In this episode, Kevin and Paul talk about a part of government contracting that many people don’t know much about: Federally Funded Research and Development Centers, or FFRDCs. These groups are not quite government and not quite private companies. They are a “third option” that mixes the steady focus of government with the flexible thinking of industry.
Using a tortoise-and-hare story, they explain how FFRDCs help the government with tough, long-term projects. These centers bring deep knowledge, stay out of conflicts of interest, and support national goals. If you’re a contracting officer, program manager, or contractor, this episode will help you understand how FFRDCs work—and why they matter. Special thanks to Lindsey Turner, a Contracting Officer Technical Representative, for suggesting this topic!