Inspection of selected issues regarding the Department`s Enhanced Technology Transfer Program

Abstract

An inspection was conducted to review the Department of Energy`s Enhanced Technology Transfer Program, now referred to as the Department`s Technology Transfer Program, in order to improve the effectiveness of the program and to identify issues that require management attention. Specifically, selected Departmental and Laboratory plans, policies, and procedures for implementing technology transfer activities were reviewed. Legislation, Department directives, Management and Operating contract clauses, and selected Cooperative Research and Development Agreements/Joint Work Statements were also collected and reviewed. The inspection identified four issues for management`s attention: (1) there is a lack of uniform budget guidelines for the Department`s technology transfer activities, (2) there is a lack of objectives for the Department`s Technology Transfer Program, (3) the budget and accounting information submitted to the Office of Management and Budget regarding the Department`s technology transfer activities is incomplete, and (4) there is a Department`s Technology Transfer Program. The report includes specific recommendations to address these matters.