Argonne is a large, multiprogram laboratory operated by The University of Chicago for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The Laboratory's mission is basic research and technology development to meet national goals in scientific leadership, energy technology, environmental quality, and national security. Major mission areas include (1) fundamental science and research, (2) national research/user facilities, (3) energy research and technologies, (4) environmental research and technologies, (5) national security assistance, and (6) mission-related technical evaluations. Additional goals pervading all Argonne missions include the transfer of technology to the private sector, protection of the environment and the health and safety of Argonne workers and the public, and science and mathematics education for students and teachers.

Although a predominant portion of the Laboratory's mission is related to fundamental research and the communication of announced and developed technologies, which, in general, is excepted from export control regulations, the Laboratory also has an obligation to assure that particular technologies, equipment, and information subject to export control regulations are exported in compliance with these regulations (in some instances, this means that exports cannot be made to certain foreign nationals and/or countries).

Although much of the work Argonne and its employees undertake to further its research and technology development mission is exempted from U.S. export control regulations, Export Administration Regulations (EAR) may apply to other activities in which employees of the Laboratory are engaged.

An "export" is the actual shipment or transmission of items subject to the EAR out of the United States or the release of technology or software subject to the EAR to a foreign national in the United States. In addition, information that Laboratory staff pass on to a foreign national visiting the United States — or information that Laboratory staff pass on to a foreign national while overseas — may also be covered by export-control regulations. Exports may include commodities, software/computer coding, and/or technical data from the United States transferred by mail, telephone, electronic mail, or facsimile; through shipment; via hand-carried materials; as a result of presentations; over the web; and/or by any other means.

All laboratory staff must therefore be aware that providing, purposely or inadvertently, export-controlled commodities or information to foreign nationals without the appropriate clearances or licenses violates the EAR.

Argonne is firmly committed to strict adherence to all U.S. export control laws and regulations. Under no circumstances should the export of EAR-controlled technical data, software, or commodities take place contrary to U.S. export control laws and regulations. In addition, the Laboratory also follows DOE policy and executive orders, and these orders agree with the export control laws and regulations. Sponsorship of Laboratory operations/functions by DOE does not mitigate, supersede, or remove the Laboratory's responsibility to adhere to U.S. export control laws and regulations.

Administrative, civil, and criminal penalties exist for violations of export control laws and may be imposed against the Laboratory and/or individual employees. Because of potential serious consequences associated with failing to comply with U.S. export control laws and regulations, all employees need to be aware of their obligations for full compliance.