A board consisting of one member from each of the four institutions will manage the consortium.  The board will establish an industry advisory board to act as a guide to define direction and management of the consortium.  The industry advisory board will be made up of ten representatives from industry stakeholder organizations including the Beef Improvement Federation, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, and the U.S. Beef Breeds Council.

            The board will have complete control over the release and distribution of all intellectual property produced as a direct result of the funding managed by the consortium.  The intent is to make intellectual property available beyond the four member institutions only when it is in the best interests of U.S. beef producers and consumers.

            The management board will also be responsible for evaluating the success of the projects under direction by the consortium.  The board will seek comments and criticism of the completed and ongoing projects from the advisory board and will request annual reviews from the USDA.  These evaluations, along with the industry advisory board, will guide future program direction of the consortium.

            Colorado State University has been designated as the lead institution for day-to-day management and funding of the consortium.  The other three institutions will receive subcontracts from CSU as the prime contractor.