Energy Link Frequently Asked Questions

What is Energy Link (E-Link)?
What are the system requirements for E-Link?
Do I need to have Cookies enabled?
Do I need to log on?
How do I arrange for access to E-Link?
How do I log on to E-Link?
If I am unable to log on and I get messages such as "... If this persists, call OSTI," "server not available," or other message, what should I do?
How do I send metadata for limited reports?
How do I send full-text electronic files WITH an announcement record (Web Form 241.1)?
Should I use Microsoft Word?
Is there a file size limit?
If sub-elements or pick lists have error messages or are not viewable, what should I do?
Where do I include Conference Sponsor information?
I received a "timed out" message. Why? What do I have to do to keep from timing out? How long do I have before the "time out" message appears? After a "time-out", how do I retrieve the information that I've already entered into the 241.1 Form?
Can I edit my submission?

After I input data, must I SAVE before I either SUBMIT FOR RELEASE or RELEASE?
What is Personally Identifiable Information (PII), and what is Public PII versus Protected PII?
Who do I contact with other questions or concerns?

What is Energy Link (E-Link)?
E-Link provides the means for scientific and technical information (STI) sponsored by the Department of Energy (DOE) to be submitted electronically to DOE. The E-Link processing system is located at the DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI).
What are the system requirements for E-Link?
Systems requirements for E-Link differ depending upon your computer system. Requirements for various computer systems are outlined on the System Requirements page.
Do I need to have Cookies enabled?
Yes, you must select Accept All Cookies. Please see our security notice for further information.
Do I need to log on?
If you are a financial assistance recipient/awardee, you do not need to log on. Make sure you meet all the System Requirements, then fill out the 241.3 form and go through the submission process. If you are a DOE Operations/Field Office or Major Site/Facility Management Contractor you must log on. Please obtain a user name and password for E-Link by filling out and submitting the Access Request.
How do I arrange for access to E-Link?
If you are a financial assistance recipient/awardee, you do not need to log on. Make sure you meet all the System Requirements, then simply fill out the 241.3 form and go through the submission process. If you are a DOE Operations/Field Office or Major Site/Facility Management Contractor you must obtain a password and/or a site code for E-Link, by filling out and submitting the Access Request.
How do I log on to E-Link?
If you are a financial assistance recipient/awardee, you do not need to log on. Make sure you meet all the System Requirements, then fill out the 241.3 form and go through the submission process. If you are a DOE Operations/Field Office or Major Site/Facility Management Contractor, you must acquire a Password and User Name and make sure that you have met all the System Requirements.
To log on:
- Go to the E-Link Logon Page and enter your User Name and Password. You must select inside the User Name box to position the cursor before you begin to type. After you enter your User Name, click or tab to the Password box to enter your password.
- Click LOG ON to move to the next E-Link page.
- If a Security Information dialog box appears, you may select to close the box and/or to discontinue the security messages.
- If an invalid User Name or Password is entered, you will receive the message "Logon Failed. Please Try Again"
If I am unable to log on and I get messages such as "... If this persists, call OSTI," "server not available," or other message, what should I do?
Possible difficulties are that the system is temporarily down, there is a difficulty with network communications, or there is a technical difficulty. Please report difficulties with logging on to OSTI at e-mail 241user@osti.gov or to a contact. To assist in resolving the problem, copy the message and include it in the e-mail or in the conversation with the contact.
How do I send metadata for limited reports?
The announcement record (metadata) for unclassified sensitive, declassified limited, and classified STI must contain ONLY unclassified, unlimited, publicly releasable data if it is to be transmitted over open system networks such as the Web Form 241.1.

If the metadata contains unclassified sensitive, classified, or nonpublicly releasable data, it must NOT be transmitted over open systems networks. It must be sent by diskettes (3.5-inch), CD ROM, tape (8-mm DAT) or paper. These same four media are also used exclusively for submission of unclassified sensitive and classified full-text STI products.
How do I send full-text electronic files WITH an announcement record (Web Form 241.1)?
UPLOAD is included on the form.
Should I use Microsoft Word?
Word files may be submitted only with a 241.3 announcement record. Use of Word for submission may delay the release process for your announcement record. It is highly recommended that you use Adobe PDF format (please see the Help page).
Is there a file size limit?
There is a file size limit of 120 Megabytes for all files being uploaded, whether full-text batch files or a single full-text file attached to a Web Form 241.1.
If sub-elements or pick lists have error messages or are not viewable, what should I do?
First, check your computer to assure that it is set up properly to accommodate the E-Link System Requirements. If your computer is set up correctly and you continue to experience difficulties, report the situation to user assistance at e-mail 241user@osti.gov or to a contact.
Where do I include Conference Sponsor information?
Conference Sponsor information is optional. If you wish to include it, it may be included in the conference drop-box following "b. Conference Information (title, location, dates)."
I received a "timed out" message. Why? What do I have to do to keep from timing out? How long do I have before the "time out" message appears? After a "time-out", how do I retrieve the information that I've already entered into the 241.1 Form?
Because of security issues involved in the submittal of Web Form 241.1, a "time-out" of four hours has been put into place. To avoid data loss, you can do two things:
- Use the SAVE selection at the bottom of the Web Form (you can then retrieve the record in the RECORDS PENDING selection on the MAIN PAGE) or
- Go to the Login Page and log in again; then select your browser's Back button to navigate back to your form. (As long as you haven't quit your browser, the form will be there in a previous page.)
If you must leave your workstation for a period of time, select SAVE at the bottom of Web Form 241.1 and then select LOG OFF. This combination will save the input data and will discontinue the session. The LOG OFF option is provided to protect your workstation and E-Link from unauthorized access and use.
Can I edit my submission?
If you are a financial assistance recipient/awardee, you may not view or edit your information once it has been submitted. Please print and review your information prior to submitting. If you are a DOE Operations/Field Office or Major Site/Facility Management Contractor you may revise and correct your submission online. Please see our Help section.
After I input data, must I SAVE before I either SUBMIT FOR RELEASE or RELEASE?
No, you may SUBMIT TO RELEASING OFFICIAL or, if you are a releasing official, RELEASE TO OSTI without first selecting SAVE.
What is Personally Identifiable Information (PII), and what is Public PII versus Protected PII?
PII is any information about an individual which can be used to distinguish or trace an individual's identity. Some information that is considered to be PII is available in public sources such as telephone books, public websites, university listings, etc. This type of information is considered to be Public PII and includes, for example, first and last name, address, work telephone number, email address, home telephone number, and general educational credentials. In contrast, Protected PII is defined as an individual's first name or first initial and last name in combination with any one or more of types of information, including, but not limited to, social security number, passport number, credit card numbers, clearances, bank numbers, biometrics, date and place of birth, mother's maiden name, criminal, medical and financial records, educational transcripts, etc.
Who do I contact with other questions or concerns?
If the Frequently Asked Questions do not address your question or concern, you may contact

Kathy Waldrop
E-Link Product Manager
241user@osti.gov
865-576-1223