Which type of contract would be most appropriate if the principal purpose of research is to significantly benefit the government?

The most appropriate choice for a contract where the principal purpose of research is to significantly benefit the government is a procurement contract. Procurement contracts are designed for acquiring goods or services for the government, making them well-suited for situations where the government seeks to obtain specific research outcomes that align with its interests. Such contracts ensure accountability, compliance with regulations, and a structured relationship between the government and the contractor, all while aiming at fulfilling governmental objectives.

In contrast, grants and cooperative agreements are typically used for research projects that may involve collaboration but do not necessarily place the same level of binding expectations or accountability on the researcher or institution. A grant usually provides funding without the expectation of return or procurement, while a cooperative agreement involves more collaboration but still lacks the structured requirements of a procurement contract. An other transaction for research might offer flexibility and innovation but is generally utilized for more experimental or high-risk projects where traditional contracting methods may not apply. Thus, procurement contracts are the most aligned with the goal of ensuring governmental benefit through research.