The DOE laboratories are available to conduct work for other Federal agencies and non-Federal customers on a 100% reimbursable basis.  This work uses laboratory personnel and/or facilities; pertains to the mission of the laboratory; does not conflict or interfere with the achievement of DOE program objectives; does not place the laboratory in direct competition with the domestic private sector; and does not create a potential future burden on DOE resources.

The rationale for establishing the Work for Others (WFO) program is based on several key factors.  First, the Department’s laboratories contain some highly specialized and unique technical expertise and equipment that are not available elsewhere in the U.S.  By permitting Federal, State and local governments to work with the laboratories it allows them to accomplish goals that may otherwise be unattainable and avoids potential duplication of research efforts.  Second, the laboratories represent a national scientific asset and, under appropriate conditions, this resource should be made available to U.S. industry and universities to strengthen their technology base and improve their international competitiveness.  Third, R&D interactions between DOE laboratories and industry help transfer technology developed by the laboratories, thus aiding the further development and commercialization of laboratory technologies by industry.  Finally, non-DOE funded research that is related to ongoing DOE research at the laboratories can help leverage DOE research by further developing needed technical expertise or providing complimentary research results.

The Office of Laboratory Policy and Evaluation establishes and implements procedures for oversight and reporting of the WFO programs at the Office of Science laboratories.

The Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) program provides the DOE laboratories with the opportunity and flexibility to undertake research and development activities that: pursue new and innovative scientific and technological ideas; enhance the scientific and technological vitality of the laboratory; and develop and retain new workforce capabilities.  An important component of the LDRD program’s contribution to the laboratories’ future is its ability to attract promising early-career scientists and engineers (postdoctoral fellows and graduate students) to the institutions.
The Office of Laboratory Policy and Evaluation is responsible for the overall DOE LDRD policy which provides key requirements to ensure effective management of the LDRD program, while maintaining the flexibility needed by the laboratory director for effective program implementation.  The Office also establishes and implements procedures for oversight and reporting of the LDRD programs at the Office of Science laboratories.

Technology transfer and technology partnering is a significant mechanism for DOE laboratories and facilities to engage non-Federal entities to advance the process of technology development and commercialization.  Fundamental and applied research at DOE National Laboratories has been a conduit for technology transfer, collaborating with university and industry colleagues to develop and commercialize energy products and processes for commercial use.  These arrangements leverage resources, providing for collaboration and cooperation between DOE and the private sector.  Technology transfer can mean many things – technical assistance to solve a specific problem, use of unique facilities, licensing of patents and software, exchange of personnel, and cooperative research agreements while ensuring fairness of opportunity, protecting the national security, promoting the economic interests of the nation, and preventing inappropriate competition with the private sector.

The Office of Laboratory Policy and Evaluation works closely with the Department’s Technology Transfer Coordinator and the Technology Transfer Policy board to ensure that the robust technology transfer program at the DOE laboratories meets the requirements of the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

For more information, please visit the DOE Technology Transfer
Website.