The Federal Research Division (FRD), an innovative Library of Congress program serving federal agencies and authorized contractors, is staffed with highly skilled researchers, data analysts, and foreign language experts. As a collaborative and unbiased force multiplier, FRD provides vital and actionable high-quality products, on time and within budget, that support federal mission success.

Self-Sufficiency

FRD operates a 5-year revolving fund, is cost-recovery, and does not receive Congressional appropriations. Our clients provide our sole source of revenue and are not mandated to use our services. The division’s success depends on exceptional customer service and a consistent commitment to quality research that exceeds client expectations.

Service to our Nation

FRD was established to serve the newly independent U.S. Air Force aeronautical research efforts. As our services proved vital to the nation’s security, our mandate expanded from serving the USAF to serving the Department of Defense and finally to serving the entire Federal Government, excluding Congress.

Capabilities

FRD’s mandate is to support federal missions with outstanding and unbiased research. As a result, our skills and expertise are broad and include the following:

• Skills: Data analysis, data collection (qualitative and quantitative), data creation, data dashboard, data visualization, foreign language research with results in English, knowledge management and document archiving, domestic and foreign legal analysis, knowledge management, machine learning, operations, program assessment, research methodology development, statistical analysis, survey development and implementation (which may include the IRB/PRA process), and more.
• Technical Tools: Adobe InDesign, ArcGIS, MS Excel and Word, NVIVO, R, Perma.cc, Python, Tableau, and more.
• Topics: Country-by-country analysis, economics, education, emerging technology, energy, engineering, executive order alignment, finance, food security, foreign-developed technology, foreign influence assessments, global competitive analysis, infrastructure impact, intelligence analysis, key performance indicators (KPI), legal analysis, machine learning, operational requirements, organizational history, program evaluation, raw material assessments (including foreign ownership), state-by-state analysis, terrorism/counterterrorism, transportation, trend analysis and more.
• Products: May be provided as data analysis, data dashboard or visualization, Powerpoint, executive summary, spreadsheet, written code, or written report. Clients control the intellectual property (IP) of all work products and may repurpose the information for their own use. FRD holds no rights to the content beyond what is required for federal records management purposes.