The US Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy released a memo by the Deputy Secretary of Energy that describes a framework designed to minimize foreign risks to the scientific enterprise of DOE and the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).

The newly published Research, Technology & Economic Security Framework highlights DOE’s goals, process, high level risk factors, and commitment to mitigation when assessing RTES risk.

This framework outlines a harmonized approach across all DOE/NNSA funding offices that undertakes to protect DOE’s early-stage research and development (R&D) in academic settings, applied R&D stage projects, and demonstration and deployment stage projects while maintaining an open collaborative, and world leading scientific enterprise. The framework also highlights DOE’s commitment to mitigation when assessing RTES risk and outlines its goals and processes.

DOE’s Office of Research, Technology & Economic Security (RTES), situated in DOE’s Office of International Affairs, undertakes several risk mitigation activities that support DOE’s responsibility to protect federal investments from undue foreign influence and to accomplish its mission in ways that protect and further energy security and technological advancement of the United States.

Specifically, RTES identifies and addresses potential security risks that threaten the scientific enterprise; establishes best practices for programs; conducts outreach activities for stakeholders; educates Department programs on potential security risks; and conducts or facilitates risk assessments of DOE proposals, loans, and awards.