DOI: 10.3886/e224243
title: Federally Funded R&D Centers (FFRDC) Research and Development Survey (FFRDC R&D), United States, 1979-2023

description: The Federally Funded R&D Centers (FFRDC) Research and Development Survey is the primary source of information on research and development (R&D) expenditures that are separately accounted for at federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs) in the United States. Conducted annually for university-administered FFRDCs since FY 1953 and all FFRDCs since FY 2001, the survey collects information on R&D expenditures by source of funds and types of research and expenses. The survey is an annual census of the full population of eligible FFRDCs.<br><br>The FFRDC Research and Development Survey is conducted by the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) within the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). It is the primary source of information on research and development (R&D) expenditures that are separately accounted for at federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs) in the United States.
description: Response Rates: All 42 FFRDCs included on the Master Government List of FFRDCs during the FY 2023 survey cycle completed the key survey questions.
description: The total survey universe is identified through the Master Government List of FFRDCs (https://www.nsf.gov/statistics/ffrdclist/). NSF is responsible for maintaining this list and queries all federal agencies annually to determine any changes to, additions to, or deletions from the list.
description: All FFRDCs.
description: web-based survey; Annual data are available for FYs 2001–23. When the review for consistency between each year’s data and submissions in prior years reveals discrepancies, it is sometimes necessary to modify prior year data. For accurate historical data, use only the most recently released data tables. Individuals wishing to analyze trends other than those in the most recent NCSES publication are encouraged to contact the Survey Manager for more information about the comparability of data over time. Changes in survey coverage and population. Most years, there are some changes to the FFRDC population that may affect trend analyses. FFRDCs have been created, decertified, renamed, or restructured, as described below:On 20 December 2006, the National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasure Center was created.Prior to FY 2009, the Center for Enterprise Modernization was listed as the Internal Revenue Service FFRDC.On 5 March 2009, the Homeland Security Studies and Analysis Institute and the Homeland Security Systems Engineering and Development Institute were created. These new FFRDCs replaced the Homeland Security Institute.On 1 October 2009, the National Solar Observatory split from the National Optical Astronomy Observatory, with both retaining their FFRDC status.On 2 September 2010, the Judiciary Engineering and Modernization Center was created.Prior to FY 2011, the National Security Engineering Center was listed as C3I FFRDC.On 1 October 2011, the National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center was decertified as an FFRDC.Prior to FY 2012, the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research was listed as the National Cancer Institute at Frederick.On 27 September 2012, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services FFRDC was created. On 15 August 2013, its name was changed to the CMS Alliance to Modernize Healthcare.Prior to FY 2013, the Systems and Analyses Center was listed as the Studies and Analyses Center.On 19 September 2014, the National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence was created.On 15 September 2016, the Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center was created.On 1 October 2016, Green Bank Observatory was split out from the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, both retained FFRDC status.The Homeland Security Studies and Analysis Institute was phased out on 31 October 2016.In June 2020, the National Optical Astronomy Observatory changed its name to NSF’s National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory or NSF’s NOIRLab.The Judiciary Engineering and Modernization Center was decertified as an FFRDC in January 2021.