§7257a. Laboratory-directed research and development programs

(a) Authority

Government-owned, contractor-operated laboratories that are funded out of funds available to the Department of Energy for national security programs are authorized to carry out laboratory-directed research and development.

(b) Regulations

The Secretary of Energy shall prescribe regulations for the conduct of laboratory-directed research and development at such laboratories.

(c) Funding

Of the funds provided by the Department of Energy to such laboratories for national security activities, the Secretary shall provide a specific amount, not to exceed 6 percent of such funds, to be used by such laboratories for laboratory-directed research and development.

(d) "Laboratory-directed research and development" defined

For purposes of this section, the term "laboratory-directed research and development" means research and development work of a creative and innovative nature which, under the regulations prescribed pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, is selected by the director of a laboratory for the purpose of maintaining the vitality of the laboratory in defense-related scientific disciplines.

( Pub. L. 101–510, div. C, title XXXI, §3132, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1832 .)

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991, and not as part of the Department of Energy Organization Act which comprises this chapter.

Section Referred to in Other Sections

This section is referred to in section 7257c of this title.