grams for that fiscal year. Laboratory directors 

 may also make specific research proposals. The 

 syntheses of all of the previously described guid- 

 ance is the "Agency research statement," a sort of 

 "master" research plan. Specific requirements of 

 the agency research statement are described in 

 objective statements. The laboratory directors are 

 responsible for translating these documents into 

 plans for accomplishing the objectives. Unsolicited 

 research proposals from outside parties may be 

 accepted if they are consistent with the Agency's 

 overall objectives. The supportive nature of EPA's 

 research segment is part of the reason that its 

 research is largely applied. While basic research is 

 ultimately essential to continued support, it is like- 

 ly to be deferred in favor of more immediate 

 needs. 



Whether the research necessary to accomplish 

 the Agency's goals is undertaken in-house or ex- 

 tramurally is dependent on the availability of the 



scientific expertise, facilities, and manpower in the 

 Agency laboratories. If the research is undertaken 

 outside the Agency, it is normally through compet- 

 itive grants and contracts. Proposals are reviewed 

 in-house as well as by outside experts for feasibili- 

 ty, cost and scientific capability of the researchers. 



There is not official differentiation between basic 

 and applied research in EPA. In fact, which re- 

 search falls into which category is open to debate. 

 Procedures for initiation, review, and termination 

 of R&D projects are the same for all research. One 

 proposed solution to EPA's problem of insufficient 

 basic research is to separate basic research from 

 applied research in the early planning stages so 

 that it may be better protected. 



The Agency has increased its basic research 

 since its inception in 1970. The need for basic 

 research in EPA is certainly more generally recog- 

 nized. Perhaps it is simply a question of time. 



ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 



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