INTRODUCTION Increasing national concentration on domestic concerns, coupled with support for research and development that has slowed to a steady state, has broadened interest in intergovernmental use of the Federal laboratories. In addition, the rise of the New Federalism has emphasized the desirability of effective laboratory utilization in support of State and local governments. To recognize the need for more effective intergovernmental utilization of Federal laboratories is one thing; to achieve it is another. The barriers and difficulties identified in numerous meetings and studies were used in preparing this report, which presents a "state of the art" assessment of the present situation. However, this report goes beyond assessment only. It contains a series of specific recommendations to facilitate and encourage increased intergovernmental utilization of the Federal laboratories. Since the study was made by representatives of the Federal Council for Science and Technology and to Federal agencies for implementation, its recommendations are oriented to the Federal community. However, complementary action is needed by State and local governments, industry and private groups if this Nation is to realize optimum benefits from its large investment in Federal R&D facilities. For example, the many State and local governments need to more actively organize to identify their common needs in order to help reduce the number of channels of communication between themselves and the Federal R&D laboratories. Finally, this report does not represent a definitive solution to the many problems and barriers affecting wider intergovernmental use of Federal laboratories. Rather, it is a significant step in a reiterative process that the Federal Council, along with other units of government at all levels, will continue to pursue together in a search for workable solutions. Richard W. Roberts Chairman Committee on Federal Laboratories F. OMB Circular No. A-97: Rules and regulations permitting Federal agencies to provide specialized or technical services to ix |