor: Department of Defense, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering
    • On 1 February 2018, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics was split into two offices, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. After the split, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering became the sponsor for the Software Engineering Institute. On 25 April 2011, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics. became the sponsor of the Software Engineering Institute (SEI). The Office of the Secretary of Defense was the sponsor between 28 April 2010 and 24 April 2011. The Department of the Army was the sponsor between December 2004 and 27 April 2010. The Office of the Secretary of Defense was the sponsor between June 1997 and December 2004. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency was the sponsor from 1984 to June 1997.
  • Systems and Analyses Center  
    Administrator: Institute for Defense Analyses
    Location: Alexandria, VA
    Sponsor: Department of Defense, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment
    • On 1 February 2018, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics was split into two offices, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. After the split, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment became the sponsor for the Systems and Analyses Center. On 11 June 2013, the Studies and Analyses Center changed its name to the Systems and Analyses Center. On 25 April 2011, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics became the sponsor of the Studies and Analysis Center. The previous sponsor was the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
  • Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility  
    Administrator: Jefferson Science Associates, LLC
    Location: Newport News, VA
    Sponsor: Department of Energy

Department of Commerce

  • Center for Enterprise Modernization  
    Administrator: MITRE Corporation
    Location: McLean, VA
    • On 26 August 2022, the Department of Commerce was designated a co-sponsor of the Center for Enterprise Modernization (CEM). In July 2018, the Social Security Administration was designated a co-sponsor of the CEM. In 2013, the Department of Treasury assumed primary sponsorship, with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) having formal delegation to manage, administer, and execute the CEM agreements on behalf of Treasury. On 1 October 2008, the Department of Veterans Affairs was designated a co-sponsor of the CEM. In August 2001, the IRS Federally Funded Research and Development Center was renamed the Center for Enterprise Modernization. In 1998, the IRS established the IRS Federally Funded Research and Development Center.
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National Institute of Standards and Technology

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Department of Defense

Department of the Air Force

  • Aerospace Federally Funded Research and Development Center  
    Administrator: The Aerospace Corporation
    Location: El Segundo, CA
  • Project Air Force  
    Administrator: RAND Corp.
    Location: Santa Monica, CA
    • The following portions of the RAND Corporation are FFRDCs: National Defense Research Institute (formerly Defense/Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff), Project Air Force, and the Arroyo Center.
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Department of the Army

  • Arroyo Center  
    Administrator: RAND Corp.
    Location: Santa Monica, CA
    • The following portions of the RAND Corporation are FFRDCs: National Defense Research Institute (formerly Defense/Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff), Project Air Force, and the Arroyo Center.
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Department of the Navy

  • Center for Naval Analyses  
    Administrator: The CNA Corporation
    Location: Arlington, VA
    • The Center for Naval Analyses relocated from Alexandria, VA, to Arlington, VA, in 2014.
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National Security Agency/Central Security Service

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Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment

  • National Defense Research Institute  
    Administrator: RAND Corp.
    Location: Santa Monica, CA
    • On 1 February 2018, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics was split into two offices, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. After the split, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment became the sponsor for the National Defense Research Institute. On 25 April 2011, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics became the sponsor of the National Defense Research Institute. The previous sponsor was the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
    • The following portions of the RAND Corporation are FFRDCs: National Defense Research Institute (formerly Defense/Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff), Project Air Force, and the Arroyo Center.
  • Systems and Analyses Center  
    Administrator: Institute for Defense Analyses
    Location: Alexandria, VA
    • On 1 February 2018, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics was split into two offices, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. After the split, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment became the sponsor for the Systems and Analyses Center. On 11 June 2013, the Studies and Analyses Center changed its name to the Systems and Analyses Center. On 25 April 2011, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics became the sponsor of the Studies and Analysis Center. The previous sponsor was the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
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Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering

  • Lincoln Laboratory  
    Administrator: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Location: Lexington, MA
    • On 1 February 2018, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics was split into two offices, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. After the split, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering became the sponsor for the Lincoln Laboratory. On 25 April 2011, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics became the sponsor of the Lincoln Laboratory. The previous sponsor was the Department of the Air Force.
  • National Security Engineering Center  
    Administrator: MITRE Corp.
    Location: Bedford, MA, and McLean, VA
    • On 1 February 2018, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics was split into two offices, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. After the split, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering became the sponsor for the National Security Engineering Center. On 25 April 2011, C3I Federally Funded Research and Development Center changed its name to the National Security Engineering Center, and it changed its sponsor from the Office of the Secretary of Defense to the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics.
  • Software Engineering Institute  
    Administrator: Carnegie Mellon University
    Location: Pittsburgh, PA
    • On 1 February 2018, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics was split into two offices, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. After the split, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering became the sponsor for the Software Engineering Institute. On 25 April 2011, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics. became the sponsor of the Software Engineering Institute (SEI). The Office of the Secretary of Defense was the sponsor between 28 April 2010 and 24 April 2011. The Department of the Army was the sponsor between December 2004 and 27 April 2010. The Office of the Secretary of Defense was the sponsor between June 1997 and December 2004. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency was the sponsor from 1984 to June 1997.
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Department of Energy

  • Ames Laboratory  
    Administrator: Iowa State University
    Location: Ames, IA
  • Argonne National Laboratory  
    Administrator: UChicago Argonne, LLC
    Location: Argonne, IL
    • On 1 January 2007, the Argonne National Laboratory acquired a new university administrator (UChicago Argonne, LLC). The previous administrator was the University of Chicago.
  • Brookhaven National Laboratory  
    Administrator: Brookhaven Science Associates, LLC
    Location: Upton, NY
    • On 1 March 1998, Brookhaven National Laboratory acquired a new nonprofit administrator (Brookhaven Science Associates, LLC). The previous administrator was a university consortium.
  • Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory  
    Administrator: Fermi Research Alliance, LLC
    Location: Batavia, IL
    • On 1 October 2006, the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory acquired a new university administrator (Fermi Research Alliance, LLC). The previous administrator was Universities Research Association, Inc.
  • Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory  
    Administrator: University of California
    Location: Berkeley, CA
  • Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory  
    Administrator: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Location: Livermore, CA
    • On 1 October 2007, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory acquired a new industrial firm administrator (Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC). The previous administrator was the University of California.
  • Los Alamos National Laboratory  
    Administrator: Triad National Security, LLC
    Location: Los Alamos, NM
    • On 9 June 2018, Los Alamos National Laboratory acquired a new industrial firm administration (Triad National Security, LLC). Between June 2006 and June 2018, Los Alamos National Laboratory was administered by Los Alamos National Security, LLC. Prior to June 2006, the administrator was the University of California.
  • National Renewable Energy Laboratory  
    Administrator: Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC
    Location: Golden, CO
    • On 29 July 2008, National Renewable Energy Laboratory acquired a new nonprofit administrator (Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC).
  • Oak Ridge National Laboratory  
    Administrator: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Location: Oak Ridge, TN
    • On 1 April 2000, Oak Ridge National Laboratory acquired a new nonprofit administrator (UT-Battelle, LLC). The previous administrator was the industrial firm Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corp.
  • Pacific Northwest National Laboratory  
    Administrator: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Location: Richland, WA
  • Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory  
    Administrator: Princeton University
    Location: Princeton, NJ
  • SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory  
    Administrator: Stanford University
    Location: Menlo Park, CA
    • On 15 October 2008, the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center was renamed the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory.
  • Sandia National Laboratories  
    Administrator: National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Location: Albuquerque, NM
    • On 1 May 2017, Sandia National Laboratories acquired a new administrator (National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC, a subsidiary of Honeywell International, Inc.). The previous administrator was Sandia Corporation, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corp.
  • Savannah River National Laboratory  
    Administrator: Battelle Savannah River Alliance, LLC
    Location: Aiken, SC
    • On 22 December 2020, Savannah River National Laboratory acquired a new nonprofit administrator, Battelle Savannah River Alliance, LLC. The previous administrator, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, continues to administer the Savannah River Site. On 1 August 2007, Savannah River National Laboratory acquired a new industrial firm administrator (Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC).
  • Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility  
    Administrator: Jefferson Science Associates, LLC
    Location: Newport News, VA
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  • Idaho National Laboratory  
    Administrator: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Location: Idaho Falls, ID
    • On 1 February 2005, the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory was renamed the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). At the same time, INL's administrator, Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLC, was replaced by Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC.
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Department of Health and Human Services

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

  • CMS Alliance to Modernize Healthcare  
    Administrator: MITRE Corp.
    Location: Baltimore, MD
    • On 15 August 2013, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Federally Funded Research and Development Center changed its name to the CMS Alliance to Modernize Healthcare. On 27 September 2012, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Federally Funded Research and Development Center was created.
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National Institutes of Health

  • Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research  
    Administrator: Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc.
    Location: Frederick, MD
    • On 27 September 2013, the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research's administrator changed names from SAIC-Frederick, Inc., a subsidiary of Science Applications International Corp. to Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. On 28 February 2012, the National Cancer Institute at Frederick (NCI-Frederick) changed its name to the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research. On 26 September 2008, NCI-Frederick acquired a single industrial firm administrator: SAIC-Frederick, Inc., a subsidiary of Science Applications International Corp. The previous administration was conducted under a system of four industrial firm contractors: SAIC-Frederick, Inc., a subsidiary of Science Applications International Corp.; Charles River Laboratories, Inc.; Data Management Services, Inc.; and Wilson Information Services, Inc. In 2001, the name of this FFRDC was changed from Frederick Cancer Research and Development Center to the National Cancer Institute at Frederick.
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Department of Homeland Security

Science and Technology Directorate

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Department of the Treasury

Internal Revenue Service

  • Center for Enterprise Modernization  
    Administrator: MITRE Corporation
    Location: McLean, VA
    • On 26 August 2022, the Department of Commerce was designated a co-sponsor of the Center for Enterprise Modernization (CEM). In July 2018, the Social Security Administration was designated a co-sponsor of the CEM. In 2013, the Department of Treasury assumed primary sponsorship, with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) having formal delegation to manage, administer, and execute the CEM agreements on behalf of Treasury. On 1 October 2008, the Department of Veterans Affairs was designated a co-sponsor of the CEM. In August 2001, the IRS Federally Funded Research and Development Center was renamed the Center for Enterprise Modernization. In 1998, the IRS established the IRS Federally Funded Research and Development Center.
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Department of Transportation

Federal Aviation Administration

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Department of Veterans Affairs

  • Center for Enterprise Modernization  
    Administrator: MITRE Corporation
    Location: McLean, VA
    • On 26 August 2022, the Department of Commerce was designated a co-sponsor of the Center for Enterprise Modernization (CEM). In July 2018, the Social Security Administration was designated a co-sponsor of the CEM. In 2013, the Department of Treasury assumed primary sponsorship, with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) having formal delegation to manage, administer, and execute the CEM agreements on behalf of Treasury. On 1 October 2008, the Department of Veterans Affairs was designated a co-sponsor of the CEM. In August 2001, the IRS Federally Funded Research and Development Center was renamed the Center for Enterprise Modernization. In 1998, the IRS established the IRS Federally Funded Research and Development Center.
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National Aeronautics and Space Administration

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National Science Foundation

  • Green Bank Observatory  
    Administrator: Associated Universities, Inc.
    Location: Green Bank, WV
    • On 1 October 2016, Green Bank Observatory was split out from the National Radio Astronomy Observatory; both retained FFRDC status.
  • NSF's National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory  
    Administrator: Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc.
    Location: Tucson, AZ
    • On 1 October 2019, the National Optical Astronomy Observatory was renamed NSF's National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory. The new laboratory also incorporates operations of the International Gemini Observatory and the Vera C. Rubin Observatory. On 1 October 2009, the National Solar Observatory split from the National Optical Astronomy Observatory; both retained FFRDC status. Between February 1984 and September 2009, the National Optical Astronomy Observatory included three former FFRDCs: Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory, Kitt Peak National Observatory, and the National Solar Observatory (formerly Sacramento Peak Observatory).
  • National Center for Atmospheric Research  
    Administrator: University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
    Location: Boulder, CO
  • National Radio Astronomy Observatory  
    Administrator: Associated Universities, Inc.
    Location: Charlottesville, VA
    • On 1 October 2016, Green Bank Observatory was split out from the National Radio Astronomy Observatory; both retained FFRDC status.
  • National Solar Observatory  
    Administrator: Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc.
    Location: Boulder, CO
    • In 2015, the National Solar Observatory relocated its headquarters from Sunspot, NM to Boulder, CO. On 1 October 2009, the National Solar Observatory split from the National Optical Astronomy Observatory; both retained FFRDC status.
  • Science and Technology Policy Institute  
    Administrator: Institute for Defense Analyses
    Location: Washington, DC
    • On 1 December 2003, RAND Corp. was replaced by the Institute for Defense Analyses as the administrator of the Science and Technology Policy Institute.
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Nuclear Regulatory Commission

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Social Security Administration

  • Center for Enterprise Modernization  
    Administrator: MITRE Corporation
    Location: McLean, VA
    • On 26 August 2022, the Department of Commerce was designated a co-sponsor of the Center for Enterprise Modernization (CEM). In July 2018, the Social Security Administration was designated a co-sponsor of the CEM. In 2013, the Department of Treasury assumed primary sponsorship, with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) having formal delegation to manage, administer, and execute the CEM agreements on behalf of Treasury. On 1 October 2008, the Department of Veterans Affairs was designated a co-sponsor of the CEM. In August 2001, the IRS Federally Funded Research and Development Center was renamed the Center for Enterprise Modernization. In 1998, the IRS established the IRS Federally Funded Research and Development Center.
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Industrial Firms

  • Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research  
    Administrator: Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc.
    Location: Frederick, MD
    Sponsor: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health
    • On 27 September 2013, the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research's administrator changed names from SAIC-Frederick, Inc., a subsidiary of Science Applications International Corp. to Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. On 28 February 2012, the National Cancer Institute at Frederick (NCI-Frederick) changed its name to the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research. On 26 September 2008, NCI-Frederick acquired a single industrial firm administrator: SAIC-Frederick, Inc., a subsidiary of Science Applications International Corp. The previous administration was conducted under a system of four industrial firm contractors: SAIC-Frederick, Inc., a subsidiary of Science Applications International Corp.; Charles River Laboratories, Inc.; Data Management Services, Inc.; and Wilson Information Services, Inc. In 2001, the name of this FFRDC was changed from Frederick Cancer Research and Development Center to the National Cancer Institute at Frederick.
  • Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory  
    Administrator: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Location: Livermore, CA
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
    • On 1 October 2007, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory acquired a new industrial firm administrator (Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC). The previous administrator was the University of California.
  • Los Alamos National Laboratory  
    Administrator: Triad National Security, LLC
    Location: Los Alamos, NM
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
    • On 9 June 2018, Los Alamos National Laboratory acquired a new industrial firm administration (Triad National Security, LLC). Between June 2006 and June 2018, Los Alamos National Laboratory was administered by Los Alamos National Security, LLC. Prior to June 2006, the administrator was the University of California.
  • Sandia National Laboratories  
    Administrator: National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Location: Albuquerque, NM
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
    • On 1 May 2017, Sandia National Laboratories acquired a new administrator (National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC, a subsidiary of Honeywell International, Inc.). The previous administrator was Sandia Corporation, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corp.
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Nonprofit Institutions Other Than Universities and Colleges

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Universities and Colleges, Including University Consortia

  • Ames Laboratory  
    Administrator: Iowa State University
    Location: Ames, IA
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
  • Argonne National Laboratory  
    Administrator: UChicago Argonne, LLC
    Location: Argonne, IL
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
    • On 1 January 2007, the Argonne National Laboratory acquired a new university administrator (UChicago Argonne, LLC). The previous administrator was the University of Chicago.
  • Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory  
    Administrator: Fermi Research Alliance, LLC
    Location: Batavia, IL
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
    • On 1 October 2006, the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory acquired a new university administrator (Fermi Research Alliance, LLC). The previous administrator was Universities Research Association, Inc.
  • Green Bank Observatory  
    Administrator: Associated Universities, Inc.
    Location: Green Bank, WV
    Sponsor: National Science Foundation
    • On 1 October 2016, Green Bank Observatory was split out from the National Radio Astronomy Observatory; both retained FFRDC status.
  • Jet Propulsion Laboratory  
    Administrator: California Institute of Technology
    Location: Pasadena, CA
    Sponsor: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
  • Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory  
    Administrator: University of California
    Location: Berkeley, CA
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
  • Lincoln Laboratory  
    Administrator: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Location: Lexington, MA
    Sponsor: Department of Defense, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering
    • On 1 February 2018, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics was split into two offices, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. After the split, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering became the sponsor for the Lincoln Laboratory. On 25 April 2011, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics became the sponsor of the Lincoln Laboratory. The previous sponsor was the Department of the Air Force.
  • NSF's National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory  
    Administrator: Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc.
    Location: Tucson, AZ
    Sponsor: National Science Foundation
    • On 1 October 2019, the National Optical Astronomy Observatory was renamed NSF's National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory. The new laboratory also incorporates operations of the International Gemini Observatory and the Vera C. Rubin Observatory. On 1 October 2009, the National Solar Observatory split from the National Optical Astronomy Observatory; both retained FFRDC status. Between February 1984 and September 2009, the National Optical Astronomy Observatory included three former FFRDCs: Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory, Kitt Peak National Observatory, and the National Solar Observatory (formerly Sacramento Peak Observatory).
  • National Center for Atmospheric Research  
    Administrator: University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
    Location: Boulder, CO
    Sponsor: National Science Foundation
  • National Radio Astronomy Observatory  
    Administrator: Associated Universities, Inc.
    Location: Charlottesville, VA
    Sponsor: National Science Foundation
    • On 1 October 2016, Green Bank Observatory was split out from the National Radio Astronomy Observatory; both retained FFRDC status.
  • National Solar Observatory  
    Administrator: Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc.
    Location: Boulder, CO
    Sponsor: National Science Foundation
    • In 2015, the National Solar Observatory relocated its headquarters from Sunspot, NM to Boulder, CO. On 1 October 2009, the National Solar Observatory split from the National Optical Astronomy Observatory; both retained FFRDC status.
  • Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory  
    Administrator: Princeton University
    Location: Princeton, NJ
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
  • SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory  
    Administrator: Stanford University
    Location: Menlo Park, CA
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
    • On 15 October 2008, the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center was renamed the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory.
  • Software Engineering Institute  
    Administrator: Carnegie Mellon University
    Location: Pittsburgh, PA
    Sponsor: Department of Defense, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering
    • On 1 February 2018, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics was split into two offices, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. After the split, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering became the sponsor for the Software Engineering Institute. On 25 April 2011, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics. became the sponsor of the Software Engineering Institute (SEI). The Office of the Secretary of Defense was the sponsor between 28 April 2010 and 24 April 2011. The Department of the Army was the sponsor between December 2004 and 27 April 2010. The Office of the Secretary of Defense was the sponsor between June 1997 and December 2004. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency was the sponsor from 1984 to June 1997.
  • Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility  
    Administrator: Jefferson Science Associates, LLC
    Location: Newport News, VA
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
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Arizona

  • NSF's National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory  
    Administrator: Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc.
    Location: Tucson, AZ
    Sponsor: National Science Foundation
    • On 1 October 2019, the National Optical Astronomy Observatory was renamed NSF's National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory. The new laboratory also incorporates operations of the International Gemini Observatory and the Vera C. Rubin Observatory. On 1 October 2009, the National Solar Observatory split from the National Optical Astronomy Observatory; both retained FFRDC status. Between February 1984 and September 2009, the National Optical Astronomy Observatory included three former FFRDCs: Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory, Kitt Peak National Observatory, and the National Solar Observatory (formerly Sacramento Peak Observatory).
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California

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Colorado

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District of Columbia

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Idaho

  • Idaho National Laboratory  
    Administrator: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Location: Idaho Falls, ID
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
    • On 1 February 2005, the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory was renamed the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). At the same time, INL's administrator, Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLC, was replaced by Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC.
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Illinois

  • Argonne National Laboratory  
    Administrator: UChicago Argonne, LLC
    Location: Argonne, IL
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
    • On 1 January 2007, the Argonne National Laboratory acquired a new university administrator (UChicago Argonne, LLC). The previous administrator was the University of Chicago.
  • Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory  
    Administrator: Fermi Research Alliance, LLC
    Location: Batavia, IL
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
    • On 1 October 2006, the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory acquired a new university administrator (Fermi Research Alliance, LLC). The previous administrator was Universities Research Association, Inc.
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Iowa

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Maryland

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Massachusetts

  • Lincoln Laboratory  
    Administrator: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Location: Lexington, MA
    Sponsor: Department of Defense, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering
    • On 1 February 2018, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics was split into two offices, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. After the split, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering became the sponsor for the Lincoln Laboratory. On 25 April 2011, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics became the sponsor of the Lincoln Laboratory. The previous sponsor was the Department of the Air Force.
  • National Security Engineering Center  
    Administrator: MITRE Corp.
    Location: Bedford, MA, and McLean, VA
    Sponsor: Department of Defense, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering
    • On 1 February 2018, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics was split into two offices, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. After the split, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering became the sponsor for the National Security Engineering Center. On 25 April 2011, C3I Federally Funded Research and Development Center changed its name to the National Security Engineering Center, and it changed its sponsor from the Office of the Secretary of Defense to the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics.
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New Jersey

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New Mexico

  • Los Alamos National Laboratory  
    Administrator: Triad National Security, LLC
    Location: Los Alamos, NM
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
    • On 9 June 2018, Los Alamos National Laboratory acquired a new industrial firm administration (Triad National Security, LLC). Between June 2006 and June 2018, Los Alamos National Laboratory was administered by Los Alamos National Security, LLC. Prior to June 2006, the administrator was the University of California.
  • Sandia National Laboratories  
    Administrator: National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Location: Albuquerque, NM
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
    • On 1 May 2017, Sandia National Laboratories acquired a new administrator (National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC, a subsidiary of Honeywell International, Inc.). The previous administrator was Sandia Corporation, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corp.
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New York

  • Brookhaven National Laboratory  
    Administrator: Brookhaven Science Associates, LLC
    Location: Upton, NY
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
    • On 1 March 1998, Brookhaven National Laboratory acquired a new nonprofit administrator (Brookhaven Science Associates, LLC). The previous administrator was a university consortium.
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Pennsylvania

  • Software Engineering Institute  
    Administrator: Carnegie Mellon University
    Location: Pittsburgh, PA
    Sponsor: Department of Defense, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering
    • On 1 February 2018, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics was split into two offices, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. After the split, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering became the sponsor for the Software Engineering Institute. On 25 April 2011, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics. became the sponsor of the Software Engineering Institute (SEI). The Office of the Secretary of Defense was the sponsor between 28 April 2010 and 24 April 2011. The Department of the Army was the sponsor between December 2004 and 27 April 2010. The Office of the Secretary of Defense was the sponsor between June 1997 and December 2004. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency was the sponsor from 1984 to June 1997.
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South Carolina

  • Savannah River National Laboratory  
    Administrator: Battelle Savannah River Alliance, LLC
    Location: Aiken, SC
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
    • On 22 December 2020, Savannah River National Laboratory acquired a new nonprofit administrator, Battelle Savannah River Alliance, LLC. The previous administrator, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, continues to administer the Savannah River Site. On 1 August 2007, Savannah River National Laboratory acquired a new industrial firm administrator (Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC).
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Tennessee

  • Oak Ridge National Laboratory  
    Administrator: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Location: Oak Ridge, TN
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
    • On 1 April 2000, Oak Ridge National Laboratory acquired a new nonprofit administrator (UT-Battelle, LLC). The previous administrator was the industrial firm Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corp.
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Texas

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Virginia

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Washington

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West Virginia

  • Green Bank Observatory  
    Administrator: Associated Universities, Inc.
    Location: Green Bank, WV
    Sponsor: National Science Foundation
    • On 1 October 2016, Green Bank Observatory was split out from the National Radio Astronomy Observatory; both retained FFRDC status.
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Research and development laboratories

  • Ames Laboratory  
    Administrator: Iowa State University
    Location: Ames, IA
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
  • Argonne National Laboratory  
    Administrator: UChicago Argonne, LLC
    Location: Argonne, IL
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
    • On 1 January 2007, the Argonne National Laboratory acquired a new university administrator (UChicago Argonne, LLC). The previous administrator was the University of Chicago.
  • Brookhaven National Laboratory  
    Administrator: Brookhaven Science Associates, LLC
    Location: Upton, NY
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
    • On 1 March 1998, Brookhaven National Laboratory acquired a new nonprofit administrator (Brookhaven Science Associates, LLC). The previous administrator was a university consortium.
  • Center for Advanced Aviation System Development  
    Administrator: MITRE Corp.
    Location: McLean, VA
    Sponsor: Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration
  • Center for Communications and Computing  
    Administrator: Institute for Defense Analyses
    Location: Alexandria, VA
    Sponsor: Department of Defense, National Security Agency/Central Security Service
  • Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory  
    Administrator: Fermi Research Alliance, LLC
    Location: Batavia, IL
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
    • On 1 October 2006, the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory acquired a new university administrator (Fermi Research Alliance, LLC). The previous administrator was Universities Research Association, Inc.
  • Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research  
    Administrator: Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc.
    Location: Frederick, MD
    Sponsor: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health
    • On 27 September 2013, the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research's administrator changed names from SAIC-Frederick, Inc., a subsidiary of Science Applications International Corp. to Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. On 28 February 2012, the National Cancer Institute at Frederick (NCI-Frederick) changed its name to the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research. On 26 September 2008, NCI-Frederick acquired a single industrial firm administrator: SAIC-Frederick, Inc., a subsidiary of Science Applications International Corp. The previous administration was conducted under a system of four industrial firm contractors: SAIC-Frederick, Inc., a subsidiary of Science Applications International Corp.; Charles River Laboratories, Inc.; Data Management Services, Inc.; and Wilson Information Services, Inc. In 2001, the name of this FFRDC was changed from Frederick Cancer Research and Development Center to the National Cancer Institute at Frederick.
  • Green Bank Observatory  
    Administrator: Associated Universities, Inc.
    Location: Green Bank, WV
    Sponsor: National Science Foundation
    • On 1 October 2016, Green Bank Observatory was split out from the National Radio Astronomy Observatory; both retained FFRDC status.
  • Idaho National Laboratory  
    Administrator: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Location: Idaho Falls, ID
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
    • On 1 February 2005, the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory was renamed the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). At the same time, INL's administrator, Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLC, was replaced by Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC.
  • Jet Propulsion Laboratory  
    Administrator: California Institute of Technology
    Location: Pasadena, CA
    Sponsor: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
  • Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory  
    Administrator: University of California
    Location: Berkeley, CA
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
  • Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory  
    Administrator: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Location: Livermore, CA
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
    • On 1 October 2007, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory acquired a new industrial firm administrator (Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC). The previous administrator was the University of California.
  • Lincoln Laboratory  
    Administrator: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Location: Lexington, MA
    Sponsor: Department of Defense, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering
    • On 1 February 2018, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics was split into two offices, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. After the split, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering became the sponsor for the Lincoln Laboratory. On 25 April 2011, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics became the sponsor of the Lincoln Laboratory. The previous sponsor was the Department of the Air Force.
  • Los Alamos National Laboratory  
    Administrator: Triad National Security, LLC
    Location: Los Alamos, NM
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
    • On 9 June 2018, Los Alamos National Laboratory acquired a new industrial firm administration (Triad National Security, LLC). Between June 2006 and June 2018, Los Alamos National Laboratory was administered by Los Alamos National Security, LLC. Prior to June 2006, the administrator was the University of California.
  • NSF's National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory  
    Administrator: Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc.
    Location: Tucson, AZ
    Sponsor: National Science Foundation
    • On 1 October 2019, the National Optical Astronomy Observatory was renamed NSF's National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory. The new laboratory also incorporates operations of the International Gemini Observatory and the Vera C. Rubin Observatory. On 1 October 2009, the National Solar Observatory split from the National Optical Astronomy Observatory; both retained FFRDC status. Between February 1984 and September 2009, the National Optical Astronomy Observatory included three former FFRDCs: Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory, Kitt Peak National Observatory, and the National Solar Observatory (formerly Sacramento Peak Observatory).
  • National Center for Atmospheric Research  
    Administrator: University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
    Location: Boulder, CO
    Sponsor: National Science Foundation
  • National Radio Astronomy Observatory  
    Administrator: Associated Universities, Inc.
    Location: Charlottesville, VA
    Sponsor: National Science Foundation
    • On 1 October 2016, Green Bank Observatory was split out from the National Radio Astronomy Observatory; both retained FFRDC status.
  • National Renewable Energy Laboratory  
    Administrator: Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC
    Location: Golden, CO
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
    • On 29 July 2008, National Renewable Energy Laboratory acquired a new nonprofit administrator (Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC).
  • National Solar Observatory  
    Administrator: Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc.
    Location: Boulder, CO
    Sponsor: National Science Foundation
    • In 2015, the National Solar Observatory relocated its headquarters from Sunspot, NM to Boulder, CO. On 1 October 2009, the National Solar Observatory split from the National Optical Astronomy Observatory; both retained FFRDC status.
  • Oak Ridge National Laboratory  
    Administrator: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Location: Oak Ridge, TN
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
    • On 1 April 2000, Oak Ridge National Laboratory acquired a new nonprofit administrator (UT-Battelle, LLC). The previous administrator was the industrial firm Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corp.
  • Pacific Northwest National Laboratory  
    Administrator: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Location: Richland, WA
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
  • Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory  
    Administrator: Princeton University
    Location: Princeton, NJ
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
  • SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory  
    Administrator: Stanford University
    Location: Menlo Park, CA
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
    • On 15 October 2008, the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center was renamed the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory.
  • Sandia National Laboratories  
    Administrator: National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Location: Albuquerque, NM
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
    • On 1 May 2017, Sandia National Laboratories acquired a new administrator (National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC, a subsidiary of Honeywell International, Inc.). The previous administrator was Sandia Corporation, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corp.
  • Savannah River National Laboratory  
    Administrator: Battelle Savannah River Alliance, LLC
    Location: Aiken, SC
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
    • On 22 December 2020, Savannah River National Laboratory acquired a new nonprofit administrator, Battelle Savannah River Alliance, LLC. The previous administrator, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, continues to administer the Savannah River Site. On 1 August 2007, Savannah River National Laboratory acquired a new industrial firm administrator (Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC).
  • Software Engineering Institute  
    Administrator: Carnegie Mellon University
    Location: Pittsburgh, PA
    Sponsor: Department of Defense, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering
    • On 1 February 2018, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics was split into two offices, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. After the split, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering became the sponsor for the Software Engineering Institute. On 25 April 2011, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics. became the sponsor of the Software Engineering Institute (SEI). The Office of the Secretary of Defense was the sponsor between 28 April 2010 and 24 April 2011. The Department of the Army was the sponsor between December 2004 and 27 April 2010. The Office of the Secretary of Defense was the sponsor between June 1997 and December 2004. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency was the sponsor from 1984 to June 1997.
  • Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility  
    Administrator: Jefferson Science Associates, LLC
    Location: Newport News, VA
    Sponsor: Department of Energy
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Study and analysis centers

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Systems engineering and integration centers

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Definitions

The following Department of Defense definitions were used to classify the centers:

Research and development laboratories fill voids where in-house and private sector research and development centers are unable to meet agency core area needs. Specific objectives for these FFRDCs are to: (1) maintain over the long-term a competency in technology areas where the Government cannot rely on in-house or private sector capabilities, and (2) develop and transfer important new technology to the private sector so the Government can benefit from a wider, broader base of expertise. R&D laboratories engage in research programs that emphasize the evolution and demonstration of advanced concepts and technology, and the transfer or transition of technology.

Study and analysis centers deliver independent and objective analyses and advise in core areas important to their sponsors in support of policy development, decision making, alternative approaches, and new ideas on issues of significance.

System engineering and integration centers provide required support in core areas not available from sponsor's in-house technical and engineering capabilities to ensure that complex systems meet operational requirements. The centers assist with the creation and choice of system concepts and architectures, the specification of technical system and subsystem requirements and interfaces, the development and acquisition of system hardware and software, the testing and verification of performance, the integration of new capabilities, and continuous improvement of system operations and logistics. They often play a critical role in assisting their sponsors in technically formulating, initiating, and evaluating programs and activities undertaken by firms in the for-profit sector.

Source of definitions: FFRDC Management Plan, effective May 1, 1996, Department of Defense, Director of Defense Research and Engineering, pp. 2-3.


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Federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs) have evolved from research facilities established to meet the special needs of World War II. Until 1967, the centers were called "federal contract research centers." In that year, the Federal Council for Science and Technology (FCST) set criteria for the newly named "federally funded research and development centers."

General Guidelines

The FCST Memorandum of 1 November 1967 included the following:

In general, all of the following criteria should be met by an institutional unit before it is to be included in the category "Federally Funded Research and Development Center."

  • (a) Primary activities include one or more of the following: basic research, applied research, development, or management of R&D; specifically excluded are organizations engaged primarily in: routine quality control and testing, routine service activities, production, mapping and surveys, and information dissemination.
  • (b) Constitute a separate organizational unit within the parent organization or is organized as a separately incorporated organization.
  • (c) Performs actual R&D or R&D management either upon direct request of the Government or under a broad charter from the Government, but in either case under the direct monitorship of the Government.
  • (d) Receives its major financial support (70% or more) from the Federal Government, usually from one agency.
  • (e) Has or is expected to have a long-term relationship with its sponsoring agency (about five years or more), as evidenced by the specific obligations it and the agency assume. [1]
  • (f) Most or all of the facilities are owned or funded for in the contract by the Government.
  • (g) Has an average annual budget (operating and capital equipment) of at least $500,000. [2]

In 1984, the Office of Federal Procurement Policy amended the criteria to read as follows:

  • Effective 1 February 2010, Federal Acquisition Regulations criteria for FFRDCs were updated as follows:

    35.017 (a)

    • (2) An FFRDC meets some special long-term research or development need which cannot be met as effectively by existing in-house or contractor resources. FFRDCs enable agencies to use private sector resources to accomplish tasks that are integral to the mission and operation of the sponsoring agency. An FFRDC, in order to discharge its responsibilities to the sponsoring agency, has access, beyond that which is common to the normal contractual relationship, to Government and supplier data, including sensitive and proprietary data, and to employees and installations equipment and real property. The FFRDC is required to conduct its business in a manner befitting its special relationship with the Government, to operate in the public interest with objectivity and independence, to be free from organizational conflicts of interest, and to have full disclosure of its affairs to the sponsoring agency. It is not the Government's intent that an FFRDC use its privileged information or access to installations equipment and real property to compete with the private sector. However, an FFRDC may perform work for other than the sponsoring agency under the Economy Act, or other applicable legislation, when the work is not otherwise available from the private sector.
    • (3) FFRDCs are operated, managed, and/or administered by either a university or consortium of universities, other not-for-profit or nonprofit organization, or an industrial firm, as an autonomous organization or as an identifiable separate operating unit of a parent organization.
    • (4) Long-term relationships between the Government and FFRDCs are encouraged in order to provide the continuity that will attract high-quality personnel to the FFRDC. This relationship should be of a type to encourage the FFRDC to maintain currency in its field(s) of expertise, maintain its objectivity and independence, preserve its familiarity with the needs of its sponsor(s), and provide a quick response capability.[3]
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National Science Foundation Role in FFRDC Administration

In 1990, NSF was given new responsibilities under the Federal Acquisition Regulations as recorded in the Federal Register:

"35.017-6 Master list of FFRDCs.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) maintains a master Government list of FFRDCs. Primary sponsors will provide information on each FFRDC, including sponsoring agreements, mission statements, funding data, and type of R&D being performed, to the NSF upon its request for such information."[3]

Thus, NSF maintains the Master Government List of FFRDCs but does not decide which organizations meet the FFRDC criteria. Rather, NSF adds each FFRDC to the list when the head of the sponsoring agency notifies NSF in writing that he or she has approved a new FFRDC.[3]

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Data Availability

NSF reports data on FFRDCs annually in the following series: Federal Funds for Research and Development (obligations for R&D and for R&D plant reported by federal agencies) and FFRDC R&D Expenditures (FFRDC-reported data).

NSF also reports data on the demographic characteristics, research fields, and sources of support of postdoctoral researchers (postdocs) employed at FFRDCs in the annual series Postdocs at Federally Funded R&D Centers.

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Footnotes

[1] In practice, agencies review their need for each FFRDC at least once every 5 years. The period of performance for FFRDC contracts ranges from 1 to 5 years.

[2] Hornig DF. 1967. Memorandum to members of Federal Council for Science and Technology. Subject: Federally funded research and development centers. Unpublished memorandum from the Federal Council for Science and Technology, Executive Office of the President, Washington DC, 1 November.

[3] General Services Administration. 2017. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). Effective 19 January 2017. http://www.acquisition.gov/?q=browsefar

Decertifications, closures and renaming, and other associated notes.

  • Analytic Services, Inc.
    Administrator: ANSER
    Sponsor:  Department of Defense, Department of the Air Force
    Removed from the Master Government List of FFRDCs in FY 1977.
  • Appalachia Educational Laboratory
    Administrator: National Institute of Education
    Sponsor:  Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Office of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Applied Physics Laboratory
    Administrator: Johns Hopkins University
    Sponsor:  Department of Defense, Department of the Navy
    Removed from the Master Government List of FFRDCs in FY 1978.
  • Applied Physics Laboratory
    Administrator: University of Washington
    Sponsor:  Department of Defense, Department of the Navy
    Removed from the Master Government List of FFRDCs in FY 1974.
  • Applied Research Laboratory
    Administrator: Pennsylvania State University
    Sponsor:  Department of Defense, Department of the Navy
    Removed from the Master Government List of FFRDCs in FY 1978.
  • Army Mathematics Research Center
    Administrator: University of Wisconsin
    Sponsor:  Department of Defense, Department of the Army
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1970.
  • Atomic Bomb Casualty Commission
    Administrator: National Academy of Sciences
    Sponsor:  Department of Energy/Atomic Energy Commission
    Phased out as FFRDC in April 1975.
  • Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory
    Administrator: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Sponsor:  Department of Energy/Atomic Energy Commission
    Removed from the Master Government List of FFRDCs in October 1992.
  • C3I Federally Funded Research and Development Center
    Administrator: MITRE Corp.
    Sponsor:  Department of Defense, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisitions, Technology and Logistics
    Renamed the National Security Engineering Center 25 April 2011.
  • Cambridge Electron Accelerator
    Administrator: Harvard University and MIT
    Sponsor:  Department of Energy/Atomic Energy Commission
    Closed down in 1974.
  • Center for Educational Policy Research
    Administrator: Stanford Research Institute
    Sponsor:  Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Office of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Center for Enterprise Modernization
    Administrator: MITRE, Corp.
    Sponsor:  Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, Department of Veteran Affairs, Social Security Administration, Department of Commerce
    On 26 August 2022, the Department of Commerce was designated a co-sponsor of the Center for Enterprise Modernization (CEM). In July 2018, the Social Security Administration was designated a co-sponsor for the CEM. In 2013, the Department of the Treasury assumed primary sponsorship, with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) having formal delegation to manage, administer, and execute the CEM agreements on behalf of Treasury. On 1 October 2008, the Department of Veterans Affairs was designated a co-sponsor of the Center for Enterprise Modernization.
  • Center for Research and Development for Learning and Re-Education
    Administrator: University of Wisconsin
    Sponsor:  Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Office of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Center for Research and Development in Higher Education
    Administrator: University of California
    Sponsor:  Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Office of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Center for Research in Social Systems
    Administrator: American University
    Sponsor:  Department of Defense, Department of the Army
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1970.
  • Center for the Advanced Study of Educational Administration
    Administrator: University of Oregon
    Sponsor:  Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Office of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Center for the Study of Social Organization of Schools and the Learning Process
    Administrator: Johns Hopkins University
    Sponsor:  Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Office of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Center for the Study of the Evaluation of Instructional Programs
    Administrator: University of California
    Sponsor:  Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Office of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Center for Urban Education
    Administrator: National Institute of Education
    Sponsor:  Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Office of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Central Atlantic Regional Educational Laboratory
    Administrator: National Institute of Education
    Sponsor:  Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Office of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1969.
  • Central Midwestern Regional Educational Laboratory
    Administrator: National Institute of Education
    Sponsor:  Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Office of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory
    Sponsor:  National Science Foundation
    Became part of National Optical Astronomy Observatories in 1984.
  • Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility
    Administrator: Southeastern Universities Research Association, Inc.
    Sponsor:  Department of Energy/Atomic Energy Commission
    Renamed Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility in May 1996.
  • Cooperative Educational Research Laboratory, Inc.
    Administrator: National Institute of Education
    Sponsor:  Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Office of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1969.
  • Coordination Center for the National Program in Early Childhood Education
    Administrator: University of Illinois
    Sponsor:  Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Office of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Critical Technologies Institute
    Sponsor:  National Science Foundation
    Renamed the Science and Technology Policy Institute 1 October 1998.
  • Eastern Regional Institute for Education
    Administrator: National Institute of Education
    Sponsor:  Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Office of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Educational Development Center, Inc.
    Administrator: National Institute of Education
    Sponsor:  Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Office of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Electromagnetic Compatibility Analysis Center
    Administrator: IIT Research Institute
    Sponsor:  Department of Defense, Department of the Air Force
    Removed from the Master Government List of FFRDCs in FY 1972.
  • Energy Technology Engineering Center
    Administrator: Rockwell International Corp.
    Sponsor:  Department of Energy/Atomic Energy Commission
    Closed out in November 1995.
  • Frederick Cancer Research and Development Center
    Administrator: Science Applications International Corp.; Charles River Laboratories, Inc.; Data Management Services, Inc.; Wilson Information Services, Inc.
    Sponsor:  Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health
    Renamed the National Cancer Institute at Frederick in 2001.
  • Green Bank Observatory
    Administrator: Associated Universities, Inc.
    Sponsor:  National Science Foundation
    On 1 October 2016, Green Bank Observatory was split out from the National Radio Astronomy Observatory; both retained FFRDC status.
  • Hanford Engineering Development Laboratory
    Administrator: Westinghouse Hanford Co.
    Sponsor:  Department of Energy/Atomic Energy Commission
    Removed from the Master Government List of FFRDCs in October 1992. Hanford included the Liquid Metal Fast Breeder Reactor program beginning in December 1971.
  • Holifield National Laboratory
    Administrator: Union Carbide Corp.
    Sponsor:  Department of Energy/Atomic Energy Commission
    Renamed Oak Ridge National Laboratory in 1976.
  • Homeland Security Institute
    Administrator: Analytic Services, Inc.
    Sponsor:  Department of Homeland Security, Science and Technology Directorate
    The Homeland Security Institute (HSI) was operational from 26 April 2004 to 25 April 2009. On 5 March 2009, the HSI was replaced by two new FFRDCs: the Homeland Security Studies and Analysis Institute and the Homeland Security Systems Engineering Development Institute.
  • Homeland Security Studies and Analysis Institute
    Administrator: Analytic Services, Inc.
    Sponsor:  Department of Homeland Security, Science and Technology Directorate
    The Homeland Security Systems Engineering Development Institute was operational from 5 March 2009 until it was phased out on 31 October 2016.
  • Hudson Laboratories
    Administrator: Columbia University
    Sponsor:  Department of Defense, Department of the Navy
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1969.
  • Human Resources Research Office/Organization
    Administrator: George Washington University
    Sponsor:  Department of Defense, Department of the Army
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory
    Administrator: Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLC
    Sponsor:  Department of Energy/Atomic Energy Commission
    Renamed Idaho National Laboratory (INL) on 1 February 2005. Also, INL's administrator, Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLC, was replaced by Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC, in February 2005. As of 1 October 1999, Lockheed Martin was replaced by Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLC, as the administrator.
  • Idaho National Engineering Laboratory
    Administrator: Lockheed Martin Idaho Technologies Company
    Sponsor:  Department of Energy/Atomic Energy Commission
    Renamed Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory in spring 1997.
  • Inhalation Technology Research Institute
    Administrator: Lovelace Institutes
    Sponsor:  Department of Energy/Atomic Energy Commission
    Removed from the Master Government List of FFRDCs in May 1996.
  • Institute for Advanced Technologies
    Administrator: University of Texas
    Sponsor:  Department of Defense, Department of the Army
    Phased out as FFRDC November 1993.
  • Institute for Defense Analyses Communications and Computing
    Administrator: Institute for Defense Analyses
    Sponsor:  Department of Defense, National Security Agency/Central Security Service
    In FY 2009, the name was changed to the Center for Communications and Computing to avoid confusion between the two Department of Defense FFRDCs administered by the Institute for Defense Analyses. Although the Institute for Defense Analyses Communications and Computing has been in existence since 1956, the Department of Defense did not add it to the Master Government List of FFRDCs until October 1995.
  • Institute for Defense Analyses Studies and Analyses
    Administrator: Institute for Defense Analyses
    Sponsor:  Department of Defense, Office of the Secretary of Defense
    In FY 2009, the name was changed to the Studies and Analysis Center to avoid confusion between the two Department of Defense FFRDCs administered by the Institute for Defense Analyses.
  • Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Federally Funded Research and Development Center
    Administrator: MITRE, Corp.
    Sponsor:  Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service
    Renamed the Center for Enterprise Modernization August 2001.
  • Judiciary Modernization Engineering Center
    Administrator: MITRE, Corp.
    Sponsor:  United States Courts, Administrative Office of the United States Courts
    Decertified as FFRDC 31 January 2021
  • Kitt Peak National Observatory
    Sponsor:  National Science Foundation
    Became part of National Optical Astronomy Observatories in 1984.
  • Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory
    Administrator: General Electric Co.
    Sponsor:  Department of Energy/Atomic Energy Commission
    Removed from the Master Government List of FFRDCs in October 1992.
  • Learning Research and Development Center
    Administrator: University of Pittsburgh
    Sponsor:  Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Office of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Liquid Metal Engineering Center
    Administrator: Rockwell International Corp.
    Sponsor:  Department of Energy/Atomic Energy Commission
    Became Energy Technology Engineering Center in FY 1980.
  • Logistics Management Institute
    Administrator: Logistics Management Institute
    Sponsor:  Department of Defense, Office of the Secretary of Defense
    Decertified as FFRDC 24 September 1998.
  • Michigan-Ohio Regional Educational Laboratory
    Administrator: National Institute of Education
    Sponsor:  Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Office of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1969.
  • Mid-Continent Regional Educational Laboratory
    Administrator: National Institute of Education
    Sponsor:  Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Office of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Mound Laboratory
    Administrator: Monsanto Chemical Co.
    Sponsor:  Department of Energy/Atomic Energy Commission
    Removed from the Master Government List of FFRDCs in FY 1982.
  • National Accelerator Laboratory
    Administrator: Universities Research Association, Inc.
    Sponsor:  Department of Energy/Atomic Energy Commission
    Renamed Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory 11 May 1974.
  • National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center
    Administrator: Cornell University
    Sponsor:  National Science Foundation
    Decertified as FFRDC 1 October 2011.
  • National Cancer Institute at Frederick
    Administrator: SAIC-Frederick Inc., a subsidiary of the Science Applications International Corp.
    Sponsor:  Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health
    Renamed the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research 28 February 2012.
  • National Laboratory for Higher Education
    Administrator: National Institute of Education
    Sponsor:  Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Office of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • National Optical Astronomy Observatory
    Administrator: Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc.
    Sponsor:  National Science Foundation
    On 1 October 2019, the National Optical Astronomy Observatory was renamed NSF's National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory. The new laboratory also incorporates operations of the International Gemini Observatory and the Vera C. Rubin Observatory. On 1 October 2009, the National Solar Observatory split from the National Optical Astronomy Observatory; both retained FFRDC status. Between February 1984 and September 2009, the National Optical Astronomy Observatory included three former FFRDCs: Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory, Kitt Peak National Observatory, and the National Solar Observatory (formerly Sacramento Peak Observatory).
  • National Reactor Testing Station
    Administrator: Aerojet Nuclear Corp.
    Sponsor:  Department of Energy/Atomic Energy Commission
    Renamed Idaho National Engineering Laboratory in 1974.
  • National Solar Observatory/Sacramento Peak Observatory
    Sponsor:  National Science Foundation
    Became part of National Optical Astronomy Observatories in 1984. On 1 October 2009, the National Solar Observatory split from the National Optical Astronomy Observatory; both retained FFRDC status.
  • NCI Frederick Cancer Research and Development Center
    Administrator: Science Applications International Corp.; Advanced BioScience Laboratories, Inc.; Charles River Laboratories, Inc.; Data Management Services, Inc.
    Sponsor:  Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health
    Renamed National Cancer Institute at Frederick in FY 2001.
  • Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory
    Administrator: National Institute of Education
    Sponsor:  Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Office of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
    Administrator: Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Inc.
    Sponsor:  Department of Energy/Atomic Energy Commission
    Removed from the Master Government List of FFRDCs in February 1999.
  • Ordnance Research Laboratory
    Administrator: Pennsylvania State University
    Sponsor:  Department of Defense, Department of the Navy
    Renamed Applied Research Laboratory in 1973.
  • Policy Research Center
    Administrator: Syracuse University Research Corporation
    Sponsor:  Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Office of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Princeton-Pennsylvania Proton Accelerator
    Administrator: Princeton University and University of Pennsylvania
    Sponsor:  Department of Energy/Atomic Energy Commission
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1971.
  • Regional Educational Laboratory for the Carolinas and Virginia
    Administrator: National Institute of Education
    Sponsor:  Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Office of Education
    Renamed National Laboratory for Higher Education in FY 1971.
  • Research Analysis Corporation
    Administrator: Research Analysis Corporation
    Sponsor:  Department of Defense, Department of the Army
    Phased out as FFRDC 1 September 1972.
  • Research and Development Center in Educational Stimulation
    Administrator: University of Georgia
    Sponsor:  Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Office of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Research and Development Center in Teacher Education
    Administrator: University of Texas
    Sponsor:  Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Office of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Research for Better Schools, Inc.
    Administrator: National Institute of Education
    Sponsor:  Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Office of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Rocky Mountain Regional Educational Laboratory
    Administrator: National Institute of Education
    Sponsor:  Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Office of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1969.
  • Savannah River Technology Center
    Administrator: Westinghouse Savannah River Co.
    Sponsor:  Department of Energy
    Renamed Savannah River National Laboratory 8 December 2005.
  • Solar Energy Research Institute
    Administrator: Midwest Research Institute
    Sponsor:  Department of Energy/Atomic Energy Commission
    Renamed National Renewable Energy Laboratory in September 1991.
  • South Central Regional Educational Laboratory Corporation
    Administrator: National Institute of Education
    Sponsor:  Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Office of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1969.
  • Southeastern Educational Laboratory
    Administrator: National Institute of Education
    Sponsor:  Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Office of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Southwest Educational Development Laboratory
    Administrator: National Institute of Education
    Sponsor:  Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Office of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Southwest Regional Educational Laboratory
    Administrator: National Institute of Education
    Sponsor:  Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Office of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Southwestern Cooperative Educational Laboratory
    Administrator: National Institute of Education
    Sponsor:  Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Office of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Space Radiation Effects Laboratory
    Administrator: College of William and Mary
    Sponsor:  National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Removed from the Master Government List of FFRDCs List in FY 1979.
  • Stanford Center for Research and Development in Teaching
    Administrator: Stanford University
    Sponsor:  Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Office of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Tax Systems Modernization Institute
    Administrator: IIT Research Institute
    Sponsor:  Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service
    Replaced by Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Federally Funded Research and Development Center in October 1998.
  • The Far West Laboratory for Educational Research and Development.
    Administrator: National Institute of Education
    Sponsor:  Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Office of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Upper Midwest Regional Educational Laboratory, Inc.
    Administrator: National Institute of Education
    Sponsor:  Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Office of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.

Department of Commerce

  • Center for Enterprise Modernization
    Administrator: MITRE, Corp.
    On 26 August 2022, the Department of Commerce was designated a co-sponsor of the Center for Enterprise Modernization (CEM). In July 2018, the Social Security Administration was designated a co-sponsor for the CEM. In 2013, the Department of the Treasury assumed primary sponsorship, with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) having formal delegation to manage, administer, and execute the CEM agreements on behalf of Treasury. On 1 October 2008, the Department of Veterans Affairs was designated a co-sponsor of the Center for Enterprise Modernization.
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Department of Defense

Department of the Air Force

  • Analytic Services, Inc.
    Administrator: ANSER
    Removed from the Master Government List of FFRDCs in FY 1977.
  • Electromagnetic Compatibility Analysis Center
    Administrator: IIT Research Institute
    Removed from the Master Government List of FFRDCs in FY 1972.
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Department of the Army

  • Army Mathematics Research Center
    Administrator: University of Wisconsin
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1970.
  • Center for Research in Social Systems
    Administrator: American University
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1970.
  • Human Resources Research Office/Organization
    Administrator: George Washington University
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Institute for Advanced Technologies
    Administrator: University of Texas
    Phased out as FFRDC November 1993.
  • Research Analysis Corporation
    Administrator: Research Analysis Corporation
    Phased out as FFRDC 1 September 1972.
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Department of the Navy

  • Applied Physics Laboratory
    Administrator: Johns Hopkins University
    Removed from the Master Government List of FFRDCs in FY 1978.
  • Applied Physics Laboratory
    Administrator: University of Washington
    Removed from the Master Government List of FFRDCs in FY 1974.
  • Applied Research Laboratory
    Administrator: Pennsylvania State University
    Removed from the Master Government List of FFRDCs in FY 1978.
  • Hudson Laboratories
    Administrator: Columbia University
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1969.
  • Ordnance Research Laboratory
    Administrator: Pennsylvania State University
    Renamed Applied Research Laboratory in 1973.
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National Security Agency/Central Security Service

  • Institute for Defense Analyses Communications and Computing
    Administrator: Institute for Defense Analyses
    In FY 2009, the name was changed to the Center for Communications and Computing to avoid confusion between the two Department of Defense FFRDCs administered by the Institute for Defense Analyses. Although the Institute for Defense Analyses Communications and Computing has been in existence since 1956, the Department of Defense did not add it to the Master Government List of FFRDCs until October 1995.
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Office of the Secretary of Defense

  • Institute for Defense Analyses Studies and Analyses
    Administrator: Institute for Defense Analyses
    In FY 2009, the name was changed to the Studies and Analysis Center to avoid confusion between the two Department of Defense FFRDCs administered by the Institute for Defense Analyses.
  • Logistics Management Institute
    Administrator: Logistics Management Institute
    Decertified as FFRDC 24 September 1998.
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Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisitions, Technology and Logistics

  • C3I Federally Funded Research and Development Center
    Administrator: MITRE Corp.
    Renamed the National Security Engineering Center 25 April 2011.
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Department of Energy

  • Savannah River Technology Center
    Administrator: Westinghouse Savannah River Co.
    Renamed Savannah River National Laboratory 8 December 2005.
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Department of Energy/Atomic Energy Commission

  • Atomic Bomb Casualty Commission
    Administrator: National Academy of Sciences
    Phased out as FFRDC in April 1975.
  • Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory
    Administrator: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Removed from the Master Government List of FFRDCs in October 1992.
  • Cambridge Electron Accelerator
    Administrator: Harvard University and MIT
    Closed down in 1974.
  • Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility
    Administrator: Southeastern Universities Research Association, Inc.
    Renamed Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility in May 1996.
  • Energy Technology Engineering Center
    Administrator: Rockwell International Corp.
    Closed out in November 1995.
  • Hanford Engineering Development Laboratory
    Administrator: Westinghouse Hanford Co.
    Removed from the Master Government List of FFRDCs in October 1992. Hanford included the Liquid Metal Fast Breeder Reactor program beginning in December 1971.
  • Holifield National Laboratory
    Administrator: Union Carbide Corp.
    Renamed Oak Ridge National Laboratory in 1976.
  • Idaho National Engineering Laboratory
    Administrator: Lockheed Martin Idaho Technologies Company
    Renamed Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory in spring 1997.
  • Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory
    Administrator: Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLC
    Renamed Idaho National Laboratory (INL) on 1 February 2005. Also, INL's administrator, Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLC, was replaced by Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC, in February 2005. As of 1 October 1999, Lockheed Martin was replaced by Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLC, as the administrator.
  • Inhalation Technology Research Institute
    Administrator: Lovelace Institutes
    Removed from the Master Government List of FFRDCs in May 1996.
  • Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory
    Administrator: General Electric Co.
    Removed from the Master Government List of FFRDCs in October 1992.
  • Liquid Metal Engineering Center
    Administrator: Rockwell International Corp.
    Became Energy Technology Engineering Center in FY 1980.
  • Mound Laboratory
    Administrator: Monsanto Chemical Co.
    Removed from the Master Government List of FFRDCs in FY 1982.
  • National Accelerator Laboratory
    Administrator: Universities Research Association, Inc.
    Renamed Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory 11 May 1974.
  • National Reactor Testing Station
    Administrator: Aerojet Nuclear Corp.
    Renamed Idaho National Engineering Laboratory in 1974.
  • Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
    Administrator: Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Inc.
    Removed from the Master Government List of FFRDCs in February 1999.
  • Princeton-Pennsylvania Proton Accelerator
    Administrator: Princeton University and University of Pennsylvania
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1971.
  • Solar Energy Research Institute
    Administrator: Midwest Research Institute
    Renamed National Renewable Energy Laboratory in September 1991.
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Department of Health and Human Services

National Institutes of Health

  • Frederick Cancer Research and Development Center
    Administrator: Science Applications International Corp.; Charles River Laboratories, Inc.; Data Management Services, Inc.; Wilson Information Services, Inc.
    Renamed the National Cancer Institute at Frederick in 2001.
  • NCI Frederick Cancer Research and Development Center
    Administrator: Science Applications International Corp.; Advanced BioScience Laboratories, Inc.; Charles River Laboratories, Inc.; Data Management Services, Inc.
    Renamed National Cancer Institute at Frederick in FY 2001.
  • National Cancer Institute at Frederick
    Administrator: SAIC-Frederick Inc., a subsidiary of the Science Applications International Corp.
    Renamed the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research 28 February 2012.
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Department of Health, Education and Welfare

Office of Education

  • Appalachia Educational Laboratory
    Administrator: National Institute of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Center for Educational Policy Research
    Administrator: Stanford Research Institute
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Center for Research and Development for Learning and Re-Education
    Administrator: University of Wisconsin
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Center for Research and Development in Higher Education
    Administrator: University of California
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Center for Urban Education
    Administrator: National Institute of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Center for the Advanced Study of Educational Administration
    Administrator: University of Oregon
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Center for the Study of Social Organization of Schools and the Learning Process
    Administrator: Johns Hopkins University
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Center for the Study of the Evaluation of Instructional Programs
    Administrator: University of California
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Central Atlantic Regional Educational Laboratory
    Administrator: National Institute of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1969.
  • Central Midwestern Regional Educational Laboratory
    Administrator: National Institute of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Cooperative Educational Research Laboratory, Inc.
    Administrator: National Institute of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1969.
  • Coordination Center for the National Program in Early Childhood Education
    Administrator: University of Illinois
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Eastern Regional Institute for Education
    Administrator: National Institute of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Educational Development Center, Inc.
    Administrator: National Institute of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Learning Research and Development Center
    Administrator: University of Pittsburgh
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Michigan-Ohio Regional Educational Laboratory
    Administrator: National Institute of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1969.
  • Mid-Continent Regional Educational Laboratory
    Administrator: National Institute of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • National Laboratory for Higher Education
    Administrator: National Institute of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory
    Administrator: National Institute of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Policy Research Center
    Administrator: Syracuse University Research Corporation
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Regional Educational Laboratory for the Carolinas and Virginia
    Administrator: National Institute of Education
    Renamed National Laboratory for Higher Education in FY 1971.
  • Research and Development Center in Educational Stimulation
    Administrator: University of Georgia
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Research and Development Center in Teacher Education
    Administrator: University of Texas
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Research for Better Schools, Inc.
    Administrator: National Institute of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Rocky Mountain Regional Educational Laboratory
    Administrator: National Institute of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1969.
  • South Central Regional Educational Laboratory Corporation
    Administrator: National Institute of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1969.
  • Southeastern Educational Laboratory
    Administrator: National Institute of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Southwest Educational Development Laboratory
    Administrator: National Institute of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Southwest Regional Educational Laboratory
    Administrator: National Institute of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Southwestern Cooperative Educational Laboratory
    Administrator: National Institute of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Stanford Center for Research and Development in Teaching
    Administrator: Stanford University
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • The Far West Laboratory for Educational Research and Development.
    Administrator: National Institute of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
  • Upper Midwest Regional Educational Laboratory, Inc.
    Administrator: National Institute of Education
    Phased out as FFRDC at end of FY 1972.
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Department of Homeland Security

Science and Technology Directorate

  • Homeland Security Institute
    Administrator: Analytic Services, Inc.
    The Homeland Security Institute (HSI) was operational from 26 April 2004 to 25 April 2009. On 5 March 2009, the HSI was replaced by two new FFRDCs: the Homeland Security Studies and Analysis Institute and the Homeland Security Systems Engineering Development Institute.
  • Homeland Security Studies and Analysis Institute
    Administrator: Analytic Services, Inc.
    The Homeland Security Systems Engineering Development Institute was operational from 5 March 2009 until it was phased out on 31 October 2016.
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Department of the Treasury

Internal Revenue Service

  • Center for Enterprise Modernization
    Administrator: MITRE, Corp.
    On 26 August 2022, the Department of Commerce was designated a co-sponsor of the Center for Enterprise Modernization (CEM). In July 2018, the Social Security Administration was designated a co-sponsor for the CEM. In 2013, the Department of the Treasury assumed primary sponsorship, with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) having formal delegation to manage, administer, and execute the CEM agreements on behalf of Treasury. On 1 October 2008, the Department of Veterans Affairs was designated a co-sponsor of the Center for Enterprise Modernization.
  • Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Federally Funded Research and Development Center
    Administrator: MITRE, Corp.
    Renamed the Center for Enterprise Modernization August 2001.
  • Tax Systems Modernization Institute
    Administrator: IIT Research Institute
    Replaced by Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Federally Funded Research and Development Center in October 1998.
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Department of Veteran Affairs

  • Center for Enterprise Modernization
    Administrator: MITRE, Corp.
    On 26 August 2022, the Department of Commerce was designated a co-sponsor of the Center for Enterprise Modernization (CEM). In July 2018, the Social Security Administration was designated a co-sponsor for the CEM. In 2013, the Department of the Treasury assumed primary sponsorship, with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) having formal delegation to manage, administer, and execute the CEM agreements on behalf of Treasury. On 1 October 2008, the Department of Veterans Affairs was designated a co-sponsor of the Center for Enterprise Modernization.
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National Aeronautics and Space Administration

  • Space Radiation Effects Laboratory
    Administrator: College of William and Mary
    Removed from the Master Government List of FFRDCs List in FY 1979.
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National Science Foundation

  • Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory
    Became part of National Optical Astronomy Observatories in 1984.
  • Critical Technologies Institute
    Renamed the Science and Technology Policy Institute 1 October 1998.
  • Green Bank Observatory
    Administrator: Associated Universities, Inc.
    On 1 October 2016, Green Bank Observatory was split out from the National Radio Astronomy Observatory; both retained FFRDC status.
  • Kitt Peak National Observatory
    Became part of National Optical Astronomy Observatories in 1984.
  • National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center
    Administrator: Cornell University
    Decertified as FFRDC 1 October 2011.
  • National Optical Astronomy Observatory
    Administrator: Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc.
    On 1 October 2019, the National Optical Astronomy Observatory was renamed NSF's National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory. The new laboratory also incorporates operations of the International Gemini Observatory and the Vera C. Rubin Observatory. On 1 October 2009, the National Solar Observatory split from the National Optical Astronomy Observatory; both retained FFRDC status. Between February 1984 and September 2009, the National Optical Astronomy Observatory included three former FFRDCs: Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory, Kitt Peak National Observatory, and the National Solar Observatory (formerly Sacramento Peak Observatory).
  • National Solar Observatory/Sacramento Peak Observatory
    Became part of National Optical Astronomy Observatories in 1984. On 1 October 2009, the National Solar Observatory split from the National Optical Astronomy Observatory; both retained FFRDC status.
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Social Security Administration

  • Center for Enterprise Modernization
    Administrator: MITRE, Corp.
    On 26 August 2022, the Department of Commerce was designated a co-sponsor of the Center for Enterprise Modernization (CEM). In July 2018, the Social Security Administration was designated a co-sponsor for the CEM. In 2013, the Department of the Treasury assumed primary sponsorship, with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) having formal delegation to manage, administer, and execute the CEM agreements on behalf of Treasury. On 1 October 2008, the Department of Veterans Affairs was designated a co-sponsor of the Center for Enterprise Modernization.
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United States Courts

Administrative Office of the United States Courts

  • Judiciary Modernization Engineering Center
    Administrator: MITRE, Corp.
    Decertified as FFRDC 31 January 2021
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(A): Archived Publication

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Last Updated: February 2023