May private organizations contribute funds to pooled fund studies?
One of the main issues to keep in mind with private contributions to pooled fund studies is that we don’t want the contributions to be at a level that would affect or even appear to affect the outcome of the research, conference, etc. that is the intended product of the study. The following is from the Transportation Pooled Fund Program procedures document relative to private contributions: For private industry, foundations and college/universities the obligation of funds will need to be handled on a case-by-case basis. These organizations may choose to provide their funds directly to the sponsoring agency in accordance with relevant regulatory requirements. If a check is being sent to the FHWA for this purpose, accompanying paperwork should note the formal study number (e.g., SPR-3(123)) and be mailed to Federal Highway Administration, P.O. Box 100147, Atlanta, Georgia 30384-0147.
Whether private organizations may contribute funds to pooled fund studies depends on the rules and regulations of the lead State. For States that allow private company participation, the contributions should not be at a level that would affect or even appear to affect the outcome of the research, conference, etc., that is the intended product of the study.
