35.010 Scientific and technical reports
Source: FAR 35.010 on acquisition.gov
R&D contractors must submit scientific and technical reports as a permanent record, following agency and security requirements, and typically send them to NTIS with SF 298 if required.
Overview
FAR 35.010 establishes requirements for scientific and technical reporting under research and development (R&D) contracts. Contractors must provide scientific and technical reports that serve as a permanent record of the work performed, tailored to the objectives of the contract. Agencies are encouraged to make the results of R&D contracts accessible to other government entities and the private sector, while adhering to regulations on national security, data protection, and technology dissemination. Reports are generally submitted to the National Technical Information Service (NTIS), and when required, must include a completed Standard Form (SF) 298, Report Documentation Page.
Key Rules
- Mandatory Reporting
- Contractors must furnish scientific and technical reports documenting R&D contract results.
- Report Distribution
- Reports should be sent to NTIS and may require a report documentation page (SF 298) as specified by the agency.
- Agency Oversight
- Contracting officers must follow agency-specific regulations regarding security, data protection, and dissemination of new technology.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Ensure contract clauses require appropriate reporting, follow agency regulations for report handling, and direct reports to NTIS.
- Contractors: Prepare and submit scientific and technical reports, including SF 298 if required, and comply with agency-specific requirements.
- Agencies: Oversee compliance, manage dissemination, and protect sensitive information as per policy.
Practical Implications
- This section ensures R&D contract results are documented and accessible for future use, supporting transparency and knowledge sharing. Contractors must be diligent in preparing reports and following submission protocols, while agencies must balance dissemination with security and data protection. Common pitfalls include incomplete reporting, failure to use SF 298 when required, or improper handling of sensitive information.
(a) R&D contracts shall require contractors to furnish scientific and technical reports, consistent with the objectives of the effort involved, as a permanent record of the work accomplished under the contract.
(b) Agencies should make R&D contract results available to other Government activities and the private sector. Contracting officers shall follow agency regulations regarding such matters as national security, protection of data, and new-technology dissemination policy. Reports should be sent to the-
National Technical Information Service (NTIS) 5285 Port Royal Road Springfield, VA 22161.
When agencies require that completed reports be covered by a report documentation page, https://www.gsa.gov/forms-library/report-documentation-page" target="_blank">Standard Form (SF) 298, Report Documentation Page, the contractor should submit a copy with the report.