The Office of Scientific Research and Development was the largest science oriented organization in the USA during World War II. It's aim was to consolidate all areas of scientific research in order to evaluate existing technologies and to develop new technologies for the benefit of the US and Allied Forces. The board was civilian controlled, however, it worked for the Armed Forces and the US government. Hundreds of contracts had been signed between civilian universities and the US Army and Navy and the US industry. Implemented as late as 1941, the output of new high-tech gadgets like improved armament, radar equipment and many other features enabled the Allied Forces finally to succeed over Nazi Germany. The development of the nuclear bomb as well as the Philadelphia Experiment was organized under the supervision of the OSRD.

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1. http://www.archives.gov/research_room/federal_records_guide/scientific_research_and_development_rg227.html

Records of the Office of Scientific Research and Development
2. http://history.acusd.edu/gen/WW2Timeline/OSRD.html

Brief description of the OSRD
3. http://www.fdrlibrary.marist.edu/psf/box2/folo13.html

OSRD Mission: largely at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology since the best facilities for their work were already there, and supplied with organization, materials, and technical assistance. The great electrical research laboratories of industry have worked closely with this group. This has occurred, not in the usual manner where each commercial company pursues its independent development, but on a definite basis of pooled information, and a subdivision of development for its most advantageous distribution. Close liaison has also been maintained with Army and Navy, and with the continuing work of their laboratories.