The DOE Laboratory System
Together, the 17 DOE laboratories comprise a preeminent federal research system, providing the Nation with strategic scientific and technological capabilities. The laboratories:
- Execute long-term government scientific and technological missions, often with complex security, safety, project management, or other operational challenges
- Develop unique, often multidisciplinary, scientific capabilities beyond the scope of academic and industrial institutions, to benefit the Nation’s researchers and national strategic priorities
- Develop and sustain critical scientific and technical capabilities to which the government requires assured access
- The Office of Science is the steward of 10 of the 17 DOE laboratories; these 10 laboratories provide essential support to the missions of the SC science programs
- Each year, the Office of Science (SC) conducts an evaluation of the scientific, technological, managerial, and operational performance of the contractors who manage and operate its ten national laboratories. These evaluations provide the basis for determining annual performance fees and the possibility of winning additional years on the contract through an “Award Term” extension. For more information please visit the Office of Science Lab Appraisal Process page.
DOE Office of Science National Laboratories
Each of the 17 DOE National Laboratories is stewarded by a program office in the Department. The Office of Science stewards 10 of these, ranging from single-purpose laboratories like Fermilab to broad, multiprogram laboratories such as Argonne.
Image courtesy of the Department of Energy Office of Science