In order to identify the research groups that can perform the very complex, highly technical work required by air quality research projects, TERC's Research Management Organization, the Houston Advanced Research Center, published a "Request for Qualifications". Several groups applied, however only those that met the criteria were accepted. Members of the Research Teams are not allowed to be part of the Science Advisory Committee, which sets research priorities, in order to avoid any problems with conflict of interests.
The Research Team members are as follows:
- Aerodyne
- Battelle
- Baylor University
- Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden
- DRI
- ERG
- Georgia Tech
- ICF
- MACTEC
- Pechan
- Texas A&M University
- University of Alabama at Huntsville
- University of Houston
- University of North Carolina
- University of Texas
- Washington State University
On rare occasions companies are selected due their unique ability to perform the desired task. When these occasions when these issues arise HARC follows a sole sourcing procedure.