CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS
Published by
Office of the Federal Register
National Archives and Records
Administration
The seal of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) authenticates the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) as the official codification of Federal regulations established under the Federal Register Act. Under the provisions of 44 U.S.C. 1507, the contents of the CFR, a special edition of the Federal Register, shall be judicially noticed. The CFR is prima facie evidence of the original documents published in the Federal Register (44 U.S.C. 1510).
It is prohibited to use NARA's official seal and the stylized Code of Federal Regulations logo on any republication of this material without the express, written permission of the Archivist of the United States or the Archivist's designee. Any person using NARA's official seals and logos in a manner inconsistent with the provisions of 36 CFR part 1200 is subject to the penalties specified in 18 U.S.C. 506, 701, and 1017.
This is the Official U.S. Government edition of this publication and is herein identified to certify its authenticity. Use of the 0--16 ISBN prefix is for U.S. Government Printing Office Official Editions only. The Superintendent of Documents of the U.S. Government Printing Office requests that any reprinted edition clearly be labeled as a copy of the authentic work with a new ISBN.
U . S . G O V E R N M E N T P R I N T I N G O F F I C E
U.S. Superintendent of Documents • Washington, DC 20402-0001
http://bookstore.gpo.gov
Phone: toll-free (866) 512-1800; DC area (202) 512-1800
Cite this Code:
The Code of Federal Regulations is a codification of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the Executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government. The Code is divided into 50 titles which represent broad areas subject to Federal regulation. Each title is divided into chapters which usually bear the name of the issuing agency. Each chapter is further subdivided into parts covering specific regulatory areas.
Each volume of the Code is revised at least once each calendar year and issued on a quarterly basis approximately as follows:
Title 1 through Title 16
Title 17 through Title 27
Title 28 through Title 41
Title 42 through Title 50
The appropriate revision date is printed on the cover of each volume.
The contents of the Federal Register are required to be judicially noticed (44 U.S.C. 1507). The Code of Federal Regulations is prima facie evidence of the text of the original documents (44 U.S.C. 1510).
The Code of Federal Regulations is kept up to date by the individual issues of the Federal Register. These two publications must be used together to determine the latest version of any given rule.
To determine whether a Code volume has been amended since its revision date (in this case, January 1, 2005), consult the “List of CFR Sections Affected (LSA),” which is issued monthly, and the “Cumulative List of Parts Affected,” which appears in the Reader Aids section of the daily Federal Register. These two lists will identify the Federal Register page number of the latest amendment of any given rule.
Each volume of the Code contains amendments published in the Federal Register since the last revision of that volume of the Code. Source citations for the regulations are referred to by volume number and page number of the Federal Register and date of publication. Publication dates and effective dates are usually not the same and care must be exercised by the user in determining the actual effective date. In instances where the effective date is beyond the cut-off date for the Code a note has been inserted to reflect the future effective date. In those instances where a regulation published in the Federal Register states a date certain for expiration, an appropriate note will be inserted following the text.
The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (Pub. L. 96-511) requires Federal agencies to display an OMB control number with their information collection request.
Provisions that become obsolete before the revision date stated on the cover of each volume are not carried. Code users may find the text of provisions in effect on a given date in the past by using the appropriate numerical list of sections affected. For the period before January 1, 2001, consult either the List of CFR Sections Affected, 1949-1963, 1964-1972, 1973-1985, or 1986-2000, published in 11 separate volumes. For the period beginning January 1, 2001, a “List of CFR Sections Affected” is published at the end of each CFR volume.
(a) The incorporation will substantially reduce the volume of material published in the Federal Register.
(b) The matter incorporated is in fact available to the extent necessary to afford fairness and uniformity in the administrative process.
(c) The incorporating document is drafted and submitted for publication in accordance with 1 CFR part 51.
Properly approved incorporations by reference in this volume are listed in the Finding Aids at the end of this volume.
A subject index to the Code of Federal Regulations is contained in a separate volume, revised annually as of January 1, entitled CFR
An index to the text of “Title 3—The President” is carried within that volume.
The Federal Register Index is issued monthly in cumulative form. This index is based on a consolidation of the “Contents” entries in the daily Federal Register.
A List of CFR Sections Affected (LSA) is published monthly, keyed to the revision dates of the 50 CFR titles.
There are no restrictions on the republication of textual material appearing in the Code of Federal Regulations.
For a legal interpretation or explanation of any regulation in this volume, contact the issuing agency. The issuing agency's name appears at the top of odd-numbered pages.
For inquiries concerning CFR reference assistance, call 202-741-6000 or write to the Director, Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, DC 20408 or e-mail fedreg.info@nara.gov.
The Government Printing Office (GPO) processes all sales and distribution of the CFR. For payment by credit card, call toll-free, 866-512-1800 or DC area, 202-512-1800, M-F, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. e.s.t. or fax your order to 202-512-2250, 24 hours a day. For payment by check, write to the Superintendent of Documents, Attn: New Orders, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954. For GPO Customer Service call 202-512-1803.
The full text of the Code of Federal Regulations, the LSA (List of CFR Sections Affected), The United States Government Manual, the Federal Register, Public Laws, Public Papers, Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents and the Privacy Act Compilation are available in electronic format at www.gpoaccess.gov/nara (“GPO Access”). For more information, contact Electronic Information Dissemination Services, U.S. Government Printing Office. Phone 202-512-1530, or 888-293-6498 (toll-free). E-mail, gpoaccess@gpo.gov.
The Office of the Federal Register also offers a free service on the National Archives and Records Administration's (NARA) World Wide Web site for public law numbers, Federal Register finding aids, and related information. Connect to NARA's web site at www.archives.gov/federal_register. The NARA site also contains links to GPO Access.
Title 10—
For this volume, Elmer Barksdale was Chief Editor. The Code of Federal Regulations publication program is under the direction of Frances D. McDonald, assisted by Alomha S. Morris.
(This book contains part 500 to end)
Department of Energy Organization Act, Pub. L. 95-91, 91 Stat. 565 (42 U.S.C. § 7101
Unless otherwise expressly provided or the context clearly indicates otherwise, this section defines the terms used in these regulations. The use of the male gender is to include female; the use of singular to include plural.
For purposes of this part and parts 501-507 term(s):
(1) A single State agency designated as the official State air pollution control agency;
(2) An agency established by two or more States and having substantial powers or duties pertaining to the prevention and control of air pollution;
(3) A city, county, or other local government health authority or, in the case of any city, county, or other local unit of government in which there is an agency other than the health authority charged with responsibility for enforcing ordinances or laws relating to the prevention and control of air pollution, such other agency; or
(4) An agency or two or more municipalities located in the same State or in different States and having substantial powers or duties pertaining to the prevention and control of air pollution.
(1) Coal;
(2) Solar energy;
(3) Petroleum coke; shale oil; uranium; biomass, tar sands, oil-impregnated diatomaceous earth; municipal, industrial, or agricultural wastes; wood; and renewable and geothermal energy sources (For purposes of this paragraph (3), the term
(4) Liquid, solid or gaseous waste by-products of refinery or industrial operations which are commercially unmarketable, either by reason of quality or quantity. (For purposes of this paragraph (4), the term
(5) Any fuel derived from an alternate fuel; and
(6) Waste gases from industrial operations. (For purposes of this subsection, the term
(1) Any standard, limitation, or other requirement established by or pursuant to Federal or State law (including any final order of any Federal or State Court) applicable to emissions of environmental pollutants (including air and water pollutants) or disposal of solid waste residues resulting from the use of coal or other alternate fuels, natural gas, or petroleum as a primary energy source or from the operation of pollution control equipment in connection with such use, taking into account any variance of law granted or issued in accordance with Federal law or in accordance with State law to the extent consistent with Federal law; and
(2) Any other standard, limitation, or other requirement established by, or pursuant to, the Clean Air Act, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Solid Waste Disposal Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, or the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.
(1) Has sufficient inherent design characteristics to permit the addition of equipment (including all necessary pollution devices) necessary to render such electric powerplant capable of using coal or another alternate fuel as its primary energy source; and
(2) Is not physically, structurally, or technologically precluded from using coal or another alternate fuel as its primary energy source.
Capability to use coal or another alternate fuel shall not be interpreted to require any such powerplant to be immediately able to use coal or another alternate fuel as its primary energy source on its initial day of operation. In addition, the owner or operator of a baseload powerplant need not have adequate on-site space for either a coal gasifier or any facilities for handling coal or related fuels.
(1) Electric power; and
(2) Any other form of useful energy (such as steam, gas or heat) that is, or will be used, for industrial, commercial, or space heating purposes. In addition, for purposes of this definition, electricity generated by the cogeneration facility must constitute more than five (5) percent and less than ninety (90) percent of the useful energy output of the facility.
Any cogeneration facility selling or exchanging less than fifty percent (50%) of the facility's generated electricity is considered an industrial cogenerator and is exempt from the fuel use prohibitions of FUA.
Substantial amounts of supplemental firing for a steam turbine or waste heat
(1) A waste by-product of industrial or refinery operations is commercially unmarketable by reason of:
(i) Quality, where the cost of processing (limited to upgrading the waste by-product to commercial quality), storing, and distributing the waste by-product would not be covered by reasonably expected revenues from its sale;
(ii) Quantity, where the cost of aggregating the waste by-product into commercial quantities through storing and distributing the waste by-product would not be covered by reasonably expected revenues from its sale.
(2) A fuel will not be classified as “natural gas” when it is commercially unmarketable by reason of:
(i) Quality, where the cost of producing, upgrading to commercial quality, storing, and distributing the fuel would not be covered by reasonably expected revenues from its sale; or
(ii) Quantity, where the quantities of the fuel are so small that the revenues to be reasonably expected from its sale would not cover the cost of its production, distribution or storage.
(3) Costs associated with upgrading, storing, distributing, and aggregating a by-product or other fuel (to determine if such fuel is natural gas) may properly include a reasonable rate of return on any capital investment required to overcome the problems posed by the quality or quantity of a fuel because the return on investment is a normal aspect of any investment decision. A firm may account for this reasonable rate of return by using its customary discount rate for an investment of similar risk.
(4) As part of any consideration of the rate of return on investment, the cost of replacing the Btu's lost if the by-product or other fuel were upgraded and sold instead of used as a fuel may be taken into consideration. The actual expense that would result from burning a replacement fuel in lieu of the by-product or other fuel in question may therefore be considered. The costs associated with using a replacement fuel are indirect costs that result from upgrading and selling the fuel, instead of burning it. These indirect costs as well as the direct costs associated with the upgrading, storing, distributing, and aggregating of by-products or other fuel may be considered in any assessment of commercial unmarketability.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(1) Any electric generating unit subject to the licensing jurisdiction of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC); and
(2) Any cogeneration facility from which less than 50 percent of the net annual electric power generation is sold or exchanged for resale. Excluded from ‘sold or exchanged for resale’ are sales or exchanges to or with an electric utility for resale by the utility to the cogenerating supplier, and sales or exchanges among owners of the cogeneration facility.
For purposes of subparagraph (1) of this definition, OFE will not consider any unit located at a site subject to NRC's licensing authority to be jurisdictional for purposes of FUA.
(1) Gaseous waste by-products or waste gas specifically designated as an alternate fuel in § 500.2 of these regulations;
(2) Natural gas which is commercially unmarketable, as defined in these rules;
(3) Natural gas produced by the user from a well, the maximum efficient production rate of which is less than 250 million Btu's per day. For purposes of paragraph (3) of this definition:
(i)
(A) All gas produced by the well, when such gas is delivered for use in the user's facility through a gas delivery, gathering, or transportation system which could not deliver such gas to any other user; or
(B) Only that amount which represents the user's net working (mineral) interest in the gas produced from such well, where such gas is delivered for use in the user's facility through a gas delivery, gathering, or transportation system which could deliver such gas to any other user.
(ii)
(4) Occluded methane in coal seams within the meaning of section 107(c)(3) of the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 (NGPA);
(5) The following gas from wells spudded prior to January 1, 1990:
(i) Gas produced from geopressurized brine, within the meaning of section 107(c)(2) of the NGPA;
(ii) Gas produced from Devonian shale, within the meaning of section 107(c)(4) of the NGPA;
(iii) Gas produced from tight sands, as designated by the FERC in accordance with section 107(c)(5) of the NGPA; and
(iv) Other gases designated by FERC as “high-cost natural gas” in accordance with section 107(c)(5) of the NGPA, except as specifically designated as “natural gas” by OFE;
(6)(i) Synthetic gas derived from coal or other alternate fuel, the heat content of which is less than 600 Btu's per cubic foot at 14.73 pounds per square inch (absolute) and 60° F; and
(ii) Commingled natural gas and synthetic gas derived from coal consumed as part of the necessary process of a major fuel burning installation used in the iron and steel industry, so long as the average annual Btu heat content of the commingled stream as consumed within a major fuel burning installation does not exceed 600 Btu's per cubic foot at 14.73 pounds per square inch (absolute) and 60° F;
(7) Mixtures of natural gas and synthetic gas derived from alternate fuels for which the person proposing to use the gas certifies to OFE that:
(i) He owns, or is entitled to receive at the point of manufacture, synthetic gas derived from alternate fuels;
(ii) He delivers, or arranges for the delivery of such synthetic gas to a pipeline which by transport or displacement is capable of delivering such synthetic gas, mixed with natural gas, to facilities owned by the user;
(iii) The total annual Btu content of the synthetic gas delivered to a pipeline is equal to or greater than the total annual Btu content of the natural gas delivered to the facilities owned by the user, plus the approximate total annual Btu content of any natural gas consumed or lost in transportation; and
(iv) All necessary permits, licenses, or approvals from appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies (including Indian tribes) have been obtained for construction and operation of the facilities for the manufacture of the synthetic gas involved, except that for purposes of the prohibition under section 201(2) of FUA against powerplants being constructed without the capability of using coal or another alternate fuel, only permits, licenses, and approvals for the construction of such synthetic gas facilities shall be required under this subparagraph, to be certified and documented; and
(8) A mixture of natural gas and an alternate fuel when such mixture is deliberately created for purposes of (i) Complying with a prohibition order issued pursuant to section 301(c) of the Act, or (ii) Qualifying for a fuel mixtures exemption under the Act, provided such exemption is granted.
(1) Individual, corporation, company, partnership, association, firm, institution, society, trust, joint venture, or joint stock company;
(2) Any State; or
(3) Any Federal, State, or local agency or instrumentality (including any municipality) thereof.
(1) Petroleum products specifically designated as alternate fuels pursuant to these regulations;
(2) Synthetic gas derived from crude oil;
(3) Liquid petroleum gas;
(4) Petroleum coke or waste gases from industrial operations; and
(5) A liquid, solid, or gaseous waste by-product of refinery operations which is commercially unmarketable under the definition of “commercial unmarketability” in these rules.
For the purposes of this subparagraph, waste by-proucts do not include components (such as butane and propane) that can be extracted from the waste by-product by reasonable further processing of the waste by-product at the refinery, nor do they include final products that use the waste by-product as a blend stock at the refinery.
(1) Minimum amounts of fuel required for unit ignition, startup, testing, flame stabilization, and control uses. OFE has determined that, unless need for a greater amount is demonstrated, twenty-five (25) percent of the total annual Btu heat input of a unit shall be automatically excluded under this paragraph.
(2) Minimum amounts of fuel required to alleviate or prevent:
(i) Unanticipated equipment outages as defined in § 501.191 of these regulations; and
(ii) Emergencies directly affecting the public health, safety, or welfare that would result from electric power outages as defined in § 501.191 of these regulations.
(1) Any fuel excluded under the provisions of paragraph (1) of this definition is in addition to any fuel authorized to be used in any order granting a fuel mixtures exemption under parts 503 and 504 of these rules. The exclusion of fuel under paragraph (1), together with the authority for such additive treatment, shall apply to any jurisdictional facility, regardless of whether or not it had received an order granting an exemption as of the date these rules are promulgated.
(2) If an auxiliary unit to an electric powerplant consumes fuel only for the auxiliary functions of unit ignition, startup, testing, flame stabilization, and other control uses, its use of minimum amounts of natural gas or petroleum is not prohibited by FUA. The measurement of such minimum amounts of fuel is discussed in
(1) An order issued pursuant to section 301(b) of the Act that prohibits a powerplant from burning natural gas or petroleum as its primary energy source; or
(2) An order issued pursuant to section 301(c) of the Act that prohibits excessive use of natural gas or petroleum in mixtures burned by a powerplant as its primary energy source.
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this definition, reconstruction shall be found to have taken place whenever the capital expenditures for refurbishment or modification of an electric powerplant on a cumulative basis for the current calendar year and
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of this definition, reconstruction shall not be found to have taken place whenever:
(i) The capital expenditures for refurbishment or modification of an electric powerplant, on a cumulative basis for the current calendar year and preceding calendar year, are not greater than eighty (80) percent of the capital costs of an equivalent replacement unit of the same capacity, capable of burning the same fuels and the unit, as refurbished or modified, will not have a greater fuel consumption capability than the unit it replaces;
(ii) The unit being refurbished or modified was destroyed, in whole or substantial part, in a plant accident and the unit, as refurbished or modified, will not have a greater fuel consumption capability than the unit it replaces; or
(iii) Refurbishment or modification of the unit is undertaken primarily for the purpose of increasing fuel burning efficiency of the unit, and will not result in:
(A) Increased remaining useful plant life, or
(B) Increased total annual fuel consumption.
(1) Inaccessibility to alternate fuels;
(2) Lack of transportation facilities for alternate fuels;
(3) Lack of adequate land for facilities for the handling, use and storage of alternate fuels;
(4) Lack of adequate land or facilities for the control or disposal of wastes from such powerplant, including lack of land for pollution control equipment or devices necessary to assure compliance with applicable environmental requirements; and
(5) Lack of an adequate and reliable supply of water, including water for use in compliance with applicable environmental requirements.
(a) The following is a list of electric regions for use with regard to the Act. The regions are identified by FERC Power Supply Areas (PSA's) as authorized by section 202(a) of the Federal Power Act except where noted. They will be reviewed annually by ERA.
(1) Existing centrally dispatched pools and hourly power brokers;
(2) Systems with joint planning and construction agreements;
(3) Systems with coordination agreements in the areas of:
(i) Generation reserve and system reliability criteria;
(ii) Capacity and energy exchange policies;
(iii) Maintenance scheduling; and
(iv) Emergency procedures for dealing with capacity or fuel shortages; or
(4) Systems within the same National Electric Reliability Council (NERC) region with historical coordination policies.
(b) The PSA's referred to in the definition of electric regions in paragraph (a) of this section were first defined by the Federal Power Commission in 1936. The most recent reference to them is given in the
Electric Region Groupings and FERC PSA's:
1. Allegheny Power System (APS)—7, except Duquesne Light Company.
2. American Electric Power System (AEP)—entire AEP System.
3. New England Planning Pool (NEPOOL)—1, 2.
4. New York Planning Pool (NYPP)—3, 4.
5. Pennsylvania—New Jersey—Maryland interconnection (PJM)—5, 6.
6. Commonwealth Edison Company—14.
7. Florida Coordination Group (FCG)—24.
8. Middle South Utilities—25.
9. Southern Company—22, 23.
10. Gulf States Group—35.
11. Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)—20.
12. Virginia—Carolina Group (VACAR)—18, 21.
13. Central Area Power Coordination Group (CAPCO)—Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, Toledo Edison Company, Ohio Edison Company, Duquesne Light Company.
14. Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton Group (CCD)—Cincinnati Gas and Electric Company, Columbus and Southern Ohio Electric Company, Dayton Power and Light Company.
15. Kentucky Group—19.
16. Indiana Group—Indiana Utilities except AEP.
17. Illinois—Missouri Group (ILLMO)—15, 40.
18. Michigan Electric Coordinated Systems (MECS)—11.
19. Wisconsin—Upper Michigan Group (WUMS)—13.
20. Mid-Continent Area Power Pool (MAAP)—16, 17, 26, 27, 28.
21. Missouri—Kansas Group (MOKAN)—24, 29.
22. Oklahoma Group—33, 36.
23. Texas Interconnected Systems (TIS)—37, 38.
24. Rocky Mountain Power Pool (RMPP)—31, 32.
25. Northwest Power Pool (NWPP)—30, 42, 43, 44, 45.
26. Arizona—New Mexico Group—39, 48 within Arizona. in Nevada and California.
27. Southern California—Nevada—47, 48.
28. Northern California—Nevada—46.
29. Alaska (non-interconnected systems to be considered separately)—49.
30. Idaho—Utah Group—41.
42 U.S.C. 7101
Part 501 establishes the procedures to be used in proceedings before DOE under parts 500-508 of this chapter except as otherwise provided.
(a) Owners and operators of powerplants may request a prepetition conference with OFE for the purpose of discussing the applicability of 10 CFR parts 503 and 504 to their situations and the scope of any exemption or other petition that OFE would accept as adequate for filing purposes.
(b) The owner or operator who requests a prepetition conference may personally represent himself or may designate a representative to appear on his behalf. A prepetition conference or a request for a prepetition conference does not commence a proceeding before OFE.
(c) If OFE agrees to waive any filing requirements under § 501.3(d), a memorandum of record stating this fact will
(d) A record of all prepetition conferences will be included in the public file. OFE may provide for the taking of a formal transcript of the conference and the transcript will be included in the public file.
(a)
(b)
(2) OFE will notify each petitioner in writing within thirty (30) days of receipt of the petition that it has been accepted or rejected and, if rejected, the reasons therefor.
(3) A petition, including supporting documents, will be accepted if the information contained appears to be sufficient to support an OFE determination. Additional information may be requested during the course of the proceeding, and failure to respond to such a request may ultimately result in denial of the requested exemption.
(4) Acceptance of petition does not constitute a determination that the requested exemption will be granted.
(c)
(2) A timely-filed petition rejected as inadequate will not be rendered untimely if resubmitted in amended form within ninety (90) days of the date of rejection.
(3) OFE will, within thirty (30) days of receipt of a petition that is found to be incomplete due to minor deficiencies, notify the petitioner of the deficiencies and allow ninety (90) days from the date of notification to cure the specified deficiencies. The failure to cure the deficiencies during this time may result in denial of the requested exemption.
(d)
(a) DOE will serve all orders, notices interpretations or other documents that it is required to serve, personally or by mail, unless otherwise provided in these regulations.
(b) DOE will consider service upon a petitioner's duly authorized representative to be service upon the petitioner.
(c) Service by mail is effective upon mailing.
Except as indicated otherwise, all documents required or permitted to be filed with OFE or DOE in connection with a proceeding under parts 503 and 504 shall be filed in accordance with the following provisions:
(a)
(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a)(1) of this section, an application for modification or rescission in accordance with subpart G of this part, a reply to a notice of violation, a response to a denial of a claim of confidentiality, or a comment submitted in connection with any proceeding transmitted by registered or certified mail and addressed to the appropriate office is considered to be filed upon mailing.
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
(11)
(ii) DOE or OFE retains the right to make its own determination with regard to any claim of confidentiality.
(iii) The above provisions in paragraphs (a)(11) (i) and (ii) of this section do not apply to information submitted on OFE forms that contain their own instructions concerning the treatment of confidential information.
(12)
(b)
(2) Where the petitioner requests confidential treatment of some or all of the information submitted, an original and eleven (11) copies of the confidential document and three (3) copies of the document with confidential material deleted must be filed.
(a) When OFE issues a rule or order imposing a prohibition or granting an exemption (or permit) under FUA, the rule or order will be effective sixty (60) days after publication in the
(b) If the appropriate State regulatory authority has not approved a powerplant for which a petition has been filed, such exemption, to the extent it applies to the prohibition under section 201 of FUA against construction without the capability of using coal or another alternate fuel, shall not take effect until all approvals required by such State regulatory authority which relate to construction have been obtained.
If there is any conflict or inconsistency between the provisions of this part and any other provisions or parts of this chapter, except for general procedures which are unique to part 515 of this chapter, the provisions of this part will control respect to procedure.
Send all petitions, self-certifications and written communications to the following address: Office of Fossil Energy, Office of Fuels Programs, Coal and Electricity Division, Mail Code FE-52, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585.
DOE will make available at the Freedom of Information reading room, room 1E190, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC for public inspection and copying any information required by statute and any information that OFE determines should be made available to the public.
There is no administrative appeal of any final administrative action to which this part applies.
A copy of any proposed rule or order that imposes a prohibition, order that imposes a prohibition, or a petition for an exemption or permit, shall be transmitted for comments, if any, to the Administrator and the appropriate Regional Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Administrator of EPA shall be given the same opportunity to comment and question as is given other interested persons.
This subpart establishes the procedures for requests for and the conduct of public hearings; for submission of written comments; and for requests for and conduct of conferences pursuant to an administrative proceeding before OFE. Hearings shall be convened at the request of any interested person, in accordance with section 701(d) of FUA, and shall be held at a time and place to be decided by the Presiding Officer.
(a)
(b)
(a) At any time following commencement of a proceeding before OFE, an interested person may request a conference with the staff of OFE to discuss a petition, permit or any other issue pending before OFE. The request for a conference should generally be in writing and should indicate the subjects to be covered and should describe the requester's interest in the proceeding. Conferences held after the commencement of an administrative proceeding before OFE shall be convened at the discretion of OFE or the Presiding Officer.
(b) When OFE convenes a conference in accordance with this section, any person invited may present views as to the issue or issues involved. Documentary evidence may be submitted at the conference and such evidence, to the extent that it is not deemed to be confidential, will be included in the administrative record. OFE will not normally have a transcript of the conference prepared but may do so at its discretion.
(c) Because a conference is solely for the exchange of views incident to a proceeding, there will be no formal report or findings by OFE unless OFE in its discretion determines that the preparation of a report or findings would be
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a) A public hearing under this subsection is for the purpose of insuring that all issues are fully and properly developed, but is not a formal adjudicatory hearing subject to the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 554 and 556.
(b)
(2) Participants at the public hearing will have an opportunity to present oral or written data, views and arguments.
(3) A request for a public hearing may be withdrawn by the requestor at any time. If other persons have requested to participate as parties in the public hearing, OFE may cancel the hearing only if all parties agree to cancellation. OFE will give notice, whenever possible, in the
(c)
(d)
(1) Administer oaths, affirmations and protective orders;
(2) Issue administrative subpoenas and rule on motions to modify or withdraw subpoenas that he has issued;
(3) Rule on questions as to relevance and materiality of evidence;
(4) Regulate the course of the public hearing;
(5) Hold conferences for the simplification of issues by consent of the parties;
(6) Require submission of evidence in writing where appropriate;
(7) Establish service lists;
(8) Dispose of procedural requests and similar matters; and
(9) Take other actions authorized by these rules.
(e)
(f)
(1) Other interested persons who make oral presentations;
(2) Employees and contractors of the United States who have made written or oral presentations or who have participated in the development of the proposed rule or order or in the consideration of the petition for an exemption or permit; and
(3) Experts and consultants who have provided information to any person who makes an oral presentation and which is contained in or referred to in such presentation.
(g) OFE encourages persons who wish to question Government witnesses to submit their questions at least ten (10) days in advance of the hearing.
(h) The Presiding Officer will allow questions by any interested person to be asked of those making presentations or submitting information, data, analyses or views at the hearing. The Presiding Officer may restrict questioning if he determines that such questioning is duplicative or is not likely to result in a timely and effective resolution of issues pending in the administrative proceeding for which the hearing is being conducted.
(i) The Presiding Officer or OFE may exercise discretion to control a hearing by denying, temporarily or permanently, the privilege of participating in a particular OFE hearing if OFE finds, for example, that a person:
(1) Has knowingly made false or misleading statements, either orally or in writing;
(2) Has knowingly filed false affidavits or other writings;
(3) Lacks the specific authority to represent the person seeking an OFE action; or
(4) Has disrupted or is disrupting a hearing.
(j)
(2) Documentary material must be of a size consistent with ease of handling, transportation and filing, and a reasonable number of copies should be made available at the public hearing for the use of interested persons. An original and fourteen (14) copies shall be furnished to the Presiding Officer and one copy to each party listed on the service list. Large exhibits that are used during the hearing must be provided on no larger than 11
(k)
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
Except in conjunction with a prohibition order requested by the intended recipient, OFE shall not propose to prohibit or prohibit by rule or order the use of petroleum or natural gas either as a primary energy source or in amounts in excess of the minimum amount necessary to maintain reliability of operation consistent with reasonable fuel efficiency in an existing installation unless and until OFE adopts rules establishing regulatory requirements governing the issuance of such orders and rules in accordance
(a) OFE may prohibit by order the use of petroleum or natural gas as a primary energy source or in amounts in excess of the minimum amount necessary to maintain reliability of operation consistent with reasonable fuel efficiency in an electing powerplant, if:
(1) That facility has not been identified as a member of a category subject to a final rule at the time of the issuance of such order; and
(2) The requirements of § 504.6 have been met.
(b)
(2) Pursuant to section 701 of FUA, prior to the issuance of a final order to an electing powerplant, OFE shall publish a proposed order in the
(3) OFE shall provide a period for the submission of written comments of at least three months after the date of the proposed order. During this period, the recipient of the proposed order and any other interested person must submit any evidence that they have determined at that time to support their respective positions as to each of the findings that OFE is required to make under section 301(b) of the Act. A proposed order recipient may submit additional new evidence at any time prior to the close of the public comment period which follows publication of the Tentative Staff Analysis or prior to the close of the record of any public hearing, whichever occurs later. A request by the proposed order recipient for an extension of the three-month period may be granted at OFE's discretion.
(4) Subsequent to the end of the comment period, OFE will issue a notice of whether OFE intends to proceed with the prohibition order proceeding.
(5) An owner or operator of a facility that may be subject to an order may demonstrate prior to issuance of a final prohibition order that the facility would qualify for an exemption if the prohibition had been established by rule. OFE will not delay the issuance of a final prohibition order or stay the effective date of such an order for the purpose of determining whether a proposed order recipient qualifies for a particular exemption unless the demonstration or qualification is submitted prior to or during the second three-month comment period, commencing after issuance of a notice of intention to proceed, or unless materials submitted after the period (i) could not have been submitted during the period through the exercise of due diligence, (ii) address material changes in fact or law occurring after the close of the period, or (iii) consist of amplification or rebuttal occasioned by the subsequent course of the proceeding. A request by the proposed order recipient for an extension of this time period may be granted at OFE's discretion.
(6) Subsequent to the end of the second three (3) month period, OFE will, if it intends to issue a final prohibition order, prepare and issue a Notice of Availability of a Tentative Staff Analysis. Interested persons wishing a hearing must request a hearing within forty-five (45) day after issuance of the Notice of Availability of the Tentative Staff Analysis. During this forty-five (45) days period, interested persons may also submit written comments on the Tentative Staff Analysis.
(7) If a hearing has been requested, OFE shall provide interested persons with an opportunity to present oral data, views and arguments at a public hearing held in accordance with subpart C of this part. The hearing will consider the findings which OFE must make in order to issue a final prohibition order and any exemption for which the proposed order recipient submitted
(8) Upon request by the recipient of the proposed prohibition order, the combined public comment periods provided for in this section may be reduced to a minimum of forty-five (45) days from the time of publication of the proposed order.
(9) OFE may terminate a prohibition order proceeding at any time prior to the date upon which a final order shall become effective. Should OFE terminate the proceeding, it will notify the proposed order recipient, and publish a notice in the
(c)
(2) OFE shall include in the final order a written statement of the pertinent facts, a statement of the basis upon which the final order is issued, a recitation of the conclusions regarding the required findings and qualifications for exemptions. The final order shall state the effective date of the prohibition contained therein. If it is demonstrated that the facility would have been granted a temporary exemption, the effective date of the prohibition contained in the final order shall be delayed until such time as the temporary exemption would have terminated. If it is demonstrated that a facility will need a period of time to comply with the final order, the effective date of the prohibition contained in the final order may be delayed, in OFE's discretion, so as to allow an order recipient to comply with the final order.
(3) OFE will enclose with a copy of the final order, where appropriate, a schedule of steps that should be taken by a stated date (a compliance schedule) to ensure that the affected facility will be able to comply with the prohibitions stated in the order by the effective date of the prohibition contained in the final order. The compliance schedule may require the affected person to take steps with regard to a unit 60 days after service of the final order.
(4) A copy of the final order and a summary of the basis therefore will be published in the
(d)
(2) A petition requesting OFE to commence a prohibition order proceeding should include the following information for all units to be covered by the prohibition order:
(i) A statement of the reasons the owner or operator is seeking the issuance of a prohibition order; and
(ii) Sufficient information for OFE to make the findings required by section 301(b) of FUA.
(3) If OFE determines to accept the request, OFE shall publish a proposed order in the
(a) OFE may prohibit by order the use of petroleum or natural gas as a primary energy source or in amounts in excess of the minimum amount necessary to maintain reliability of operation consistent with maintaining reasonable fuel efficiency in an existing powerplant if the owner or operator of the powerplant certifies, and OFE concurs in such certification in accordance with the requirements of §§ 504.5, 504.6 and 504.8.
(b)
(2) Pursuant to section 701(b) of FUA, prior to the issuance of a final order to a certifying powerplant owner or operator, OFE must publish in the
(3) The publication of the Notice of Acceptance or Notice of Proposed Non-Concurrence commences a period of 45 days during which interested persons may submit written comments or request a public hearing. During this period, the recipient of the proposed order and any other interested person may submit any evidence that they have available relating to the proposed order, the certification or the concurrence that OFE must make. A proposed order recipient may submit additional new evidence at any time prior to the close of the public comment period which follows the commencement of the proceeding or prior to the close of the record of any public hearing, whichever occurs later. A request for an extension of the 45 day period may be granted at OFE's discretion. In the case of a Notice of Acceptance, as set forth in § 504.9, no final prohibition order can be issued until any necessary environmental review pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 42 U.S.C 4321
(4) If a hearing has been requested, OFE shall provide interested persons with an opportunity to present oral data, views and arguments at a public hearing held in accordance with subpart C of this part. The hearing may consider, among other matters, the sufficiency of the certification of the owner or operator of the powerplant required by section 301 of FUA, as amended, and §§ 504.5, 504.6, and 504.8 of these regulations.
(5) OFE may terminate a prohibition order proceeding at any time prior to the date upon which a final prohibition order is issued whenever OFE believes,
(c)
(2) OFE shall include in the final order a written statement of the basis upon which the final order is issued, and its concurrence in the required certification. A copy of the final order and a summary of the basis therefor will be published in the
(d)
(e)
(a) (1) If the owner or operator plans to construct a new baseload powerplant and the unit will not be in compliance with the prohibition contained in section 201(a) of FUA, this subpart establishes the procedures for filing a petition requesting a temporary or permanent exemption under, respectively, sections 211 and 212 of FUA.
(2) Self-certification alternative. If the owner or operator plans to construct a new baseload powerplant not in compliance with the prohibitions contained in section 201(a) of FUA, this subpart establishes the procedures for the filing of a self-certification under section 201(d) of FUA.
(3) If the petitioner owns, operates or controls a new powerplant, this subpart provides the procedures for filing a petition requesting extension of a temporary exemption granted under sections 211 or 311 of FUA.
(4) If the petitioner owns, operates or controls a new or existing powerplant or MFBI, this subpart provides the procedures for filing a petition requesting extension of a temporary exemption granted under section 211 or section 311 of FUA.
(b) If the petition is for an extension of a temporary exemption, the petitioner must apply for this extension at least (90) days prior to the expiration of the temporary exemption.
(a) A self-certification filed under section 201(d) of FUA should include the following information:
(1) Owner's name and address.
(2) Operator's name and address.
(3) Plant location and address.
(4) Plant configuration (combined cycle, simple cycle, topping cycle, etc.)
(5) Design capacity in megawatts (MW).
(6) Fuel(s) to be used by the new facility.
(7) Name of utility purchasing electricity from the proposed facility and percent of total output to be sold.
(8) Date unit is expected to be placed in service.
(9) Certification by an officer of the company or his designated representative certifying that the proposed facility:
(i) Has sufficient inherent design characteristics to permit the addition of equipment (including all necessary pollution devices) necessary to render such electric powerplant capable of using coal or another alternate fuel as its primary energy source; and
(ii) Is not physically, structurally, or technologically precluded from using coal or another alternate fuel as its primary energy source.
(b) A self-certification filed pursuant to § 501.61(a) shall be effective to establish compliance with the requirement of section 201(a) of FUA as of the date filed.
(c) OFE will publish a notice in the
(d) OFE will notify the owner or operator within 60 days if supporting documentation is needed to verify the certification.
(a) A petition for exemption should include the following information:
(1) The name of the petitioner;
(2) The name and location of the unit for which an exemption is being requested;
(3) The specific exemption(s) being requested; and
(4) The name, address, and telephone number of the person who can supply further information.
(b)
(c)
(1) Description of the facility under consideration;
(2) Description of the unit and fuel the petitioner proposes to burn in that unit, including the purpose of and need for the unit; and
(3) Description of the operational requirements for the unit, including size (capacity, input and output in millions of Btu's per hour), output in terms of product or service to be supplied, fuel capability, and operating mode, including capacity factor, utilization factor, and fluctuations in the load.
(d)
(1) No alternate power supply (§ 503.8):
(2) Use of mixtures (§503.9);
(3) Alternative site (§ 503.11);
(4) Compliance Plan (§ 503.12);
(5) Environmental impact analysis (§ 503.13);
(6) Fuels search (§ 503.14).
(e)
(f)
(2) Identify at the end of each section of the petition any information or any statement based, in whole or in part, on information or principles which, to petitioner's knowledge, represent significant innovations to or departures from generally accepted facts or principles.
(g)
(h)
(i)
(a)(1) When a petition is accepted, OFE will publish in the
(2) OFE will notify the appropriate State agency having apparent primary authority to permit or regulate the construction or operation of a powerplant that an exemption proceeding has commenced and will consult with this agency to the maximum extent practicable. Copies of all accepted petitions also will be forwarded to EPA, as provided in § 501.14(a).
(b) In processing an exemption petition, OFE shall comply with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), the Council on Environmental Quality's implementing regulations, and the DOE guidelines implementing those regulations (45 FR 20694, Mar. 28, 1980). Compliance with NEPA may involve the preparation of (1) an environmental impact statement (EIS) evaluating the grant or denial of an exemption petition, (2) an environmental assessment (EA), or (3) a memorandum to the file finding that the grant of the requested petition would not be considered a major federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment. If an EIS is required, OFE will publish in the
OFE will publish in the
A Notice of Availability of any draft EIS will be published in the
(a) The administrative record in a proceeding under this part will consist of the proposed prohibition order and/or petition and related documents, all relevant evidence presented at the public hearing, all written comments, and any other information in the possession of OFE and made a part of the public record of the proceeding. OFE will base its determination to issue a rule or order on consideration of the whole record, or those parts thereof cited by a party and supported by reliable, probative, and substantial evidence.
(b) OFE may investigate and corroborate any statement in any petition, document, or public comments submitted to it. OFE also may use any relevant facts it possesses in its evaluation and may request submissions from third persons relevant to the petition or other documents. OFE also may request additional information, data, or analyses following a public hearing, if any, if this information is necessary to resolve disputed issues in the record. Any relevant information received by OFE following the hearing that is not declared to be confidential under § 501.7(a)(11) shall be made part of the public record with opportunity provided for rebuttal.
(c) OFE will notify all participants if, after the close of any public hearing or comment period, it receives or obtains any relevant information or evidence. Participants may respond to such information or evidence in writing within fourteen (14) days of such notification. If OFE finds that the additional information or evidence relates to material issues of disputed fact and may significantly influence the outcome of the proceeding, OFE shall reopen the hearing on the issue or issues to which the additional information or evidence relates.
OFE, with the petitioner's approval, will redesignate an exemption petition if the petitioner qualifies for an exemption other than the one originally requested, even though he may not qualify for the specific exemption originally requested, or be entitled to the full exemption period provided by requested exemption. OFE shall give public notice of any redesignation of an exemption petition, and where a public hearing has been requested notice shall be given at least thirty (30) days prior to such hearing.
(a)(1) OFE shall issue an order either granting or denying the petition for an exemption or permit within six (6) months after the end of the period for public comment and hearing applicable to any petition.
(2) OFE may extend the six (6) month period for decision to a date certain by publishing notice in the
(3) OFE will publish a final EIS at least thirty (30) days prior to take issuance of the final order in all cases where an EIS is required.
(b)(1) OFE shall serve a copy of the order granting or denying a petition for exemption to the petitioner and all persons on the service list in cases involving a public hearing.
(2) OFE shall publish any order granting or denying a petition under this subpart in the
(c)(1) Any order granting or denying a petition for exemption shall be based upon consideration of the whole record or those parts thereof cited by a party and supported by, and in accordance with, reliable, probative and substantive evidence.
(2) The denial of a petition for exemption shall be without prejudice to the petitioner's right to submit an amended petition. OFE may, however, reject the amended petition if it is not materially different from the denied petition.
(d) OFE may design any terms and conditions included in any temporary exemption issued or extended under section 211 of FUA, to ensure, among other things, that upon expiration of the exemption the persons and powerplant covered by the exemption will comply with the applicable prohibitions under FUA. For purposes of the provision, the subsequent grant of a permanent exemption to the subject unit shall be deemed compliance with applicable prohibitions.
Any person aggrieved by any order issued by OFE under this subpart, must file, within sixty (60) days of publication of the final order in the
(a) Anyone may request that OFE commence a rulemaking proceeding pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(e); however, this subpart provides the procedures to be followed by—
(1) An interested person seeking the modification or rescission of a prohibition by rule applicable to a new facility;
(2) An owner or operator of a facility named in a prohibition by rule requesting the modification or rescission of that rule; or
(3) An owner or operator subject to an exemption order or a specific prohibition imposed by order requesting the modification or a rescission of that order.
(b) OFE also may commence a modification or rescission proceeding on its own initiative.
(a) In response to a request duly filed by an interested person, OFE may commence a proceeding to modify or rescind a rule or order. If OFE determines that a request to modify or rescind a rule or order does not warrant commencement of a proceeding, it will deny the request and issue a brief statement of the reason(s) for the denial.
(b) A request for modification or rescission of a rule or order must comply with the requirements of § 501.7 and must be filed at the address set forth in § 501.11.
(c) Notice of the request for modification or rescission of an order must be given by the requester to each party to the original proceeding that resulted in the issuance of the original order for which modification or rescission is sought. If the number of parties to the original proceeding is too large to allow actual notice at a reasonable cost or within a reasonable time, a requester may ask that OFE give notice to the parties by publication in the
(d) If OFE determines to grant a request to commence a proceeding to rescind or modify a rule or order, or OFE on its own initiative, commences a proceeding for the modification or rescission of a rule or order, it will give notice, either by service of a written notice or by oral communication (which communication must be promptly confirmed in writing) to each person upon whom the order was served that OFE proposes to modify or rescind, or, alternatively, by publication of notice in the
(e)(1) A copy of any written comments submitted to OFE under this subpart by a party to the original proceeding must also be sent to the requester. The party submitting such comments must certify to OFE that he has sent a copy of such comments to the requester.
(2) OFE may notify other persons participating in the proceeding of the comments and provide an opportunity for those notified to respond.
(f) A request for modification or rescission of a rule or order must contain a complete statement of all facts relevant to the action sought. The request must also include the names and addresses of all reasonably ascertainable persons who will be affected. Pertinent provisions contained in any documents believed to support a request may be briefly described, however, OFE reserves the right to obtain copies of any significant documents that will assist in making a determination on the merits of a request. The request must identify the specific order or rule for which modification or rescission is sought. A request should also indicate whether an informal conference will facilitate OFE's determination to commence, or not to commence a proceeding, or will assist OFE in making any determinations on material issues raised by the request.
(g) A decision by OFE to commence a proceeding under this subpart does not entitle the requester to a public hearing on the request for modification or rescission. A public hearing may be held, however, if, in its discretion, OFE considers that a public hearing will advance its evaluation of the request.
(a) OFE will consider the entire administrative record in its evaluation of the decision and order for modification or rescission of a rule or order. OFE may investigate and corroborate any statement in the petition or related documents and may utilize in its evaluation any relevant facts obtained by its investigations. OFE may solicit or accept submissions from third persons relevant to any request under this subpart and all interested persons will be afforded an opportunity to respond to these submissions. OFE may, in its discretion and on its own initiative, convene a conference, if it considers that a conference will advance its evaluation of the request.
(b)
(1) Significant material facts are subsequently discovered which were not known and could not have been known to the petitioner or to OFE at the time of the original proceeding;
(2) A law, regulation, interpretation, ruling, order or decision on appeal that was in effect at the time of the proceeding upon which the rule or order is based and which, if it had been made known to OFE, would have been relevant to the proceeding and would have substantially altered the outcome is subsequently discovered; or
(3) There has been a substantial change in the facts or circumstances upon which an outstanding and continuing order was based, which change occurred during the interval between issuance of the order and the date of filing of the request under this subpart,
(a) OFE shall issue an appropriate rule or order after considering the request for modification or rescission of a rule or order and other relevant information received during the proceeding.
(b) OFE will either grant or deny the request for modification or rescission and will briefly state the pertinent facts and legal basis for the decision.
(c) OFE will serve the rule or order granting or denying the request for modification or rescission upon the requester, or, if the action was initiated by OFE, upon the owner or operator of the affected powerplant or installation. OFE will publish a notice of the issuance of a rule or order modifying or rescinding a rule or order in the
(a) This subpart sets forth the procedures for the request and issuance of a stay of a rule or order or other requirement issued or imposed by OFE or these regulations but does not apply to the mandatory stays provided for in sections 202(b) and 301(a) of FUA. The application for a stay under this subpart will only be considered incidental to a proceeding on a request for modification or rescission of a final prohibition rule or order.
(b) The petitioner must comply with all final and effective OFE orders, regulations, rulings, and generally applicable requirements unless a petition for a stay is granted or is applicable under FUA.
(a)(1) The petition for a stay must be in writing and comply with the general filing requirements stated in § 501.7, in addition to any other requirements set forth in this subpart, and must be filed at the address provided in § 501.11.
(2) A claim for confidential treatment of any information contained in the petition for stay and supporting documents must be in accordance with § 501.7(a)(11), and filed at the address provided in § 501.11.
(b) OFE will publish notice of receipt of a petition for a stay under this subpart in the
(a) A petition for a stay shall contain a full and complete statement of all facts believed to be pertinent to the act or transaction for which a stay is sought. The facts shall include, but not be limited to, the criteria listed below in § 501.123(b).
(b) The petitioner may request a conference regarding the application. If the request is not made at the time the application is filed, it must be made as soon thereafter as possible. The request and OFE's determination regarding it will be made in accordance with subpart C of this part.
(a) The record in a proceeding on a petition for stay shall consist of the petition and any related documents, evidence submitted at any public proceedings and any other information in the possession of OFE and made part of the record. OFE may investigate and corroborate any statement in the petition or any other document submitted to it and may utilize in its evaluation any relevant facts obtained by its investigations. OFE may solicit or accept submissions from third persons relevant to the petition for stay or other document and any interested person will be afforded an opportunity to respond to these submissions. OFE, on its initiative, may convene a conference, if, in its discretion, it considers that the conference will advance its evaluation of the petition.
(b)
(i) Irreparable injury will result if the stay is denied;
(ii) There is a strong likelihood of success on the merits;
(iii) The denial of a stay will result in a more immediate hardship or inequity to the petitioner than to other persons affected by the proceeding; and
(iv) It would be desirable for reasons of public policy to grant the stay.
(a) OFE will issue an order granting or denying the petition for a stay upon consideration of the request and other relevant information received or obtained during the proceeding.
(b) OFE will include in the order a brief written statement setting forth the relevant facts and the basis of the decision, including any appropriate terms and conditions of the stay.
This subpart establishes procedures for filing a formal request for and the issuance of an interpretation of a rule, order or other action by DOE. Any response, whether oral or written, to a general inquiry, or to other than a formal written request for interpretation filed with DOE, is not an interpretation and merely provides general information that may not be relied upon in any proceeding to determine compliance with the applicable requirements of FUA.
A proceeding to request an interpretation is commenced by the filing of a “Request for Interpretation (FUA).” The request must be in writing and must also comply with the general filing requirements stated in § 501.7. Any claims for confidential treatment for any information contained in the request or other related documents must be made pursuant to § 501.7(a)(11). A request for interpretation should be filed with the Assistant General Counsel for Interpretations and Rulings at the address provided in § 501.11.
(a) A request for an interpretation must contain a complete statement of all the facts believed to be relevant to the circumstances, acts or transactions that are the subject of the request. The facts must include the names and addresses of all potentially affected persons (if reasonably ascertainable) and a full discussion of the pertinent provisions and relevant facts contained in any documents submitted with the request. Copies of relevant contracts, agreements, leases, instruments, and other documents relating to the request must be submitted if DOE believes they are necessary for determination of any issue pending in the proceeding under this subpart. When the request pertains to only one step in a larger integrated transaction, the requesting party must also submit the facts, circumstances, and other relevant information pertaining to the entire transaction.
(b) The requesting party must include in the request a discussion of all relevant legal authorities, rulings, regulations, interpretations and decisions on appeal relied upon to support the particular interpretation sought.
(c) DOE may refuse to issue an interpretation if it determines that there is insufficient information upon which to base an interpretation.
(a)(1) The record shall consist of the request for an interpretation and any supporting documents, all relevant evidence presented at any public proceedings, written comments and any information in the possession of DOE that has been made part of the record.
(2) DOE may investigate and corroborate any statement in a request or related documents and may utilize in its evaluation any relevant facts obtained by the investigation. DOE may solicit or accept submissions from third persons relevant to the request for interpretation, or any other document submitted under this subpart, and the person requesting the interpretation will be afforded an opportunity to respond to these submissions.
(3) The General Counsel or his delegate will issue an interpretation on the basis of the information provided in the request, unless that information is supplemented by other information brought to the attention of DOE during the proceeding. DOE's interpretation will, therefore, depend on the accuracy of the factual statements, and the requesting party may rely upon it only
(b)
(2) DOE will take into consideration previously issued interpretations dealing with the same or a related issue.
(a) DOE may issue an interpretation after consideration of the request for interpretation and other relevant information received or obtained during the proceeding.
(b) The interpretation will contain a written statement of the information upon which it is based and a legal analysis of and conclusions regarding the application of rulings, regulations and other precedent to the situation presented in the request.
(c) Only those persons to whom an interpretation is specifically addressed, and other persons upon whom the DOE serves the interpretation and who are directly involved in the same transaction or act, are entitled to rely upon it. No person entitled to rely upon an interpretation shall be subject to civil or criminal penalties stated in title VII of FUA for any act taken in reliance upon the interpretation, notwithstanding that the interpretation shall thereafter be declared by judicial or other competent authority to be invalid.
(d) DOE may at any time rescind or modify an interpretation on its own initiative. Rescission or modification shall be made by notifying persons entitled to rely on the interpretation that it is rescinded or modified. This notification will include a statement of the reasons for the rescission or modification and, in the case of a modification, a restatement of the interpretation as modified.
(e) An interpretation is modified by a subsequent amendment to the regulations or ruling to the extent that it is inconsistent with the amended regulation or ruling.
(f) Any person who believes he is directly affected by an interpretation issued by DOE, and who believes that he will be aggrieved by its implementation, may submit a petition for reconsideration of that interpretation to the General Counsel. DOE will acknowledge receipt of all requests for reconsideration; however, this acknowledgement in no way binds DOE to commence any proceeding on the request. If within sixty (60) days of DOE's acknowledgement of the receipt of a request for reconsideration, DOE has not issued either a notice of intent to commence a proceeding to reconsider the interpretation or a modification, revision or rescission of the original interpretation, the request for reconsideration will be deemed denied. DOE may, in its discretion, issue a formal denial of a request for reconsideration if:
(1) The request has not been filed in a timely manner, and good cause therefor has not been shown;
(2) The person requesting reconsideration is not aggrieved or otherwise injured substantially by the interpretation; or
(3) The request is defective because it fails to state and to present facts and legal argument that the interpretation was erroneous in fact or in law, or that it was arbitrary or capricious.
DOE may issue rulings in accordance with the provisions of this subpart. DOE will publish each ruling in the
(a) The General Counsel may issue a ruling whenever:
(1) There has been a substantial number of inquiries with regard to similar factual situations or a particular section of the regulations; or
(2) It is determined that a ruling will be of assistance to the public in applying the regulations to a specific situation.
(a) A ruling may be modified or rescinded by—
(1) Publication of the modification or rescission by DOE in the
(2) Adoption of a rule that supersedes or modifies a prior ruling.
(b) A person shall not be subject to the sanctions or penalties stated in these regulations for actions taken in reliance upon a ruling, notwithstanding that the ruling is subsequently declared to be invalid or no longer applicable. A person affected by a ruling may not rely upon it for more than 30 days after it has been rendered invalid pursuant to issuance of a superseding rule by OFE, or after it has been rescinded or modified by DOE.
Any interested person may file a written comment on or objection to a published ruling at any time with the Assistant General Counsel for Interpretations and Rulings at the address provided in § 501.11.
This subpart provides the procedures by which OFE may initiate enforcement proceedings on its own behalf and by which complaints concerning a violation of the Act or any rule or order thereunder may be filed.
(a) A complaint under this subpart must be submitted in writing over the signature of the person making the complaint in accordance with the general filing requirements stated in § 501.7. OFE will accept oral complaints that otherwise satisfy the requirements of this subpart, but OFE may request written verification.
(b) A complaint shall be filed at the address provided in § 501.11.
A complaint must contain a complete statement of all relevant facts pertaining to the act or transaction that is the subject of the complaint. It must also include the names and addresses of all persons involved (if reasonably ascertainable), a description of the events that led to the complaint, and a statement describing the statutory provision, regulation, ruling, order, rule, or interpretation that allegedly has been violated.
(a) The record shall consist of the complaint and any supporting documents and all other relevant information developed in the course of any investigations or proceedings related to that complaint. OFE may investigate and corroborate any statement in the complaint or related documents submitted, and may utilize in its evaluation any relevant facts obtained by such investigation or from any other source of information. OFE may solicit or accept submissions from third persons relevant to the complaint or other related documents.
(b)
After investigation of a specific complaint or based on any relevant information received or obtained during an investigation, OFE may issue a notice of violation, determine that no violation has occurred, or take such other actions as it deems appropriate. Prior to issuance of a notice of violation, and before commencement of an enforcement proceeding, OFE may transmit a draft of the notice of violation to the potentially affected person in order to promote an informal resolution of the violation.
(a) Whenever, on the basis of any information available, OFE determines that a person is in violation or about
(b)
(1) If OFE proposes to assess a civil penalty, a notice of violation will be issued to the violator with an opportunity for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, as set forth in § 501.166(a)(1) of this part, before any final determination on the violation and penalty are made by OFE. The recipient of the notice will also be informed of his right to elect to have the procedures of § 501.166(a)(2) apply, in lieu of the hearing, with respect to a final determination on the assessment of any civil penalty.
(2) If OFE does not propose to assess a civil penalty, the violator will be provided the opportunity for a conference, as set forth in § 501.166(b), before a final determination on the violation is made by OFE. OFE may, in its discretion, also provide the violator an opportunity for a hearing pursuant to § 501.166(a)(1).
(c)
(d)
(a)
(2)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a)
(b) Any duly authorized representative of OFE has the authority to conduct an investigation and to take such action as he deems necessary and appropriate to the conduct of the investigation.
(c)
(d)
(a)
(2) Each day that any provision of the Act (other than section 402), or any rule or order thereunder is violated constitutes a separate violation within the meaning of the provisions of this section relating to civil penalties.
(b)
(c)
(2) OFE may compromise and settle, and collect civil penalties whenever it considers it to be appropriate or advisable.
(d)
(2) Purposes of this paragraph:
(i)
(ii)
Whenever it appears to OFE that any person has committed, is committing, or is about to commit a violation of any provision of the Act, or any rule or order thereunder, OFE may, in accordance with section 724 of FUA, bring a civil action in the appropriate United States District Court to enjoin such acts or practices. The relief sought may include a mandatory injunction commanding any person to comply with any provision of such provision, order or rule, the violation of which is prohibited by section 724 of FUA and may also include interim equitable relief.
(a)
(b)
(a) If a person operates a powerplant covered by any of the prohibitions of titles II, III, or IV of FUA, § 501.191 of this subpart establishes procedures to be followed for the use of minimum amounts of natural gas or petroleum under FUA section 103(a)(15)(B) in order to alleviate or prevent unanticipated equipment outages and emergencies directly affecting the public health, safety, or welfare that would result from electric power outages.
(b)
(a) In the event of the occurrence or imminent occurrence of an emergency, or of the occurrence or imminent occurrence of an unanticipated equipment outage in the unit, an owner or operator of a powerplant is automatically permitted to use minimum amounts of natural gas or petroleum in the unit or in a substitute unit to prevent or alleviate the outage or to prevent or alleviate the emergency if he complies with procedures contained in paragraph (b) of this section.
(b) If the use of minimum amounts of petroleum or natural gas is required for purposes specified in this section, the owner or operator must notify OFE of such use by telegram or telephone within 24 hours after the commencement of such use. Immediately thereafter a written confirmation must be submitted to OFE, describing, to the best estimate of the owner or operator, (1) the nature of the emergency and (2) how long petroleum or natural gas use is likely to be required.
(c) For purposes of this section only:
(1) An
(2)
(3)
(i) For powerplants, the amounts of natural gas or petroleum required to prevent curtailment of electric supply where the operating utility has, to the maximum extent possible, utilized alternate fuel-fired capacity to prevent such curtailment. Note—A utility operating hydroelectric facilities may take into account seasonal fluctuations in storage capacity and shall be permitted to prevent depletion of stored power-producing capacity as deemed necessary by the utility; and
(ii) For installations, the amounts of natural gas or petroleum required to meet plant protection or human health and safety needs, including services to hospitals, public transportation facilities, sanitation, or water supply and pumping.
Department of Energy Organization Act, Pub. L. 95-91, 91 Stat. 565 (42 U.S.C. § 7101
This subpart sets forth the statutory prohibition imposed by the Act upon new powerplants. The prohibition in the subpart applies to all new baseload electric powerplants unless an exemption has been granted by OFE under
Section 201 of the Act prohibits, unless an exemption has been granted under subpart C or D of this part, any new electric powerplant from being constructed or operated as a baseload powerplant without the capability to use coal or another alternate fuel as a primary energy source.
This subpart establishes the general requirements necessary to qualify for either a temporary or permanent exemption under this part and sets out the methodology for calculating the cost of using an alternate fuel and the cost of using imported petroleum.
Before OFE will accept a petition for either a temporary or permanent exemption under this part, the petition must include all of the evidence and information required in this part and part 501 of this chapter.
(a)
(2) The cost of using an alternate fuel as a primary energy source will be deemed to substantially exceed the cost of using imported petroleum if the difference between the cost of using alternate fuel and the cost of using imported oil is greater than zero.
(3) There are two comparative cost calculations—a general cost test and a special cost test. Both take into consideration cash outlays for capital investments, annual expenses, and the effect of depreciation and taxes on cash flow. To demonstrate eligibility for a permanent exemption, a petitioner must use the procedures specified in the general cost test (paragraph (b) of this section). To demonstrate eligibility for a temporary exemption, the petitioner may apply the procedures specified in either the general cost test or the special cost test (paragraph (c) of this section).
(b)
(2) The petitioner would only be eligible for a temporary exemption if the computed costs of delayed alternate fuel use, commencing at the start of the second through eleventh years of operation, do not always substantially exceed the cost of using only imported petroleum. The length of the temporary exemption would be the minimum period from the start of operation in which the cost of using alternate fuel substantially exceeds the cost of using imported petroleum.
(3) To conduct the general cost test, calculate the difference (DELTA) between the cost of using an alternate fuel (COST(ALTERNATE)) and the cost of using imported petroleum (COST(OIL)) using Equations 1 through 3 below and the comparison procedures in paragraph (b)(5) of this section.
(4) The terms in Equations 2 and 3 are defined as follows:
(5) The step-by-step procedure that follows shows the comparison that the petitioner must make.
(i) Compute the cost of using an alternate fuel (COST(ALTERNATE)) unit throughout the useful life of the unit using Equations 2 and 3.
(ii) Compute the cost of using oil or natural gas (COST(OIL)) throughout the useful life of the unit using Equations 2 and 3.
(iii) Using Equation 1, compute the difference (DELTA) between COST (ALTERNATE) and COST (OIL). If the difference (DELTA) is less than or equal to zero, a petitioner is not eligible for a permanent or temporary exemption using the general cost test and need not complete the remainder of the general cost test calculation. However, he still may be eligible for a temporary exemption using the special cost test (paragraph (c) of this section). If the difference (DELTA) is greater than zero and if the best practicable cost estimates will not materially change during the first ten years of operation (given the best information available at the time the petition is filed), the petitioner has completed the test and is eligible for a permanent exemption. However, if the best practicable cost estimate will materially change during the first ten years, the petitioner must complete the remainder of the general cost test—the delayed use calculations which follow.
(iv) Recompute COST (ALTERNATE) with Equations 2 and 3, assuming that an alternate fuel is not used as the primary energy source until the start of the second year of operation and that imported petroleum or natural gas is used for the first year of operation. All cash outlays should reflect postponed use of alternate fuel.
(v) Successively recompute COST (ALTERNATE) with Equations 2 and 3, assuming that the alternate fuel use is postponed until the start of the third year, fourth year, and so on, through the beginning of the eleventh year of operation (with imported petroleum or natural gas used in the years preceding alternate fuel use).
(vi) Compute the difference (DELTA) between each of the ten COST(ALTERNATE)s calculated in paragraph (b)(5) (iv) and (v) of this section and the COST(OIL) calculated in paragraph (b)(5)(ii) of this section.
(vii) If
(c)
(2) To conduct the test, calculate the difference (DELTA) between the cost of using an alternate fuel (COST (ALTERNATE)) and the cost of using imported petroleum (COST (OIL)) using Equations 4 and 5 below, Equation 3 (paragraph (b)(3) of this section), and the comparison procedures in paragraph (c)(4) of this section.
Capital investment (I) is calculated with Equation 3 (paragraph (b)(3) of this section).
(3) The terms in Equation 5 are the same as those in Equation 2 with the addition of P, the length of the proposed temporary exemption in years. (See paragraph (b)(4) of this section for other terms.)
(4) The step-by-step procedure that follows shows the comparisons which must be made.
(i) Using Equation 5, compute the cost of using an alternate fuel (COST(ALTERNATE)) assuming the length of the proposed exemption is one year.
(ii) Likewise, compute the cost of using imported petroleum or natural gas (COST(OIL)) assuming the length of the proposed exemption is one year.
(iii) Compute the difference (DELTA) between COST (ALTERNATE) and COST (OIL) using Equation 4.
(iv) Repeat the calculations made in (i), (ii), and (iii) above, assuming the length of the proposed exemption is two years, three years, four years, and so on, up through the period of the proposed exemption.
(v) A petitioner is eligible for a temporary exemption for the period beginning at the start of the first year of operation and terminating at the beginning of the first year in which a DELTA is zero or less.
(d)
(2) Capital investment yearly cash outlays (I
The guidelines for the fuel inventory for powerplants not using natural gas shall be: (a) All powerplants with only steam driven turbines—78 days, (b) all powerplants with only combustion turbines—142 days, (c) all powerplants with combined cycles—both steam driven turbines and combustion turbines—142 days. The guidelines for the fuel inventory for installations not using natural gas shall be the greater of: (1) 21 days fuel supply, or (2) sufficient fuel to fill sixty (60) percent of the storage volume. The guidelines for the fuel inventory for all facilities using natural gas shall be zero unless the gas supply is interruptible in which case an appropriate inventory of back-up fuel must be included. Other inventory levels may be used if they are more appropriate than these guidelines; however, the source or derivation of these levels must be discussed in the evidential summary.
(3)(i) The annual cash outlays for operations and maintenance expense (OM
(A) Assume the energy produced by the powerplant equals seventy (70) percent of design capacity times 8760 hours for each year during the life of the powerplant, and compute cash outlays for operations, maintenance, and fuel expenses for the powerplant.
(B)
(C) Use a dispatch analysis to project the energy produced by the powerplant for a representative (not atypical) year of operation when consuming an alternate fuel. Compute the cash outlays for operations, maintenance, and fuel expenses for the powerplant based upon the level of energy production estimated for the representative year. The dispatch analysis and fuel expenses for the cost calculation must include oil and natural gas priced according to the procedures of appendix II.
(ii) When computing the annual cash outlays for operations and maintenance expense (OM
(4) The discount rate (k) for analyses is 2.9 percent or that which is computed as specified in appendix I. The method of computing the inflation index (IX) is shown in appendix II to part 504. OFE will modify these specified rates from time to time as required by changed conditions after public notice and an opportunity to comment. However, the relevant set of specified rates for a specific petition for exemption will be the set in effect at the time the petition is submitted or the set in effect at the time a decision is rendered, whichever set is more favorable to the petitioner.
(5)(i) The guidelines for the useful life (N) of all powerplants except nuclear will be thirty-five (35) years. The guidelines for the useful life of a nuclear powerplant will be forty (40) years. The guidelines for the useful life of major fuel burning installations will be forty (40) years. Other useful life projections may be used if they are more appropriate than these guidelines; however, the source or derivation of these projections must be contained in the evidential summary. The summary should include a discussion of engineering, economic historical or other evidence.
(ii) If the units being compared have different useful lives, the petitioner will have to modify his calculation so that the two cash flows being compared have the length of the shorter useful life. To do this, (A) use the shorter of the two useful lives in Equations 2 and 5 for both units, and (B) multiply capital investment (I) of the unit with the longer life (computed with Equation 3) by the following adjustment factor (A):
(6) All Federal investment tax credits (ITC
(7) If powerplants are being compared, the design capacities or the maximum sustained energy per unit of time that could be produced must be the same. If installations are being compared, the maximum sustained energy per unit of time that could be produced must be the same.
(8) All estimated cash outlays must be computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied.
(9) The scope of the estimates of relevant costs (as discussed above) of units being compared must be the same.
(10) All allowances for uncertainty and risk in the cost estimates must be explicit.
(11) All cash outlays must be net of any government subsidies or grants.
(e)
(1) Cash outlays, Investment tax credits, depreciation methodologies, and anticipated salvage for capital investments including a description of all major construction and equipment;
(2) Annual cash outlays for operations and maintenance expenses including the formulas used to compute them; and
(3) Annual cash outlays for delivered fuel expenses including the formulas used to compute them.
(a) Where approvals by the appropriate State regulatory authority are required prior to the construction or use of a new powerplant, a petition for an exemption for consideration by OFE may be submitted to OFE prior to obtaining such approvals from the State regulatory authority.
(b) An exemption granted for a powerplant shall not become effective until an adequate demonstration has been made to OFE that all applicable approvals required by the State regulatory authorities have been obtained.
(a)
(b)
(1) A diligent effort has been made to purchase firm power for the first year of operation to cover all or part of the projected shortfall at a cost that is less than ten (10) percent above the annualized cost of generating power from the proposed plant (including the capital, operation and maintenance expenses, and fuel prices); and
(2)(i) Despite these efforts, the reserve margin in the petitioner's electric region, normal dispatch area, or service area, in the absence of the proposed plant, would fall below twenty (20) percent during the first year of proposed operation; or
(ii) Despite these efforts, the reserve margin will be greater than twenty (20) percent but reliability of service would be impaired. In such case, the certification must be related to factors not included in the calculation of reserve margin, such as transmission constraints.
(c)
(1) Duly executed certification required under paragraph (b) of this section; and
(2) Exhibits containing the basis for the certification submitted under this section (including those factual and analytical materials deemed by the petitioner to be sufficient to support its certification to this general requirement).
(d)
(a)
(b)
(1) Duly executed certifications to the criteria set forth in paragraph (a) of this section; and
(2) Exhibits containing the basis for the certifications submitted under this section (including those factual and analytical materials deemed by the petitioner to be sufficient to support its certifications to this general requirement.)
In meeting this general requirement, OFE will require a petitioner to examine only mixtures of oil and coal and natural gas and coal, or, where petitioner wishes to examine an additional or substitute mixture, such other alternate fuels as OFE and the petitioner agree are reasonable to petitioner's circumstances.
(a)
(b)
(1) If use of a method of fluidized bed combustion were to be required, evidence that the petitioner would be eligible for a permanent exemption for lack of alternate fuel supply, site limitations, environmental requirements, lack of adequate capital, or State or local requirements; or
(2) Use of a method of fluidized bed combustion is not technically or economically feasible due to design or special circumstances.
(a)
(b)
(1) Duly executed certifications to the criteria set forth in paragraph (a) of this section; and
(2) Exhibits containing the basis for the certifications submitted under this section (including those factual and analytical materials deemed by the petitioner to be sufficient to support its certifications to this general requirement).
(a)
(b)
(i) A detailed schedule of progressive events and the dates upon which the events are to take place, indicating how compliance with the applicable prohibitions of the Act will occur;
(ii) Evidence of binding contracts for fuel, or for facilities for the production of fuel, which are required for compliance with the applicable prohibitions of the Act;
(iii) A schedule indicating how any necessary permits and approvals required to burn an alternate fuel will be obtained; and
(iv) Any other documentary evidence which indicates an ability to comply with the applicable prohibitions of the Act.
(2) Any exemption for which a compliance plan is required shall not be effective until the compliance plan is approved by DOE.
(3) If the petition is granted, an updated, duly executed plan must be submitted to OFE within one (1) month of an alteration of any milestone in the compliance plan, together with the reasons for the alteration and its impact upon the scheduling of all other milestones in the plan.
In order to enable OFE to comply with NEPA, a petitioner must include the information indicated in this section if a permanent exemption is requested. Material which has been prepared pursuant to any Federal, State or local requirement for environmental information for this unit or site may be incorporated by reference and appended to the petition. Guidelines issued by OFE for environmental reports should be used in preparing this analysis (44 FR 63740, November 5, 1979). These guidelines, which are also available in the OFE public document room, have been designed to insure that environmental reports follow the format prescribed by Council on Environmental Quality final regulations implementing NEPA. The guidelines are subject to discussion at a prepetition conference and to modification according to the facts of a particular case.
(a) All petitions for permanent exemptions must contain the following information:
(1) A description of the facility, including site location, and surroundings, alternative site(s), the facility's current proposed operations, its
(2) A description of the existing environment, including air, water, and land resources;
(3) Direct and indirect environmental impacts of the proposed action including impacts of alternative fuel scenarios, and no build alternatives.
(4) Regulatory requirements governing the facility, including a description of Federal, State and local requirements for air, water, noise and solid waste disposal which must be met for each fuel considered.
(b) For exemptions for cogeneration, the information enumerated below is to be submitted in lieu of the information required by paragraph (a) of this section. However, submission of the following information merely establishes a rebuttable presumption that the grant or denial of the exemption would have no significant environmental impact. OFE may, in individual cases, during the course of the administrative proceeding, determine that additional environmental information is required. In such cases, the petitioner will be required to submit the information described in paragraph (a) of this section.
(1) A certification that the petitioner will, prior to operating the unit under the exemption, secure all applicable environmental permits and approvals pursuant to, but not limited to, the following: Clean Air Act, Rivers and Harbors Act, Coastal Zone Management Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act; and
(2) Information required by the following environmental checklist must be provided and certified as accurate:
Environmental Checklist for FUA Certification Exemptions Instructions
All questions are to be answered by placing a check in the appropriate box. N/A represents (not applicable). Although it is not required, the petitioner may elaborate on any question in writing on a separate sheet of paper.
Prior to submitting a petition for a permanent exemption for lack of alternate fuel supply, site limitations, inadequate capital, or state or local requirements, a petitioner must examine the use of conventional solid coal as a primary energy source at the site under consideration, and at reasonable alternative sites. Where a petitioner believes that its use of such coal would be infeasible, however, and where OFE and the petitioner can reach accord, it may evaluate use of a different alternate fuel in lieu of solid coal. A petitioner of these exemptions must demonstrate for any fuel examined that he would qualify for an exemption.
(a) This subpart implements the provisions contained in section 211 of the Act with regard to temporary exemptions for new facilities.
(b) This subpart establishes the criteria and standards which owners or operators of new powerplants who petition for a temporary exemption must meet to sustain their burden of proof under the Act.
(c) All petitions for temporary exemptions shall be submitted in accordance with the procedures set out in part 501 of this chapter and the applicable requirements of part 503 of these regulations.
(d) The duration of any temporary exemption granted under this subpart shall be measured from the date that the facility is placed in service using petroleum or natural gas.
(a)
(1) A good faith effort has been to obtain an adequate and reliable supply of an alternate fuel of the quality necessary to conform to the design and operational requirements of the unit;
(2) For the period of the proposed exemption, the cost of using such alternate fuel would substantially exceed the cost of using imported petroleum as a primary energy source as defined in § 503.6 (Cost calculation) of these regulations;
(3) The petitioner will be able to comply with the applicable prohibitions of the Act at the end of the proposed exemption period; and
(4) No alternate power supply exists, as required under § 503.8 of these regulations.
(b)
(1) Duly executed certifications required under paragraph (a) of this section;
(2) Exhibits containing the basis for the certifications required under paragraph (a) of this section (including those factual and analytical materials deemed by the petitioner to be sufficient to support the granting of this exemption);
(3) All data required by § 503.6 (cost calculation) of these regulations necessary for computing the cost calculation formula; and
(4) The anticipated duration of the lack of alternate fuel supply which constitutes the basis for the exemption.
(c)
(a)
(1) One or more specific physical limitations relevant to the location or operation of the proposed facility exist which, despite diligent good faith efforts, cannot be overcome before the end of the proposed exemption period;
(2) The petitioner will be able to comply with the applicable prohibitions of the Act at the end of the proposed exemption period; and
(3) No alternate power supply exists, as required under § 503.8 of these regulations.
Examples of the types of site limitations to which a petitioner may certify in order to qualify for this exemption include:
(i) Inaccessability of alternate fuels as a result of a specific physical limitation;
(ii) Unavailability of transportation facilities for alternate fuels;
(iii) Unavailability of adequate land or facilities for handling, using, or storing an alternate fuel;
(iv) Unavailability of adequate land or facilities for controlling and disposing of wastes, including pollution control equipment or devices necessary to assure compliance with applicable environmental requirements;
(v) Unavailability of adequate and reliable supply of water, including water for use in compliance with applicable environmental requirements; or
(vi) Other site limitations exist which will not permit the location or operation of the proposed unit using an alternate fuel.
(b)
(1) Duly executed certifications required under paragraph (a) of this section;
(2) Exhibits containing the basis for the certifications required under paragraph (a) of this section (including those factual and analytical materials deemed by the petitioner to be sufficient to support the granting of this exemption); and
(3) The anticipated duration of the site limitation which constitutes the basis for the exemption.
(c)
(a)
(1) The petitioner will be unable, as of the projected date of commencement of operation, to comply with the applicable prohibitions of the Act without violating applicable Federal or State environmental requirements; and
(2) The petitioner will be able to comply with the applicable prohibitions of the Act and with applicable environmental requirements by the end of the temporary exemption period.
(1) For purposes of considering an exemption under this section, OFE's decision will be based solely on an analysis of the petitioner's capacity to physically achieve applicable environmental requirements. The petition should be directed toward those conditions or circumstances which make it physically impossible to comply during the temporary exemption period. The cost of compliance is not relevant, but cost-related considerations may be presented as part of a demonstration submitted under § 503.21.
(2) Prior to submitting an exemption petition, it is recommended that a meeting be requested with OFE and EPA or the appropriate State or local regulatory agency to discuss options for operating an alternate fuel fired facility in compliance with applicable environmental requirements.
(b)
(1) Where the petitioner has applied for a construction permit from EPA or an appropriate State agency prior to petitioning for an exemption under this section, a copy of that application and synopsis of supporting documents filed with or subsequent to that application must be submitted to OFE with the petition or at the time filed with the permitting agency;
(2) To the extent applicable, a copy of the EPA or State denial of the construction permit application;
(3) To the extent applicable, a synopsis of the administrative record of the EPA or State or local permit proceedings;
(4) To the extent applicable, a summary of the technology upon which the denial was based, including a performance comparison between the proposed technology and that technology which would provide the maximum possible reduction of pollution;
(5) An examination of the environmental compliance of the facility, including an analysis of its ability to meet applicable standards and criteria when using both the proposed fuel and the alternate fuel(s) which would provide the basis for exemption. All such analysis must be based on accepted analytical techniques, such as air quality
(6) An examination of any regulatory options available to the petitioner in seeking to achieve environmental compliance (such as offsets, variances, and State Implementation Plan revisions);
(7) Any other documentation which demonstrates an inability to comply with applicable environmental requirements;
(8) No alternate power supply exists, as required under § 503.8 of these regulations.
(c)
(d)
(i) The site for the facility is or will be located in a Class I area or Class II area in which the allowable increment established by law has been consumed, as defined in part C of the Clean Air Act; the use of an alternate fuel will cause or contribute to concentrations of pollutants which would exceed the maximum allowable increases in a Class I or Class II area even with the application of best available control technology; the site for the facility is or will be located in a non-attainment area as defined in part D of the Clean Air Act for any pollutant which would be emitted by the facility; or, even with the application of the lowest achievable emission rate, the use of an alternate fuel will cause or contribute to concentrations in an air quality control region, of a pollutant for which any national ambient air quality standard is or would be exceeded; and
(ii) No alternate power supply exists, as required under § 503.8 of these regulations.
(2) A petition by certification under this paragraph must include:
(i) Duly executed certifications required under paragraph (d)(1) of this section;
(ii) Exhibits containing the basis for the certifications required under paragraph (d)(1) of this section (including those factual and analytical materials deemed by the petitioner to be sufficient to support the granting of this exemption); and
(iii) The anticipated duration of the circumstances which constitute the basis for the exemption.
(a)
(1) The petitioner will be able to comply with the applicable prohibitions imposed by the Act by the use of a synthetic fuel derived from coal or another alternate fuel as a primary energy source in the proposed facility by the end of the proposed exemption period;
(2) The petitioner will not be able to comply with the applicable prohibitions imposed by the Act by use of a synthetic fuel until the end of the proposed exemption period; and
(3) No alternate power supply exists, as required under § 503.8 of these regulations.
(b)
(1) Duly executed certifications required under paragraph (a) of this section;
(2) Exhibits containing the basis for the certifications required under paragraph (a) of this section (including those factual and analytical materials deemed by the petitioner to be sufficient to support the granting of this exemption); and
(3) A preliminary compliance plan, including to the extent available, the information required under § 503.12.
(c)
(d)
Contracts based on the anticipated successful demonstration of a development program and/or the anticipated economic feasibility of a synthetic fuels facility, will generally be sufficient to meet the “binding contract” requirements for this exemption.
(a)
(1) The unit will be capable of complying with the applicable prohibitions at the end of the proposed exemption period;
(2) The granting of the exemption would be in accord with the purposes of the Act and would be in the public interest; and
(3) No alternate power supply exists, as required under § 503.8 of these regulations.
(b)
(1) Substantial evidence to corroborate the eligibility requirements identified above; and
(2) The anticipated duration of the circumstances which constitute the basis for the exemption.
(c)
(1) A duly executed certification, including the requested duration of the exemption, that the unit will be operated on oil or natural gas only during the construction of an alternate fuel fired unit to be owned or operated by the petitioner; and
(2) Exhibits containing the basis for the certifications required under paragraph (c)(1) of this section (including those factual and analytical materials deemed by the petitioner to be sufficient to support the granting of this exemption).
(d)
(a) This subpart implements the provisions contained in section 212 of the Act with regard to permanent exemptions for new facilities.
(b) This subpart establishes the criteria and standards which owners or operators of new powerplants and installations who petition for a permanent exemption must meet to sustain their burden of proof under the Act.
(c) All petitions for permanent exemptions for new facilities shall be submitted in accordance with the procedures set out in part 501 of this chapter and the applicable requirements of part 503 of these regulations.
(a)
(1) A good faith effort has been made to obtain an adequate and reliable supply of an alternate fuel for use as a primary energy source of the quality and quantity necessary to conform with the design and operational requirements of the unit;
(2) Such a supply is not likely to be available within the first 10 years of useful life of the proposed unit;
(3) No alternate power supply exists, as required under § 503.8 of these regulations;
(4) Use of mixtures is not feasible, as required under § 503.9 of these regulations; and
(5) Alternative sites are not available, as required under § 503.11 of these regulations.
(b)
(1) Duly executed certifications required under paragraph (a) of this section;
(2) Exhibits containing the basis for the certifications required under paragraph (a) of this section (including those factual and analytical materials deemed by the petitioner to be sufficient to support the granting of this exemption);
(3) Environmental impact analysis, as required under § 503.13 of these regulations; and
(4) Fuels search, as required under § 503.14 of these regulations.
(a)
(1) A good faith effort has been made to obtain an adequate and reliable supply of an alternate fuel for use as a primary energy source of the quality and quantity necessary to conform with the design and operational requirements of the proposed unit;
(2) The cost of using such a supply would substantially exceed the cost of using imported petroleum as a primary energy source during the useful life of the proposed unit as defined in § 503.6 (cost calculation) of these regulations;
(3) No alternate power supply exists, as required under § 503.8 of these regulations.
(4) Use of mixtures is not feasible, as required under § 503.9 of these regulations; and
(5) Alternative sites are not available, as required under § 503.11 of these regulations.
(b)
(1) Duly executed certifications required under paragraph (a) of this section;
(2) Exhibits containing the basis for certifications required under paragraph (a) of this section (including those factual and analytical materials deemed by the petitioner to be sufficient to support the granting of this exemption);
(3) Environmental impact analysis, as required under § 503.13 of these regulations;
(4) Fuels search, as required under § 503.14 of these regulations; and
(5) All data required by § 503.6 (cost calculation) of these regulations necessary for computing the cost calculation formula.
(a)
(1) One or more specific physical limitations relevant to the location or operation of the proposed facility exist which, despite good faith efforts, cannot reasonably be expected to be overcome within five years after commencement of operations;
(2) No alternate power supply exists, as required under § 503.8 of these regulations;
(3) Use of mixtures is not feasible, as required under § 503.9 of these regulations; and
(4) Alternative sites are not available, as required under § 503.11 of these regulations.
Examples of the types of site limitations to which a petitioner may certify in order to qualify for this exemption include:
(i) Inaccessibility of alternate fuels as a result of a specific physical limitation;
(ii) Unavailability of transportation facilities for alternate fuels;
(iii) Unavailability of adequate land or facilities for handling, using or storing an alternate fuel;
(iv) Unavailability of adequate land or facilities for controlling and disposing of wastes, including pollution control equipment or devices necessary to assure compliance with applicable environmental requirements;
(v) Unavailability of adequate and reliable supply of water, including water for use in compliance with applicable environmental requirements; or
(vi) Other site limitations exist which will not permit the location or operation of the proposed unit using an alternate fuel.
(b)
(1) Duly executed certifications required under paragraph (a) of this section;
(2) Exhibits containing the basis for the certifications required under paragraph (a) of this section (including those factual and analytical materials deemed by the petitioner to be sufficient to support the granting of this exemption);
(3) Environmental impact analysis, as required under § 503.13 of these regulations; and
(4) Fuels search, as required under § 503.14 of these regulations.
(a)
(1) The petitioner will be unable within 5 years after beginning operation, to comply with the applicable prohibitions imposed by the Act without violating applicable Federal or state environmental requirements; and
(2) Reasonable alternative sites, which would permit the use of alternate fuels in compliance with applicable Federal or state environmental requirements, are not available.
(1) For purposes of considering an exemption under this section, OFE's decision will be based solely on an analysis of the petitioner's capacity to physically achieve applicable environmental requirements. The cost of compliance is not relevant, but cost-related considerations may be presented as part of a demonstration submitted under § 503.32 (Lack of alternate fuel supply).
(2) Prior to deciding to submit an exemption petition, it is recommended that a petitioner request a meeting with OFE and EPA or the appropriate state or local regulatory agency to discuss options for operating an alternate fuel-fired facility in compliance with the applicable environmental requirements.
(b) [Reserved]
(c)
(1) Where the petitioner has applied for a construction permit from EPA or an appropriate state agency prior to petitioning for an exemption from OFE under this section, a copy of such application and a synopsis of all supporting documents filed with or subsequent to the application must be submitted to OFE with the petition or at the time filed with the permitting agency;
(2) To the extent applicable, a copy of the EPA or state denial of the construction permit application;
(3) To the extent applicable, a synopsis of the administrative record of the EPA or state or local permit proceedings;
(4) To the extent applicable, a summary of the technology upon which the denial was based, including a performance comparison between the proposed technology and that technology which
(5) An examination of the environmental compliance of the facility, including an analysis of its ability to meet applicable standards and criteria when using both the proposed fuel and the alternate fuel(s) which would provide the basis for the exemption. All such analysis must be based on accepted analytical techniques, such as air quality modeling, and reflect current conditions of the area which would be affected by the facility. The petitioner is responsible for obtaining the necessary data to accurately characterize these conditions. Environmental compliance must be examined in the context of available pollution control equipment which would provide the maximum possible reduction of pollution. The analysis must contain: (i) Requests for bids and other inquiries made and responses received by the petitioner concerning the availability and performance of pollution control equipment; or (ii) other comparable evidence such as technical studies documenting the efficacy of equipment to meet applicable requirements;
(6) An examination of any regulatory options available to the petitioner in seeking to achieve environmental compliance (such as offsets, variances and State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions); and
(7) Any other documentation which demonstrates an inability to comply with applicable environmental requirements;
(8) No alternate power supply exists as required under § 503.8 of these regulations;
(9) Use of mixtures is not feasible, as required under § 503.9 of these regulations;
(10) Alternative sites are not available, as required under § 503.11 of these regulations;
(11) Environmental impact analysis, as required under § 503.13 of these regulations; and
(12) Fuels search, as required under § 503.14 of these regulations.
(d)
(i) The site for the facility is or will be located in a Class I area or Class II area in which the allowable increment established by law has been consumed, as defined in part C of the Clean Air Act; the use of an alternate fuel will cause or contribute to concentrations of pollutants which would exceed the maximum allowable increases in a Class I or Class II area even with the application of best available control technology; the site for the facility is or will be located in a non-attainment area as defined in part D of the Clean Air Act for any pollutant which would be emitted by the facility; or, even with the application of the lowest achievable emission rate, the use of an alternate fuel will cause or contribute to concentrations in an air quality control region of a pollutant for which any national ambient air quality standard is or would be exceeded;
(ii) No alternate power supply exists, as required under § 503.8 of these regulations;
(iii) Alternative sites are not available, as required under § 503.11 of these regulations; and
(iv) Use of mixtures is not feasible, as required under § 503.19 of these regulations.
(2) A petition by certification under this paragraph must include:
(i) Duly executed certifications required under paragraph (d)(1) of this section;
(ii) Exhibits containing the basis for the certifications required under paragraph (d)(1) of this section (including those factual and analytical materials deemed by the petitioner to be sufficient to support the granting of this exemption);
(iii) Environmental impact analysis, as required under § 503.13 of these regulations; and
(iv) Fuels search, as required under § 503.14 of these regulations.
(a)
(1) Despite good faith efforts the petitioner will be unable to comply with the applicable prohibitions imposed by the Act because the additional capital required for an alternate fuel-capable unit beyond that required for the proposed unit cannot be raised;
(2) The additional capital cannot be raised:
(i) Due to specific restrictions (e.g., convenants on existing bonds) which constrain management's ability to raise debt or equity captial;
(ii) Without a substantial dilution of shareholder equity;
(iii) Without an unreasonably adverse affect on the utility's credit rating; or
(iv) In the case of non-investor-owned public utilities, without jeopardizing the utility's ability to recover its capital investment, through tariffs, without unreasonably adverse economic effect on its service area (such as adverse impacts on local industry or undue hardship to ratepayers).
(3) No alternative power supply exists, as required under § 503.8 of these regulations;
(4) Use of mixtures is not feasible, as required under § 503.9 of these regulations; and
(5) Alternative sites are not available, as required under § 503.11 of these regulations.
(b)
(1) Duly executed certifications required under paragraph (a) of this section;
(2) Exhibits containing the basis for the certifications required under paragraph (a) of this section (including those factual and analytical materials deemed by the petitioner to be sufficient to support the granting of this exemption);
(3) Environmental impact analysis, as required under § 503.13 of these regulations; and
(4) Fuels search, as required under § 503.14 of these regulations.
(a)
(1) With respect to the proposed site of the unit, the operation or construction of the new unit using an alternate fuel is infeasible because of a State of local requirement other than a building code, nuisance, or zoning law;
(2) The petitioner has made a good faith effort to obtain a variance from the State or local requirement but has been unable to do so or has demonstrated why none is available;
(3) The granting of the exemption would be in the public interest and would be consistent with the purposes of the Act;
(4) The petitioner is not entitled to an exemption for lack of alternate fuel supply, site limitation, environmental requirements, or inability to obtain adequate capital at the site of the proposed powerplant or at any reasonable alternative site for the alternate fuel(s) considered;
(5) At the proposed site and every reasonable alternative site where the petitioner is not entitled to an exemption for lack of alternate fuel supply, site limitation, environmental requirements, or inability to obtain adequate capital, the petitioner nevertheless would be barred at each such proposed or alternate site from burning an alternate fuel by reason of a State or local requirement;
(6) No alternate power supply exists, as required under § 503.8 of these regulations; and
(7) Use of mixtures is not feasible, as required under § 503.9 of these regulations.
(b)
(1) Duly executed certifications required under paragraph (a) of this section;
(2) Exhibits containing the basis for the certifications required under paragraph (a) of this section (including those factual and analytical materials
(3) Environmental impact analysis, as required under § 503.13 of these regulations; and
(4) Fuels search, as required under § 503.14 of these regulations.
The following table may be used to determine eligibility for a permanent exemption based on oil and natural gas savings.
The proposed cogeneration project is to be located in Massachusetts and is to use distillate oil. It will have a capacity of 50 MW, an average annual heat rate of 7600 BTU/KWHR, and be operated at a capacity factor of 90%. The annual fuel consumption is therefore calculated to be 2,996×10
(a)
(1) The petitioner proposes to use a mixture of natural gas or petroleum and an alternate fuel as a primary energy source;
(2) The amount of petroleum or natural gas proposed to be used in the mixture will not exceed the minimum percentage of the total annual Btu heat input of the primary energy sources needed to maintain operational reliability of the unit consistent with maintaining a reasonable level of fuel efficiency; and
(3) No alternate power supply exists, as required under § 503.8 of these regulations.
(b)
(1) Duly executed certifications required under paragraph (a) of this section;
(2) Exhibits containing the basis for the certifications required under paragraph (a) of this section (including those factual and analytical materials deemed by the petitioner to be sufficient to support the granting of this exemption);
(3) A description of the fuel mixture, including component fuels and the percentage of each such fuel to be used; and
(4) Environmental impact analysis as required under § 503.13 of these regulations.
(c)
(1) Solar energy will account for at least 20 percent of the total annual Btu heat input, of the primary energy sources of the unit; and
(2) Petitioner meets the eligibility and evidentiary requirements of paragraphs (a) and (c) of this section.
Department of Energy Organization Act, Pub. L. 95-91, 91 Stat. 565 (42 U.S.C. § 7101
(a) Sections 504.5, 504.6, and 504.8, set forth the prohibitions that OFP, pursuant to section 301 of the Act, as amended, may impose upon existing powerplants after a review of the certification and prohibition order compliance schedule submitted by the owner or operator of a powerplant. Sections 504.5 and 504.8 are explanatory sections, and § 504.6 provides the informational requirements necessary to support the certification.
(b) Sections 504.6 and 504.7, set forth the prohibitions that OFP may impose upon certain electing powerplants, pursuant to former section 301 (b) and (c) of FUA, where OFP can make the findings as to the unit's technical capability and financial feasibility to use coal or another alternate fuel as a primary energy source. The prohibitions may be made to apply to electing powerplants unless an exemption is granted by OFP under the provisions of the Final Rule for Existing Facilities (10 CFR parts 500, 501 and 504) published at 45 FR 53682, Aug. 12, 1980 and 46 FR 59872, Dec. 7, 1981. Any person who owns, controls, rents or leases an existing electing powerplant may be subject to the prohibitions imposed by and the sanctions provided for in the Act or these regulations, if OFP can make the findings required by former section 301 (b) and (c) of FUA.
(a) In the case of existing powerplants, OFP may prohibit, in accordance with section 301 of the Act, as amended, the use of petroleum or natural gas as a primary energy source where the owner or operator of the powerplant presents a complete certification concurred in by OFP. The certification, which may be presented at any time, pertains to the unit's technical capability and financial feasibility to use coal or another alternate fuel as a primary energy source in the unit. The informational requirements necessary to support a certification are contained in § 504.6 of these regulations. A prohibition compliance schedule which meets the requirements of § 504.5(d) shall also be submitted.
(b) If OFP concurs with the certification, a prohibition order on the powerplant's use of petroleum or natural gas will be issued following the procedure outlined in § 501.52 of these regulations.
(c) The petitioner may amend its certification at any time prior to the effective date of the prohibitions contained in the final prohibition order in order to take into account changes in relevant facts and circumstances by following the procedure contained in § 501.52(d).
(d)
(1) A schedule of progressive events involved in the conversion project, including construction of any facilities for the production of fuel or fuel handling equipment, and contracts for the purchase of alternate fuels, and estimated date of compliance with the applicable prohibitions of the Act; and
(2) A schedule indicating estimated dates for obtaining necessary federal, state, and local permits and approvals. Any prohibition order issued under the certification provisions of §§ 504.5, 504.6, and 504.8 will be subject to appropriate conditions subsequent so as to delay the effectiveness of the prohibitions contained in the final prohibition order until the above events or permits have occurred or been obtained.
(a) OFP may prohibit, by order, the use of natural gas or petroleum as a primary energy source in existing powerplants under certain circumstances. In the case of certifying powerplants under section 301 of the Act, as amended, the petitioner must present evidence to support the certification, required by § 504.6 (c), (d), (e), and (f). In the case of electing powerplants, OFP must make the following findings required by § 504.6 (c), (d), (e), and (f), in order to issue a prohibition order to the unit, pursuant to former section 301 (b) or (c):
(1) The unit currently has, or previously had, the technical capability to use an alternate fuel as a primary energy source;
(2) The unit has this technical capability now, or it could have the technical capability without:
(i) A substantial physical modification of the unit; or
(ii) A substantial reduction in the rated capacity of the unit; and
(3) It is financially feasible for the unit to use an alternate fuel as its primary energy source.
(b) In the case of electing powerplants, OFP must make a proposed finding regarding the technical capability of a unit to use alternate fuel as identified in paragraph (a) (1) of this section prior to the date of publication of the notice of the proposed prohibition. OFP will publish this finding in
(c)
(2) OFP considers that a unit “had” the technical capability to use an alternate fuel if the unit was once able to burn that fuel (regardless of whether the unit was expressly designed to burn that fuel or whether it ever actually did burn it), but is no longer able to do so at the present due to temporary or permanent alterations to the unit itself.
(3) A unit “has” the technical capability to use an alternate fuel if it can burn an alternate fuel, notwithstanding the fact that adjustments must be made to the unit beforehand or that pollution control equipment may be required to meet air quality requirements.
(d)
(e)
(1) OFP regards a unit's derating of 25 percent or more, as a result of converting a unit from oil or gas to an alternate fuel, as substantial.
(2) OFP will presume that a derating of less than 10 percent, as a result of converting a unit from oil or gas to an alternate fuel, is not substantial unless
(3) OFP will assess units for which a derating is claimed of 10 percent or more, but less than 25 percent, on a case-by-case.
(4) In assessing whether a unit's derating is not substantial, OFP will consider the impact of a reduction in rated capacity of the unit taking into consideration all necessary appurtenances such as air pollution control equipment required to burn an alternate fuel in compliance with environmental requirements expected to be applicable at the date the prohibitions contained in the final prohibition order become effective. However, the potential order recipient may raise in rebuttal the impact of derating on the site at which the unit is located and on the system as well as on the unit itself, if under paragraph (e)(2), or case-by-case, if under paragraph (e)(3) of this section.
(f)
(1) The required coverage ratios on the firm's debt and preferred stock;
(2) The firm's investment program; and
(3) The financial impact of the conversion, including other conversions which are or may be undertaken voluntarily by the proposed order recipient or imposed upon the recipient's system by the Act, and including pending or planned construction or reconstruction of alternate-fuel-fired plants and plants exempt from FUA prohibitions.
(a) In the case of electing powerplants, if OFP finds that it is technically and financially feasible for a unit to use a mixture of petroleum or natural gas and an alternate fuel as its primary energy source, OFP may prohibit, by order, the use in that unit of
(b) In making the technical feasibility finding required by former section 301 (b) and (c) of the Act and paragraph (a) of this section, OFP may weigh “physical modification” or “derating of the unit,” but these considerations, by themselves, will not control the technical feasibility finding. A technical feasibility finding might be made notwithstanding the need for substantial physical modification. The economic consequences of a substantial physical modification are taken into account in determining financial feasibility.
(a) In the case of certifying powerplants, OFP may prohibit the use of petroleum or natural gas in such powerplant in amounts exceeding the minimum amount necessary to maintain reliability of operation consistent with maintaining the reasonable fuel efficiency of the mixture. This authority is contained in section 301(c) of the Act, as amended. The owner or operator of the powerplant may certify at any time to OFP that it is technically capable and financially feasible for the unit to use a mixture of petroleum or natural gas and coal or another alternate fuel as a primary energy source. In assessing whether the unit is technically capable of using a mixture of petroleum or natural gas and coal or another alternate fuel as a primary energy source, for purposes of this section, the extent of any physical modification necessary to convert the unit and any concomitant reduction in rated capacity are not relevant factors. So long as a unit as proposed to be modified would be technically capable of using the mixture as a primary energy source under § 504.6(c), this certification requirement shall be deemed met. The criteria for certification of financial feasibility are found at § 504.6(f). In addition, the powerplant's owner or operator must submit a prohibition compliance schedule, which meets the requirements of § 504.5(d).
(b) If OFP concurs with the certification, a prohibition order against the unit's excessive use of petroleum or natural gas in the mixture will be issued following the procedure outlined in § 501.52 of these regulations.
(c) The petitioner may seek to amend its certification in order to take into account changes in relevant facts and circumstances by following the procedure contained in § 501.52(d).
The authority of OFP implemented under this section should not be confused with the other two fuel mixture provisions of these regulations. One is the general requirement that petitioners for permanent exemptions demonstrate that the use of a mixture of natural gas or petroleum and an alternate fuel is not economically or technically feasible (See § 504.15). The second is the permanent fuel mixtures exemption itself (See § 504.56).
Under §§ 501.52, 504.5 and 504.6 of these regulations, OFP may prohibit, in accordance with section 301 and section 303 (a) or (b) of FUA, as amended, the use of natural gas or petroleum, or both, as a primary energy source in any certifying powerplant. Under sections 301(c) and 303(a) of FUA, as amended, and §§ 501.52, 504.6, and 504.8 of
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a) The firm's real after-tax weighted average marginal cost of capital (K) is computed with equation 1.
(b)
(2) The predicted nominal cost of debt (R
(3) The predicted nominal cost of preferred stock (R
(4)(A) The predicted nominal cost of common stock (R
(B) The “beta” coefficient is computed with regression analysis techniques. The regression equation is Equation 3.
The regression analysis is done with sixty months of data. The first month (t=1) is sixty months before the month in which the firm's current fiscal year started. The last month (t=60) is the last month of the past fiscal year.
(5) Where the parameters specified above are not obtainable, alternate parameters that closely correspond to those above may be used. This may include substituting a bond yield for nominal cost of preferred stock where the former is not available. Where the capital structure does not consist of any debt, preferred equity, or common equity, an alternate methodology to predict the firm's real after-tax marginal cost of capital may be used.
Example of using alternate parameters that closely correspond to those above are:
(A) In the case of industrials, who do not typically issue preferred stock, the predicted nominal cost of preferred stock (R
(B) If necessary, the following assumptions can be made to determine the nominal cost of debt or preferred stock and their flotation costs.
(i) Where a company issued privately placed debt that was not rated, the rating, applied to preferred stock could be used to
(ii) Where a company issued privately placed preferred stock that was not rated, the rating applied to debt could be used to determine the cost of preferred stock and its flotation costs.
(iii) In the case where all issues were privately placed, the current average yield on all newly issued debt or preferred could be used to determine the cost of debt or preferred respectively, and an average flotation cost, for debt or preferred, could be used.
(C)
(1) Ibbotson, R.E. and R.A. Sinquefield,
(2) As an option, R
(a)
The fuel price and inflation indices will change yearly with the publication of the
(b)
(1) the Petitioner is responsible for computing the annual fuel price and inflation indices by using Equation II-1 and Equation II-2, respectively. The petitioner may compute the fuel price index specified in Equation II-1 or use his own price index. However, if he uses his own price index, the source or the derivation of the index must be fully documented and be contained in the evidential summary.
EQ II-2 is:
EQ II-2 is:
(2) The parameters to be used in EQ II-1 are the Base Case fuel price projections found in EIA's current
(3) When computing annual inflation indices, the petitioner is to use the Base Case National Macroeconomic Indicators (NIPA GNP Price Deflator) contained in EIA's current
(4) Table II-1 is provided as an example of the application of equations II-1 and II-2. This table contains annual fuel price indices
(C)
(1) The delivered price of the proposed fuel to be burned (FPB
(2) When planning to use more than one fuel in the proposed unit(s), the petitioner must use Equation II-1 and Equation II-3 to calculate the annual fuel price of each fuel to be used. The petitioner then must estimate the proportion of each fuel to be burned annually over the useful life of the unit(s). With these proportions and the respective annual fuel prices for each fuel, the petitioner must compute an annual weighted average fuel price. The methodology used to calculate the weighted average fuel price must follow standard statistical procedures and be fully documented within the petition.
(d)
In most cases the alternate fuel will be coal. The petitioner must use Equation II-1 (paragraph (b)) to compute the escalation rate (APX
Secs. 401, 403, Pub. L. 95-621, 92 Stat. 3394-3395, 3396; secs. 301(b), 402(a), Pub. L. 95-91, 91 Stat. 578, 594, (42 U.S.C. 7115(b), 7117(a)); E.O. 12009, 42 FR 46267.
The purpose of this part is to implement the authority granted to the Secretary of Energy in section 401 of the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978, Public Law 95-621, 92 Stat. 3394-3395 (1978).
(a) Terms defined in section 2 of the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 shall have the same meaning, as applicable, for purposes of this part, unless further defined in paragraph (b) of this section.
(b) The following definitions are applicable to this part:
(1)
(2)
(i) For agricultural production, natural fiber production, natural fiber processing, food processing, food quality maintenance, irrigation pumping, crop drying; or
(ii) As a process fuel or feedstock in the production of fertilizer, agricultural chemicals, animal feed, or food which the Secretary of Agriculture determines is necessary for full food and fiber production.
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(i) In a residence, or
(ii) In a commercial establishment in amounts of less than 50 Mcf on a peak day; or
(iii) In any school or hospital; or
(iv) For minimum plant protection when operations are shut down, for police protection, for fire protection, in a sanitation facility, in a correctional facility, or for emergency situations pursuant to 18 CFR 2.78(a)(4).
(7)
(8)
(9)
(a) Notwithstanding any provision of law other than section 401(b) of the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978, or any other rule, regulation, or order of the Department of Energy, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or their predecessor agencies, and to the maximum extent practicable, no curtailment plan of an interstate pipeline may provide for curtailment of deliveries of natural gas for any essential agricultural use, unless:
(1) Such curtailment does not reduce the quantity of natural gas delivered for such use below the use requirement certified by the Secretary of Agriculture under section 401(c) of the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 in order to meet the requirements of full food and fiber production; or
(2) Such curtailment is necessary in order to meet the requirements of high-priority users; or
(3) The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, determines, by rule or order issued pursuant to section 401(b) of the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978, that use of a fuel (other than natural gas) is economically practicable and that the fuel is reasonably available as an alternative for such essential agricultural use.
(b) Any essential agricultural user who also qualifies as a high-priority user shall be a high-priority user for purposes of paragraph (a) of this section.
(c) The specific relative order of priority for all uses and users of natural gas, including high-priority and essential agricultural uses and users, shall remain as reflected in effective curtailment plans of interstate pipelines filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to the extent that the relative order of priorities does not conflict with paragraph (a) of this section.
(d) Nothing in this rule shall prohibit the injection of natural gas into storage by interstate pipelines or deliveries to its customers for their injection into storage unless it is demonstrated to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission that these injections or deliveries are not reasonably necessary to meet the requirements of high-priority users or essential agricultural uses.
Secs. 301(b), 402(f), and 644, Pub. L. 95-91, 91 Stat. 578, 585, and 599 (42 U.S.C. 7151(b), 7172(f), and 7254), Sec. 3, Act of June 21, 1938, c. 556, 52 Stat. 822 (15 U.S.C. 717b); E.O. 12009 (42 FR 46267, September 15, 1977); DOE Delegation Order Nos. 0204-111 and 0204-127 (49 FR 6684, February 22, 1984; 54 FR 11437, March 20, 1989).
The information collection requirements contained in this part have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget under Control No. 1903-0081.
The purpose of this part is to establish the rules and procedures required to be followed by persons to obtain authorizations from DOE to import or export natural gas under the Natural Gas Act and by all other persons interested in participating in a natural gas import or export proceeding before the agency. This part establishes the procedural rules necessary to implement the authorities vested in the Secretary of Energy by sections 301(b) and 402(f) of the DOE Act, which have been delegated to the Assistant Secretary.
As used in this part:
(a)
(b)
(1) Where a protest or a motion to intervene, or a notice of intervention, in opposition to an application or other requested action has been filed, or
(2) Where a party otherwise notifies the Assistant Secretary and the other parties to a proceeding in writing that it opposes an application or other requested action.
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
(m)
(n)
(o)
(p)
(a) Any document, including but not limited to an application, amendment of an application, request, petition, motion, answer, comment, protest, complaint, and any exhibit submitted in connection with such documents, shall be filed with FE under this part. Such document shall be considered officially filed with FE when it has been received and stamped with the time and date of receipt by the Office of Fuels Programs, FE. Documents transmitted to FE must be addressed as provided in § 590.104. All documents and exhibits become part of the record in the official FE docket file and will not be returned. An original and fifteen (15) copies of all applications, filings and submittals shall be provided to FE. No specific format is required. Applicants required to file quarterly reports as a condition to an authorization need only file an original and four (4) copies.
(b) Upon receipt by FE, each application or other initial request for action shall be assigned a docket number. Any petition, motion, answer, request, comment, protest, complaint or other document filed subsequently in a docketed proceeding with FE shall refer to the assigned docket number. All documents shall be signed either by the person upon whose behalf the document is filed or by an authorized representative. Documents signed by an authorized representative shall contain a certified statement that the representative is a duly authorized representative unless the representative has a certified statement already on file in the FE docket of the proceeding. All documents shall also be verified under oath or affirmation by the person filing, or by an officer or authorized representative of the firm having knowledge of the facts alleged. Each document filed
(c) A person who files an application shall state whether, to the best knowledge of that person, the same or a related matter is being considered by any other part of the DOE, including the FERC, or any other Federal agency or department and, if so, shall identify the matter and the agency or department.
All documents filed under this part shall be addressed to: Office of Fuels Programs, Fossil Energy, U.S. Department of Energy, Docket Room 3F-056, FE-50, Forrestal Building, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585. All hand delivered documents shall be filed with the Office of Fuels Programs at the above address between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
(a) In computing any period of time prescribed or allowed by these regulations, the day of the act or event from which the designated period of time begins to run is not included. The period of time begins to run the next day after the day of the act or event. The last day of the period so computed is included unless it is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal Federal holiday, in which event the period runs until the end of the next day that is neither a Saturday, Sunday, nor a legal Federal holiday, unless otherwise provided by this part or by the terms of an FE order. Documents received after the regular business hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. are deemed filed on the next regular business day.
(b) When a document is required to be filed with FE within a prescribed time, an extension of time to file may be granted for good cause shown.
(c) An order is issued and effective when date stamped by the Office of Fuels Programs, FE, after the order has been signed unless another effective date is specified in the order.
The FE shall maintain a docket file of each proceeding under this part, which shall contain the official record upon which all orders provided for in subparts D and E shall be based. The official record in a particular proceeding shall include the official service list, all documents filed under § 590.103, the official transcripts of any procedures held under subpart C, and opinions and orders issued by FE under subparts D and E, and reports of contract amendments under § 590.407. All dockets shall be available for inspection and copying by the public during regular business hours between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Dockets are located in the Office of Fuels Programs, FE, Docket Room 3F-056, Forrestal Building, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585.
(a) An applicant, any other party to a proceeding, or a person filing a protest shall serve a copy of all documents filed with FE upon all parties unless otherwise provided in this part. The copy of a document served upon parties shall be a true copy of the document filed with FE, but does not have to be a copy stamped with the time and date of receipt by FE. The FE shall maintain an official service list for each proceeding which shall be provided upon request.
(b) When the parties are not known, such as during the initial comment period following publication of the notice of application, service requirements under paragraph (a) of this section may be met by serving a copy of all documents on the applicant and on FE for inclusion in the FE docket in the proceeding.
(c) All documents required to be served under this part may be served by hand, certified mail, registered mail, or regular mail. It shall be the responsibility of the serving party to ensure that service is effected in a timely manner. Service is deemed complete upon delivery or upon mailing, whichever occurs first.
(d) Service upon a person's duly authorized representatives on the official service list shall constitute service upon that person.
(e) All FE orders, notices, or other FE documents shall be served on the parties by FE either by hand, registered mail, certified mail, or regular mail, except as otherwise provided in this part.
(a) In any contested proceeding under this part:
(1) No interested person shall make an off-the-record communication or knowingly cause an off-the-record communication to be made to any decisional employee.
(2) No decisional employee shall make an off-the-record communication or knowingly cause an off-the-record communication to be made to any interested person.
(3) A decisional employee who receives, makes, or knowingly causes to be made an oral off-the-record communication prohibited by this section shall prepare a memorandum stating the substance of the communication and any responses made to it.
(4) Within forty-eight (48) hours of the off-the-record communication, a copy of all written off-the-record communications or memoranda prepared in compliance with paragraph (a)(3) of this section shall be delivered by the decisional employee to the Assistant Secretary and to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fuels Programs. The materials will then be made available for public inspection by placing them in the docket associated with the proceeding.
(5) Requests by a party for an opportunity to rebut, on the record, any facts or contentions in an off-the-record communication may be filed in writing with the Assistant Secretary. The Assistant Secretary shall grant such requests only for good cause.
(6) Upon being notified of an off-the-record communication made by a party in violation of this section, the Assistant Secretary may, to the extent consistent with the interests of justice and the policies of the NGA and the DOE Act, require the party to show cause why the party's claim or interest in the proceeding should not be dismissed, denied, disregarded, or otherwise adversely affected on account of the violation.
(b) The prohibitions of paragraph (a) of the section shall apply only to contested proceedings and begin at the time either a protest or a motion to intervene or notice of intervention in opposition to the application or other requested action is filed with FE, or a party otherwise specifically notifies the Assistant Secretary and the other parties in writing of its opposition to the application or other requested action, whichever occurs first.
The Assistant Secretary or the Assistant Secretary's delegate may investigate any facts, conditions, practices, or other matters within the scope of this part in order to determine whether any person has violated or is about to violate any provision of the NGA or other statute or any rule, regulation, or order within the Assistant Secretary's jurisdiction. In conducting such investigations, the Assistant Secretary or the Assistant Secretary's delegate may, among other things, subpoena witnesses to testify, subpoena or otherwise require the submission of documents, and order testimony to be taken by deposition.
(a) Any person seeking authorization to import or export natural gas into or from the United States, to amend an existing import or export authorization, or seeking any other requested action, shall file an application with the FE under the provisions of this part.
(b) Applications shall be filed at least ninety (90) days in advance of the proposed import or export or other requested action, unless a later date is permitted for good cause shown.
(a) Each application filed under § 590.201 shall contain the exact legal
(b) Each application shall include the matters listed below to the extent applicable. All factual matters shall be supported to the extent practicable by the necessary data or documents. Copies of relevant documents filed or intended to be filed with FERC may be submitted to satisfy the requirements of this section. Topics to be addressed or described shall include:
(1) The scope of the project, including the volumes of natural gas involved, expressed in either Mcf or Bcf and their Btu equivalents, the dates of commencement and completion of the proposed import or export, and the facilities to be utilized or constructed;
(2) The source and security of the natural gas supply to be imported or exported, including contract volumes and a description of the gas reserves supporting the project during the term of the requested authorization;
(3) Identification of all the participants in the transaction, including the parent company, if any, and identification of any corporate or other affiliations among the participants;
(4) The terms of the transaction, such as take-or-pay obligations, make-up provisions, and other terms that affect the marketability of the gas;
(5) The provisions of the import arrangement which establish the base price, volume requirements, transportation and other costs, and allow adjustments during the life of the project, and a demonstration as to why the import arrangement is and will remain competitive over the life of the project and is otherwise not inconsistent with the public interest;
(6) For proposed imports, the need for the natural gas by the applicant or applicant's prospective customers, including a description of the persons who are expected to purchase the natural gas; and for proposed exports, the lack of a national or regional need for the gas; and
(7) The potential environmental impact of the project. To the extent possible, the application shall include a listing and description of any environmental assessments or studies being performed on the proposed gas project. The application shall be updated as the status of any environmental assessments changes.
(c) The application shall also have attached a statement, including a signed opinion of legal counsel, showing that a proposed import or export of natural gas is within the corporate powers of the applicant and a copy of all relevant contracts and purchase agreements.
(d) The Assistant Secretary or the Assistant Secretary's delegate may at any time require the applicant and other parties to make supplemental filings of additional information necessary to resolve issues raised by the application.
(e) All information and data filed in support of or against an application will be placed in the official FE docket file of the proceeding and will not be afforded confidential treatment, unless the party shows why the information or data should be exempted from public disclosure and the Assistant Secretary or Assistant Secretary's delegate determines that such information or data shall be afforded confidential treatment. Such determination shall be made in accordance with 10 CFR 1004.11.
If an application is incomplete or otherwise deemed deficient, the Assistant Secretary or the Assistant Secretary's delegate may require the applicant to submit additional information or exhibits to remedy the deficiency. If the applicant does not remedy the deficiency within the time specified by the Assistant Secretary or the Assistant Secretary's delegate, the application may be dismissed without prejudice to refiling at another time.
(a) The applicant may amend or supplement the application at any time
(b) The Assistant Secretary may for good cause shown by motion of a party or upon the Assistant Secretary's own initiative decline to act on, in whole or in part, an amendment or supplement requested by an applicant under paragraph (a) of this section.
(c) After written notice to FE and service upon the parties of that notice an applicant may withdraw an application. Such withdrawal shall be effective thirty (30) days after notice to FE if the Assistant Secretary does not issue an order to the contrary within that time period.
(a) Upon receipt of an application, the FE shall publish a notice of application in the
(b) The notice of application shall advise the parties of their right to request additional procedures, including the opportunity to file written comments and to request that a conference, oral presentation, or trial-type hearing be convened. Failure to request additional procedures at this time shall be deemed a waiver of any right to additional procedures should the Assistant Secretary decide to grant the application and authorize the import or export by issuing a final opinion and order in accordance with § 590.316.
(c) Where negotiations between the DOE, including FE, and a foreign government have resulted in a formal policy agreement or statement affecting a particular import or export proceeding, FE shall include in the notice of application a description of the terms or policy positions of that agreement or statement to the extent they apply to the proceeding, and invite comment. A formal policy agreement or statement affecting a particular import or export proceeding that is arrived at after publication of the notice of application shall be placed on the record in that proceeding and the parties given an opportunity to comment thereon.
In all proceedings where, following a notice of application and the time specified in the notice for the filing of responses thereto, the Assistant Secretary determines to have additional procedures, which may consist of the filing of supplemental written comments, written interrogatories or other discovery procedures, a conference, oral presentation, or trial-type hearing, the Assistant Secretary shall provide the parties with notice of the procedures the Assistant Secretary has determined to follow in the proceeding and advise the parties of their right to request any additional procedures in accordance with the provisions of § 590.310. The notice of procedures may identify and request comments on specific issues of fact, law, or policy relevant to the proceeding and may establish a time limit for requesting additional procedures.
A non-refundable filing fee of fifty dollars ($50) shall accompany each application filed under § 590.201. Checks shall be made payable to “Treasury of the United States.”
Any person may export up to 100,000 cubic feet of natural gas (14.73 pounds per square inch at 60 degrees Fahrenheit) or the liquefied or compressed equivalent thereof, in a single shipment for scientific, experimental, or other non-utility gas use without prior authorization of the Assistant Secretary.
Any importer of natural gas may enter into an exchange by displacement agreement without the prior authorization of the Assistant Secretary when the net effect of the exchange is no different than under the importer's existing authorization. An exchange by displacement is an arrangement whereby authorized imported volumes are displaced by other gas for purposes of storage or flexibility. The term of the exchange agreement may not exceed five (5) years, the volumes imported may not exceed the importer's existing import authorization, and no actual natural gas may flow across the United States border under the terms of the exchange agreement. Any importer who enters into an exchange agreement pursuant to this section shall file with FE within fifteen (15) days after the start up of the exchange, a written description of the transaction, the exact volume of natural gas to be displaced, the name of the purchaser, and the import authorization under which the exchange is being carried out.
The procedures of this subpart are applicable to proceedings conducted on all applications or other requested actions filed under this part. The Assistant Secretary may conduct all aspects of the procedures of this subpart or may designate a presiding official pursuant to § 590.314.
(a) Motions for any procedural or interlocutory ruling shall set forth the ruling or relief requested and state the grounds and the statutory or other authority relied upon. All written motions shall comply with the filing requirements of § 590.103. Motions made during conferences, oral presentations or trial-type hearings may be stated orally upon the record, unless the Assistant Secretary or the presiding official determines otherwise.
(b) Any party may file an answer to any written motion within fifteen (15) days after the motion is filed, unless another period of time is established by the Assistant Secretary or the presiding official. Answers shall be in writing and shall detail each material allegation of the motion being answered. Answers shall state clearly and concisely the facts and legal authorities relied upon.
(c) Any motion, except for motions seeking intervention or requesting that a conference, oral presentation or trial-type hearing be held, shall be deemed to have been denied, unless the Assistant Secretary or presiding official acts within thirty (30) days after the motion is filed.
(a) A state commission may intervene in a proceeding under this part as a matter of right and become a party to the proceeding by filing a notice of intervention no later than the date fixed for filing motions to intervene in the applicable FE notice or order. If the period for filing the notice has expired, a state commission may be permitted to intervene by complying with the filing and other requirements applicable to any other person seeking to become a party to the proceeding as provided in this section.
(b) Any other person who seeks to become a party to a proceeding shall file a motion to intervene, which sets out clearly and concisely the facts upon which the petitioner's claim of interest is based.
(c) A motion to intervene shall state, to the extent known, the position taken by the movant and the factual and legal basis for such positions in order to advise the parties and the Assistant Secretary as to the specific issues of policy, fact, or law to be raised or controverted.
(d) Motions to intervene may be filed at any time following the filing of an application, but no later than the date fixed for filing such motions or notices in the applicable FE notice or order, unless a later date is permitted by the Assistant Secretary for good cause shown and after considering the impact of granting the late motion of the proceeding. Each motion or notice shall list the names, titles, and mailing addresses of a maximum of two persons for the official service list.
(e) Any party may file an answer to a motion to intervene, but such answer shall be made within fifteen (15) days after the motion to intervene was filed, unless a later date is permitted by the Assistant Secretary for good cause shown. Answers shall be in writing. Answers shall detail each material allegation of the motion to intervene being answered and state clearly and concisely the facts and legal authorities relied upon. Failure to answer is deemed a waiver of any objection to the intervention. This paragraph does not prevent the Assistant Secretary from ruling on a motion to intervene and issuing a final opinion and order in accordance with § 590.316 prior to the expiration of the fifteen (15) days in which a party has to answer a motion to intervene.
(f) If an answer in opposition to a motion to intervene is timely filed or if the motion to intervene is not timely filed, then the movant becomes a party only after the motion to intervene is expressly granted.
(g) If no answer in opposition to a motion to intervene is filed within the period of time prescribed in paragraph (e) of this section, the motion to intervene shall be deemed to be granted, unless the Assistant Secretary denies the motion in whole or in part or otherwise limits the intervention prior to the expiration of the time allowed in paragraph (e) for filing an answer to the motion to intervene. Where the motion to intervene is deemed granted, the participation of the intervenor shall be limited to matters affecting asserted rights and interests specifically set forth in the motion to intervene, and the admission of such intervenor to party status shall not be construed as recognition by FE that the intervenor might be aggrieved because of any order issued.
(h) In the event that a motion for late intervention is granted, an intervenor shall accept the record of the proceeding as it was developed prior to the intervention.
(a) Any person objecting to an application filed under § 590.201 of this part or to any action taken by FE under this part may file a protest. No particular form is required. The protest shall identify the person filing the protest, the application or action being objected to, and provide a concise statement of the reasons for the protest.
(b) The filing of a protest, without also filing a motion to intervene or a notice of intervention, shall not make the person filing the protest a party to the proceeding.
(c) A protest shall be made part of the official FE docket file in the proceeding and shall be considered as a statement of position of the person filing the protest, but not as establishing the validity of any assertion upon which the decision would be based.
(d) Protests shall be served on the applicant and all parties by the person filing the protest. If the person filing the protest is unable to provide service on any person identified as a party to the proceeding after a good faith effort, then FE shall effect service. However, when the parties are not known, service requirements may be met by serving a copy on the applicant and on FE as provided in § 590.107(b).
(e) Protests may be filed at any time following the filing of an application, but no later than the date fixed for filing protests in the applicable FE notice or order, unless a later date is permitted by the Assistant Secretary for good cause shown.
(f) Any party may file an answer to a protest but such answer must be filed within fifteen (15) days after the protest was filed, unless a later date is permitted by the Assistant Secretary for good cause shown.
The parties to a proceeding may conduct discovery through use of procedures such as written interrogatories or production of documents. In response to a motion by a party, the Assistant Secretary or presiding official may determine the procedures to be utilized for discovery if the parties cannot agree on such procedures.
(a) Subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses at a trial-type hearing or for
(b) Motions for the issuance of a subpoena shall specify the relevance, materiality, and scope of the testimony or documentary evidence sought, including, as to documentary evidence, specification to the extent possible of the documents sought and the facts to be proven by them, the issues to which they relate, and why the information or evidence was not obtainable through discovery procedures agreed upon by the parties.
(c) If service of a subpoena is made by a United States Marshal or a Deputy United States Marshal, service shall be evidenced by their return. If made by another person, that person shall affirm that service has occurred and file an affidavit to that effect with the original subpoena. A witness who is subpoenaed shall be entitled to witness fees as provided in § 590.315(c).
(a) Upon motion filed by a party, the Assistant Secretary or presiding official may authorize the taking of testimony of any witness by deposition. Unless otherwise directed in the authorization issued, a witness being deposed may be examined regarding any matter which is relevant to the issues involved in the pending proceeding.
(b) Parties authorized to take a deposition shall provide written notice to the witness and all other parties at least ten (10) days in advance of the deposition unless such advance notice is waived by mutual agreement of the parties.
(c) The requesting motion and notice shall state the name and mailing address of the witness, delineate the subject matters on which the witness is expected to testify, state the reason why the deposition should be taken, indicate the time and place of the deposition, and provide the name and mailing address of the person taking the deposition.
(d) A witness whose testimony is taken by deposition shall be sworn in or shall affirm concerning the matter about which the witness has been called to testify before any questions are asked or testimony given. A witness deposed shall be entitled to witness fees as provided in § 590.315(c).
(e) The moving party shall file the entire deposition with FE after it has been subscribed and certified. No portion of the deposition shall constitute a part of the record in the proceedings unless received in evidence, in whole or in part, by the Assistant Secretary or presiding official.
(a) At any time prior to the end of a trial-type hearing, or, if there is no trial-type hearing, prior to the issuance of a final opinion and order under § 590.404, any party, the Assistant Secretary, or the presiding official may serve on any party a written request for admission of the truth of any matters at issue in the proceeding that relate to statements or opinions of fact or of the application of law to fact.
(b) A matter shall be considered admitted and conclusively established for the purposes of any proceeding in which a request for admission is served unless, within fifteen (15) days of such time limit established by the Assistant Secretary or presiding official, the party to whom the request is directed answers or objects to the request. Any answer shall specifically admit or deny the matter, or set forth in detail the reasons why the answering party cannot truthfully admit or deny the matter. An answering party may not give lack of information or knowledge as a reason for failure to admit or deny, unless the answering party states that, after reasonable inquiry, the answering party has been unable to obtain sufficient information to admit or deny. If an objection is made, the answering party shall state the reasons for the objection.
(c) If the Assistant Secretary or presiding official determines that an answer to a request for admission does not comply with the requirements of this section, the Assistant Secretary or
(d) A copy of all requests for admission and answers thereto shall be filed with FE in accordance with § 590.103. Copies of any documents referenced in the request shall be served with the request unless they are known to be in the possession of the other parties.
(e) The Assistant Secretary or presiding official may limit the number of requests for admission of facts in order to expedite a proceeding through elimination of duplicative requests.
The parties may conduct settlement negotiations. If settlement negotiations are conducted during a conference, at the request of one of the parties, the Assistant Secretary or presiding official may order that the discussions be off-the-record with no transcript of such settlement negotiations being prepared for inclusion in the official record of the proceeding. No offer of settlement, comment or discussion by the parties with respect to an offer of settlement shall be subject to discovery or admissible into evidence against any parties who object to its admission.
Any party may file a motion requesting additional procedures, including the opportunity to file written comments, request written interrogatories or other discovery procedures, or request that a conference, oral presentation or trial-type hearing be held. The motion shall describe what type of procedure is requested and include the information required by §§ 590.311, 590.312 and 590.313, as appropriate. Failure to request additional procedures within the time specified in the notice of application or in the notice of procedure, if applicable, shall constitute a waiver of that right unless the Assistant Secretary for good cause shown grants additional time for requesting additional procedures. If no time limit is specified in the notice or order, additional procedures may be requested at any time prior to the issuance of a final opinion and order. At any time during a proceeding, the Assistant Secretary or presiding official may on his or her own initiative determine to provide additional procedures.
(a) Upon motion by a party, a conference of the parties may be convened to adjust or settle the proceedings, set schedules, delineate issues, stipulate certain issues of fact or law, set procedures, and consider other relevant matters where it appears that a conference will materially advance the proceeding. The Assistant Secretary or presiding official may delineate the issues which are to be considered and may place appropriate limitations on the number of intervenors who may participate, if two or more intervenors have substantially like interests.
(b) A motion by a party for a conference shall include a specific showing why a conference will materially advance the proceeding.
(c) Conferences shall be recorded, unless otherwise ordered by the Assistant Secretary or presiding official, and the transcript shall be made a part of the official record of the proceeding and available to the public.
(a) Any party may file a motion requesting an opportunity to make an oral presentation of views, arguments, including arguments of counsel, and data on any aspect of the proceeding. The motion shall identify the substantial question of fact, law or policy at issue and demonstrate that it is material and relevant to the merits of the proceeding. The party may submit material supporting the existence of substantial issues. The Assistant Secretary or presiding official ordinarily will grant a party's motion for an oral presentation, if the Assistant Secretary or presiding official determines that a substantial question of fact, law, or policy is at issue in the proceeding and illumination of that question will be aided materially by such an oral presentation.
(b) The Assistant Secretary or presiding official may require parties making oral presentations to file briefs
(c) Oral presentations shall be conducted in an informal manner with the Assistant Secretary or the presiding official and other decisional employees presiding as a panel. The panel may question those parties making an oral presentation. Cross-examination by the parties and other more formal procedures used in trial-type hearings will not be available in oral presentations. The oral presentation may be, but need not be, made by legal counsel.
(d) Oral presentations shall be recorded, and the transcript shall be made part of the official record of the proceeding and available to the public.
(a) Any party may file a motion for a trial-type hearing for the purpose of taking evidence on relevant and material issues of fact genuinely in dispute in the proceeding. The motion shall identify the factual issues in dispute and the evidence that will be presented. The party must demonstrate that the issues are genuinely in dispute, relevant and material to the decision and that a trial-type hearing is necessary for a full and true disclosure of the facts. The Assistant Secretary or presiding official shall grant a party's motion for a trial-type hearing, if the Assistant Secretary or presiding official determines that there is a relevant and material factual issue genuinely in dispute and that a trial-type hearing is necessary for a full and true disclosure of the facts.
(b) In trial-type hearings, the parties shall have the right to be represented by counsel, to request discovery, to present the direct and rebuttal testimony of witnesses, to cross-examine witnesses under oath, and to present documentary evidence.
(c) The Assistant Secretary or presiding official upon his or her own initiative or upon the motion of any party may consolidate any proceedings involving common questions of fact in whole or in part for a trial-type hearing. The Assistant Secretary or presiding official may also place appropriate limitations on the number of intervenors who may participate if two or more intervenors have substantially like interests.
(d) The Assistant Secretary or presiding official may make such rulings for trial-type hearings, including delineation of the issues and limitation of cross-examination of a witness, as are necessary to obtain a full and true disclosure of the facts and to limit irrelevant, immaterial, or unduly repetitious evidence.
(e) At trial-type hearings, the Assistant Secretary or presiding official, or any other decisional employee directed by the Assistant Secretary or presiding official, may call witnesses for testimony or presenting exhibits that directly relate to a particular issue of fact to be considered at the hearing. The Assistant Secretary or presiding official, or any other decisional employee directed by the Assistant Secretary or presiding official, may also question witnesses offered by the parties concerning their testimony.
(f) Trial-type hearings shall be recorded, and the transcript shall be made part of the official record of the proceeding and available to the public.
(a) The Assistant Secretary may designate a presiding official to conduct any stage of the proceeding, including officiating at a conference, oral presentation, or trial-type hearing. The presiding official shall have the full authority of the Assistant Secretary during such proceedings.
(b) A presiding official at a conference, oral presentation, or trial-type hearing shall have the authority to regulate the conduct of the proceeding including, but not limited to, determination of the issues to be raised during the course of the conference, oral presentation, or trial-type hearing, administering oaths or affirmations, directing discovery, ruling on objections to the presentation of testimony or exhibits, receiving relevant and material
(a) The Assistant Secretary or presiding official may require that the direct testimony of witnesses in trial-type hearings be submitted in advance of the hearing and be under oath, and in written form.
(b) Witnesses who testify in trial-type hearings shall be under oath or affirmation before being allowed to testify.
(c) Witnesses subpoenaed pursuant to § 590.306 shall be paid the same fees and mileage as paid for like services in the District Courts of the United States.
(d) Witnesses subpoenaed pursuant to § 590.307 shall be paid the same fees and mileage as paid for like services in the District Court of the United States.
In any proceeding where, in response to a notice of application or notice of procedures, if applicable, no party files a motion requesting additional procedures, including the right to file written comments, or the holding of a conference, oral presentation, or trial-type hearing, or where the Assistant Secretary determines that such requested additional procedures are not required pursuant to §§ 590.310, 590.311, 590.312 and 590.313, the Assistant Secretary may issue a final opinion and order on the basis of the official record, including the application and all other filings. In any proceeding in which the Assistant Secretary intends to deny the application or grant the application with the attachment of material conditions unknown to, or likely to be opposed by, the applicant, solely on the basis of the application and responses to the notice of application or notice of procedures, if applicable, without additional procedures, the Assistant Secretary shall advise the parties in writing generally of the issues of concern to the Assistant Secretary upon which the denial or material conditions would be based and provide them with an opportunity to request additional procedures pursuant to §§ 590.310, 590.311, 590.312 and 590.313.
(a) Any person may file a complaint objecting to the actions by any other person under any statute, rule, order or authorization applicable to an existing import or export authorization over which FE has jurisdiction. No particular form is required. The complaint must be filed with FE in writing and must contain the name and address of the complainant and the respondent and state the facts forming the basis of the complaint.
(b) A complaint concerning an existing import or export authorization shall be served on all parties to the original import or export authorization proceeding either by the complainant or by FE if the complainant has made a good faith effort but has been unable to effect service.
(c) The Assistant Secretary may issue an order to show cause under § 590.401, or may provide opportunity for additional procedures pursuant to §§ 590.310, 590.311, 590.312, or § 590.313, in order to determine what action should be taken in response to the complaint.
A proceeding under this part may commence upon the initiative of the Assistant Secretary or in response to an application by any person requesting FE action against any other person alleged to be in contravention or violation of any authorization, statute, rule, order, or law administered by FE applicable to the import or export of natural gas, or for any other alleged wrong involving importation or exportation of natural gas over which FE has jurisdiction. Any show cause order issued shall identify the matters of interest or the matters complained of
The Assistant Secretary may issue a conditional order at any time during a proceeding prior to issuance of a final opinion and order. The conditional order shall include the basis for not issuing a final opinion and order at that time and a statement of findings and conclusions. The findings and conclusions shall be based solely on the official record of the proceeding.
Where consistent with the public interest, the Assistant Secretary may waive further procedures and issue an emergency interim order authorizing the import or export of natural gas. After issuance of the emergency interim order, the proceeding shall be continued until the record is complete, at which time a final opinion and order shall be issued. The Assistant Secretary may attach necessary or appropriate terms and conditions to the emergency interim order to ensure that the authorized action will be consistent with the public interest.
The Assistant Secretary shall issue a final opinion and order and attach such conditions thereto as may be required by the public interest after completion and review of the record. The final opinion and order shall be based solely on the official record of the proceeding and include a statement of findings and conclusions, as well as the reasons or basis for them, and the appropriate order, condition, sanction, relief or denial.
Authorizations by the Assistant Secretary to import or export natural gas shall not be transferable or assignable, unless specifically authorized by the Assistant Secretary.
Any person required or authorized to take any action by a final opinion and order of the Assistant Secretary shall file with FE, within thirty (30) days after the requirement or authorization becomes effective, a notice, under oath, that such requirement has been complied with or such authorization accepted or otherwise acted upon, unless otherwise specified in the order.
Any person authorized to import or export natural gas has a continuing obligation to give the Assistant Secretary written notification, as soon as practicable, of any prospective or actual changes to the information submitted during the application process upon which the authorization was based, including, but not limited to, changes to: The parties involved in the import or export arrangement, the terms and conditions of any applicable contracts, the place of entry or exit, the transporters, the volumes accepted or offered, or the import or export price. Any notification filed under this section shall contain the FE docket number(s) to which it relates. Compliance with this section does not relieve an importer or exporter from responsibility to file the appropriate application to amend a previous import or export authorization under this part whenever such changes are contrary to or otherwise not permitted by the existing authorization.
(a) An application for rehearing of a final opinion and order, conditional order, or emergency interim order may be filed by any party aggrieved by the issuance of such opinion and order within thirty (30) days after issuance. The application shall be served on all parties.
(b) The application shall state concisely the alleged errors in the final opinion and order, conditional order, or emergency interim order and must set forth specifically the ground or grounds upon which the application is
The filing of an application for rehearing does not operate as a stay of the Assistant Secretary's order, unless specifically ordered by the Assistant Secretary.
Upon application for rehearing, the Assistant Secretary may grant or deny rehearing or may abrogate or modify the final opinion and order, conditional order, or emergency interim order with or without further proceedings.
Unless the Assistant Secretary acts upon the application for rehearing within thirty (30) days after it is filed, it is deemed to be denied. Such denial shall constitute final agency action for the purpose of judicial review.
No answers to applications for rehearing shall be entertained. Prior to the issuance of any final opinion and order on rehearing, however, the Assistant Secretary may afford the parties an opportunity to file briefs or answers and may order that a conference, oral presentation, or trial-type hearing be held on some or all of the issues presented by an application for rehearing.
42 U.S.C. 7101
This part implements the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act, Pub. L. 95-224, as amended by Pub. L. 97-258 (31 U.S.C. 6301-6308), and establishes uniform policies and procedures for the award and administration of DOE grants and cooperative agreements. This subpart (Subpart A) sets forth the policies and procedures applicable to the award and administration of grants and cooperative agreements.
(a) Except as otherwise provided by Federal statute or program rule, this part applies to applications, solicitations, and new, continuation, and renewal awards (and any subsequent subawards).
(b) Any new, continuation, or renewal award (and any subsequent subaward) shall comply with any applicable Federal statute, Federal rule, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular and Governmentwide guidance in effect as of the date of such award.
(c) Financial assistance to foreign entities is governed, to the extent appropriate, by this part and by the administrative requirements and cost principles applicable to their respective recipient type, e.g, governmental, non-profit, commercial.
(a)
(2) A single-case deviation is a deviation which applies to one financial assistance transaction and one applicant, recipient, or subrecipient only.
(3) A class deviation is a deviation which applies to more than one financial assistance transaction, applicant, recipient, or subrecipient.
(b) The DOE officials specified in paragraph (c) of this section may authorize a deviation only upon a written determination that the deviation is—
(1) Necessary to achieve program objectives;
(2) Necessary to conserve public funds;
(3) Otherwise essential to the public interest; or
(4) Necessary to achieve equity.
(c)
(2) Except as provided in paragraph (c)(3) of this section—
(i) A single-case deviation may be authorized by the responsible HCA.
(ii) A class deviation may be authorized by the Director, Procurement and Assistance Management or designee.
(3) Whenever the approval of OMB, other Federal agency, or other DOE office is required to authorize a deviation, the proposed deviation must be submitted to the Director, Procurement and Assistance Management or designee for concurrence prior to submission to the authorizing official.
(d)
(e)
(a) If DOE has administrative discretion in the selection of the award instrument, the DOE decision as to whether the relationship is principally one of procurement or financial assistance shall be made pursuant to the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act as codified at 31 U.S.C. 6301-6306. A grant or cooperative agreement shall be the appropriate instrument, in accordance with this part, when the principal purpose of the relationship is the transfer of money or property to accomplish a public purpose of support or stimulation authorized by Federal statute. In selecting the type of financial assistance instrument, DOE shall limit involvement between itself and the recipient in the performance of a project to the minimum necessary to achieve DOE program objectives.
(b) When it is anticipated that substantial involvement will be necessary between DOE and the recipient during performance of the contemplated activity, the award instrument shall be a cooperative agreement rather than a grant. Every cooperative agreement shall explicitly state the substantial involvement anticipated between DOE and the recipient during the performance of the project. Substantial involvement exists if:
(1) Responsibility for the management, control, or direction of the project is shared by DOE and the recipient; or
(2) Responsibility for the performance of the project is shared by DOE and the recipient.
(c) Providing technical assistance or guidance of a programmatic nature to a recipient does not constitute substantial involvement if:
(1) the recipient is not required to follow such guidance;
(2) the technical assistance or guidance is not expected to result in continuing DOE involvement in the performance of the project; or
(3) The technical assistance or guidance pertains solely to the administrative requirements of the award.
(d) In cooperative agreements, DOE has the right to intervene in the conduct or performance of project activities for programmatic reasons. Intervention includes the interruption or modification of the conduct or performance of project activities. Suspension or termination of the cooperative agreement under §§ 600.162 and 600.243 does not constitute intervention in the conduct or performance of project activities.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) The activity to be funded is necessary to the satisfactory completion of, or is a continuation or renewal of, an activity presently being funded by DOE or another Federal agency, and for which competition for support would have a significant adverse effect on continuity or completion of the activity.
(2) The activity is being or would be conducted by the applicant using its own resources or those donated or provided by third parties; however, DOE support of that activity would enhance the public benefits to be derived and DOE knows of no other entity which is conducting or is planning to conduct such an activity.
(3) The applicant is a unit of government and the activity to be supported is related to performance of a governmental function within the subject jurisdiction, thereby precluding DOE provision of support to another entity.
(4) The applicant has exclusive domestic capability to perform the activity successfully, based upon unique equipment, proprietary data, technical expertise, or other such unique qualifications.
(5) The award implements an agreement between the United States Government and a foreign government to fund a foreign applicant.
(6) Time constraints associated with a public health, safety, welfare or national security requirement preclude competition.
(7) The proposed project was submitted as an unsolicited proposal and represents a unique or innovative idea, method, or approach which would not be eligible for financial assistance under a recent, current, or planned solicitation, and if, as determined by DOE, a competitive solicitation would not be appropriate.
(8) The responsible program Assistant Secretary, Deputy Administrator, or other official of equivalent authority determines that a noncompetitive award is in the public interest. This authority may not be delegated.
(d)
(e)
(a) DOE encourages the participation in financial assistance awards of small businesses, including those owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals and women, of historically black colleges, and of colleges and universities with substantial minority enrollments.
(b) For definitions of the terms in paragraph (a) of this section, see the Higher Education Act of 1965, and 15 U.S.C. 644, as amended by the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act (FASA), and implementing regulations under FASA issued by the Office of Federal Procurement Policy.
(c) When entering into contracts under financial assistance awards, recipients and subrecipients shall comply with the requirements of Section 600.144 or Section 600.236, as applicable.
(a)
(1) A Program Assistant Secretary (or official of equivalent authority) may annually issue a program notice describing research areas in which financial assistance is being made available. Such notice shall also state whether the research areas covered by the notice are to be added to those listed in a previously issued program rule. If they are to be included, then applications received as a result of the notice may be treated as having been in response to that previously published program rule. If they are not to be included, then applications received in response to the notice are to be treated as unsolicited applications. Solicitations may be issued by a DOE Contracting Officer or program office with prior concurrence of the contracting office.
(2) DOE must post synopses of its program announcements and modifications to the announcements at the Grants.gov Internet site, using the standard data elements/format, except for:
(i) Announcements of funding opportunities for awards less than $25,000 for which 100 percent of eligible applicants live outside of the United States.
(ii) Single source announcements of funding opportunities which are specifically directed to a known recipient.
(b)
(c) Announcement format. DOE must use the government-wide standard format to publish program announcements of funding opportunities.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) A facesheet containing basic identifying information. The facesheet shall be the Standard Form (SF)424 or other approved DOE application form;
(2) A detailed narrative description of the proposed project, including the objectives of the project and the applicant's plan for carrying it out;
(3) A budget with supporting justification; and
(4) Any required preaward assurances.
(d)
(1) Is not signed, either in writing or electronically, by an official authorized to bind the applicant; or
(2) Omits any information or documentation required by statute, program rule, or the solicitation, if the
(e)
Intergovernmental review of DOE financial assistance shall be conducted in accordance with 10 CFR part 1005.
(a) Except as expressly exempted by Federal statute or program rule, recipients and subrecipients of DOE financial assistance shall comply with all generally applicable requirements to which they are subject. Generally applicable requirements include, but are not limited to, the requirements of this part, Federal statutes, the OMB Circulars and other Governmentwide guidance implemented by this part, Executive Orders, and the requirements identified in appendix A of this part.
(b) Provisions shall be made to design and construct all buildings, in which DOE funds are used, to meet appropriate seismic design and construction standards. Seismic codes and standards meeting or exceeding the provisions of each of the model codes listed in this paragraph are considered to be appropriate for purposes of this part. These codes provide a level of seismic safety that is substantially equivalent to the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) Recommended Provisions for the Development of Seismic Regulations for New Buildings, 1988 Edition (Federal Emergency Management Administration 222 and 223). Revisions of these model codes that are substantially equivalent to or exceed the then current or immediately preceding edition of the NEHRP Recommended Provisions (which are updated triennially) shall be considered to be appropriate standards. The model codes are as follows:
(1) 1991 Uniform Building Code, of the International Council of Building Officials,
(2) 1992 Supplement to the National Building Code, of the Building Official and Code Administrators International.
(3) 1992 Amendments to the Standard Building Code, of the Southern Building Code Congress International.
(a) It is the policy of DOE that discretionary financial assistance be awarded through a merit-based selection process. A merit review means a thorough, consistent, and objective examination of applications based on pre-established criteria by persons who are independent of those submitting the applications and who are knowledgeable in the field of endeavor for which support is requested.
(b) Each program office must establish a merit review system covering the financial assistance programs it administers. Merit review of financial assistance applications is intended to be advisory and is not intended to replace the authority of the project/program official with responsibility for deciding whether an award will be made.
(a)
(b)
The data contained in pages ___ of this application have been submitted in confidence and contain trade secrets or proprietary information, and such data shall be used or disclosed only for evaluation purposes, provided that if this applicant receives an award as a result of or in connection with the submission of this application, DOE shall have the right to use or disclose the data herein to the extent provided in the award. This restriction does not limit the Government's right to use or disclose data obtained without restriction from any source, including the applicant.
(2) Unless a solicitation specifies otherwise, DOE shall not refuse to consider an application solely on the basis that the application is restrictively marked.
(3) Data (or abstracts of data) marked with the Notice under paragraph (b)(1) of this section shall be retained in confidence and used by DOE or its designated representatives as specified in § 600.13 solely for the purpose of evaluating the proposal. The data so marked shall not be disclosed or used for any other purpose except to the extent provided in any resulting award, or to the extent required by law, including the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) (10 CFR part 1004). The Government shall not be liable for disclosure or use of unmarked data and may use or disclose such data for any purpose.
(a) A DOE financial assistance award is valid only if it is in writing and is signed, either in writing or electronically, by a DOE Contracting Officer.
(b) DOE funds awarded under a grant or cooperative agreement shall be obligated as of the date the DOE Contracting Officer signs the award; however, the recipient is not authorized to incur costs under an award prior to the beginning date of the budget period shown in the award except as may be authorized in accordance with §§ 600.125(e) or 600.230 of this part. The duration of the DOE financial obligation shall not extend beyond the expiration date of the budget period shown in the award unless authorized by a DOE Contracting Officer by means of a continuation or renewal award or other extension of the budget period.
Each financial assistance award shall be made on a Notice of Financial Assistance Award (DOE F 4600.1) which contains basic identifying and funding information together with attachments including a budget, any special terms and conditions, and any other provisions necessary to establish the respective right, duties, obligation, and responsibilities of DOE and the recipient, consistent with the requirements of this part.
(a) After signature by the DOE Contracting Officer, the award shall be sent to the recipient. The recipient shall acknowledge acceptance by returning a copy signed either in writing or electronically. No DOE funds shall be disbursed until the award document signed by the recipient is received by DOE.
(b) In the event a recipient declines an award, DOE shall deobligate the funds obligated by the award after providing the applicant with at least two weeks written notice of DOE's intention to deobligate.
(c) After the recipient acknowledges the award, the terms and conditions of the award may be amended only upon the written request or with the written concurrence of the recipient unless the amendment is one which DOE may make unilaterally in accordance with a program rule or this part.
DOE shall promptly notify in writing each applicant whose application has not been selected for award or whose application cannot be funded because of the unavailability of appropriated funds. If the application was not selected, the written notice shall briefly
(a) The maximum DOE obligation to the recipient is—
(1) For monetary awards, the amount shown in the award as the amount of DOE funds obligated, and
(2) Any designated property.
(b) DOE shall not be obligated to make any additional, supplemental, continuation, renewal, or other award for the same or any other purpose.
(a) In addition to recipient and subrecipient responsibilities relative to access to records specified in §§ 600.153 and 600.242, for any negotiated contract or subcontract in excess of $10,000 under a grant or cooperative agreement, DOE, the Comptroller General of the United States, the recipient and the subrecipient (if the contract was awarded under a financial assistance subaward), or any of their authorized representatives shall have the right of access to any books, documents, papers, or other records of the contractor or subcontractor which are pertinent to that contract or subcontract, in order to make audit, examination, excerpts, and copies.
(b) The right of access may be exercised for as long as the applicable records are retained by the recipient, subrecipient, contractor, or subcontractor.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) A summary of the dispute, including a statement of the issues and of the positions taken by the Department and the party or parties to the dispute; and
(2) The factual, legal and, if appropriate, policy reasons for DOE's disposition of the dispute.
(d)
(2) If the final determination under paragraph (c) of this section involves a dispute over which the Board has jurisdiction as provided in paragraph (f)(2) of this section, the Contracting Officer's determination shall state that, with respect to such dispute, the determination shall be the final decision of the Department unless, within 60 days, a written notice of appeal is filed.
(3) If the final determination under paragraph (c) of this section involves a dispute over which the Board has no jurisdiction as provided in paragraph (f)(1) of this section, the Contracting Officer's determination shall state that, effective immediately or on a later date specified therein, the determination shall, with respect to such dispute, be the final decision of the Department.
(e)
(f)
(i) Any preaward dispute (except as provided in paragraph (f)(2)(ii) of this section), including use of any special restrictive condition pursuant to §§ 600.114 or 600.212;
(ii) DOE denial of a request for a deviation under §§ 600.4, 600.103, or 600.205 of this part;
(iii) DOE denial of a request for a budget revision or other change in the approved project under §§ 600.125, 600.127, 600.222, or 600.230 of this part or under another term or condition of the award;
(iv) Any DOE action authorized under §§ 600.162(a) (1), (2), (3) or (5); or §§ 600.243 (a)(1), (a)(3) for suspensions only; or § 600.162(a)(4) or § 600.243(a)(4) for actions disapproving renewal applications or other requests for extension of time or additional funding for the same project when related to recipient noncompliance, or such actions authorized by program rule;
(v) Any DOE decision about an action requiring prior DOE approval under § 600.144, or § 600.236 of this part or under another term or condition of the award;
(vi) A DOE decision not to make a continuation award, which decision is based on the insufficiency of available appropriations;
(vii) Any matter which is under the jurisdiction of the Patent Compensation Board (10 CFR 780.3);
(viii) Any matter which may be heard by the Invention Licensing Appeals Board (10 CFR 781.65 and 781.66); and
(ix) Any other dispute not described in paragraph (f)(2) of this section.
(2) In addition to any right of appeal established by program rule, or by the terms and conditions (not inconsistent with paragraph (f)(1) of this section) of an award, the Board shall have jurisdiction to review:
(i) A DOE determination that the recipient has failed to comply with the applicable requirements of this part, the program statute or rules, or other terms and conditions of the award;
(ii) A DOE decision not to make a continuation award based on any of the determinations described in paragraph (f)(2)(i) of this section;
(iii) Termination of an award for cause, in whole or in part, by DOE;
(iv) A DOE determination that an award is void or invalid;
(v) The application by DOE of an indirect cost rate; and
(vi) DOE disallowance of costs.
(3) In reviewing disputes authorized under paragraph (f)(2) of this section, the Board shall be bound by the applicable law, statutes, and rules, including the requirements of this part, and by the terms and conditions of the award.
(4) The decision of the Board shall be the final decision of the Department.
Applicants, recipients, subrecipients, and contractors under financial assistance awards may be debarred and suspended for the causes and in accordance with the procedures set forth in 10 CFR part 1036.
(a) Except for noncompliance with nondiscrimination requirements under 10 CFR part 1040, whenever DOE determines that a recipient has not complied with the applicable requirements of this part, with the requirements of any applicable program statute or rule, or with any other term or condition of the award, a DOE Contracting Officer shall provide to the recipient (by certified mail, return receipt requested) a written notice setting forth:
(1) The factual and legal bases for the determination of noncompliance;
(2) The corrective actions and the date (not less than 30 days after the date of the notice) by which they must be taken.
(3) Which of the actions authorized under §§600.122(n), 600.162(a) or § 600.243(a) of this part DOE may take if the recipient does not achieve compliance within the time specified in the notice, or does not provide satisfactory
(b) DOE may take any of the actions set forth in § 600.122(n), § 600.162(a), or § 600.243(a) of this part concurrent with the written notice required under paragraph (a) of this section or with less than 30 days written notice to the recipient whenever:
(1) There is evidence the award was obtained by fraud;
(2) The recipient ceases to exist or becomes legally incapable of performing its responsibilities under the financial assistance award; or
(3) There is a serious mismanagement or misuse of financial assistance award funds necessitating immediate action.
(a)
(1) A noncompliance determination under §§ 600.24, 600.122(n), 600.162(a), or § 600.243(a); or
(2) An suspension or debarment of the awardee under § 600.23.
(b)
(1) The factual and legal bases for the suspension or termination;
(2) The effective date or dates of the DOE action;
(3) If the action does not apply to the entire award, a description of the activities affected by the action;
(4) Instructions concerning which costs shall be allowable during the period of suspension, or instructions concerning allowable termination costs, including in either case, instructions concerning any subgrants or contracts;
(5) Instructions concerning required final reports and other closeout actions for terminated awards (see §§ 600.170 through 600.173 and §§ 600.250 through 600.252);
(6) A statement of the awardee's right to appeal a termination for cause pursuant to § 600.22; and
(7) The dated signature of a DOE Contracting Officer.
(c)
(2) DOE may cancel the suspension at any time, up to and including the date of expiration of the period of suspension, if the awardee takes satisfactory corrective action before the expiration date of the suspension or gives DOE satisfactory evidence that such corrective action will be taken.
(3) If the suspension has not been cancelled by the expiration date of the period of suspension, the awardee shall resume the suspended activities or project unless, prior to the expiration date, DOE notifies the awardee in writing that the period of suspension shall be extended consistent with paragraph (c)(1) of this section or that the award shall be terminated.
(4) As of the effective date of the suspension, DOE shall withhold further payments and shall allow new obligations incurred by the awardee during the period of suspension only if such costs were authorized in the notice of suspension or in a subsequent letter.
(5) If the suspension is cancelled or expires and the award is not terminated, DOE shall reimburse the awardee for any authorized allowable costs incurred during the suspension and, if necessary, may amend the award to extend the period of performance.
(d)
(e)
(f)
(a)
(b)
(1) A statement of technical progress or status of the project to date;
(2) A detailed description of the awardee's plans for the conduct of the project during the coming year; and
(3) A detailed budget for the upcoming budget period, including an estimate of unobligated balances. A detailed budget need not be submitted if the new or renewal application contained future-year budgets sufficiently detailed to allow DOE to review and approve the categories and elements of cost. Should the award have a change in scope or significant change in the budget, DOE may request a detailed budget.
(4) DOE shall review a continuation application for the adequacy of the awardee's progress and planned conduct of the project in the subsequent budget period. DOE shall not require a continuation application to compete against any other application. The amount and award of continuation funding is subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c)
(d)
Procedures regarding restrictions on lobbying activities of applicants and recipients are contained in 10 CFR 601.110.
(a)
(b)
(1) Each fixed obligation award may neither exceed $100,000 nor exceed one year in length.
(2) Programs which require mandatory cost sharing are not eligible.
(3) Proposed costs must be analyzed in detail to ensure consistency with applicable cost principles.
(4) Budget categories are not stipulated in making an award. However, budgets are submitted by an applicant and reviewed for purposes of establishing the amount to be awarded.
(5) Payments must be made in the same manner as other financial assistance awards, except that when determined appropriate by the cognizant program official and contracting officer a lump sum payment may be made.
(6) Recipients must certify in writing to the contracting officer at the end of the project that the activity was completed or the level of effort was expended, however should the activity or effort not be carried out, the recipient would be expected to make appropriate reimbursements.
(7) Periodic reports may be established for each award so long as they are not more frequently than quarterly.
(8) Changes in principal investigator or project leader, scope of effort, or institution, must receive the prior approval of the Department.
In addition to the requirements of § 600.123 or § 600.224, the following requirements apply to research, development, and demonstration projects:
(a) When DOE awards financial assistance for research, development, and demonstration projects where the primary purpose of the project is the ultimate commercialization and utilization of technology by the private sector and when there are reasonable expectations that the recipient will receive significant present or future economic benefits beyond the instant award as a result of the performance of the project, cost sharing shall be required. Unless the cost sharing is required by statute, a waiver of the requirement on a single-case or class basis may be approved by the cognizant Program Assistant Secretary or designee.
(b) Except as provided in section 3002 of the Energy Policy Act of 1992, 42 U.S.C. 13542, or program rule, DOE will decide, on a case-by-case basis, the amount of cost sharing required for a particular project.
(c) Factors in addition to those specified in § 600.123 or § 600.224, which may be considered when negotiating cost sharing for research, development, and demonstration projects include the potential benefits to a recipient resulting from the project and the length of time before a project is likely to be commercially successful.
This subpart implements OMB Circular A-110 and establishes uniform administrative requirements for grants and agreements awarded to institutions of higher education, hospitals, and other non-profit organizations. It also establishes rules governing subawards to institutions of higher education, hospitals, and non-profit organizations (including grants and cooperative agreements administered by State, local and Indian Tribal governments).
(1) Goods and other tangible property received;
(2) Services performed by employees, contractors, subrecipients, and other payees; and,
(3) Other amounts becoming owed under programs for which no current services or performance is required.
(1) Earnings during a given period from services performed by the recipient, and goods and other tangible property delivered to purchasers, and
(2) Amounts becoming owed to the recipient for which no current services or performance is required by the recipient.
For awards subject to this subpart, all administrative requirements of codified program regulations, program manuals, handbooks and other nonregulatory materials which are inconsistent with the requirements of this subpart shall be superseded, except to the extent they are required by statute, or authorized in accordance with the deviations provision in § 600.4.
The deviation provisions of § 600.4 apply to this subpart.
Unless sections of this subpart specifically exclude subrecipients from coverage, all DOE recipients, including State, local and Indian tribal governments, shall apply the provisions of this subpart to subrecipients performing work under awards if such subrecipients are institutions of higher education, hospitals, or other non-profit organizations organizations. Thus, this subpart is applicable to those types of organizations regardless of the type of recipient receiving the primary award. State and local government subrecipients are subject to the provisions of 10 CFR part 600, subpart C, “Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments.” For-profit subrecipients are subject to the provisions of 10 CFR part 600, subpart D, Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements with For-Profit Organizations.
Sections 600.111 through 600.117 prescribe forms and instructions and other pre-award matters to be used in applying for DOE awards.
(a) Use of Grants and Cooperative Agreements, and Contracts. In each instance, the DOE shall decide on the appropriate award instrument (i.e., grant, cooperative agreement, or contract). The Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act (31 U.S.C. 6301-08) governs the use of grants, cooperative agreements and contracts. A grant or cooperative agreement shall be used only when the principal purpose of a transaction is to accomplish a public purpose of support or stimulation authorized by Federal statute. The statutory criterion for choosing between grants and cooperative agreements is that for the latter, “substantial involvement is expected between the executive agency and the State, local government, or other recipient when carrying out the activity contemplated in the agreement.” Contracts shall be used when the principal purpose is acquisition of property or services for the direct benefit or use of the Federal Government.
(b) Public Notice and Priority Setting. DOE will, whenever practical, notify the public of its intended funding priorities for discretionary grant programs, unless funding priorities are established by Federal statute.
(a) General. An application for an award shall be on the form or in the format specified in a program rule, in the solicitation, or in these regulations (see § 600.10). When the SF-424 form is not used, DOE shall indicate whether the application is subject to review by the State under E.O. 12372. DOE may also require applicants to complete—
(1) The Notice of Energy RD&D Project (DOE Form 538) if the application is for a research, development, or demonstration project; or
(2) The Federal Assistance Management Summary Report (DOE F 4600.5) or the Federal Assistance Milestone Plan (DOE F 4600.3) as a baseline plan in accordance with the terms and conditions of award if required by program rule or the solicitation. If a solicitation other than a program rule requires the use of one or both of these forms,
(b) Budgetary information. DOE may request and the applicant shall submit the minimum budgetary information necessary to evaluate the costs of the proposed project.
(1) Applicants for research awards, other than State, local, or Indian tribal governments, will use DOE budget forms ERF 4620.1 and ERF 4620.1A. All other applicants shall use the budget formats established in the solicitation or program regulations.
(2) DOE may, subsequent to receipt of an application, request additional information from an applicant when necessary for clarification or to make informed preaward determinations.
(c) Continuation and renewal applications. DOE may require that an application for a continuation or renewal award (see § 600.26 (b) and (c)) be made in the format or on the forms authorized by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section.
Recipients shall comply with the nonprocurement debarment and suspension common rule implementing E.O.'s 12549 and 12689, “Debarment and Suspension,” 10 CFR part 1036. This common rule restricts subawards and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities.
(a) If an applicant or recipient has a history of poor performance, is not financially stable, has a management system that does not meet the standards prescribed in this subpart, has not conformed to the terms and conditions of a previous award, or is not otherwise responsible, DOE may impose additional requirements as needed, without regard to the deviation provisions of § 600.4. Such applicant or recipient will be notified in writing as to the nature of the additional requirements, the reason why the additional requirements are being imposed, the nature of the corrective action needed, and the time allowed for completing the corrective actions. Reconsideration of the additional requirements may be requested at any time. Any special conditions shall be promptly removed once the conditions that prompted them have been corrected.
(b) A recipient may place a special restrictive condition, as specified in paragraph (a) of this section, in a subaward. In any such case, the recipient must notify DOE in writing within 15 days of the subaward. DOE shall decide whether to notify OMB and other interested parties.
The Metric Conversion Act, as amended by the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act (15 U.S.C. 205) declares that the metric system is the preferred measurement system for U.S. trade and commerce. The Act requires each Federal agency to establish a date or dates in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, when the metric system of measurement will be used in the agency's procurements, grants, and other business-related activities. Metric implementation may take longer where the use of the system is initially impractical or likely to cause significant inefficiencies in the accomplishment of federally-funded activities. DOE will follow the provisions of E.O. 12770, “Metric Usage in Federal Government Programs.”
Under the Act (Pub. L. 94-580 codified at 42 U.S.C. 6962), any State agency or agency of a political subdivision of a State which is using appropriated Federal funds must comply with section 6002. Section 6002 requires that preference be given in procurement programs to the purchase of specific products containing recycled materials identified in guidelines developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (40 CFR parts 247-254). Accordingly, State and local institutions of higher education, hospitals, and non-profit organizations that receive direct Federal awards or other Federal funds
Unless prohibited by statute or codified regulation, each Federal awarding agency is authorized and encouraged to allow recipients to submit certifications and representations required by statute, executive order, or regulation on an annual basis, if the recipients have ongoing and continuing relationships with the agency. Annual certifications and representations shall be signed by responsible officials with the authority to ensure recipients' compliance with the pertinent requirements.
Sections 600.121 through 600.128 prescribe standards for financial management systems, methods for making payments and rules for satisfying cost sharing and matching requirements, accounting for program income, budget revision approvals, making audits, determining allowability of cost, and establishing fund availability.
(a) Recipients shall relate financial data to performance data and develop unit cost information whenever practical. For awards that support research, it should be noted that it is generally not appropriate to develop unit cost information.
(b) Except for the provisions of 600.121(f) and 600.181, recipients' financial management systems shall provide for the following:
(1) Accurate, current and complete disclosure of the financial results of each federally-sponsored project or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in § 600.152. If a DOE award requires reporting on an accrual basis from a recipient that maintains its records on other than an accrual basis, the recipient shall not be required to establish an accrual accounting system. These recipients may develop such accrual data for their reports on the basis of an analysis of the documentation on hand.
(2) Records that identify adequately the source and application of funds for federally-sponsored activities. These records shall contain information pertaining to Federal awards, authorizations, obligations, unobligated balances, assets, outlays, income and interest.
(3) Effective control over and accountability for all funds, property and other assets. Recipients shall adequately safeguard all such assets and assure they are used solely for authorized purposes.
(4) Comparison of outlays with budget amounts for each award. Whenever appropriate, financial information should be related to performance and unit cost data. As discussed in paragraph (a) of this section, unit cost data is generally not appropriate for awards that support research.
(5) Written procedures to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds to the recipient from the U.S. Treasury and the issuance or redemption of checks, warrants or payments by other means for program purposes by the recipient. To the extent that the provisions of the Cash Management Improvement Act (CMIA) (Pub. L. 101-453) govern, payment methods of State agencies, instrumentalities, and fiscal agents shall be consistent with CMIA Treasury-State Agreements or the CMIA default procedures codified at 31 CFR part 205, “Withdrawal of Cash from the Treasury for Advances under Federal Grant and Other Programs.”
(6) Written procedures for determining the reasonableness, allocability and allowability of costs in accordance with the provisions of the applicable Federal cost principles and the terms and conditions of the award.
(7) Accounting records including cost accounting records that are supported by source documentation.
(c) Where the Federal Government guarantees or insures the repayment of money borrowed by the recipient, the Contracting Officer, at his or her discretion, may require adequate bonding and insurance if the bonding and insurance requirements of the recipient are
(d) The Contracting Officer may require adequate fidelity bond coverage where the recipient lacks sufficient coverage to protect the Federal Government's interest.
(e) Where bonds are required in the situations described in §§ 600.121 (c) and (d), the bonds shall be obtained from companies holding certificates of authority as acceptable sureties, as prescribed in 31 CFR part 223, “Surety Companies Doing Business with the United States.”
(f) Individuals whose financial management systems do not meet the minimum standards of § 600.121 (b) shall maintain a separate bank account for deposit of award or subaward funds. Disbursements by the recipient or subrecipient from this account shall be supported by source documentation such as canceled checks, paid bills, receipts, payrolls, etc.
(a) Payment methods shall minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the United States Treasury and the issuance or redemption of checks, warrants, or payment by other means by the recipients. Payment methods of State agencies or instrumentalities shall be consistent with Treasury-State CMIA agreements or default procedures codified at 31 CFR part 205.
(b) Recipients will be paid in advance, provided they maintain or demonstrate the willingness to maintain:
(1) Written procedures that minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds and disbursement by the recipient, and
(2) Financial management systems that meet the standards for fund control and accountability as established in § 600.121. Cash advances to a recipient organization shall be limited to the minimum amounts needed and be timed to be in accordance with the actual, immediate cash requirements of the recipient organization in carrying out the purpose of the approved program or project. The timing and amount of cash advances shall be as close as is administratively feasible to the actual disbursements by the recipient organization for direct program or project costs and the proportionate share of any allowable indirect costs.
(c) Whenever possible, advances shall be consolidated to cover anticipated cash needs for all awards made by the DOE to the recipient.
(1) Advance payment mechanisms include, but are not limited to, Treasury check and electronic funds transfer.
(2) Advance payment mechanisms are subject to 31 CFR part 205.
(3) Recipients may submit requests for advances and reimbursements at least monthly when electronic fund transfers are not used.
(d) Requests for Treasury check advance payment shall be submitted on SF-270, “Request for Advance or Reimbursement,” or other forms as may be authorized by OMB. This form is not to be used when Treasury check advance payments are made to the recipient automatically through the use of a predetermined payment schedule or if precluded by special DOE instructions for electronic funds transfer.
(e) Reimbursement is the preferred method when the requirements in paragraph (b) of this section cannot be met. DOE may also use this method on any construction agreement, or if the major portion of the construction project is accomplished through private market financing or Federal loans, and the Federal assistance constitutes a minor portion of the project.
(1) When the reimbursement method is used, DOE shall make payment within 30 days after receipt of the billing, unless the billing is improper.
(2) Recipients are authorized to submit requests for reimbursement at least monthly when electronic funds transfers are not used.
(f) If a recipient cannot meet the criteria for advance payments and DOE has determined that reimbursement is not feasible because the recipient lacks sufficient working capital, DOE may provide cash on a working capital advance basis. Under this procedure, DOE advances cash to the recipient to cover its estimated disbursement needs for an initial period generally geared to the recipient's disbursing cycle. Thereafter, DOE reimburses the recipient for its actual cash disbursements. The working capital advance method of
(g) To the extent available, recipients shall disburse funds available from repayments to and interest earned on a revolving fund, program income, rebates, refunds, contract settlements, audit recoveries and interest earned on such funds before requesting additional cash payments.
(h) Unless otherwise required by statute, DOE will not withhold payments for proper charges made by recipients at any time during the project period unless paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this section apply.
(1) A recipient has failed to comply with the project objectives, the terms and conditions of the award, or DOE reporting requirements.
(2) The recipient or subrecipient is delinquent in a debt to the United States. Under such conditions, the Federal awarding agency may, upon reasonable notice, inform the recipient that payments shall not be made for obligations incurred after a specified date until the conditions are corrected or the indebtedness to the Federal Government is liquidated. Before withholding any payment, DOE shall notify the recipient that payments shall not be made for obligations incurred after a specified date, which shall ordinarily be no sooner than 30 days from the date of the notice, until the recipient corrects the noncompliance or pays the indebtedness to the Federal government.
(i) Standards governing the use of banks and other institutions as depositories of funds advanced under awards are as follows.
(1) Except for situations described in paragraph (i)(2) of this section, DOE shall not require separate depository accounts for funds provided to a recipient or establish any eligibility requirements for depositories for funds provided to a recipient. However, recipients must be able to account for the receipt, obligation and expenditure of funds.
(2) Advances of Federal funds shall be deposited and maintained in insured accounts whenever possible.
(j) Consistent with the national goal of expanding the opportunities for women-owned and minority-owned business enterprises, recipients are encouraged to use women-owned and minority-owned banks (a bank which is owned at least 50 percent by women or minority group members).
(k) Recipients shall maintain advances of Federal funds in interest bearing accounts, unless paragraph (k) (1), (2) or (3) of this section apply.
(1) The recipient receives less than $120,000 in Federal awards per year.
(2) The best reasonably available interest bearing account would not be expected to earn interest in excess of $250 per year on Federal cash balances.
(3) The depository would require an average or minimum balance so high that it would not be feasible within the expected Federal and non-Federal cash resources.
(l) For those entities where CMIA and its implementing regulations do not apply, interest earned on Federal advances deposited in interest bearing accounts shall be remitted annually to the HHS Payment Management System through an electronic medium such as the FEDWIRE Deposit system. Recipients which do not have this capability should use a check. The address is the Department of Health and Human Services, Payment Management System, P.O. Box 6021, Rockville, MD 20852. Interest amounts up to $250 per year may be retained by the recipient for administrative expense. State universities and hospitals shall comply with CMIA, as it pertains to interest. If an entity subject to CMIA uses its own funds to pay pre-award costs for discretionary awards without prior written approval from the Federal awarding agency, it waives its right to recover the interest under CMIA.
(m) Except as noted elsewhere in this subpart, only the following forms shall be authorized for the recipients in requesting advances and reimbursements. Federal agencies shall not require more than an original and two copies of these forms.
(1) SF-270, Request for Advance or Reimbursement. Each Federal awarding agency shall adopt the SF-270 as a standard form for all nonconstruction
(2) SF-271, Outlay Report and Request for Reimbursement for Construction Programs. Each Federal awarding agency shall adopt the SF-271 as the standard form to be used for requesting reimbursement for construction programs. However, a Federal awarding agency may substitute the SF-270 when the Federal awarding agency determines that it provides adequate information to meet Federal needs.
(n) The DOE may convert a recipient from advance payment to reimbursement whenever the recipient no longer meets the criteria for advance payment specified in paragraph (b) of this section. Any such conversion may be accomplished only after the DOE has advised the recipient in writing of the reasons for the proposed action and has provided a period of at least 30 days within which the recipient may take corrective action or provide satisfactory assurances of its intention to take such action.
(o) With prior DOE approval and in accordance with written DOE instructions, a recipient may assign to a bank, trust company or other financing institution, including any Federal lending agency, reimbursement by Treasury check due from DOE under the following conditions:
(1) The award provides for reimbursement totaling $1,000 or more;
(2) The assignment covers all amounts payable under the award that have not already been paid;
(3) Reassignment is prohibited; and
(4) The assignee files a written notice of award payment assignment and a true copy of the instrument of assignment with DOE. Any interest costs resulting from a loan obtained on the basis of an assignment are unallowable charges to DOE award funds or any required cost sharing.
(p) Recipients shall observe the requirements of this section in making or withholding payments to subrecipients except that the forms used by recipients are not required to be used by subrecipients when requesting advances or reimbursement.
(a) All cost sharing or matching contributions, including cash and third party in-kind, shall meet all of the following criteria.
(1) Are verifiable from the recipient's records.
(2) Are not included as contributions for any other federally-assisted project or program.
(3) Are necessary and reasonable for proper and efficient accomplishment of project or program objectives.
(4) Are allowable under the applicable cost principles.
(5) Are not paid by the Federal Government under another award, except where authorized by Federal statute to be used for cost sharing or matching.
(6) Are provided for in the approved budget.
(7) Conform to other provisions of this subpart, as applicable.
(b) Unrecovered indirect costs may be included as part of cost sharing or matching.
(c) Values for recipient contributions of services and property shall be established in accordance with the applicable cost principles. If DOE authorizes recipients to donate buildings or land for construction/facilities acquisition projects or long-term use, the value of the donated property for cost sharing or matching shall be the lesser of either paragraph (c)(1) or (2) of this section.
(1) The certified value of the remaining life of the property recorded in the recipient's accounting records at the time of donation.
(2) The current fair market value. However, when there is sufficient justification, DOE may approve the use of the current fair market value of the donated property, even if it exceeds the certified value at the time of donation to the project.
(d) Volunteer services furnished by professional and technical personnel, consultants, and other skilled and unskilled labor may be counted as cost sharing or matching if the service is an integral and necessary part of an approved project or program. Rates for
(e) When an employer other than the recipient furnishes the services of an employee, these services shall be valued at the employee's regular rate of pay (plus an amount of fringe benefits that are reasonable, allowable, and allocable, but exclusive of overhead costs), provided these services are in the same skill for which the employee is normally paid.
(f) Donated supplies may include such items as office supplies, laboratory supplies or workshop and classroom supplies. Value assessed to donated supplies included in the cost sharing or matching share shall be reasonable and shall not exceed the fair market value of the property at the time of the donation.
(g) The method used for determining cost sharing or matching for donated equipment, buildings and land for which title passes to the recipient may differ according to the purpose of the award, if either paragraph (g)(1) or (2) of this section apply.
(1) If the purpose of the award is to assist the recipient in the acquisition of equipment, buildings or land, the total value of the donated property may be claimed as cost sharing or matching.
(2) If the purpose of the award is to support activities that require the use of equipment, buildings or land, normally only depreciation or use charges for equipment and buildings may be made. However, the full value of equipment or other capital assets and fair rental charges for land may be allowed, provided that DOE has approved the charges.
(h) The value of donated property shall be determined in accordance with the usual accounting policies of the recipient, with the following qualifications.
(1) The value of donated land and buildings shall not exceed its fair market value at the time of donation to the recipient as established by an independent appraiser (e.g., certified real property appraiser or General Services Administration representative) and certified by a responsible official of the recipient.
(2) The value of donated equipment shall not exceed the fair market value of equipment of the same age and condition at the time of donation.
(3) The value of donated space shall not exceed the fair rental value of comparable space as established by an independent appraisal of comparable space and facilities in a privately-owned building in the same locality.
(4) The value of loaned equipment shall not exceed its fair rental value.
(i) The following requirements pertain to the recipient's supporting records for in-kind contributions from third parties.
(1) Volunteer services shall be documented and, to the extent feasible, supported by the same methods used by the recipient for its own employees.
(2) The basis for determining the valuation for personal service, material, equipment, buildings and land shall be documented.
(j) DOE shall specify in the solicitation or in the program rule, if any, any cost sharing requirement. The award document shall be specific as to whether the cost sharing is based on a minimum amount for the recipient or on a percentage of total costs.
(k) If DOE requires that a recipient provide cost sharing which is not required by statute or which exceeds a statutory minimum, DOE shall state in the program rule or solicitation the reasons for requiring such cost sharing, recommended or required levels of cost sharing, and the circumstances under which the requirement for cost sharing may be waived or adjusted during any negotiation.
(l) Whenever DOE negotiates the amount of cost sharing, DOE may take into account such factors as the use of program income (see § 600.124), patent rights, and rights in data. Foregone fee or profit shall not be considered in establishing the extent of cost sharing.
(a) The standards set forth in this section shall be used to account for program income related to projects financed in whole or in part with DOE funds.
(b) Except as provided in paragraph (h) of this section, program income earned during the project period shall be retained by the recipient and, in accordance with program regulations or the terms and conditions of the award, shall be used in one or more of the following ways.
(1) Added to funds committed to the project and used to further eligible project objectives.
(2) Used to finance the non-DOE share of the project.
(3) Deducted from the total project allowable cost in determining the net allowable costs on which the share of costs is based.
(c) When DOE authorizes the disposition of program income as described in paragraphs (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this section, program income in excess of any limits stipulated shall be used in accordance with paragraph (b)(3) of this section.
(d) In the event that the program regulations or the terms and conditions of the award do not specify how program income is to be used, paragraph (b)(3) of this section shall apply automatically to all projects or programs except research. For awards that support research, paragraph (b)(1) of this section shall apply automatically unless the award indicates another alternative in the terms and conditions, the recipient is subject to special award conditions, as indicated in § 600.114, or the recipient is a commercial organization.
(e) Unless program regulations or the terms and conditions of the award provide otherwise, recipients shall have no obligation to the Federal Government regarding program income earned after the end of the project period.
(f) Unless program regulations or the terms and conditions of the award provide otherwise, costs incident to the generation of program income may be deducted from gross income to determine program income, provided these costs have not been charged to the award.
(g) Proceeds from the sale of property shall be handled in accordance with the requirements of the Property Standards (See §§ 600.130 through 600.137).
(h) Unless program regulations or the terms and condition of the award provide otherwise, recipients shall have no obligation to the Federal Government with respect to program income earned from license fees and royalties for copyrighted material, patents, patent applications, trademarks, and inventions produced under an award. However, Patent and Trademark Amendments (35 U.S.C. Chapter 18) apply to inventions made under an experimental, developmental, or research award.
(a) The budget plan is the financial expression of the project or program as approved during the award process. It includes the sum of the Federal and non-Federal share when there are cost sharing requirements. It shall be related to performance for program evaluation purposes whenever appropriate.
(b) Recipients are required to report deviations from budget and program plans, and request prior approvals for budget and program plan revisions, in accordance with this section.
(c) For nonconstruction awards, recipients shall request prior approvals from the DOE for one or more of the following program or budget related reasons.
(1) Change in the scope or the objective of the project or program (even if there is no associated budget revision requiring prior written approval).
(2) Change in a key person specified in the application or award document.
(3) The absence for more than three months, or a 25 percent reduction in time devoted to the project, by the approved project director or principal investigator.
(4) The need for additional Federal funding.
(5) If required by program regulations, the transfer of amounts budgeted for indirect costs to absorb increases in direct costs, or vice versa.
(6) The inclusion, unless waived by program regulations or the terms and
(7) The transfer of funds allotted for training allowances (direct payment to trainees) to other categories of expense.
(8) Unless described in the application and funded in the approved awards, the subaward, transfer or contracting out of any work under an award. This provision does not apply to the purchase of supplies, material, equipment or general support services.
(d) No other prior approval requirements for specific items may be imposed unless a deviation has been approved in accordance with § 600.4.
(e) Except for requirements listed in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(4) of this section, program regulations may waive cost-related and administrative prior written approvals required by this subpart and its Appendices. Such waivers may include authorizing recipients to do any one or more of the following.
(1) Incur pre-award costs 90 calendar days prior to award without prior approval or more than 90 calendar days with the prior approval of DOE. All pre-award costs are incurred at the recipient's risk (i.e., DOE is under no obligation to reimburse such costs if for any reason the recipient does not receive an award or if the award is less than anticipated and inadequate to cover such costs).
(2) Initiate a one-time extension of the expiration date of the final budget period of the project of up to 12 months unless one or more of the following conditions apply.
(i) The terms and conditions of award prohibit the extension.
(ii) The extension requires additional Federal funds.
(iii) The extension involves any change in the approved objectives or scope of the project.
(iv) The extension is being exercised merely for the purpose of using unobligated balances. For one-time extensions, the recipient must notify the DOE in writing with the supporting reasons and revised expiration date at least 10 days before the expiration date specified in the award.
(3) Carry forward unobligated balances to subsequent funding periods.
(4) For awards that support research, unless the terms and conditions of award provide otherwise, the prior approval requirements described in paragraph (e) of this section are automatically waived (i.e., recipients need not obtain such prior approvals) unless one of the conditions included in § 600.125(e)(2) applies.
(5) For continuation awards within a multiple year project in support of research, prior to receipt of continuation funding, preaward expenditures by recipients are not subject to the limitation or approval requirements of § 600.125(e)(1). Nevertheless, incurrence by the recipient does not impose any obligation on DOE if a continuation award is not subsequently made, or if an award is made for a lesser amount than the recipient expected.
(f) Program regulations may restrict the transfer of funds among direct cost categories or programs, functions and activities for awards in which DOE's share of the project exceeds $100,000 and the cumulative amount of such transfers exceeds or is expected to exceed 10 percent of the total budget as last approved by DOE. However, no program regulation shall permit a transfer that would cause any Federal appropriation or part thereof to be used for purposes other than those consistent with the original intent of the appropriation.
(g) All other changes to nonconstruction budgets, except for the changes described in paragraph (j) of this section, do not require prior approval.
(h) For construction awards, recipients shall request prior written approval promptly from the Contracting Officer for budget revisions whenever paragraph (h) (1), (2) or (3) of this section apply.
(1) The revision results from changes in the scope or the objective of the project or program.
(2) The need arises for additional Federal funds to complete the project.
(3) A revision is desired which involves specific costs for which prior written approval requirements may be imposed consistent with applicable OMB cost principles listed in § 600.127.
(i) Except in accordance with the deviation procedures in 600.4 or as may be provided for in program regulations, no other prior approval requirements for specific items will be imposed by DOE.
(j) When DOE makes an award that provides support for both construction and nonconstruction work, DOE may require the recipient to request prior approval from DOE before making any fund or budget transfers between the two types of work supported.
(k) For both construction and nonconstruction awards, recipients shall notify DOE in writing promptly whenever the amount of Federal authorized funds is expected to exceed the needs of the recipient for the project period by more than $5000 or five percent of the Federal award, whichever is greater. This notification shall not be required if an application for additional funding is submitted for a continuation award.
(l) Requests for budget revisions may be made by letter.
(m) Within 30 calendar days from the date of receipt of the request for budget revisions, DOE shall review the request and notify the recipient whether the budget revisions have been approved. If the revision is still under consideration at the end of 30 calendar days, DOE shall inform the recipient in writing of the date when the recipient may expect the decision.
(n) DOE approval or disapproval of a request for a budget or project revision shall be in writing and signed by a DOE Contracting Officer.
(o) A request by a subrecipient for prior approval shall be addressed in writing to the recipient. The recipient shall promptly review such request and shall approve or disapprove the request in writing within 30 days from the date of the recipient's request for the revision. A recipient shall not approve any budget or project revision which is inconsistent with the purpose or terms and conditions of the DOE award. If the revision requested by the subrecipient would result in a change to the recipient's approved budget or approved project which requires DOE prior approval, the recipient shall obtain DOE approval before approving such revision.
(a) Recipients and subrecipients that are institutions of higher education or other non-profit organizations (including hospitals) shall be subject to the audit requirements contained in the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 7501-7507) and revised OMB Circular A-133, “Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations.”
(b) State and local governments shall be subject to the audit requirements contained in the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 7501-7507) and revised OMB Circular A-133, “Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations.”
(c) For-profit organizations that are subrecipients are subject to the audit requirements specified in 10 CFR 600.316.
(a)
(b)
(1) DOE shall include an amount for indirect costs in an award only if the applicant requests reimbursement of such costs and—
(i) Submits evidence that a cognizant Federal agency has been assigned to establish indirect cost rates for the applicant and indicates or provides evidence that—
(A) A current agreement containing an applicable approved indirect cost rate(s) covering all or part of the budget period for which DOE may provide funding has been established; or
(B) An indirect cost proposal has been submitted to the cognizant agency in order to establish an applicable approved indirect cost rate(s) covering all or part of the budget period for which DOE may provide funding; or
(C) An indirect cost proposal covering all or part of the budget period and applicable to the activities for which DOE may provide funding will be submitted to the cognizant agency for approval no later than three months after the beginning date of the initial budget period of the DOE award or, for subsequent budget periods, in accordance with any schedule established by the cognizant agency; or
(ii) If not assigned to a cognizant agency, the applicant includes, in the application, data that is current, complete, accurate, and sufficient to allow the Contracting Officer to determine a rate(s) for indirect costs. If the total approved budget will not exceed $100,000 or if the amount requested for indirect costs does not exceed $5,000, DOE may waive the requirement for negotiation of a rate and, in lieu thereof, provide a reasonable allowance for such costs.
(2) Indirect cost proposals shall be prepared and submitted in accordance with the applicable Federal cost principles and instructions from the cognizant agency or from DOE, as appropriate.
(3) If a subaward under an award or subaward provides for the payment of indirect costs, the recipient or subrecipient shall be responsible for negotiating appropriate indirect costs, using the cost principles applicable to the subrecipient or contractor, unless the subrecipient or contractor has negotiated an applicable rate directly with DOE or another Federal department or agency. DOE may review and audit the procedures a recipient or subrecipient uses in conducting indirect cost negotiations.
(c)
Where a funding period is specified, a recipient may charge to the award only allowable costs resulting from obligations incurred during the funding period and any pre-award costs authorized by DOE.
Sections 600.131 through 600.137 set forth uniform standards governing management and disposition of property furnished by the Federal Government or whose cost was charged to a project supported by a Federal award. Recipients shall observe these standards under awards and shall not impose additional requirements, unless specifically required by Federal statute or program regulations. The recipient may use its own property management standards and procedures provided it observes the provisions of §§ 600.131 through 600.137.
Recipients shall, at a minimum, provide the equivalent insurance coverage for real property and equipment acquired with DOE funds as provided to property owned by the recipient. Federally-owned property need not be insured unless required by the terms and conditions of the award.
Unless otherwise provided by statute or program regulations, the requirements concerning the use and disposition of real property acquired in whole or in part under awards are as follows.
(a) Title to real property shall vest in the recipient subject to the condition that the recipient shall use the real property for the authorized purpose of the project as long as it is needed and shall not encumber the property without approval of DOE.
(b) The recipient shall obtain written approval by DOE for the use of real property in other federally-sponsored projects when the recipient determines that the property is no longer needed for the purpose of the original project. Use in other projects shall be limited to those under federally-sponsored projects (i.e., awards) or programs that have purposes consistent with those authorized for support by DOE.
(c) When the real property is no longer needed as provided in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, the recipient shall request disposition instructions from DOE or its successor Federal awarding agency. DOE will give one or more of the following disposition instructions.
(1) The recipient may be permitted to retain title without further obligation to the Federal Government after it compensates the Federal Government for that percentage of the current fair market value of the property attributable to the Federal participation in the project.
(2) The recipient may be directed to sell the property under guidelines provided by DOE and pay the Federal Government for that percentage of the current fair market value of the property attributable to the Federal participation in the project (after deducting actual and reasonable selling and fix-up expenses, if any, from the sales proceeds). When the recipient is authorized or required to sell the property, proper sales procedures shall be established that provide for competition to the extent practicable and result in the highest possible return.
(3) The recipient may be directed to transfer title to the property to the Federal Government or to an eligible third party provided that, in such cases, the recipient shall be entitled to compensation for its attributable percentage of the current fair market value of the property.
(a)
(1) Title to federally-owned property remains vested in the Federal Government. Recipients shall submit annually an inventory listing of federally-owned property in their custody to DOE. Upon completion of the award or when the property is no longer needed, the recipient shall report the property to DOE for further Federal agency utilization.
(2) If DOE has no further need for the property, it shall be declared excess and reported to the General Services Administration, unless DOE has statutory authority to dispose of the property by alternative methods (e.g., the authority provided by the Federal Technology Transfer Act (15 U.S.C. 3710 (i)) to donate research equipment to educational and non-profit organizations in accordance with E.O. 12821, “Improving Mathematics and Science Education in Support of the National Education Goals.”) Appropriate instructions shall be issued to the recipient by DOE.
(b)
(a) Title to equipment acquired by a recipient with Federal funds shall vest in the recipient, subject to conditions of this section.
(b) The recipient shall not use equipment acquired with Federal funds to provide services to non-Federal outside organizations for a fee that is less than private companies charge for equivalent services, unless specifically authorized by Federal statute, for as long as the Federal Government retains an interest in the equipment.
(c) The recipient shall use the equipment in the project or program for which it was acquired as long as needed, whether or not the project or program continues to be supported by Federal funds and shall not encumber the property without approval of DOE. When no longer needed for the original project or program, the recipient shall use the equipment in connection with its other federally-sponsored activities, in the following order of priority:
(1) Activities sponsored by DOE, then
(2) Activities sponsored by other Federal agencies.
(d) During the time that equipment is used on the project or program for which it was acquired, the recipient shall make it available for use on other projects or programs if such other use will not interfere with the work on the project or program for which the equipment was originally acquired. First preference for such other use shall be given to other projects or programs sponsored by DOE that financed the equipment; second preference shall be given to projects or programs sponsored by other Federal awarding agencies. If the equipment is owned by the Federal Government, use on other activities not sponsored by the Federal Government shall be permissible if authorized by DOE. User charges shall be treated as program income.
(e) When acquiring replacement equipment, the recipient may use the equipment to be replaced as trade-in or sell the equipment and use the proceeds to offset the costs of the replacement equipment subject to the approval of DOE.
(f) The recipient's property management standards for equipment acquired with Federal funds and federally-owned equipment shall include all of the following.
(1) Equipment records shall be maintained accurately and shall include the following information.
(i) A description of the equipment.
(ii) Manufacturer's serial number, model number, Federal stock number, national stock number, or other identification number.
(iii) Source of the equipment, including the award number.
(iv) Whether title vests in the recipient or the Federal Government.
(v) Acquisition date (or date received, if the equipment was furnished by the Federal Government) and cost.
(vi) Information from which one can calculate the percentage of Federal participation in the cost of the equipment (not applicable to equipment furnished by the Federal Government).
(vii) Location and condition of the equipment and the date the information was reported.
(viii) Unit acquisition cost.
(ix) Ultimate disposition data, including date of disposal and sales price or the method used to determine current fair market value where a recipient compensates DOE for its share.
(2) Equipment owned by the Federal Government shall be identified to indicate Federal ownership.
(3) A physical inventory of equipment shall be taken and the results reconciled with the equipment records at
(4) A control system shall be in effect to insure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of the equipment. Any loss, damage, or theft of equipment shall be investigated and fully documented; if the equipment was owned by the Federal Government, the recipient shall promptly notify DOE.
(5) Adequate maintenance procedures shall be implemented to keep the equipment in good condition.
(6) Where the recipient is authorized or required to sell the equipment, proper sales procedures shall be established which provide for competition to the extent practicable and result in the highest possible return.
(g) When the recipient no longer needs the equipment, the equipment may be used for other activities in accordance with the following standards. Equipment with a current per-unit fair market value of less than $5000 may be retained, sold or otherwise disposed of with no further obligation to the awarding agency. For equipment with a current per unit fair market value of $5000 or more, the recipient may retain the equipment for other uses provided that compensation is made to the original Federal awarding agency or its successor. The amount of compensation shall be computed by applying the percentage of Federal participation in the cost of the original project or program to the current fair market value of the equipment. If the recipient has no need for the equipment, the recipient shall request disposition instructions from DOE. DOE shall determine whether the equipment can be used to meet DOE's requirements. If no requirement exists within DOE, the availability of the equipment shall be reported to the General Services Administration by DOE to determine whether a requirement for the equipment exists in other Federal agencies. DOE will issue instructions to the recipient no later than 120 calendar days after the recipient's request and the following procedures shall govern.
(1) If so instructed or if disposition instructions are not issued within 120 calendar days after the recipient's request, the recipient shall sell the equipment and reimburse DOE an amount computed by applying to the sales proceeds the percentage of Federal participation in the cost of the original project or program. However, the recipient shall be permitted to deduct and retain from the Federal share $500 or ten percent of the proceeds, whichever is less, for the recipient's selling and handling expenses.
(2) If the recipient is instructed to ship the equipment elsewhere, the recipient shall be reimbursed by the Federal Government by an amount which is computed by applying the percentage of the recipient's participation in the cost of the original project or program to the current fair market value of the equipment, plus any reasonable shipping or interim storage costs incurred.
(3) If the recipient is instructed to otherwise dispose of the equipment, the recipient shall be reimbursed by DOE for such costs incurred in its disposition.
(h) DOE reserves the right, at the end of a project, to transfer the title to the Federal Government or to a third party named by DOE when such third party is otherwise eligible under existing statutes. Such transfer shall be subject to the following standards.
(1) The equipment shall be appropriately identified in the award or otherwise made known to the recipient in writing.
(2) DOE shall issue disposition instructions within 120 calendar days after receipt of a final inventory. The final inventory shall list all equipment acquired with award funds and federally-owned equipment. If DOE fails to issue disposition instructions within the 120 calendar day period, the provisions of § 600.134(g)(1) apply.
(3) When DOE exercises its right to take title, the equipment shall be subject to the provisions for federally-owned equipment.
(a) Title to supplies and other expendable property shall vest in the recipient upon acquisition. If there is a residual inventory of unused supplies exceeding $5000 in total aggregate value upon termination or completion of the project or program and the supplies are not needed for any other federally-sponsored project or program, the recipient shall retain the supplies for use on non-Federal sponsored activities or sell them, but shall, in either case, compensate the Federal Government for its share. The amount of compensation shall be computed in the same manner as for equipment.
(b) The recipient shall not use supplies acquired with Federal funds to provide services to non-Federal outside organizations for a fee that is less than private companies charge for equivalent services, unless specifically authorized by Federal statute as long as the Federal Government retains an interest in the supplies.
(a) Recipients may copyright any work that is subject to copyright and was developed, or for which ownership was purchased, under an award. DOE reserves a royalty-free, nonexclusive and irrevocable right to reproduce, publish or otherwise use the work for Federal purposes and to authorize others to do so.
(b) Recipients are subject to applicable regulations governing patents and inventions, including government-wide regulations issued by the Department of Commerce at 37 CFR part 401, “Rights to Inventions Made by Nonprofit Organizations and Small Business Firms Under Government Grants, Contracts and Cooperative Agreements.”
(c) The DOE has the right to:
(1) Obtain, reproduce, publish or otherwise use the data first produced under an award; and
(2) Authorize others to receive, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use such data for Federal purposes.
(d)(1) In addition, in response to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for research data relating to published research findings produced under an award that were used by the Federal Government in developing an agency action that has the force and effect of law, the DOE shall request, and the recipient shall provide, within a reasonable time, the research data so that they can be made available to the public through the procedures established under the FOIA. If the DOE obtains the research data solely in response to a FOIA request, the agency may charge the requester a reasonable fee equaling the full incremental cost of obtaining the research data. This fee should reflect costs incurred by the agency, the recipient, and applicable subrecipients. This fee is in addition to any fees the agency may assess under the FOIA (5 U.S.C. 552(a)(4)(A)).
(2) The following definitions apply for purposes of this paragraph (d):
(i)
(A) Trade secrets, commercial information, materials necessary to be held confidential by a researcher until they are published, or similar information which is protected under law; and
(B) Personnel and medical information and similar information the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, such as information that could be used to identify a particular person in a research study.
(ii)
(A) Research findings are published in a peer-reviewed scientific or technical journal; or
(B) A Federal agency publicly and officially cites the research findings in support of an agency action that has the force and effect of law.
(iii)
(e) Title to intangible property and debt instruments acquired under an award or subaward vests upon acquisition in the recipient. The recipient shall use that property for the originally-authorized purpose, and the recipient shall not encumber the property without approval of DOE. When no longer needed for the originally authorized purpose, disposition of the intangible property shall occur in accordance with the provisions of § 600.134(g).
Real property, equipment, intangible property and debt instruments that are acquired or improved with Federal funds shall be held in trust by the recipient as trustee for the beneficiaries of the project or program under which the property was acquired or improved. Recipients shall record liens or other appropriate notices of record to indicate that personal or real property has been acquired or improved with Federal funds and that use and disposition conditions apply to the property.
Sections 600.141 through 600.148 set forth standards for use by recipients in establishing procedures for the procurement of supplies and other expendable property, equipment, real property and other services with Federal funds. These standards are furnished to ensure that such materials and services are obtained in an effective manner and in compliance with the provisions of applicable Federal statutes and executive orders. No additional procurement standards or requirements shall be imposed by DOE upon recipients, unless specifically required by Federal statute or executive order or in accordance with the deviation procedures of § 600.4.
The standards contained in this section do not relieve the recipient of the contractual responsibilities arising under its contract(s). The recipient is the responsible authority, without recourse to DOE regarding the settlement and satisfaction of all contractual and administrative issues arising out of procurements entered into in support of an award or other agreement. This includes disputes, claims, protests of award, source evaluation or other matters of a contractual nature. Matters concerning violation of statute are to be referred to such Federal, State or local authority as may have proper jurisdiction.
The recipient shall maintain written standards of conduct governing the performance of its employees engaged in the award and administration of contracts. No employee, officer, or agent shall participate in the selection, award, or administration of a contract supported by Federal funds if a real or apparent conflict of interest would be involved. Such a conflict would arise when the employee, officer, or agent, any member of his or her immediate family, his or her partner, or an organization which employs or is about to employ any of the parties indicated herein, has a financial or other interest in the firm selected for an award. The officers, employees, and agents of the recipient shall neither solicit nor accept gratuities, favors, or anything of monetary value from contractors, or parties to subagreements. However, recipients may set standards for situations in which the financial interest is not substantial or the gift is an unsolicited item of nominal value. The standards of conduct shall provide for disciplinary actions to be applied for violations of such standards by officers, employees, or agents of the recipient.
All procurement transactions shall be conducted in a manner to provide, to the maximum extent practical, open and free competition. The recipient shall be alert to organizational conflicts of interest as well as noncompetitive practices among contractors that may restrict or eliminate competition or otherwise restrain trade. In order to
(a) All recipients shall establish written procurement procedures. These procedures shall provide for, at a minimum, that paragraphs (a)(1), (2) and (3) of this section apply.
(1) Recipients avoid purchasing unnecessary items.
(2) Where appropriate, an analysis is made of lease and purchase alternatives to determine which would be the most economical and practical procurement.
(3) Solicitations for goods and services provide for all of the following.
(i) A clear and accurate description of the technical requirements for the material, product or service to be procured. In competitive procurements, such a description shall not contain features which unduly restrict competition.
(ii) Requirements which the bidder/offeror must fulfill and all other factors to be used in evaluating bids or proposals.
(iii) A description, whenever practicable, of technical requirements in terms of functions to be performed or performance required, including the range of acceptable characteristics or minimum acceptable standards.
(iv) The specific features of “brand name or equal” descriptions that bidders are required to meet when such items are included in the solicitation.
(v) The acceptance, to the extent practicable and economically feasible, of products and services dimensioned in the metric system of measurement.
(vi) Preference, to the extent practicable and economically feasible, for products and services that conserve natural resources and protect the environment and are energy efficient.
(b) Positive efforts shall be made by recipients to utilize small businesses, minority-owned firms, and women's business enterprises, whenever possible. Recipients of DOE awards shall take all of the following steps to further this goal.
(1) Ensure that small businesses, minority-owned firms, and women's business enterprises are used to the fullest extent practicable.
(2) Make information on forthcoming opportunities available and arrange time frames for purchases and contracts to encourage and facilitate participation by small businesses, minority-owned firms, and women's business enterprises.
(3) Consider in the contract process whether firms competing for larger contracts intend to subcontract with small businesses, minority-owned firms, and women's business enterprises.
(4) Encourage contracting with consortiums of small businesses, minority- owned firms and women's business enterprises when a contract is too large for one of these firms to handle individually.
(5) Use the services and assistance, as appropriate, of such organizations as the Small Business Administration and the Department of Commerce's Minority Business Development Agency in the solicitation and utilization of small businesses, minority-owned firms and women's business enterprises.
(c) The type of procuring instruments used (e.g., fixed price contracts, cost reimbursable contracts, purchase orders, and incentive contracts) shall be determined by the recipient but shall be appropriate for the particular procurement and for promoting the best interest of the program or project involved. The “cost-plus-a-percentage-of-cost” or “percentage of construction cost” methods of contracting shall not be used.
(d) Contracts shall be made only with responsible contractors who possess
(e) Recipients shall, on request, make available for DOE, pre-award review and procurement documents, such as request for proposals or invitations for bids, independent cost estimates, etc., when any of the following conditions apply.
(1) A recipient's procurement procedures or operation fails to comply with the procurement standards in this subpart.
(2) The procurement is expected to exceed the small purchase threshold fixed at 41 U.S.C. 403 (11) (currently $25,000) and is to be awarded without competition or only one bid or offer is received in response to a solicitation.
(3) The procurement, which is expected to exceed the small purchase threshold, specifies a “brand name” product.
(4) The proposed award over the small purchase threshold is to be awarded to other than the apparent low bidder under a sealed bid procurement.
(5) A proposed contract modification changes the scope of a contract or increases the contract amount by more than the amount of the small purchase threshold.
(f) By agreement of the recipient or subrecipient and the contractor, if consistent with the recipient's or subrecipient's usual business practices and applicable state and local law, any contract to which this section applies may provide for the payment of interest penalties on amounts overdue under such contract except that—
(1) In no case shall any obligation to pay such interest penalties be construed to be an obligation of the Federal government, and
(2) Any payment of such interest penalties may not be made from DOE funds nor be counted toward meeting a cost sharing requirement of a DOE award.
Some form of cost or price analysis shall be made and documented in the procurement files in connection with every procurement action. Price analysis may be accomplished in various ways, including the comparison of price quotations submitted, market prices and similar indicia, together with discounts. Cost analysis is the review and evaluation of each element of cost to determine reasonableness, allocability and allowability.
Procurement records and files for purchases in excess of the small purchase threshold shall include the following at a minimum:
(a) Basis for contractor selection,
(b) Justification for lack of competition when competitive bids or offers are not obtained, and
(c) Basis for award cost or price.
A system for contract administration shall be maintained to ensure contractor conformance with the terms, conditions and specifications of the contract and to ensure adequate and timely follow up of all purchases. Recipients shall evaluate contractor performance and document, as appropriate, whether contractors have met the terms, conditions and specifications of the contract.
The recipient shall include, in addition to provisions to define a sound and complete agreement, the following provisions in all contracts. The following provisions shall also be applied to subcontracts.
(a) Contracts in excess of the small purchase threshold shall contain contractual provisions or conditions that allow for administrative, contractual, or legal remedies in instances in which a contractor violates or breaches the contract terms, and provide for such remedial actions as may be appropriate.
(b) All contracts in excess of the small purchase threshold shall contain suitable provisions for termination by the recipient, including the manner by which termination shall be effected and the basis for settlement. In addition, such contracts shall describe conditions under which the contract may be terminated for default as well as conditions where the contract may be terminated because of circumstances beyond the control of the contractor.
(c) Except as otherwise required by statute, an award that requires the contracting (or subcontracting) for construction or facility improvements shall provide for the recipient to follow its own requirements relating to bid guarantees, performance bonds, and payment bonds unless the construction contract or subcontract exceeds $100,000. For those contracts or subcontracts exceeding $100,000, DOE may accept the bonding policy and requirements of the recipient, provided the DOE has made a determination that the Federal Government's interest is adequately protected. If such a determination has not been made, the minimum requirements shall be as follows.
(1) A bid guarantee from each bidder equivalent to five percent of the bid price. The “bid guarantee” shall consist of a firm commitment such as a bid bond, certified check, or other negotiable instrument accompanying a bid as assurance that the bidder shall, upon acceptance of his bid, execute such contractual documents as may be required within the time specified.
(2) A performance bond on the part of the contractor for 100 percent of the contract price. A “performance bond” is one executed in connection with a contract to secure fulfillment of all the contractor's obligations under such contract.
(3) A payment bond on the part of the contractor for 100 percent of the contract price. A “payment bond” is one executed in connection with a contract to assure payment as required by statute of all persons supplying labor and material in the execution of the work provided for in the contract.
(4) Where bonds are required in the situations described herein, the bonds shall be obtained from companies holding certificates of authority as acceptable sureties pursuant to 31 CFR part 223, “Surety Companies Doing Business with the United States.”
(d) All negotiated contracts (except those for less than the small purchase threshold) awarded by recipients shall include a provision to the effect that the recipient, DOE, the Comptroller General of the United States, or any of their duly authorized representatives, shall have access to any books, documents, papers and records of the contractor which are directly pertinent to a specific program for the purpose of making audits, examinations, excerpts and transcriptions.
(e) All contracts, including small purchases, awarded by recipients and their contractors shall contain the procurement provisions of Appendix A to this subpart, as applicable.
Recipients' procurements shall comply with applicable requirements of RCRA, as described at § 600.116 of this subpart.
Sections 600.151 through 600.153 set forth the procedures for monitoring and reporting on the recipient's financial and program performance and the necessary standard reporting forms. They also set forth record retention requirements.
(a) Recipients are responsible for managing and monitoring each project, program, subaward, function or activity supported by the award. Recipients shall monitor subawards to ensure subrecipients have met the audit requirements as delineated in § 600.126.
(b) The terms and conditions of the award will prescribe the frequency with which the performance reports shall be submitted. Except as provided in paragraph (f) of this section, performance reports shall not be required more frequently than quarterly or less frequently than annually. Annual reports shall be due 90 calendar days after the
(c) If inappropriate, a final technical or performance report shall not be required after completion of the project.
(d) When required, performance reports shall generally contain, for each award, brief information on each of the following.
(1) A comparison of actual accomplishments with the goals and objectives established for the period, the findings of the investigator, or both. Whenever appropriate and the output of programs or projects can be readily quantified, such quantitative data should be related to cost data for computation of unit costs.
(2) Reasons why established goals were not met, if appropriate.
(3) Other pertinent information including, when appropriate, analysis and explanation of cost overruns or high unit costs.
(e) Recipients shall not be required to submit more than the original and two copies of performance reports.
(f) Recipients shall immediately notify DOE of developments that have a significant impact on the award-supported activities. Also, notification shall be given in the case of problems, delays, or adverse conditions which materially impair the ability to meet the objectives of the award. This notification shall include a statement of the action taken or contemplated, and any assistance needed to resolve the situation.
(g) DOE may make site visits, as needed.
(h) DOE shall comply with applicable clearance requirements of 5 CFR part 1320 when requesting performance data from recipients.
(i) Recipients may place performance reporting requirements on subawards consistent with the provisions of this section and shall require interim reporting in accordance with § 600.151(f).
(a) The following forms or such other forms as may be approved by OMB are authorized for obtaining financial information from recipients.
(1) SF-269 or SF-269A, Financial Status Report.
(i) Recipients shall use the SF-269 or SF-269A to report the status of funds for all nonconstruction projects or programs, except that DOE has the option of not requiring the SF-269 or SF-269A when the SF-270, Request for Advance or Reimbursement, or SF-272, Report of Federal Cash Transactions, is determined to provide adequate information to meet DOE needs. However, a final SF-269 or SF-269A shall be required at the completion of the project when the SF-270 is used only for advances.
(ii) The terms and conditions of award shall prescribe whether the report shall be on a cash or accrual basis. DOE may require accrual reporting only if such reporting is required by program statute or rule. If the award requires accrual information and the recipient's accounting records are not normally kept on the accrual basis, the recipient shall not be required to convert its accounting system, but shall develop such accrual information through best estimates based on an analysis of the documentation on hand.
(iii) DOE shall determine the frequency of the Financial Status Report for each project or program, considering the size and complexity of the particular project or program. However, the report shall not be required more frequently than quarterly or less
(iv) DOE shall require recipients to submit the SF-269 or SF-269A (an original and no more than two copies) no later than 30 days after the end of each specified reporting period for quarterly and semi-annual reports, and 90 calendar days for annual and final reports. Extensions of reporting due dates may be approved by the DOE upon request of the recipient.
(2) SF-272, Report of Federal Cash Transactions.
(i) When funds are advanced, each recipient shall submit the SF-272 and, when necessary, its continuation sheet, SF-272a. DOE will use this report to monitor cash advanced to recipients and to obtain disbursement information for each agreement with the recipients.
(ii) Recipients shall forecast Federal cash requirements in the “Remarks” section of the report.
(iii) When practical and deemed necessary, DOE may require recipients to report in the “Remarks” section the amount of cash advances received in excess of three days. Recipients shall provide short narrative explanations of actions taken to reduce the excess balances.
(iv) Recipients shall be required to submit not more than the original and two copies of the SF-272 15 calendar days following the end of each quarter. DOE may require a monthly report from those recipients receiving advances totaling $1 million or more per year.
(v) DOE may waive the requirement for submission of the SF-272 for any one of the following reasons:
(A) When monthly advances do not exceed $25,000 per recipient, provided that such advances are monitored through other forms contained in this section;
(B) If, in the contracting officer's opinion, the recipient's accounting controls are adequate to minimize excessive Federal advances; or,
(C) When electronic payment mechanisms provide adequate data.
(b) When DOE needs additional information or more frequent reports, the following shall be observed:
(1) When additional information is needed to comply with legislative requirements, DOE shall issue instructions to require recipients to submit such information under the “Remarks” section of the reports.
(2) When DOE determines that a recipient's accounting system does not meet the standards in § 600.121, additional pertinent information to further monitor awards may be obtained upon written notice to the recipient until such time as the system is brought up to standard. DOE, in obtaining this information, shall comply with report clearance requirements of 5 CFR part 1320.
(3) Contracting officers are encouraged to shade out any line item on any report if not necessary.
(4) DOE may accept the identical information from the recipients in machine readable format or computer printouts or electronic outputs in lieu of prescribed formats.
(5) Computer or electronic outputs may be provided to recipients when that expedites or contributes to the accuracy of reporting.
(a) This section sets forth requirements for record retention and access to records for awards to recipients. DOE shall not impose any other record retention or access requirements upon recipients, unless such requirements are established in program regulations.
(b) Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other records pertinent to an award shall be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, as authorized by DOE. The only exceptions are the following:
(1) If any litigation, claim, or audit is started before the expiration of the 3-year period, the records shall be retained until all litigation, claims or audit findings involving the records have been resolved and final action taken.
(2) Records for real property and equipment acquired with Federal funds
(3) When records are transferred to or maintained by DOE, the 3-year retention requirement is not applicable to the recipient.
(4) Indirect cost rate proposals, cost allocations plans, and related records, for which retention requirements are specified in § 600.153(g).
(c) Copies of original records may be substituted for the original records if authorized by DOE.
(d) DOE shall request transfer of certain records to its custody from recipients when it determines that the records possess long term retention value. However, in order to avoid duplicate recordkeeping, DOE may make arrangements for recipients to retain any records that are continuously needed for joint use.
(e) DOE, the Inspector General, Comptroller General of the United States, or any of their duly authorized representatives, have the right of timely and unrestricted access to any books, documents, papers, or other records of recipients that are pertinent to the awards, in order to make audits, examinations, excerpts, transcripts and copies of such documents. This right also includes timely and reasonable access to a recipient's personnel for the purpose of interview and discussion related to such documents. The rights of access in this paragraph are not limited to the required retention period, but shall last as long as records are retained.
(f) Unless required by statute, DOE shall place no restrictions on recipients that limit public access to the records of recipients that are pertinent to an award, except when DOE can demonstrate that such records shall be kept confidential and would have been exempted from disclosure pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) if the records had belonged to DOE.
(g) Paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this section apply to the following types of documents, and their supporting records: indirect cost rate computations or proposals, cost allocation plans, and any similar accounting computations of the rate at which a particular group of costs is chargeable (such as computer usage chargeback rates or composite fringe benefit rates).
(1)
(2)
(h) If, by the terms and conditions of the award, the recipient or subrecipient—
(1) Is accountable for program income earned or received after the end of the project period or after the termination of an award or subaward, or
(2) If program income earned during the project period is required to be applied to costs incurred after the end of the project period or after termination of an award or subaward, the record retention period shall start on the last day of the recipient's or subrecipient's fiscal year in which such income was earned or received or such costs were incurred. All other program income records shall be retained in accordance with § 600.153(b).
Sections 600.161 and 600.162 set forth uniform suspension, termination and enforcement procedures.
(a) Awards may be terminated in whole or in part only if paragraph (a) (1), (2) or (3) of this section apply.
(1) By DOE, if a recipient materially fails to comply with the terms and conditions of an award.
(2) By DOE with the consent of the recipient, in which case the two parties shall agree upon the termination conditions, including the effective date and, in the case of partial termination, the portion to be terminated.
(3) By the recipient upon sending to DOE written notification setting forth the reasons for such termination, the effective date, and, in the case of partial termination, the portion to be terminated. However, if DOE determines in the case of partial termination that the reduced or modified portion of the award will not accomplish the purposes for which the award was made, it may terminate the award in its entirety under either paragraph (a) (1) or (2) of this section.
(b) If costs are allowed under an award, the responsibilities of the recipient referred to in § 600.171(a), including those for property management as applicable, shall be considered in the termination of the award, and provision shall be made for continuing responsibilities of the recipient after termination, as appropriate.
(a) Remedies for noncompliance. If a recipient materially fails to comply with the terms and conditions of an award, whether stated in a Federal statute, regulation, assurance, application, or notice of award, DOE may, in addition to imposing any of the special conditions outlined in § 600.114, take one or more of the following actions, as appropriate in the circumstances.
(1) Temporarily withhold cash payments pending correction of the deficiency by the recipient or more severe enforcement action by DOE.
(2) Disallow (that is, deny both use of funds and any applicable matching credit for) all or part of the cost of the activity or action not in compliance.
(3) Wholly or partly suspend or terminate the current award.
(4) Withhold further awards for the project or program.
(5) Take other remedies that may be legally available.
(b) Hearings and appeals. In taking an enforcement action, DOE shall provide the recipient an opportunity for hearing, appeal, or other administrative proceeding to which the recipient is entitled under any statute or regulation applicable to the action involved.
(c) Effects of suspension and termination. Costs of a recipient resulting from obligations incurred by the recipient during a suspension or after termination of an award are not allowable unless the awarding agency expressly authorizes them in the notice of suspension or termination or subsequently. Other recipient costs during suspension or after termination which are necessary and not reasonably avoidable are allowable if paragraph (c) (1) and (2) of this section apply.
(1) The costs result from obligations which were properly incurred by the recipient before the effective date of suspension or termination, are not in anticipation of it, and in the case of a termination, are noncancellable.
(2) The costs would be allowable if the award were not suspended or expired normally at the end of the funding period in which the termination takes effect.
(d) Relationship to debarment and suspension. The enforcement remedies identified in this section, including suspension and termination, do not preclude a recipient from being subject to debarment and suspension under 10 CFR part 1036.
Sections 600.171 through 600.173 contain closeout procedures and other procedures for subsequent disallowances and adjustments.
(a) Recipients shall submit, within 90 calendar days after the date of completion of the award, all financial, performance, and other reports as required by the terms and conditions of the award. DOE may approve extensions when requested by the recipient.
(b) Unless DOE authorizes an extension, a recipient shall liquidate all obligations incurred under the award not later than 90 calendar days after the
(c) DOE shall make prompt payments to a recipient for allowable reimbursable costs under the award being closed out.
(d) The recipient shall promptly refund any balances of unobligated cash that DOE has advanced or paid and that is not authorized to be retained by the recipient for use in other projects. OMB Circular A-129 governs unreturned amounts that become delinquent debts.
(e) When authorized by the terms and conditions of the award, DOE shall make a settlement for any upward or downward adjustments to the Federal share of costs after closeout reports are received.
(f) The recipient shall account for any real and personal property acquired with Federal funds or received from the Federal Government in accordance with §§ 600.131 through 600.137.
(g) In the event a final audit has not been performed prior to the closeout of an award, DOE shall retain the right to recover an appropriate amount after fully considering the recommendations on disallowed costs resulting from the final audit.
(a) The closeout of an award does not affect any of the following.
(1) The right of DOE to disallow costs and recover funds on the basis of a later audit or other review.
(2) The obligation of the recipient to return any funds due as a result of later refunds, corrections, or other transactions.
(3) Audit requirements in § 600.126.
(4) Property management requirements in §§ 600.131 through 600.137.
(5) Records retention as required in § 600.153.
(b) After closeout of an award, a relationship created under an award may be modified or ended in whole or in part with the consent of DOE and the recipient, provided the responsibilities of the recipient referred to in paragraph 600.173(a), including those for property management as applicable, are considered and provisions made for continuing responsibilities of the recipient, as appropriate.
(a) Any funds paid to a recipient in excess of the amount to which the recipient is finally determined to be entitled under the terms and conditions of the award constitute a debt to the Federal Government. If not paid within a reasonable period after the demand for payment, DOE may reduce the debt by paragraph (a) (1), (2) or (3) of this section.
(1) Making an administrative offset against other requests for reimbursements.
(2) Withholding advance payments otherwise due to the recipient.
(3) Taking other action permitted by statute.
(b) Except as otherwise provided by law, DOE shall charge interest on an overdue debt in accordance with 4 CFR Chapter II, “Federal Claims Collection Standards.”
All contracts, awarded by a recipient including small purchases, shall contain the following provisions as applicable:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
For additional information, see related documents published at 49
This subpart establishes uniform administrative rules for Federal grants and cooperative agreements and subawards to State, local and Indian tribal governments.
This section contains general rules pertaining to this part and procedures for control of exceptions from this subpart.
As used in this part:
(a)
(1) Grants and subgrants to State and local institutions of higher education or State and local hospitals.
(2) The block grants authorized by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 (Community Services; Preventive Health and Health Services; Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Services; Maternal and Child Health Services; Social Services; Low-Income Home Energy Assistance; States' Program of Community Development Block Grants for Small Cities; and Elementary and Secondary Education other than programs administered by the Secretary of Education under Title V, Subtitle D, Chapter 2, Section 583—the Secretary's discretionary grant program) and Titles I-III of the Job Training Partnership Act of 1982 and under the Public Health Services Act (Section 1921), Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Block Grant and part C of Title V, Mental Health Service for the Homeless Block Grant).
(3) Entitlement grants to carry out the following programs of the Social Security Act:
(i) Aid to Needy Families with Dependent Children (Title IV-A of the Act, not including the Work Incentive Program (WIN) authorized by section 402(a)19(G); HHS grants for WIN are subject to this subpart);
(ii) Child Support Enforcement and Establishment of Paternity (Title IV-D of the Act);
(iii) Foster Care and Adoption Assistance (Title IV-E of the Act);
(iv) Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (Titles I, X, XIV, and XVI-AABD of the Act); and
(v) Medical Assistance (Medicaid) (Title XIX of the Act) not including the State Medicaid Fraud Control program authorized by section 1903(a)(6)(B).
(4) Entitlement grants under the following programs of The National School Lunch Act:
(i) School Lunch (section 4 of the Act),
(ii) Commodity Assistance (section 6 of the Act),
(iii) Special Meal Assistance (section 11 of the Act),
(iv) Summer Food Service for Children (section 13 of the Act), and
(v) Child Care Food Program (section 17 of the Act).
(5) Entitlement grants under the following programs of The Child Nutrition Act of 1966:
(i) Special Milk (section 3 of the Act), and
(ii) School Breakfast (section 4 of the Act).
(6) Entitlement grants for State Administrative expenses under The Food Stamp Act of 1977 (section 16 of the Act).
(7) A grant for an experimental, pilot, or demonstration project that is also supported by a grant listed in paragraph (a)(3) of this section;
(8) Grant funds awarded under subsection 412(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1522(e)) and subsection 501(a) of the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980 (Pub. L. 96-422, 94 Stat. 1809), for cash assistance, medical assistance, and supplemental security income benefits to refugees and entrants and the administrative costs of providing the assistance and benefits;
(9) Grants to local education agencies under 20 U.S.C. 236 through 241-1(a), and 242 through 244 (portions of the Impact Aid program), except for 20 U.S.C. 238(d)(2)(c) and 240(f) (Entitlement Increase for Handicapped Children); and
(10) Payments under the Veterans Administration's State Home Per Diem Program (38 U.S.C. 641(a)).
(b)
All other grants administration provisions of codified program regulations, program manuals, handbooks and other nonregulatory materials which are inconsistent with this subpart are superseded, except to the extent they are required by statute, or authorized in accordance with the exception provision in § 600.205.
(a) For classes of grants and grantees subject to this subpart, Federal agencies may not impose additional administrative requirements except in codified regulations published in the
(b) Exceptions for classes of grants or grantees may be authorized only by OMB.
(c) Exceptions on a case-by-case basis and for subgrantees may be authorized by the affected Federal agencies.
(d) The DOE procedural requirements for requesting additions and exceptions are specified in § 600.4.
(a)
(2) This section applies only to applications to Federal agencies for grants, and is not required to be applied by grantees in dealing with applicants for subgrants. However, grantees are encouraged to avoid more detailed or burdensome application requirements for subgrants.
(b)
(2) Applicants are not required to submit more than the original and two copies of preapplications or applications.
(3) Applicants must follow all applicable instructions that bear OMB clearance numbers. Federal agencies may specify and describe the programs, functions, or activities that will be used to plan, budget, and evaluate the work under a grant. Other supplementary instructions may be issued only with the approval of OMB to the extent required under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980. For any standard form, except the SF-424 facesheet, Federal agencies may shade out or instruct the applicant to disregard any line item that is not needed.
(4) When a grantee applies for additional funding (such as a continuation or supplemental award) or amends a previously submitted application, only the affected pages need be submitted. Previously submitted pages with information that is still current need not be resubmitted.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) Cite by number the statutory or regulatory provisions requiring the assurances and affirm that it gives the assurances required by those provisions,
(2) Repeat the assurance language in the statutes or regulations, or
(3) Develop its own language to the extent permitted by law.
(d)
(a) A grantee or subgrantee may be considered “high risk” if an awarding agency determines that a grantee or subgrantee:
(1) Has a history of unsatisfactory performance, or
(2) Is not financially stable, or
(3) Has a management system which does not meet the management standards set forth in this subpart, or
(4) Has not conformed to terms and conditions of previous awards, or
(5) Is otherwise not responsible; and if the awarding agency determines that an award will be made, special conditions and/or restrictions shall correspond to the high risk condition and shall be included in the award.
(b) Special conditions or restrictions may include:
(1) Payment on a reimbursement basis;
(2) Withholding authority to proceed to the next phase until receipt of evidence of acceptable performance within a given funding period;
(3) Requiring additional, more detailed financial reports;
(4) Additional project monitoring;
(5) Requiring the grantee or subgrantee to obtain technical or management assistance; or
(6) Establishing additional prior approvals.
(c) If an awarding agency decides to impose such conditions, the awarding official will notify the grantee or subgrantee as early as possible, in writing, of:
(1) The nature of the special conditions/restrictions;
(2) The reason(s) for imposing them;
(3) The corrective actions which must be taken before they will be removed and the time allowed for completing the corrective actions and
(4) The method of requesting reconsideration of the conditions/restrictions imposed.
(a) A State must expend and account for grant funds in accordance with State laws and procedures for expending and accounting for its own funds. Fiscal control and accounting procedures of the State, as well as its subgrantees and cost-type contractors, must be sufficient to—
(1) Permit preparation of reports required by this part and the statutes authorizing the grant, and
(2) Permit the tracing of funds to a level of expenditures adequate to establish that such funds have not been used in violation of the restrictions and prohibitions of applicable statutes.
(b) The financial management systems of other grantees and subgrantees must meet the following standards:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(c) An awarding agency may review the adequacy of the financial management system of any applicant for financial assistance as part of a preaward review or at any time subsequent to award.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(2) Except as provided in paragraph (f)(1) of this section, grantees and subgrantees shall disburse program income, rebates, refunds, contract settlements, audit recoveries and interest earned on such funds before requesting additional cash payments.
(g)
(i) The grantee or subgrantee has failed to comply with grant award conditions or
(ii) The grantee or subgrantee is indebted to the United States.
(2) Cash withheld for failure to comply with grant award condition, but without suspension of the grant, shall be released to the grantee upon subsequent compliance. When a grant is suspended, payment adjustments will be made in accordance with § 600.243(c).
(3) A Federal agency shall not make payment to grantees for amounts that are withheld by grantees or subgrantees from payment to contractors to assure satisfactory completion of work. Payments shall be made by the Federal agency when the grantees or subgrantees actually disburse the withheld funds to the contractors or to escrow accounts established to assure satisfactory completion of work.
(h)
(2) A grantee or subgrantee shall maintain a separate bank account only when required by Federal-State agreement.
(i)
(a)
(1) The allowable costs of the grantees, subgrantees and cost-type contractors, including allowable costs in the form of payments to fixed-price contractors; and
(2) Reasonable fees or profit to cost-type contractors but not any fee or profit (or other increment above allowable costs) to the grantee or subgrantee.
(b)
(a)
(b)
(a)
(1) Allowable costs incurred by the grantee, subgrantee or a cost-type contractor under the assistance agreement. This includes allowable costs
(2) The value of third party in-kind contributions applicable to the period to which the cost sharing or matching requirements applies.
(b)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(ii) Some third party in-kind contributions are goods and services that, if the grantee, subgrantee, or contractor receiving the contribution had to pay for them, the payments would have been an indirect costs. Cost sharing or matching credit for such contributions shall be given only if the grantee, subgrantee, or contractor has established, along with its regular indirect cost rate, a special rate for allocating to individual projects or programs the value of the contributions.
(iii) A third party in-kind contribution to a fixed-price contract may count towards satisfying a cost sharing or matching requirement only if it results in:
(A) An increase in the services or property provided under the contract (without additional cost to the grantee or subgrantee) or
(B) A cost savings to the grantee or subgrantee.
(iv) The values placed on third party in-kind contributions for cost sharing or matching purposes will conform to the rules in the succeeding sections of this subpart. If a third party in-kind contribution is a type not treated in those sections, the value placed upon it shall be fair and reasonable.
(c)
(2)
(d)
(2) If a third party donates the use of equipment or space in a building but retains title, the contribution will be valued at the fair rental rate of the equipment or space.
(e)
(1)
(2)
(i) If approval is obtained from the awarding agency, the market value at the time of donation of the donated equipment or buildings and the fair rental rate of the donated land may be counted as cost sharing or matching. In the case of a subgrant, the terms of the grant agreement may require that the approval be obtained from the Federal agency as well as the grantee. In all cases, the approval may be given only if a purchase of the equipment or rental of the land would be approved as an allowable direct cost. If any part of the donated property was acquired with Federal funds, only the non-federal share of the property may be counted as cost-sharing or matching.
(ii) If approval is not obtained under paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this section, no amount may be counted for donated land, and only depreciation or use allowances may be counted for donated equipment and buildings. The depreciation or use allowances for this property are not treated as third party in-kind contributions. Instead, they are treated as costs incurred by the grantee or subgrantee. They are computed and allocated (usually as indirect costs) in accordance with the cost principles specified in § 600.222, in the same way as depreciation or use allowances for purchased equipment and buildings. The amount of depreciation or use allowances for donated equipment and buildings is based on the property's market value at the time it was donated.
(f)
(g)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(h)
(a)
(b)
(1) Determine whether State or local subgrantees have met the audit requirements of the Act and whether subgrantees covered by OMB Circular A-110, “Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-Profit Organizations,” have met the audit requirements of the Act. Commercial contractors (private for-profit and private and governmental organizations) providing goods and services to State and local governments are not required to have a single audit performed. State and local governments should use their own procedures to ensure that the contractor has complied with laws and regulations affecting the expenditure of Federal funds;
(2) Determine whether the subgrantee spent Federal assistance funds provided in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. This may be accomplished by reviewing an audit of the subgrantee made in accordance with the Act, Circular A-110, or through other means (e.g., program reviews) if the subgrantee has not had such an audit;
(3) Ensure that appropriate corrective action is taken within six months after receipt of the audit report in instance of noncompliance with Federal laws and regulations;
(4) Consider whether subgrantee audits necessitate adjustment of the grantee's own records; and
(5) Require each subgrantee to permit independent auditors to have access to the records and financial statements.
(c)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(i) Any revision which would result in the need for additional funding.
(ii) Unless waived by the awarding agency, cumulative transfers among direct cost categories, or, if applicable, among separately budgeted programs, projects, functions, or activities which exceed or are expected to exceed ten percent of the current total approved budget, whenever the awarding agency's share exceeds $100,000.
(iii) Transfer of funds allotted for training allowances (i.e., from direct payments to trainees to other expense categories).
(2)
(3)
(d)
(1) Any revision of the scope or objectives of the project (regardless of whether there is an associated budget revision requiring prior approval).
(2) Need to extend the period of availability of funds.
(3) Changes in key persons in cases where specified in an application or a grant award. In research projects, a change in the project director or principal investigator shall always require approval unless waived by the awarding agency.
(4) Under nonconstruction projects, contracting out, subgranting (if authorized by law) or otherwise obtaining the services of a third party to perform activities which are central to the purposes of the award. This approval requirement is in addition to the approval requirements of § 600.236 but does not apply to the procurement of equipment, supplies, and general support services.
(e)
(f)
(2) A request for a prior approval under the applicable Federal cost principles (see § 600.222) may be made by letter.
(3) A request by a subgrantee for prior approval will be addressed in writing to the grantee. The grantee will promptly review such request and shall approve or disapprove the request in writing. A grantee will not approve any budget or project revision which is inconsistent with the purpose or terms and conditions of the Federal grant to the grantee. If the revision, requested by the subgrantee would result in a change to the grantee's approved project which requires Federal prior approval, the grantee will obtain the Federal agency's approval before approving the subgrantee's request.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(2) The grantee or subgrantee shall also make equipment available for use on other projects or programs currently or previously supported by the Federal Government, providing such use will not interfere with the work on the projects or program for which it was originally acquired. First preference for other use shall be given to other programs or projects supported by the awarding agency. User fees should be considered if appropriate.
(3) Notwithstanding the encouragement in § 600.225(a) to earn program income, the grantee or subgrantee must not use equipment acquired with grant funds to provide services for a fee to compete unfairly with private companies that provide equivalent services, unless specifically permitted or contemplated by Federal statute.
(4) When acquiring replacement equipment, the grantee or subgrantee may use the equipment to be replaced as a trade-in or sell the property and use the proceeds to offset the cost of the replacement property, subject to the approval of the awarding agency.
(d)
(1) Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of property, who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the cost of the property, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property.
(2) A physical inventory of the property must be taken and the results reconciled with the property records at least once every two years.
(3) A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of the property. Any loss, damage, or theft shall be investigated.
(4) Adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition.
(5) If the grantee or subgrantee is authorized or required to sell the property, proper sales procedures must be established to ensure the highest possible return.
(e)
(1) Items of equipment with a current per-unit fair market value of less than $5,000 may be retained, sold or otherwise disposed of with no further obligation to the awarding agency.
(2) Items of equipment with a current per unit fair market value in excess of $5,000 may be retained or sold and the awarding agency shall have a right to an amount calculated by multiplying the current market value or proceeds from sale by the awarding agency's share of the equipment.
(3) In cases where a grantee or subgrantee fails to take appropriate disposition actions, the awarding agency may direct the grantee or subgrantee to take excess and disposition actions.
(f)
(1) Title will remain vested in the Federal Government.
(2) Grantees or subgrantees will manage the equipment in accordance with Federal agency rules and procedures, and submit an annual inventory listing.
(3) When the equipment is no longer needed, the grantee or subgrantee will request disposition instructions from the Federal agency.
(g)
(1) The property shall be identified in the grant or otherwise made known to the grantee in writing.
(2) The Federal awarding agency shall issue disposition instructions within 120 calendar days after the end of the Federal support of the project for which it was acquired. If the Federal awarding agency fails to issue disposition instructions within the 120 calendar-day period the grantee shall follow § 600.232(e).
(3) When title to equipment is transferred, the grantee shall be paid an amount calculated by applying the percentage of participation in the purchase to the current fair market value of the property.
(a)
(b)
The Federal awarding agency reserves a royalty-free, nonexclusive, and irrevocable license to reproduce, publish or otherwise use, and to authorize others to use, for Federal Government purposes:
(a) The copyright in any work developed under a grant, subgrant, or contract under a grant or subgrant; and
(b) Any rights of copyright to which a grantee, subgrantee or a contractor purchases ownership with grant support.
Grantees and subgrantees must not make any award or permit any award (subgrant or contract) at any tier to any party which is debarred or suspended or is otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs under Executive Order 12549, “Debarment and Suspension.”
(a)
(b)
(2) Grantees and subgrantees will maintain a contract administration system which ensures that contractors perform in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications of their contracts or purchase orders.
(3) Grantees and subgrantees will maintain a written code of standards of conduct governing the performance of their employees engaged in the award and administration of contracts. No employee, officer or agent of the grantee or subgrantee shall participate in selection, or in the award or administration of a contract supported by Federal funds if a conflict of interest, real or apparent, would be involved. Such a conflict would arise when:
(i) The employee, officer or agent,
(ii) Any member of his immediate family,
(iii) His or her partner, or
(iv) An organization which employs, or is about to employ, any of the above, has a financial or other interest in the firm selected for award. The grantee's or subgrantee's officers, employees or agents will neither solicit nor accept gratuities, favors or anything of monetary value from contractors, potential contractors, or parties to subagreements. Grantee and subgrantees may set minimum rules where the financial interest is not substantial or the gift is an unsolicited item of nominal intrinsic value. To the extent permitted by State or local law or regulations, such standards or conduct will provide for penalties, sanctions, or other disciplinary actions for violations of such standards by the grantee's and subgrantee's officers, employees, or agents, or by contractors or their agents. The awarding agency may in regulation provide additional prohibitions relative to real, apparent, or potential conflicts of interest.
(4) Grantee and subgrantee procedures will provide for a review of proposed procurements to avoid purchase of unnecessary or duplicative items. Consideration should be given to consolidating or breaking out procurements to obtain a more economical purchase. Where appropriate, an analysis will be made of lease versus purchase alternatives, and any other appropriate analysis to determine the most economical approach.
(5) To foster greater economy and efficiency, grantees and subgrantees are encouraged to enter into State and local intergovernmental agreements for procurement or use of common goods and services.
(6) Grantees and subgrantees are encouraged to use Federal excess and surplus property in lieu of purchasing new equipment and property whenever such use is feasible and reduces project costs.
(7) Grantees and subgrantees are encouraged to use value engineering clauses in contracts for construction projects of sufficient size to offer reasonable opportunities for cost reductions. Value engineering is a systematic and creative anaylsis of each contract item or task to ensure that its essential function is provided at the overall lower cost.
(8) Grantees and subgrantees will make awards only to responsible contractors possessing the ability to perform successfully under the terms and conditions of a proposed procurement. Consideration will be given to such matters as contractor integrity, compliance with public policy, record of past performance, and financial and technical resources.
(9) Grantees and subgrantees will maintain records sufficient to detail the significant history of a procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to the following: rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price.
(10) Grantees and subgrantees will use time and material type contracts only—
(i) After a determination that no other contract is suitable, and
(ii) If the contract includes a ceiling price that the contractor exceeds at its own risk.
(11) Grantees and subgrantees alone will be responsible, in accordance with good administrative practice and sound business judgment, for the settlement of all contractual and administrative
(12) Grantees and subgrantees will have protest procedures to handle and resolve disputes relating to their procurements and shall in all instances disclose information regarding the protest to the awarding agency. A protestor must exhaust all administrative remedies with the grantee and subgrantee before pursuing a protest with the Federal agency. Reviews of protests by the Federal agency will be limited to:
(i) Violations of Federal law or regulations and the standards of this section (violations of State or local law will be under the jurisdiction of State or local authorities) and
(ii) Violations of the grantee's or subgrantee's protest procedures for failure to review a complaint or protest. Protests received by the Federal agency other than those specified above will be referred to the grantee or subgrantee.
(c)
(i) Placing unreasonable requirements on firms in order for them to qualify to do business,
(ii) Requiring unnecessary experience and excessive bonding,
(iii) Noncompetitive pricing practices between firms or between affiliated companies,
(iv) Noncompetitive awards to consultants that are on retainer contracts,
(v) Organizational conflicts of interest,
(vi) Specifying only a “brand name” product instead of allowing “an equal” product to be offered and describing the performance of other relevant requirements of the procurement, and
(vii) Any arbitrary action in the procurement process.
(2) Grantees and subgrantees will conduct procurements in a manner that prohibits the use of statutorily or administratively imposed in-State or local geographical preferences in the evaluation of bids or proposals, except in those cases where applicable Federal statutes expressly mandate or encourage geographic preference. Nothing in this section preempts State licensing laws. When contracting for architectural and engineering (A/E) services, geographic location may be a selection criteria provided its application leaves an appropriate number of qualified firms, given the nature and size of the project, to compete for the contract.
(3) Grantees will have written selection procedures for procurement transactions. These procedures will ensure that all solicitations:
(i) Incorporate a clear and accurate description of the technical requirements for the material, product, or service to be procured. Such description shall not, in competitive procurements, contain features which unduly restrict competition. The description may include a statement of the qualitative nature of the material, product or service to be procured, and when necessary, shall set forth those minimum essential characteristics and standards to which it must conform if it is to satisfy its intended use. Detailed product specifications should be avoided if at all possible. When it is impractical or uneconomical to make a clear and accurate description of the technical requirements, a “brand name or equal” description may be used as a means to define the performance or other salient requirements of a procurement. The specific features of the named brand which must be met by offerors shall be clearly stated; and
(ii) Identify all requirements which the offerors must fulfill and all other factors to be used in evaluating bids or proposals.
(4) Grantees and subgrantees will ensure that all prequalified lists of persons, firms, or products which are used in acquiring goods and services are current and include enough qualified
(d)
(2) Procurement by
(i) In order for sealed bidding to be feasible, the following conditions should be present:
(A) A complete, adequate, and realistic specification or purchase description is available;
(B) Two or more responsible bidders are willing and able to compete effectively and for the business; and
(C) The procurement lends itself to a firm fixed price contract and the selection of the successful bidder can be made principally on the basis of price.
(ii) If sealed bids are used, the following requirements apply:
(A) The invitation for bids will be publicly advertised and bids shall be solicited from an adequate number of known suppliers, providing them sufficient time prior to the date set for opening the bids;
(B) The invitation for bids, which will include any specifications and pertinent attachments, shall define the items or services in order for the bidder to properly respond;
(C) All bids will be publicly opened at the time and place prescribed in the invitation for bids;
(D) A firm fixed-price contract award will be made in writing to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Where specified in bidding documents, factors such as discounts, transportation cost, and life cycle costs shall be considered in determining which bid is lowest. Payment discounts will only be used to determine the low bid when prior experience indicates that such discounts are usually taken advantage of; and
(E) Any or all bids may be rejected if there is a sound documented reason.
(3) Procurement by
(i) Requests for proposals will be publicized and identify all evaluation factors and their relative importance. Any response to publicized requests for proposals shall be honored to the maximum extent practical;
(ii) Proposals will be solicited from an adequate number of qualified sources;
(iii) Grantees and subgrantees will have a method for conducting technical evaluations of the proposals received and for selecting awardees;
(iv) Awards will be made to the responsible firm whose proposal is most advantageous to the program, with price and other factors considered; and
(v) Grantees and subgrantees may use competitive proposal procedures for qualifications-based procurement of architectural/engineering (A/E) professional services whereby competitors' qualifications are evaluated and the most qualified competitor is selected, subject to negotiation of fair and reasonable compensation. The method, where price is not used as a selection factor, can only be used in procurement of A/E professional services. It cannot be used to purchase other types of services though A/E firms are a potential source to perform the proposed effort.
(4) Procurement by
(i) Procurement by noncompetitive proposals may be used only when the award of a contract is infeasible under small purchase procedures, sealed bids or competitive proposals and one of the following circumstances applies:
(A) The item is available only from a single source;
(B) The public exigency or emergency for the requirement will not permit a delay resulting from competitive solicitation;
(C) The awarding agency authorizes noncompetitive proposals; or
(D) After solicitation of a number of sources, competition is determined inadequate.
(ii) Cost analysis, i.e., verifying the proposed cost data, the projections of the data, and the evaluation of the specific elements of costs and profits, is required.
(iii) Grantees and subgrantees may be required to submit the proposed procurement to the awarding agency for pre-award review in accordance with paragraph (g) of this section.
(e)
(2) Affirmative steps shall include:
(i) Placing qualified small and minority businesses and women's business enterprises on solicitation lists;
(ii) Assuring that small and minority businesses, and women's business enterprises are solicited whenever they are potential sources;
(iii) Dividing total requirements, when economically feasible, into smaller tasks or quantities to permit maximum participation by small and minority business, and women's business enterprises;
(iv) Establishing delivery schedules, where the requirement permits, which encourage participation by small and minority business, and women's business enterprises;
(v) Using the services and assistance of the Small Business Administration, and the Minority Business Development Agency of the Department of Commerce; and
(vi) Requiring the prime contractor, if subcontracts are to be let, to take the affirmative steps listed in paragraphs (e)(2) (i) through (v) of this section.
(f)
(2) Grantees and subgrantees will negotiate profit as a separate element of the price for each contract in which there is no price competition and in all cases where cost analysis is performed. To establish a fair and reasonable profit, consideration will be given to the complexity of the work to be performed, the risk borne by the contractor, the contractor's investment, the amount of subcontracting, the quality of its record of past performance, and industry profit rates in the surrounding geographical area for similar work.
(3) Costs or prices based on estimated costs for contracts under grants will be allowable only to the extent that costs
(4) The cost plus a percentage of cost and percentage of construction cost methods of contracting shall not be used.
(g)
(2) Grantees and subgrantees must on request make available for awarding agency pre-award review procurement documents, such as requests for proposals or invitations for bids, independent cost estimates, etc. when:
(i) A grantee's or subgrantee's procurement procedures or operation fails to comply with the procurement standards in this section; or
(ii) The procurement is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold and is to be awarded without competition or only one bid or offer is received in response to a solicitation; or
(iii) The procurement, which is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, specifies a “brand name” product; or
(iv) The proposed award is more than the simplified acquisition threshold and is to be awarded to other than the apparent low bidder under a sealed bid procurement; or
(v) A proposed contract modification changes the scope of a contract or increases the contract amount by more than the simplified acquisition threshold.
(3) A grantee or subgrantee will be exempt from the pre-award review in paragraph (g)(2) of this section if the awarding agency determines that its procurement systems comply with the standards of this section.
(i) A grantee or subgrantee may request that its procurement system be reviewed by the awarding agency to determine whether its system meets these standards in order for its system to be certified. Generally, these reviews shall occur where there is a continuous high-dollar funding, and third-party contracts are awarded on a regular basis.
(ii) A grantee or subgrantee may self-certify its procurement system. Such self-certification shall not limit the awarding agency's right to survey the system. Under a self-certification procedure, awarding agencies may wish to rely on written assurances from the grantee or subgrantee that it is complying with these standards. A grantee or subgrantee will cite specific procedures, regulations, standards, etc., as being in compliance with these requirements and have its system available for review.
(h)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(i)
(1) Administrative, contractual, or legal remedies in instances where contractors violate or breach contract terms, and provide for such sanctions and penalties as may be appropriate. (Contracts more than the simplified acquisition threshold)
(2) Termination for cause and for convenience by the grantee or subgrantee including the manner by which it will be effected and the basis for settlement. (All contracts in excess of $10,000)
(3) Compliance with Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, entitled “Equal Employment Opportunity,” as amended by Executive Order 11375 of October 13, 1967, and as supplemented in Department of Labor regulations (41 CFR chapter 60). (All construction contracts awarded in excess of $10,000 by grantees and their contractors or subgrantees)
(4) Compliance with the Copeland “Anti-Kickback” Act (18 U.S.C. 874) as supplemented in Department of Labor regulations (29 CFR Part 3). (All contracts and subgrants for construction or repair)
(5) Compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 276a to 276a-7) as supplemented by Department of Labor regulations (29 CFR Part 5). (Construction contracts in excess of $2000 awarded by grantees and subgrantees when required by Federal grant program legislation)
(6) Compliance with Sections 103 and 107 of the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (40 U.S.C. 327-330) as supplemented by Department of Labor regulations (29 CFR Part 5). (Construction contracts awarded by grantees and subgrantees in excess of $2000, and in excess of $2500 for other contracts which involve the employment of mechanics or laborers)
(7) Notice of awarding agency requirements and regulations pertaining to reporting.
(8) Notice of awarding agency requirements and regulations pertaining to patent rights with respect to any discovery or invention which arises or is developed in the course of or under such contract.
(9) Awarding agency requirements and regulations pertaining to copyrights and rights in data.
(10) Access by the grantee, the subgrantee, the Federal grantor agency, the Comptroller General of the United States, or any of their duly authorized representatives to any books, documents, papers, and records of the contractor which are directly pertinent to that specific contract for the purpose of making audit, examination, excerpts, and transcriptions.
(11) Retention of all required records for three years after grantees or subgrantees make final payments and all other pending matters are closed.
(12) Compliance with all applicable standards, orders, or requirements issued under section 306 of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 1857(h)), section 508 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1368), Executive Order 11738, and Environmental Protection Agency regulations (40 CFR part 15). (Contracts, subcontracts, and subgrants of amounts in excess of $100,000).
(13) Mandatory standards and policies relating to energy efficiency which are contained in the state energy conservation plan issued in compliance with the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (Pub. L. 94-163, 89 Stat. 871).
(a)
(1) Ensure that every subgrant includes any clauses required by Federal statute and executive orders and their implementing regulations;
(2) Ensure that subgrantees are aware of requirements imposed upon them by Federal statute and regulation;
(3) Ensure that a provision for compliance with § 600.242 is placed in every cost reimbursement subgrant; and
(4) Conform any advances of grant funds to subgrantees substantially to the same standards of timing and amount that apply to cash advances by Federal agencies.
(b)
(1) Ensure that every subgrant includes a provision for compliance with this subpart;
(2) Ensure that every subgrant includes any clauses required by Federal statute and executive orders and their implementing regulations; and
(3) Ensure that subgrantees are aware of requirements imposed upon them by Federal statutes and regulations.
(c)
(1) Section 600.210;
(2) Section 600.211;
(3) The letter-of-credit procedures specified in Treasury Regulations at 31 CFR part 205, cited in § 600.221; and
(4) Section 600.250.
(a)
(b)
(1) Grantees shall submit annual performance reports unless the awarding agency requires quarterly or semi-annual reports. However, performance reports will not be required more frequently than quarterly. Annual reports shall be due 90 days after the grant year, quarterly or semi-annual reports shall be due 30 days after the reporting period. The final performance report will be due 90 days after the expiration or termination of grant support. If a justified request is submitted by a grantee, the Federal agency may extend the due date for any performance report. Additionally, requirements for unnecessary performance reports may be waived by the Federal agency.
(2) Performance reports will contain, for each grant, brief information on the following:
(i) A comparison of actual accomplishments to the objectives established for the period. Where the output of the project can be quantified, a computation of the cost per unit of output may be required if that information will be useful.
(ii) The reasons for slippage if established objectives were not met.
(iii) Additional pertinent information including, when appropriate, analysis and explanation of cost overruns or high unit costs.
(3) Grantees will not be required to submit more than the original and two copies of performance reports.
(4) Grantees will adhere to the standards in this section in prescribing performance reporting requirements for subgrantees.
(c)
(d)
(1) Problems, delays, or adverse conditions which will materially impair the ability to meet the objective of the award. This disclosure must include a statement of the action taken, or contemplated, and any assistance needed to resolve the situation.
(2) Favorable developments which enable meeting time schedules and objectives sooner or at less cost than anticipated or producing more beneficial results than originally planned.
(e) Federal agencies may make site visits as warranted by program needs.
(f)
(2) The grantee may waive any performance report from a subgrantee when not needed. The grantee may extend the due date for any performance report from a subgrantee if the grantee will still be able to meet its performance reporting obligations to the Federal agency.
(a)
(i) Submitting financial reports to Federal agencies, or
(ii) Requesting advances or reimbursements when letters of credit are not used.
(2) Grantees need not apply the forms prescribed in this section in dealing with their subgrantees. However, grantees shall not impose more burdensome requirements on subgrantees.
(3) Grantees shall follow all applicable standard and supplemental Federal agency instructions approved by OMB to the extent required under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 for use in connection with forms specified in paragraphs (b) through (e) of this section. Federal agencies may issue substantive supplementary instructions only with the approval of OMB. Federal agencies may shade out or instruct the grantee to disregard any line item that the Federal agency finds unnecessary for its decisionmaking purposes.
(4) Grantees will not be required to submit more than the original and two copies of forms required under this subpart.
(5) Federal agencies may provide computer outputs to grantees to expedite or contribute to the accuracy of reporting. Federal agencies may accept the required information from grantees in machine usable format or computer printouts instead of prescribed forms.
(6) Federal agencies may waive any report required by this section if not needed.
(7) Federal agencies may extend the due date of any financial report upon receiving a justified request from a grantee.
(b)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(c)
(ii) These reports will be used by the Federal agency to monitor cash advanced to grantees and to obtain disbursement or outlay information for each grant from grantees. The format of the report may be adapted as appropriate when reporting is to be accomplished with the assistance of automatic data processing equipment provided that the information to be submitted is not changed in substance.
(2)
(3)
(4)
(d)
(2)
(3) The frequency for submitting payment requests is treated in § 600.441(b)(3).
(e)
(ii) The frequency for submitting reimbursement requests is treated in § 600.241(b)(3).
(2)
(ii) When a construction grant is paid by Treasury check advances based on periodic requests from the grantee, the advances will be requested on the form specified in § 600.241(d).
(iii) The Federal agency may substitute the Financial Status Report specified in § 600.241(b) for the Outlay Report and Request for Reimbursement for Construction Programs.
(3)
(a)
(i) Required to be maintained by the terms of this subpart, program regulations or the grant agreement, or
(ii) Otherwise reasonably considered as pertinent to program regulations or the grant agreement.
(2) This section does not apply to records maintained by contractors or subcontractors. For a requirement to place a provision concerning records in certain kinds of contracts, see § 600.436(i)(10).
(b)
(2) If any litigation, claim, negotiation, audit or other action involving the records has been started before the expiration of the 3-year period, the records must be retained until completion of the action and resolution of all issues which arise from it, or until the end of the regular 3-year period, whichever is later.
(3) To avoid duplicate recordkeeping, awarding agencies may make special arrangements with grantees and subgrantees to retain any records which are continuously needed for joint use. The awarding agency will request transfer of records to its custody when it determines that the records possess long-term retention value. When the records are transferred to or maintained by the Federal agency, the 3-year retention requirement is not applicable to the grantee or subgrantee.
(c)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(i)
(ii)
(d)
(e)
(2)
(f)
(a)
(1) Temporarily withhold cash payments pending correction of the deficiency by the grantee or subgrantee or more severe enforcement action by the awarding agency,
(2) Disallow (that is, deny both use of funds and matching credit for) all or part of the cost of the activity or action not in compliance,
(3) Wholly or partly suspend or terminate the current award for the grantee's or subgrantee's program,
(4) Withhold further awards for the program, or
(5) Take other remedies that may be legally available.
(b)
(c)
(1) The costs result from obligations which were properly incurred by the grantee or subgrantee before the effective date of suspension or termination, are not in anticipation of it, and, in the case of a termination, are noncancellable, and,
(2) The costs would be allowable if the award were not suspended or expired normally at the end of the funding period in which the termination takes effect.
(d)
Except as provided in § 600.443 awards may be terminated in whole or in part only as follows:
(a) By the awarding agency with the consent of the grantee or subgrantee in which case the two parties shall agree upon the termination conditions, including the effective date and in the case of partial termination, the portion to be terminated, or
(b) By the grantee or subgrantee upon written notification to the awarding agency, setting forth the reasons for such termination, the effective date, and in the case of partial termination, the portion to be terminated. However, if, in the case of a partial termination, the awarding agency determines that the remaining portion of the award will not accomplish the purposes for which the award was made, the awarding agency may terminate the award in its entirety under either § 600.243 or paragraph (a) of this section.
(a)
(b)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(c)
(d)
(2) The grantee must immediately refund to the Federal agency any balance of unobligated (unencumbered) cash advanced that is not authorized to be retained for use on other grants.
The closeout of a grant does not affect:
(a) The Federal agency's right to disallow costs and recover funds on the basis of a later audit or other review;
(b) The grantee's obligation to return any funds due as a result of later refunds, corrections, or other transactions;
(c) Records retention as required in § 600.242;
(d) Property management requirements in §§ 600.231 and 600.232; and
(e) Audit requirements in § 600.226.
(a) Any funds paid to a grantee in excess of the amount to which the grantee is finally determined to be entitled under the terms of the award constitute a debt to the Federal Government. If not paid within a reasonable period after demand, the Federal agency may reduce the debt by:
(1) Making an adminstrative offset against other requests for reimbursements,
(2) Withholding advance payments otherwise due to the grantee, or
(3) Other action permitted by law.
(b) Except where otherwise provided by statutes or regulations, the Federal agency will charge interest on an overdue debt in accordance with the Federal Claims Collection Standards (4 CFR Ch. II). The date from which interest is computed is not extended by litigation or the filing of any form of appeal.
(a) This subpart prescribes administrative requirements for awards to for-profit organizations.
(b) Applicability to prime awards and subawards is as follows:
(1)
(i) In accordance with the deviation procedures or special award conditions in § 600.303 or § 600.304, respectively; or
(ii) As required by Federal statute, Executive order, or Federal regulation implementing a statute or Executive order.
(2)
(ii) For-profit organizations that receive prime awards covered by this part must apply to each subaward the administrative requirements that are applicable to the particular type of subrecipient (
In addition to the definitions used in subpart A of this part, the following are definitions of terms as used in this subpart:
(1) Tangible, having physical existence (
(2) Intangible, having no physical existence, such as patents, copyrights, data, and software.
(1) The date on which all work under an award is completed; or
(2) The date on which Federal sponsorship ends, as provided in the award document or any supplement or amendment thereto.
(a)
(b)
(a) Contracting officers may impose additional requirements as needed, over and above those provided in this subpart, if an applicant or recipient:
(1) Has a history of poor performance;
(2) Is not financially stable;
(3) Has a management system that does not meet the standards prescribed in this subpart;
(4) Has not conformed to the terms and conditions of a previous award; or
(5) Is not otherwise responsible.
(b) Before imposing additional requirements, DOE must notify the applicant or recipient in writing as to:
(1) The nature of the additional requirements;
(2) The reason why the additional requirements are being imposed;
(3) The nature of the corrective action needed;
(4) The time allowed for completing the corrective actions; and
(5) The method for requesting reconsideration of the additional requirements imposed.
(c) The contracting officer must remove any special conditions if the circumstances that prompted them have been corrected.
Recipients must comply with the nonprocurement debarment and suspension common rule implemented in 10 CFR part 1036. This common rule restricts subawards and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities.
(a) The Metric Conversion Act of 1975, as amended by the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 (15 U.S.C. 205) and implemented by Executive Order 12770, states that:
(1) The metric system is the preferred measurement system for U.S. trade and commerce.
(2) The metric system of measurement will be used, to the extent economically feasible, in Federal agencies' procurements, grants, and other business-related activities.
(3) Metric implementation is not required if such use is likely to cause significant inefficiencies or loss of markets to United States firms.
(b) Recipients are encouraged to use the metric system to the maximum extent practicable in measurement-sensitive activities and in measurement-sensitive outputs resulting from DOE funded programs.
Sections 600.311 through 600.318 prescribe standards for financial management systems; methods for making payments; and rules for cost sharing and matching, program income, revisions to budgets and program plans, audits, allowable costs, and fee and profit.
(a) Recipients are encouraged to use existing financial management systems to the extent that the systems comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and the minimum standards in this section. At a minimum, a recipient's financial management system must provide:
(1) Effective control of all funds. Control systems must be adequate to ensure that costs charged to Federal funds and those counted as the recipient's cost share or match are consistent with requirements for cost reasonableness, allowability, and allocability in the applicable cost principles (
(2) Accurate, current and complete records that document, for each project funded wholly or in part with Federal funds, the source and application of the Federal funds and the recipient's required cost share or match. These records must:
(i) Contain information about receipts, authorizations, assets, expenditures, program income, and interest.
(ii) Be adequate to make comparisons of outlays with amounts budgeted for each award (as required for programmatic and financial reporting under § 600.341). Where appropriate, financial information should be related to performance and unit cost data.
(3) To the extent that advance payments are authorized under § 600.312, procedures that minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds to the recipient from the Government and the recipient's disbursement of the funds for program purposes.
(4) A system to support charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages, whether treated as direct or indirect costs. If employees work on multiple activities or cost objectives, a distribution of their salaries and wages must be supported by personnel activity reports which:
(i) Reflect an after the fact distribution of the actual activity of each employee.
(ii) Account for the total activity for which each employee is compensated.
(iii) Are prepared at least monthly, and coincide with one or more pay periods.
(b) If the Federal Government guarantees or insures the repayment of money borrowed by the recipient, DOE, at its discretion, may require adequate bonding and insurance if the bonding and insurance requirements of the recipient are not deemed adequate to protect the interest of the Federal Government.
(c) DOE may require adequate fidelity bond coverage if the recipient lacks sufficient coverage to protect the Federal Government's interest.
(d) If bonds are required in the situations described in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, the bonds must be
(a)
(1)
(2)
(b)
(2) Advance payments, as described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, may be used in exceptional circumstances, subject to the following conditions:
(i) The contracting officer, in consultation with the program official, determines in writing that advance payments are necessary or will materially contribute to the probability of success of the project contemplated under the award (
(ii) Cash advances must be limited to the minimum amounts needed to carry out the program.
(iii) Recipients and DOE must maintain procedures to ensure that the timing of cash advances is as close as is administratively feasible to the recipients' disbursements of the funds for program purposes, including direct program or project costs and the proportionate share of any allowable indirect costs.
(iv) Recipients must maintain advance payments of Federal funds in interest-bearing accounts, and remit annually the interest earned to the contracting officer for return to the Department of Treasury's miscellaneous receipts account, unless one of the following applies:
(A) The recipient receives less than $120,000 in Federal awards per year.
(B) The best reasonably available interest bearing account would not be expected to earn interest in excess of $250 per year on Federal cash balances.
(C) The depository would require an average or minimum balance so high that establishing an interest bearing account would not be feasible, given the expected Federal and non-Federal cash resources.
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(1) A recipient failed to comply with project objectives, the terms and conditions of the award, or Federal reporting requirements, in which case the
(2) The recipient is delinquent on a debt to the United States (
(a)
(1) They are verifiable from the recipient's records.
(2) They are not included as contributions for any other federally-assisted project or program.
(3) They are necessary and reasonable for proper and efficient accomplishment of project or program objectives.
(4) They are allowable under § 600.317.
(5) They are not paid by the Federal Government under another award unless authorized by Federal statute to be used for cost sharing or matching.
(6) They are provided for in the approved budget.
(7) They conform to other provisions of this part, as applicable.
(b)
(i) The certified value of the remaining life of the property recorded in the recipient's accounting records at the time of donation; or
(ii) The current fair market value. If there is sufficient justification, the contracting officer may approve the use of the current fair market value of the donated property, even if it exceeds the certified value at the time of donation to the project. The contracting officer may accept the use of any reasonable basis for determining the fair market value of the property.
(2)
(3)
(4)
(ii) Normally only depreciation or use charges for equipment and buildings may be applied. However, the fair rental charges for land and the full value of equipment or other capital assets may be allowed, when they will be consumed in the performance of the award or fully depreciated by the end
(A) The value of donated space must not exceed the fair rental value of comparable space as established by an independent appraisal of comparable space and facilities in a privately-owned building in the same locality.
(B) The value of loaned equipment must not exceed its fair rental value.
(5)
(i) Volunteer services must be documented and, to the extent feasible, supported by the same methods used by the recipient for its own employees.
(ii) The basis for determining the valuation for personal services and property must be documented.
(a) DOE must apply the standards in this section to the disposition of program income from projects financed in whole or in part with Federal funds.
(b) Unless program regulations or the terms and conditions of the award provide otherwise, recipients, without any further accounting to DOE, may retain program income earned:
(1) From license fees and royalties for copyrighted material, patents, patent applications, trademarks, and inventions produced under an award.
(2) After the end of the project period.
(c) Unless program regulations or the terms and conditions of the award provide otherwise, costs incident to the generation of program income for which there is some obligation to the Government may be deducted from gross income to determine program income, provided these costs have not been charged to the award.
(d) Other than any program income excluded pursuant to paragraph (b) and (c) of this section, program income earned during the project period must be retained by the recipient and used in one or more of the following ways, as specified in program regulations or the terms and conditions of the award:
(1) Added to funds committed to the project by DOE and recipient and used to further eligible project or program objectives.
(2) Used to finance the non-Federal share of the project or program.
(3) Deducted from the total project or program allowable cost in determining the net allowable costs on which the Federal share of costs is based.
(e) If the program regulation or terms and conditions of an award authorize the disposition of program income as described in paragraph (d)(1) or (d)(2) of this section, and stipulate a limit on the amounts that may be used in those ways, program income in excess of the stipulated limits must be used in accordance with paragraph (d)(3) of this section.
(f) In the event that the program regulation or terms and conditions of the award do not specify how program income is to be used, paragraph (d)(3) of this section applies automatically to all projects or programs except research. For awards that support basic or applied research, paragraph (d)(1) of this section applies automatically unless the terms and conditions specify another alternative or the recipient is subject to special award conditions, as indicated in § 600.304.
(g) Proceeds from the sale of property that is acquired, rather than fabricated, under an award are not program income and must be handled in accordance with the requirements of §§ 600.320 through 600.325 of this part.
(a) The budget plan is the financial expression of the project or program as approved during the award process. It includes the sum of the Federal and non-Federal shares when there are cost sharing requirements. The budget plan must be related to performance for program evaluation purposes, whenever appropriate.
(b) The recipient must obtain the contracting officer's prior approval if a revision is necessary for either of the following two reasons:
(1) A change in the scope or the objective of the project or program (even
(2) A need for additional Federal funding.
(c) The recipient must obtain the contracting officer's prior approval if a revision is necessary for any of the following six reasons, unless the requirement for prior approval is specifically waived in the program regulation or terms and conditions of the award:
(1) A change in the approved project director, principal investigator, or other key person specified in the application or award document.
(2) The absence for more than three months, or a 25 percent reduction in time devoted to the project, by the approved project director or principal investigator.
(3) The inclusion of any additional costs that require prior approval in accordance with the applicable costs principles for Federal funds and the requirements applicable to the recipient's cost share or match, as provided in § 600.313 and § 600.317, respectively.
(4) The inclusion of pre-award costs for periods greater than the 90 calendar days immediately preceding the effective date of the award.
(5) A “no-cost” extension of the project period.
(6) Any subaward, transfer, or contracting out of substantive program performance under an award, unless described in the application and funded in the approved awards.
(d) If specifically required in the program regulation or the terms and conditions of the award, the recipient must obtain the contracting officer's prior approval for the following revisions:
(1) The transfer of funds among direct cost categories, functions, and activities for awards in which the Federal share of the project exceeds $100,000 and the cumulative amount of such transfers exceeds or is expected to exceed 10 percent of the total budget as last approved by DOE.
(2) For awards that provide support for both construction and nonconstruction work, any fund or budget transfers between the two types of work supported.
(e) Within 30 calendar days from the date of receipt of the recipient's request for budget revisions, the contracting officer must review the request and notify the recipient whether the budget revisions have been approved. If the revision is still under consideration at the end of 30 calendar days, the contracting officer must inform the recipient in writing of the date when the recipient may expect the decision.
(a) Any recipient that expends $500,000 or more in a year under Federal awards must have an audit made for that year by an independent auditor, in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section. If a recipient is currently performing under a Federal award that requires an audit by its Federal cognizant agency, that auditor must perform the independent audit. The audit generally should be made a part of the regularly scheduled, annual audit of the recipient's financial statements. However, it may be more economical in some cases to have Federal awards separately audited, and a recipient may elect to do so, unless that option is precluded by award terms and conditions or by Federal laws or regulations applicable to the program(s) under which the awards were made.
(b) The auditor must determine and report on whether:
(1) The recipient has an internal control structure that provides reasonable assurance that it is managing Federal awards in compliance with Federal laws and regulations and the terms and conditions of the awards.
(2) Based on a sampling of Federal award expenditures, the recipient has complied with laws, regulations, and award terms that may have a direct and material effect on Federal awards.
(c) The recipient must make the auditor's report available to the DOE contracting officers whose awards are affected.
(d) Before requesting an audit in addition to the independent audit, the contracting officer must:
(1) Consider whether the independent audit satisfies his or her requirements;
(2) Limit the scope of such additional audit to areas not adequately addressed by the independent audit; and
(3) If DOE is not the Federal agency with the predominant fiscal interest in the recipient, coordinate with the agency that has the predominant fiscal interest.
(e) The recipient and its Federal cognizant agency for audit should develop a coordinated audit approach to minimize duplication of audit work.
(f) Audit costs (including a reasonable allocation of the costs of the audit of the recipient's financial statement, based on the relative benefit to the Government and the recipient) are allowable costs of DOE awards.
(a) DOE determines allowability of costs in accordance with the cost principles applicable to the type of entity incurring the cost as follows:
(1)
(2)
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(b)
(1) Necessary for the effective and economical conduct of the project;
(2) Otherwise allowable in accordance with the applicable cost principles; and
(3) Less than the total value of the award.
(a) Grants and cooperative agreements may not provide for the payment of fee or profit to recipients or subrecipients, except for awards made pursuant to the Small Business Innovation Research or Small Business Technology Transfer Research programs.
(b) A recipient or subrecipient may pay a fee or profit to a contractor providing goods or services under a contract.
Sections 600.321 through 600.325 set forth uniform standards for management, use, and disposition of property. DOE encourages recipients to use existing property-management systems to the extent that the systems meet these minimum requirements.
(a)
(b)
(1) Use the real property or equipment for the authorized purposes of the project until funding for the project ceases, or until the property is no
(2) Not encumber the property without approval of the contracting officer; and
(3) Use and dispose of the property in accordance with paragraphs (d) and (e) of this section.
(c)
(d)
(e)
(1) During the time that the real property or equipment is used on the project or program for which it was acquired, the recipient must make it available for use on other projects or programs, if such other use does not interfere with the work on the project or program for which the real property or equipment was originally acquired. Use of the real property or equipment on other projects is subject to the following order of priority:
(i) Activities sponsored by DOE grants, cooperative agreements, or other assistance awards;
(ii) Activities sponsored by other Federal agencies' grants, cooperative agreements, or other assistance awards;
(iii) Activities under Federal procurement contracts or activities not sponsored by any Federal agency. If so used, use charges must be assessed to those activities. For real property or equipment, the use charges must be at rates equivalent to those for which comparable real property or equipment may be leased.
(2) After Federal funding for the project ceases or if the real property or equipment is no longer needed for the purposes of the project, the recipient may use the real property or equipment for other projects, insofar as:
(i) There are Federally sponsored projects for which the real property or equipment may be used. If the only use for the real property or equipment is for projects that have no Federal sponsorship, the receipt must proceed with disposition of the real property or equipment, in accordance with paragraph (f) of this section.
(ii) The recipient obtains written approval from the contracting officer to do so. The contracting officer must ensure that there is a formal change of accountability for the real property or equipment to a currently funded, Federal award.
(iii) The recipient's use of the real property or equipment for other projects is in the same order of priority as described in paragraph (e)(1) of this section.
(f)
(i) If the property is equipment with a current per unit fair market value of less than $5,000, it may be retained, sold, or otherwise disposed of with no further obligation to DOE.
(ii) If the property that is no longer needed is equipment (rather than real property), the recipient may wish to replace it with an item that is needed currently for the project by trading in or selling to offset the costs of the replacement equipment, subject to the approval of the contracting officer.
(iii) The recipient may elect to retain title, without further obligation to the Federal Government, by compensating
(iv) If the recipient does not elect to retain title to real property or equipment or does not request approval to use equipment as trade-in or offset for replacement equipment, the recipient must request disposition instructions from the responsible agency.
(2) If a recipient requests disposition instructions, the contracting officer must:
(i) For equipment (but not real property), consult with the DOE Project Director to determine whether the condition and nature of the equipment warrant excess screening within DOE. If screening is warranted, the equipment will be made available for reutilization within DOE through the Energy Asset Disposal System (EADS). If no DOE requirement is identified within a 30-day period, EADS automatically reports the availability of the equipment to the General Services Administration, to determine whether a requirement for the equipment exists in other Federal agencies.
(ii) For either real property or equipment, issue instructions to the recipient for disposition of the property no later than 120 calendar days after the recipient's request. The contracting officer's options for disposition are to direct the recipient to:
(A) Transfer title to the real property or equipment to the Federal Government or to an eligible third party provided that, in such cases, the recipient is entitled to compensation for its attributable percentage of the current fair market value of the real property or equipment, plus any reasonable shipping or interim storage costs incurred.
(B) Sell the real property or equipment and pay the Federal Government for that percentage of the current fair market value of the property that is attributable to the Federal participation in the project (after deducting actual and reasonable selling and fix-up expenses, if any, from the sale proceeds). If the recipient is authorized or required to sell the real property or equipment, the recipient must use competitive procedures that result in the highest practicable return.
(3) If the responsible agency fails to issue disposition instructions within 120 calendar days of the recipient's request, the recipient must dispose of the real property or equipment through the option described in paragraph (f)(2)(ii)(B) of this section.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(2) Use on other activities must be in the following order of priority:
(i) Activities sponsored by DOE grants, cooperative agreements, or other assistance awards;
(ii) Activities sponsored by other Federal agencies' grants, cooperative agreements, or other assistance awards;
(iii) Activities under Federal procurement contracts or activities not sponsored by any Federal agency. If so used, use charges must be assessed to those activities. For real property or equipment, the use charges must be at rates equivalent to those for which comparable real property or equipment may be leased.
(d)
(1) Use the property to meet another Federal Government need (
(2) Declare the property to be excess property and either:
(i) Report the property to the General Services Administration through EADS, in accordance with the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (40 U.S.C. 483(b)(2)), as implemented by General Services Administration regulations at 41 CFR 101-47.202; or
(ii) Dispose of the property by alternative methods, if there is authority under law, such as 15 U.S.C. 3710(i).
The recipient's property management system must include the following:
(a) Property records must be maintained, to include the following information for property that is Federally owned, equipment that is acquired in whole or in part with Federal funds, or property or equipment that is used as cost sharing or matching:
(1) A description of the property.
(2) Manufacturer's serial number, model number, Federal stock number, national stock number, or any other identification number.
(3) Source of the property, including the award number.
(4) Whether title vests in the recipient or the Federal Government.
(5) Acquisition date (or date received, if the property was furnished by the Federal Government) and cost.
(6) Information from which one can calculate the percentage of Federal participation in the cost of the property (not applicable to property furnished by the Federal Government).
(7) The location and condition of the property and the date the information was reported.
(8) Ultimate disposition data, including data of disposal and sales price or the method used to determine current fair market value where a recipient compensates the Federal Government for its share.
(b) Federal owned equipment must be marked to indicate Federal ownership.
(c) A physical inventory must be taken and the results reconciled with the property records at least once every two years. Any differences between quantities determined by the physical inspection and those shown in the accounting records must be investigated to determine the causes of the difference. The recipient must, in connection with the inventory, verify the existence, current utilization, and continued need for the property.
(d) A control system must be in effect to insure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of the property. Any loss, damage, or theft of property must be investigated and fully documented. If the property is owned by the Federal Government, the recipient must promptly notify the Federal agency responsible for administering the property.
(e) Adequate maintenance procedures must be implemented to keep the property in good condition.
(a) Title vests in the recipient upon acquisition of supplies acquired with Federal funds under an award.
(b) Upon termination or completion of the project or program, the recipient may retain any unused supplies. If the inventory of unused supplies exceeds $5,000 in total aggregate value and the items are not needed for any other Federally sponsored project or program, the recipient may retain the items for use on non-Federal sponsored activities or sell them, but must, in either case, compensate the Federal Government for its share.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(2)
(i) DOE grants a class waiver for a particular program under 10 CFR part 784;
(ii) The applicant requests and receives an advance patent waiver under 10 CFR part 784; or
(iii) A subaward is covered by a waiver granted under the prime award.
(3)
(d)
(2) Normally, an award will not require the delivery of limited rights data or restricted computer software. However, if the contracting officer, in consultation with DOE patent counsel and the DOE program official, determines that delivery of limited rights data or restricted computer software is necessary, the contracting officer, after negotiation with the applicant, may insert in the award the standard clause as modified by Alternates I and/or II set forth in Appendix A to this subpart.
(3) If software is specified for delivery to DOE, or if other special circumstances exist,
(e)
(2) An award under paragraph (e)(1) of this section is subject to the provisions
(f)
(2) The data rights provisions for SBIR/STTR grants are contained in the award terms and conditions for SBIR grants located at
(g)
(2) Work performed by a recipient under a cooperative agreement is subject to authorization and consent to the use of a patented invention consistent with the principles set forth in 48 CFR 27.201-1.
(3) The contracting officer, in consultation with patent counsel, may also include clauses in the cooperative agreement addressing other patent matters related to authorization and consent, such as patent indemnification of the Government by recipient and notice and assistance regarding patent and copyright infringement. The policies and clauses for these other patent matters will be the same or consistent with those in 48 CFR part 927.
Section 600.331 sets forth requirements necessary to ensure:
(a) Recipients' procurements that use Federal funds comply with applicable Federal statutes, regulations, and executive orders.
(b) Proper stewardship of Federal funds used in recipients' procurements.
The following requirements pertain to recipients' procurements funded in whole or in part with Federal funds or with recipients' cost-share or match:
(a)
(b)
(1) Request for proposals or invitation to bid, if any;
(2) Cost estimate;
(3) Proposal/bid;
(4) Proposed award document; and
(5) Summary of negotiations or justification for award.
(c)
(2) All contracts in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold must contain suitable provisions for termination for default by the recipient and for termination due to circumstances beyond the control of the contractor.
(3) All negotiated contracts in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold must include a provision permitting access of DOE, the Inspector General, the Comptroller General of the United States, or any of their duly authorized representatives, to any books, documents, papers, and records of the contractor that are directly pertinent to a specific programs, for the purpose of making audits, examinations, excerpts, transcriptions, and copies of such documents.
(4) All contracts, including those for amounts less than the simplified acquisition threshold, awarded by recipients and their contractors must contain the
(d)
Sections 600.341 and 600.342 prescribe requirements for monitoring and reporting financial and program performance and for records retention.
(a) The terms and conditions of the award prescribe the reporting requirements, the frequency, and the due dates for reports. At a minimum, requirements must include:
(1) Periodic progress reports (at least annually, but no more frequently than quarterly) addressing both program status and business status, as follows:
(i) The program portions of the reports must address progress toward achieving program performance goals and milestones, including current issues, problems, or developments.
(ii) The business portions of the reports must provide summarized details on the status of resources (Federal funds and non-Federal cost sharing or matching), including an accounting of expenditures for the period covered by the report. The report should compare the resource status with any payment and expenditure schedules or plans provided in the original award, explain any major deviations from those schedules, and discuss actions that will be taken to address the deviations.
(2) A final technical report if the award is for research and development.
(b) If the contracting officer previously authorized advance payments, pursuant to § 600.312(a)(2), he/she should consult with the DOE project director and consider whether program progress reported in the periodic progress report, in relation to reported expenditures, is sufficient to justify continued authorization of advance payments.
(a) This section sets forth requirements for records retention and access to records for awards to recipients and subrecipients.
(b) Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other records pertinent to an award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report. The only exceptions are the following.
(1) If any litigation, claim, or audit is started before the expiration of the 3-year period, the records must be retained until all litigation, claims, or audit findings involving the records have been resolved and final action taken.
(2) Records for real property and equipment acquired with Federal funds must be retained for 3 years after final disposition.
(3) If records are transferred to or maintained by DOE, the 3-year retention requirement is not applicable to the recipient.
(4) Indirect cost rate proposals, cost allocation plans, and related records must be retained in accordance with the requirements specified in paragraph (g) of this section.
(c) Copies of original records may be substituted for the original records if authorized by the contracting officer.
(d) The contracting officer may request that recipients transfer certain records to DOE custody if he or she determines that the records possess long term retention value. However, in order to avoid duplicate recordkeeping, a contracting officer may make arrangements for recipients to retain any records that are continuously needed for joint use.
(e) DOE, the Inspector General, Comptroller General of the United States, or any of their duly authorized representatives, have the right of timely and unrestricted access to any
(f) Unless required by statute, DOE must not place restrictions on recipients that limit public access to the records of recipients that are pertinent to an award, except when DOE can demonstrate that such records would be kept confidential and would be exempt from disclosure pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) if the records belonged to DOE.
(g) Indirect cost proposals, cost allocation plans, and other cost accounting documents (such as documents related to computer usage chargeback rates), along with their supporting records, must be retained for a 3-year period, as follows:
(1) If the recipient or the subrecipient is required to submit an indirect-cost proposal, cost allocation plan, or other computation to the cognizant Federal agency for purposes of negotiating an indirect cost rate or other rates, the 3-year retention period starts on the date of the submission.
(2) If the recipient or the subrecipient is not required to submit the documents or supporting records for negotiating an indirect cost rate or other rates, the 3-year retention period for the documents and records starts at the end of the fiscal year (or other accounting period) covered by the proposal, plan, or other computation.
(h) If the information described in this section is maintained on a computer, recipients must retain the computer data on a reliable medium for the time periods prescribed. Recipients may transfer computer data in machine readable form from one reliable computer medium to another. Recipients' computer data retention and transfer procedures must maintain the integrity, reliability, and security of the original computer data. Recipients must also maintain an audit trail describing the data transfer. For the record retention time periods prescribed in this section, recipients must not destroy, discard, delete, or write over such computer data.
Sections 600.351 through 600.353 set forth uniform procedures for suspension, termination, enforcement, and disputes.
(a) Awards may be terminated in whole or in part only in accordance with one of the following:
(1) By the contracting officer, if a recipient materially fails to comply with the terms and conditions of an award.
(2) By the contracting officer with the consent of the recipient, in which case the two parties must agree upon the termination conditions, including the effective date and, in the case of partial termination, the portion to be terminated.
(3) By the recipient upon sending to the contracting officer written notification setting forth the reasons for such termination, the effective date, and, in the case of partial termination, the portion to be terminated. The recipient must provide such notice at least 30 calendar days prior to the effective date of the termination. However, if the contracting officer determines in the case of partial termination that the reduced or modified portion of the award will not accomplish the purposes for which the award was made, he or she may terminate the award in its entirety.
(b) If the recipient incurred allowable costs prior to the termination, the responsibilities of the recipient referred to in § 600.361(b), including those related to property, apply to the termination of the award, and provision must be made for continuing responsibilities of the recipient after termination, as appropriate.
(a)
(1) Temporarily withhold cash payments pending correction of the deficiency by the recipient or more severe enforcement action by the contracting officer.
(2) Disallow (that is, deny both the use of funds and any applicable matching credit for) all or part of the cost of the activity or action not in compliance.
(3) Wholly or partly suspend or terminate the current award.
(4) Withhold further awards for the project or program.
(5) Apply other remedies that may be legally available.
(b)
(c)
(1) Result from obligations which were properly incurred by the recipient before the effective date of suspension or termination, are not in anticipation of it, and in the case of a termination, are noncancellable; and
(2) Would be allowable if the award expired normally at the end of the funding period.
(d)
Consistent with 10 CFR 600.22 and part 1024, recipients have the right to appeal certain decisions by contracting officers.
Sections 600.361 through 600.363 contain procedures for closeout and for subsequent disallowances and adjustments.
(a) Recipients must submit, within 90 calendar days after the date of completion of the award, all reports required by the terms and conditions of the award. DOE may approve extensions when requested by the recipient.
(b) The following provisions must apply to the closeout:
(1) Unless DOE authorizes an extension, a recipient must liquidate all obligations incurred under the award not later than 90 calendar days after the funding period or the date of completion of the award as specified in the terms and conditions of the award or in agency implementing instructions.
(2) DOE must make prompt, final payments to a recipient for allowable reimbursable costs under the award being closed out.
(3) The recipient must promptly refund any unobligated balances of cash that DOE has advanced or paid and that are not authorized to be retained by the recipient for use in other projects. OMB Circular A-129 governs unreturned amounts that become delinquent debts.
(4) When authorized by the terms and conditions of the award, the contracting officer must make a settlement for any upward or downward adjustments to the Federal share of costs after closeout reports are received.
(5) The recipient must account for any real property and equipment acquired with Federal funds or received from the Federal Government in accordance with §§ 600.321 through 600.325.
(6) If a final audit is required and has not been performed prior to the closeout of an award, DOE retains the right to recover an appropriate amount after fully considering the recommendations
(a) The closeout of an award does not affect any of the following:
(1) The right of DOE to disallow costs and recover funds on the basis of a later audit or other review.
(2) The obligation of the recipient to return any funds due as a result of later refunds, corrections, or other transactions.
(3) Audit requirements in § 600.316.
(4) Property management requirements in §§ 600.321 through 600.325.
(5) Records retention requirements in § 600.342.
(b) After closeout of an award, the continuing responsibilities under an award may be modified or ended in whole or in part with the consent of the contracting officer and the recipient, provided property management requirements are considered and provisions made for the continuing responsibilities of the recipient, as appropriate.
(a) Any funds paid to a recipient in excess of the amount to which the recipient is finally determined to be entitled under the terms and conditions of the award constitute a debt to the Federal Government. If not paid within 30 days after the demand for payment, DOE may reduce the debt in accordance with the procedures and techniques described in 10 CFR part 1015 and OMB Circular A-129, including:
(1) Making an administrative offset against other requests for reimbursements.
(2) Withholding advance payments otherwise due to the recipient.
(3) Taking other action permitted by statute or regulation.
(b) Except as otherwise provided by law, DOE may charge interest and administrative fees on an overdue debt in accordance with 31 CFR Chapter IX, parts 900-904, “Federal Claims Collection Standards.”
The purpose of “Additional Provisions” is to provide alternative requirements for recipients otherwise covered by this subpart D, when they are performing under Small Business Innovation Research grants.
(a)
(b)
(1) While proposed costs must be analyzed in detail to ensure consistency with applicable cost principles, incurred costs are not subject to review under the standards of cost allowability.
(2) Although detailed budgets are submitted by a recipient and reviewed by DOE for purposes of establishing the amount to be awarded, budget categories are not stipulated in making an award;
(3) Prior approval from the DOE for rebudgeting among categories by the recipient is not required. Prior approval from DOE is required for any variation from the requirement that no more than one-third of Phase I work can be done by subcontractors or consortium partners;
(4) Pre-award expenditure approval is not required;
(5) Payments are to be made in the same manner as other financial assistance (
(6) Recipients will certify in writing to the Contracting Officer at the end of
(7) Requirements for periodic reports may be established for each award so long as they are consistent with § 600.341;
(8) Changes in principal investigator or project leader, scope of effort, or institution, require the prior approval of DOE.
(c)
(d)
(2) A fee or profit may be paid to SBIR recipients.
The Recipient may retain the entire right, title, and interest throughout the world to each subject invention subject to the provisions of this Patent Rights clause and 35 U.S.C. 203. With respect to any subject invention in which the Recipient retains title, the Federal Government shall have a non-exclusive, nontransferable, irrevocable, paid-up license to practice or have practiced for or on behalf of the U.S. the subject invention throughout the world.
(1) The Recipient will disclose each subject invention to DOE within two months after the inventor discloses it in writing to Recipient personnel responsible for the administration of patent matters. The disclosure to DOE shall be in the form of a written report and shall identify the award under which the invention was made and the inventor(s). It shall be sufficiently complete in technical detail to convey a clear understanding to the extent known at the time of disclosure, of the nature, purpose, operation, and the physical, chemical, biological or electrical characteristics of the invention. The disclosure shall also identify any publication, on sale or public use of the invention and whether a manuscript describing the invention has been submitted for publication and, if so, whether it has been accepted for publication at the time of disclosure. In addition, after disclosure to DOE, the Recipient will promptly notify DOE of the acceptance of
(2) The Recipient will elect in writing whether or not to retain title to any such invention by notifying DOE within two years of disclosure to DOE. However, in any case where publication, on sale, or public use has initiated the one-year statutory period wherein valid patent protection can still be obtained in the U.S., the period for election of title may be shortened by the agency to a date that is no more than 60 days prior to the end of the statutory period.
(3) The Recipient will file its initial patent application on an invention to which it elects to retain title within one year after election of title or, if earlier, prior to the end of any statutory period wherein valid patent protection can be obtained in the U.S. after a publication, on sale, or public use. The Recipient will file patent applications in additional countries or international patent offices within either ten months of the corresponding initial patent application, or six months from the date when permission is granted by the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to file foreign patent applications when such filing has been prohibited by a Secrecy Order.
(4) Requests for extension of the time for disclosure to DOE, election, and filing under subparagraphs (c)(1), (2), and (3) of this clause may, at the discretion of DOE, be granted.
The Recipient will convey to DOE, upon written request, title to any subject invention:
(1) If the Recipient fails to disclose or elect the subject invention within the times specified in paragraph (c) of this patent rights clause, or elects not to retain title; provided that DOE may only request title within 60 days after learning of the failure of the Recipient to disclose or elect within the specified times;
(2) In those countries in which the Recipient fails to file patent applications within the times specified in paragraph (c) of this Patent Rights clause; provided, however, that if the Recipient has filed a patent application in a country after the times specified in paragraph (c) of this Patent Rights clause, but prior to its receipt of the written request of DOE, the Recipient shall continue to retain title in that country; or
(3) In any country in which the Recipient decides not to continue the prosecution of any application for, to pay the maintenance fees on, or defend in a reexamination or opposition proceeding on, a patent on a subject invention.
(1) The Recipient will retain a non-exclusive royalty-free license throughout the world in each subject invention to which the Government obtains title, except if the Recipient fails to disclose the subject invention within the times specified in paragraph (c) of this Patent Rights clause. The Recipient's license extends to its domestic subsidiaries and affiliates, if any, within the corporate structure of which the Recipient is a party and includes the right to grant sublicenses of the same scope of the extent the Recipient was legally obligated to do so at the time the award was awarded. The license is transferable only with the approval of DOE except when transferred to the successor of that part of the Recipient's business to which the invention pertains.
(2) The Recipient's domestic license may be revoked or modified by DOE to the extent necessary to achieve expeditious practical application of the subject invention pursuant to an application for an exclusive license submitted in accordance with applicable provisions at 37 CFR part 404 and the agency's licensing regulation, if any. This license will not be revoked in that field of use or the geographical areas in which the Recipient has achieved practical application and continues to make the benefits of the invention reasonably accessible to the public. The license in any foreign country may be revoked or modified at discretion of the funding Federal agency to the extent the Recipient, its licensees, or its domestic subsidiaries or affiliates have failed to achieve practical application in that foreign country.
(3) Before revocation or modification of the license, the funding Federal agency will furnish the Recipient a written notice of its intention to revoke or modify the license, and the Recipient will be allowed thirty days (or such other time as may be authorized by DOE for good cause shown by the Recipient) after the notice to show cause why the license should not be revoked or modified. The Recipient has the right to appeal, in accordance with applicable regulations in 37 CFR part 404 and the agency's licensing regulations, if any, concerning the licensing of Government-owned inventions, any decision concerning the revocation or modification of its license.
(1) The Recipient agrees to execute or to have executed and promptly deliver to DOE all instruments necessary to:
(i) Establish or confirm the rights the Government has throughout the world in those subject inventions for which the Recipient retains title; and
(ii) Convey title to DOE when requested under paragraph (d) of this Patent Rights clause, and to enable the government to obtain patent protection throughout the world in that subject invention.
(2) The Recipient agrees to require, by written agreement, its employees, other than clerical and non-technical employees, to disclose promptly in writing to personnel identified as responsible for the administration of patent matters and in a format suggested by the Recipient each subject invention made under this award in order that the Recipient can comply with the disclosure provisions of paragraph (c) of this Patent Rights clause, and to execute all papers necessary to file patent applications on subject inventions and to establish the Government's rights in the subject inventions. The disclosure format should require, as a minimum, the information requested by paragraph (c)(1) of this Patent Rights clause. The Recipient shall instruct such employees through the employee agreements or other suitable educational programs on the importance of reporting inventions in sufficient time to permit the filing of patent applications prior to U.S. or foreign statutory bars.
(3) The Recipient will notify DOE of any decision not to continue prosecution of a patent application, pay maintenance fees, or defend in a reexamination or opposition proceeding on a patent, in any country, not less than 30 days before the expiration of the response period required by the relevant patent office.
(4) The Recipient agrees to include, within the specification of any U.S. patent application and any patent issuing thereon covering a subject invention, the following statement: “This invention was made with Government support under (identify the award) awarded by (identify DOE). The Government has certain rights in this invention.”
(1) The Recipient will include this Patent Rights clause, suitably modified to identify the parties, in all subawards/contracts, regardless of tier, for experimental, developmental or research work to be performed by a small business firm or nonprofit organization. The subrecipient/contractor will retain all rights provided for the Recipient in this Patent Rights clause, and the Recipient will not, as part of the consideration for awarding the subcontract, obtain rights in the subcontractors' subject inventions.
(2) The Recipient will include in all other subawards/contracts, regardless of tier, for experimental, developmental or research work, the patent rights clause required by 10 CFR 600.325(c).
(3) In the case of subawards/contracts at any tier, DOE, the Recipient, and the subrecipient/contractor agree that the mutual obligations of the parties created by this clause constitute a contract between the subrecipient/contractor and DOE with respect to those matters covered by the clause.
The Recipient agrees to submit on request periodic reports no more frequently than annually on the utilization of a subject invention or on efforts at obtaining such utilization that are being made by the Recipient or its licensees or assignees. Such reports shall include information regarding the status of development, date of first commercial sale or use, gross royalties received by the Recipient and such other data and information as DOE may reasonably specify. The Recipient also agrees to provide additional reports in connection with any march-in proceeding undertaken by DOE in accordance with paragraph (j) of this Patent Rights clause. As required by 35 U.S.C. 202(c)(5), DOE agrees it will not disclose such information to persons outside the Government without the permission of the Recipient.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Patent Rights clause, the Recipient agrees that neither it nor any assignee will grant to any person the exclusive right to use or sell any subject invention in the U.S. unless such person agrees that any products embodying the subject invention or produced through the use of the subject invention will be manufactured substantially in the U.S. However, in individual cases, the requirement for such an agreement may be waived by DOE upon a showing by the Recipient or its assignee that reasonable but unsuccessful efforts have been made to grant licenses on similar terms to potential licensees that would be likely to manufacture substantially in the U.S. or that under the circumstances domestic manufacture is not commercially feasible.
The Recipient agrees that with respect to any subject invention in which it has acquired title, DOE has the right in accordance with procedures at 37 CFR 401.6 and any supplemental regulations of the Agency to require the Recipient, an assignee or exclusive licensee of a subject invention to grant a non-exclusive, partially exclusive, or exclusive license in any field of use to a responsible applicant or applicants, upon terms that are reasonable under the circumstances and if the Recipient, assignee, or exclusive licensee refuses such a request, DOE has the right to grant such a license itself if DOE determines that:
(1) Such action is necessary because the Recipient or assignee has not taken or is not expected to take within a reasonable time,
(2) Such action is necessary to alleviate health or safety needs which are not reasonably satisfied by the Recipient, assignee, or their licensees;
(3) Such action is necessary to meet requirements for public use specified by Federal regulations and such requirements are not reasonably satisfied by the Recipient, assignee, or licensee; or
(4) Such action is necessary because the agreement required by paragraph (i) of this Patent Rights clause has not been obtained or waived or because a licensee of the exclusive right to use or sell any subject invention in the U.S. is in breach of such agreement.
If the Recipient is a nonprofit organization, it agrees that:
(1) Rights to a subject invention in the U.S. may not be assigned without the approval of DOE, except where such assignment is made to an organization which has as one of its primary functions the management of inventions, provided that such assignee will be subject to the same provisions as the Recipient;
(2) The Recipient will share royalties collected on a subject invention with the inventor, including Federal employee co-inventors (when DOE deems it appropriate) when the subject invention is assigned in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 202(e) and 37 CFR 401.10;
(3) The balance of any royalties or income earned by the Recipient with respect to subject inventions, after payment of expenses (including payments to inventors) incidental to the administration of subject inventions, will be utilized for the support of scientific or engineering research or education; and
(4) It will make efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to attract licensees of subject inventions that are small business firms and that it will give preference to a small business firm if the Recipient determines that the small business firm has a plan or proposal for marketing the invention which, if executed, is equally likely to bring the invention to practical application as any plans or proposals from applicants that are not small business firms; provided that the Recipient is also satisfied that the small business firm has the capability and resources to carry out its plan or proposal. The decision whether to give a preference in any specific case will be at the discretion of the Recipient. However, the Recipient agrees that the Secretary of Commerce may review the Recipient's licensing program and decisions regarding small business applicants, and the Recipient will negotiate changes to its licensing policies, procedures or practices with the Secretary when the Secretary's review discloses that the Recipient could take reasonable steps to implement more effectively the requirements of this paragraph (k)(4).
All communications required by this Patent Rights clause should be sent to the DOE Patent Counsel address listed in the Award Document.
Unless otherwise Specified in the award, the information identified in paragraphs (f)(2) and (f)(3) may be electronically filed.
(1) Assignment to the Government. The Recipient agrees to assign to the Government the entire right, title, and interest throughout the world in and to each subject invention, except to the extent that rights are retained by the Recipient under subparagraph (b)(2) and paragraph (d) of this clause.
(2) Greater rights determinations. The Recipient, or an employee-inventor after consultation with the Recipient, may request greater rights than the nonexclusive license an the foreign patent rights provided in paragraph (d) of this clause on identified inventions in accordance with the DOE patent waiver regulation. Each determination of greater rights under this agreement shall be subject to paragraph (c) of this clause, unless otherwise provided in the greater rights determination, and to the reservations and conditions deemed to be appropriate by the Secretary of Energy or designee.
With respect to each subject invention to which the Department of Energy grants the Recipient principal or exclusive rights, the Recipient agrees to grant to the Government: A nonexclusive, nontransferable, irrevocable, paid-up license to practice or have practiced each subject invention throughout the world by or on behalf of the Government of the United States (including any Government agency); “march-in rights” as set forth in 37 CFR 401.14(a)(J)); preference for U.S. industry as set forth in 37 CFR 401.14(a)(I); periodic reports upon request, no more frequently than annually, on the utilization or intent of utilization of a subject invention in a manner consistent with 35 U.S.C. 202(c)(50; and such Government rights in any instrument transferring rights in a subject invention.
(1) The Recipient is hereby granted a revocable, nonexclusive, royalty-free license in each patent application filed in any country on a subject invention and any resulting patent in which the Government obtains title, unless the Recipient fails to disclose the subject invention within the times specified in subparagraph (e)(2) of this clause. The Recipient's license extends to its domestic subsidiaries and affiliates, if any, within the corporate structure of which the Recipient is a part and includes the right to grant sublicenses of the same scope to the extent the Recipient was legally obligated to do so at the time the agreement was awarded. The license is transferable only with the approval of DOE except when transferred to the successor of that part of the Recipient's business to which the invention pertains.
(2) The Recipient may request the right to acquire patent rights to a subject invention in any foreign country where the Government has elected not to secure such rights, subject to the minimum rights acquired by the Government similar to paragraph (c) of this clause. Such request must be made in writhing to the Patent Counsel as part of the disclosure required by subparagraph (e)(2) of this clause, with a copy to the DOE Contracting Officer. DOE approval, if given, will be based on a determination that this would best serve the national interest.
(1) The Recipient shall establish and maintain active and effective procedures to assure that subject inventions are promptly identified and disclosed to Recipient personnel responsible for patent matters within 6 months of conception and/or first actual reduction to practice, whichever occurs first in the performance of work under this agreement. These procedures shall include the maintenance of laboratory notebooks or equivalent records and other records as are reasonably necessary to document the conception and/or the first actual reduction to practice of subject inventions, and records that show that the procedures for identifying and disclosing the inventions are followed. Upon request, the Recipient shall furnish the Contracting Officer a description of such procedures for evaluation and for determination as to their effectiveness.
(2) The Recipient shall disclose each subject invention to the DOE Patent Counsel with a copy to the Contracting Officer within 2 months after the inventor discloses it in writing to Recipient personnel responsible for patent matters or, if earlier, within 6 months after the Recipient becomes aware that a subject invention has been made, but in any event before any on sale, public use, or publication of such invention known to the Recipient. The disclosure to DOE shall be in the form of a written report and shall identify the agreement under which the invention was made and the inventor(s). It shall be sufficiently complete in technical detail to convey a clear understanding, to the extent known at the time of the disclosure, of the nature, purpose, operation, and physical, chemical, biological, or electrical characteristics of the invention. The disclosure shall also identify any publication, on sale, or public use of the invention and whether a manuscript describing the invention has been submitted for publication and, if so, whether it has been accepted for publication at the time of disclosure. In addition, after disclosure to DOE, the Recipient shall promptly notify Patent Counsel of the acceptance of any manuscript describing the invention for publication or of any on sale or public use planned by the Recipient. The report should also include any request for a greater rights determination in accordance with subparagraph (b)(2) of this clause. When an invention is disclosed to DOE under this paragraph, it shall be deemed to have been made in the manner specified in Sections (a)(1) and (a)(2) of 42 U.S.C. 5908, unless the Recipient contends in writing at the time the invention is disclosed that it was not so made.
(3) The Recipient shall furnish the Contracting Officer a final report, within 3 months after completion of the work listing all subject inventions or containing a statement that there were no such inventions, and listing all subawards/contracts at any tier containing a patent rights clause or containing a statement that there were no such subawards/contracts.
(4) The Recipient agrees to require, by written agreement, its employees, other than clerical and nontechnical employees, to disclose promptly in writing to personnel
(5) The Recipient agrees, subject to FAR 27.302(j), that the Government may duplicate and disclose subject invention disclosures and all other reports and papers furnished or required to be furnished pursuant to this clause.
(1) The Contracting Officer or any authorized representative shall, until 3 years after final payment under this agreement, have the right to examine any books (including laboratory notebooks), records, and documents of the Recipient relating to the conception or first actual reduction to practice of inventions in the same field of technology as the work under this agreement to determine whether—
(i) Any such inventions are subject inventions;
(ii) The Recipient has established and maintains the procedures required by subparagraphs (e)(1) and (4) of this clause;
(iii) The Recipient and its inventors have complied with the procedures.
(2) If the Contracting Officer learns of an unreported Recipient invention which the Contracting Officer believes may be a subject invention, the Recipient may be required to disclose the invention to DOE for a determination of ownership rights.
(3) Any examination of records under this paragraph will be subject to appropriate conditions to protect the confidentiality of the information involved.
(1) The recipient shall include the clause PATENT RIGHTS (SMALL BUSINESS FIRMS AND NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS) (suitably modified to identify the parties) in all subawards/contracts, regardless of tier, for experimental, developmental, demonstration, or research work to be performed by a small business firm or domestic nonprofit organization, except where the work of the subaward/contract is subject to an Exceptional Circumstances Determination by DOE. In all other subawards/contracts, regardless of tier, for experimental, developmental, demonstration, or research work, the Recipient shall include this clause (suitably modified to identify the parties), or an alternate clause as directed by the contracting officer. The Recipient shall not, as part of the consideration for awarding the subaward/contract, obtain rights in the subrecipient's/contractor's subject inventions.
(2) In the event of a refusal by a prospective subrecipient/contractor to accept such a clause the Recipient:
(i) Shall promptly submit a written notice to the Contracting Officer setting forth the subrecipient/contractor's reasons for such refusal and other pertinent information that may expedite disposition of the matter; and
(ii) Shall not proceed with such subaward/contract without the written authorization of the Contracting Officer.
(3) In the case of subawards/contracts at any tier, DOE, the subrecipient/contractor, and Recipient agree that the mutual obligations of the parties created by this clause constitute a contract between the subrecipient/contractor and DOE with respect to those matters covered by this clause.
(4) The Recipient shall promptly notify the Contracting Officer in writing upon the award of any subaward/contract at any tier containing a patent rights clause by identifying the subrecipient/contractor, the applicable patent rights clause, the work to be performed under the subaward/contract, and the dates of award and estimated completion. Upon request of the Contracting Officer, the Recipient shall furnish a copy of such subaward/contract, and, no more frequently than annually, a listing of the subawards/contracts that have been awarded.
(5) The Recipient shall identify all subject inventions of a subrecipient/contractor of which it acquires knowledge in the performance of this agreement and shall notify the Patent Counsel, with a copy to the contracting officer, promptly upon identification of the inventions.
(1) No claim for pecuniary award of compensation under the provisions of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, shall be asserted with respect to any invention or discovery made or conceived in the course of or under this agreement.
(2) Except as otherwise authorized in writing by the Contracting Officer, the Recipient will obtain patent agreements to effectuate the provisions of subparagraph (h)(1) of this clause from all persons who perform any part of the work under this agreement, except nontechnical personnel, such as clerical employees and manual laborers.
It is recognized that during the course of the work under this agreement, the Recipient or its employees may from time to time
(1) The Recipient shall forfeit and assign to the Government, at the request of the Secretary of Energy or designee, all rights in any subject invention which the Recipient fails to report to Patent Counsel within six months after the time the Recipient:
(i) Files or causes to be filed a United States or foreign patent application thereon; or
(ii) Submits the final report required by subparagraph (e)(3) of this clause, whichever is later.
(2) However, the Recipient shall not forfeit rights in a subject invention if, within the time specified in subparagraph (e)(2) of this clause, the Recipient:
(i) Prepares a written decision based upon a review of the record that the invention was neither conceived nor first actually reduced to practice in the course of or under the agreement and delivers the decision to Patent Counsel, with a copy to the Contracting Officer, or
(ii) Contending that the invention is not a subject invention, the Recipient nevertheless discloses the invention and all facts pertinent to this contention to the Patent Counsel, with a copy of the Contracting Officer; or
(iii) Establishes that the failure to disclose did not result from the Recipient's fault or negligence.
(3) Pending written assignment of the patent application and patents on a subject invention determined by the Secretary of Energy or designee to be forfeited (such determination to be a final decision under the Disputes clause of this agreement), the Recipient shall be deemed to hold the invention and the patent applications and patents pertaining thereto in trust for the Government. The forfeiture provision of this paragraph (j) shall be in addition to and shall not supersede other rights and remedies which the Government may have with respect to subject inventions.
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this clause regarding copyright, the Government shall have unlimited rights in—
(i) Data first produced in the performance of this agreement;
(ii) Form, fit, and function data delivered under this agreement;
(iii) Data delivered under this agreement (except for restricted computer software) that constitute manuals or instructional and training material for installation, operation, or routine maintenance and repair of items, components, or processes delivered or furnished for use under this agreement; and
(iv) All other data delivered under this agreement unless provided otherwise for limited rights data or restricted computer software in accordance with paragraph (g) of this clause.
(2) The Recipient shall have the right to—
(i) Use, release to others, reproduce, distribute, or publish any data first produced or specifically used by the Recipient in the performance of this agreement, unless provided otherwise in paragraph (d) of this clause;
(ii) Protect from unauthorized disclosure and use those data which are limited rights data or restricted computer software to the extent provided in paragraph (g) of this clause;
(iii) Substantiate use of, add or correct limited rights, restricted rights, or copyright notices and to take over appropriate action, in accordance with paragraphs (e) and (f) of this clause; and
(iv) Establish claim to copyright subsisting in data first produced in the performance of this agreement to the extent provided in subparagraph (c)(1) of this clause.
(1) Data first produced in the performance of this agreement. Unless provided otherwise in paragraph (d) of this clause, the Recipient may establish, without prior approval of the Contracting Officer, claim to copyright subsisting in data first produced in the performance of this agreement. When claim to copyright is made, the Recipient shall affix the applicable copyright notices of 17 U.S.C. 401 or 402 and acknowledgement of Government sponsorship (including agreement number) to the data when such data are delivered to the Government, as well as when the data are published or deposited for registration as a published work in the U.S. Copyright Office. For such copyrighted data, including computer software, the Recipient grants to the Government, and others acting on its behalf, a paid-up nonexclusive, irrevocable worldwide license in such copyrighted data to reproduce, prepare derivative works, distribute copies to the public, and perform publicly and display publicly, by or on behalf of the Government.
(2) Data not first produced in the performance of this agreement. The Recipient shall not, without prior written permission of the Contracting Officer, incorporate in data delivered under this agreement any data not first produced in the performance of this agreement and which contains the copyright notice of 17 U.S.C. 401 or 402, unless the Recipient identifies such data and grants to the Government, or acquires on its behalf, a license of the same scope as set forth in subparagraph (c)(1) of this clause; provided, however, that if such data are computer software the Government shall acquire a copyright license as set forth in subparagraph (g)(3) of this clause if included in this agreement or as otherwise may be provided in a collateral agreement incorporated in or made part of this agreement.
(3) Removal of copyright notices. The Government agrees not to remove any copyright notices placed on data pursuant to this paragraph (c), and to include such notices on all reproductions of the data.
(1) The Recipient shall have the right to use, release to others, reproduce, distribute, or publish any data first produced or specifically used by the Recipient in the performance of this agreement, except to the extent such data may be subject to the Federal export control or national security laws or regulations, or unless otherwise provided in this paragraph of this clause or expressly set forth in this agreement.
(2) The Recipient agrees that to the extent it receives or is given access to data necessary for the performance of this award, which contain restrictive markings, the Recipient shall treat the data in accordance with such markings unless otherwise specifically authorized in writing by the contracting officer.
(1) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this agreement concerning inspection or acceptance, if any data delivered under this agreement are marked with the notices specified in subparagraph (g)(2) or (g)(3) of this clause and use of such is not authorized by this clause, or if such data bears any other
(i) The Contracting Officer shall make written inquiry to the Recipient affording the Recipient 30 days from receipt of the inquiry to provide written justification to substantiate the propriety of the markings;
(ii) If the Recipient fails to respond or fails to provide written justification to substantiate the propriety of the markings within the 30-day period (or a longer time not exceeding 90 days approved in writing by the Contracting Officer for good cause shown), the Government shall have the right to cancel or ignore the markings at any time after said period and the data will no longer be made subject to any disclosure prohibitions.
(iii) If the Recipient provides written justification to substantiate the propriety of the markings within the period set in subparagraph (e)(1)(i) of this clause, the Contracting Officer shall consider such written justification and determine whether or not the markings are to be cancelled or ignored. If the Contracting Officer determines that the markings are authorized, the Recipient shall be so notified in writing. If the Contracting Officer determines, with concurrence of the head of the contracting activity, that the markings are not authorized, the Contracting Officer shall furnish the Recipient a written determination, which determination shall become the final agency decision regarding the appropriateness of the markings unless the Recipient files suit in a court of competent jurisdiction within 90 days of receipt of the Contracting Officer's decision. The Government shall continue to abide by the markings under this subparagraph (e)(1)(iii) until final resolution of the matter either by the Contracting Officer's determination becoming final (in which instance the Government shall thereafter have the right to cancel or ignore the markings at any time and the data will no longer be made subject to any disclosure prohibitions), or by final disposition of the matter by court decision if suit is filed.
(2) The time limits in the procedures set forth in subparagraph (e)(1) of this clause may be modified in accordance with agency regulations implementing the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) if necessary to respond to a request thereunder.
(1) Data delivered to the Government without either the limited rights or restricted rights notice as authorized by paragraph (g) of this clause, or the copyright notice required by paragraph (c) of this clause, shall be deemed to have been furnished with unlimited rights, and the Government assumes no liability for the disclosure, use, or reproduction of such data. However, to the extent the data has not been disclosed without restriction outside the Government, the Recipient may request, within 6 months (or a longer time approved by the Contracting Officer for good cause shown) after delivery or such data, permission to have notices placed on qualifying data at the Recipient's expense, and the Contracting Officer may agree to do so if the Recipient:
(i) Identifies the data to which the omitted notice is to be applied;
(ii) Demonstrates that the omission of the notice was inadvertent;
(iii) Establishes that the use of the proposed notice is authorized; and
(iv) Acknowledges that the Government has no liability with respect to the disclosure, use, or reproduction of any such data made prior to the addition of the notice or resulting from the omission of the notice.
(2) The Contracting Officer may also:
(i) Permit correction at the Recipient's expense of incorrect notices if the Recipient identifies the data on which correction of the notice is to be made, and demonstrates that the correct notice is authorized, or
(ii) Correct any incorrect notices.
When data other than that listed in subparagraphs (b)(1)(i), (ii), and (iii) of this clause are specified to be delivered under this agreement and qualify as either limited rights data or restricted computer software, if the Recipient desires to continue protection of such data, the Recipient shall withhold such data and not furnish them to the Government under this agreement. As a condition to this withholding, the Recipient shall identify the data being withheld and furnish form, fit, and function data in lieu thereof. Limited rights data that are formatted as a computer data base for delivery to the Government are to be treated as limited rights data and not restricted computer software.
The Recipient has the responsibility to obtain from its subrecipients/contractors all data and rights therein necessary to fulfill the Recipient's obligations to the Government under this agreement. If a subrecipient/contractor refuses to accept terms affording the Government such rights, the Recipient shall promptly bring such refusal to the attention of the Contracting Officer and not proceed with the subaward/contract award without further authorization.
In addition to the data specified elsewhere in this agreement to be delivered, the Contracting Officer may, at anytime during agreement performance or within a period of 3 years after acceptance of all items to be delivered under this agreement, order any data first produced or specifically used in the performance of this agreement. This clause is applicable to all data ordered under this subparagraph. Nothing contained in this subparagraph shall require the Recipient to deliver any data the withholding of which is authorized by this clause, or data which are specifically identified in this agreement as not subject to this clause. When data are to be delivered under this subparagraph, the Recipient will be compensated for converting the data into the prescribed form, for reproduction, and for delivery.
(j) The recipient agrees, except as may be otherwise specified in this award for specific data items listed as not subject to this paragraph, that the Contracting Officer or an authorized representative may, up to three years after acceptance of all items to be delivered under this award, inspect at the Recipient's facility any data withheld pursuant to paragraph (g) of this clause, for purposes of verifying the Recipient's assertion pertaining to the limited rights or restricted rights status of the data or for evaluating work performance. Where the Recipient whose data are to be inspected demonstrates to the Contracting Officer that there would be a possible conflict of interest if the inspection were made by a particular representative, the Contracting Officer shall designate an alternate inspector.
As prescribed in 600.325(d)(1), the following Alternate I and/or II may be inserted in the clause in the award instrument.
(g)(2) Notwithstanding subparagraph (g)(1) of this clause, the agreement may identify and specify the delivery of limited rights data, or the Contracting Officer may require by written request the delivery of limited rights data that has been withheld or would otherwise be withholdable. If delivery of such data is so required, the Recipient may affix the following “Limited Rights Notice” to the data and the Government will thereafter treat the data, in accordance with such Notice:
(a) These data are submitted with limited rights under Government agreement No. ____ (and subaward/contract No. ____, if appropriate). These data may be reproduced and used by the Government with the express limitation that they will not, without written permission of the Recipient, be used for purposes of manufacture nor disclosed outside the Government; except that the Government may disclose these data outside the Government for the following purposes, if any, provided that the Government makes such disclosure subject to prohibition against further use and disclosure:
(1) Use (except for manufacture) by Federal support services contractors within the scope of their contracts;
(2) This “limited rights data” may be disclosed for evaluation purposes under the restriction that the “limited rights data” be retained in confidence and not be further disclosed;
(3) This “limited rights data” may be disclosed to other contractors participating in the Government's program of which this Recipient is a part for information or use (except for manufacture) in connection with the work performed under their awards and under the restriction that the “limited rights data” be retained in confidence and not be further disclosed;
(4) This “limited rights data” may be used by the Government or others on its behalf for emergency repair or overhaul work under the restriction that the “limited rights data” be retained in confidence and not be further disclosed; and
(5) Release to a foreign government, or instrumentality thereof, as the interests of the United States Government may require, for information or evaluation, or for emergency repair or overhaul work by such government. This Notice shall be marked on any reproduction of this data in whole or in part.
(b) This Notice shall be marked on any reproduction of these data, in whole or in part.
(g)(3)(i) Notwithstanding subparagraph (g)(1) of this clause, the agreement may identify and specify the delivery of restricted computer software, or the Contracting Officer may require by written request the delivery of restricted computer software that has been withheld or would otherwise be withholdable. If delivery of such computer software is so required, the Recipient may affix the following “Restricted Rights Notice” to the computer software and the Government will thereafter treat the computer software, subject to paragraphs (e) and (f) of this clause, in accordance with the Notice.
(a) This computer software is submitted with restricted rights under Government Agreement No. ____ (and subaward/contract ____, if appropriate). It may not be used, reproduced, or disclosed by the Government except as provided in paragraph (b) of this Notice or as otherwise expressly stated in the agreement.
(b) This computer software may be—
(1) Used or copies for use in or with the computer or computers for which it was acquired, including use at any Government installation to which such computer or computers may be transferred;
(2) Used or copied for use in a backup computer if any computer for which it was acquired is inoperative;
(3) Reproduced for safekeeping (archiv3es) or backup purposes;
(4) Modified, adapted, or combined with other computer software, provided that the modified, combined, or adapted portions of the derivative software are made subject to the same restricted rights;
(5) Disclosed to and reproduced for use by support service Recipients in accordance with subparagraph (b)(1) through (4) of this clause, provided the Government makes such disclosure or reproduction subject to these restricted rights; and
(6) Used or copied for use in or transferred to a replacement computer.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if this computer software is published copyrighted computer software, it is licensed to the Government, without disclosure prohibitions, with the minimum rights set forth in paragraph (b) of this clause.
(d) Any other rights or limitations regarding the use, duplication, or disclosure of this computer software are to be expressly stated, in, or incorporated in, the agreement.
(e) This Notice shall be marked on any reproduction of this computer software, in whole or in part.
(ii) Where it is impractical to include the Restricted Rights Notice on restricted computer software, the following short-form Notice may be used in lieu thereof:
Use, reproduction, or disclosure is subject to restrictions set forth in agreement No. ____ (and subaward/contract ____, If appropriate) with ____ (name of Recipient and subrecipient/contractor).
(iii) If restricted computer software is delivered with the copyright notice of 17 U.S.C. 401, it will be presumed to be published copyrighted computer software licensed to the government without disclosure prohibitions, with the minimum rights set forth in paragraph (b) of this clause, unless the Recipient includes the following statement with such copyright notice: “Unpublished—rights reserved under the Copyright Laws of the United States.”
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this clause regarding copyright, the Government shall have unlimited rights in—
(i) Data specifically identified in this agreement as data to be delivered without restriction;
(ii) Form, fit, and function data delivered under this agreement;
(iii) Data delivered under this agreement (except for restricted computer software) that constitute manuals or instructional and training material for installation, operation, or routine maintenance and repair of items, components, or processes delivered or furnished for use under this agreement; and
(iv) All other data delivered under this agreement unless provided otherwise for protected data in accordance with paragraph (g) of this clause or for limited rights data or restricted computer software in accordance with paragraph (h) of this clause.
(2) The Recipient shall have the right to—
(i) Protect rights in protected data delivered under this agreement in the manner and to the extent provided in paragraph (g) of this clause;
(ii) Withhold from delivery those data which are limited rights data or restricted computer software to the extent provided in paragraph (h) of this clause;
(iii) Substantiate use of, add, or correct protected rights or copyrights notices and to take other appropriate action, in accordance with paragraph (e) of this clause; and
(iv) Establish claim to copyright subsisting in data first produced in the performance of this agreement to the extent provided in subparagraph (c)(1) of this clause.
(1) Data first produced in the performance of this agreement. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this agreement, the Recipient may establish, without the prior approval of the Contracting Officer, claim to copyright subsisting in any data first produced in the performance of this agreement. If claim to copyright is made, the Recipient shall affix the applicable copyright notice of 17 U.S.C. 401 or 402 and acknowledgment of Government sponsorship (including agreement number) to the data when such data are delivered to the Government, as well as when the data are published or deposited for registration as a published work in the U.S. Copyright Office. For such copyrighted data, including computer software, the Recipient grants to the Government, and others acting on its behalf, a paid-up nonexclusive, irrevocable, worldwide license to reproduce, prepare derivative works, distribute copies to the public, and perform publicly and display publicly, by or on behalf of the Government, for all such data.
(2) Data not first produced in the performance of this agreement. The Recipient shall not, without prior written permission of the Contracting Officer, incorporate in data delivered under this agreement any data that are not first produced in the performance of this agreement and that contain the copyright notice of 17 U.S.C. 401 or 402, unless the Recipient identifies such data and grants to the Government, or acquires on its behalf, a license of the same scope as set forth in subparagraph (c)(1) of this clause; provided, however, that if such data are computer software, the Government shall acquire a copyright license as set forth in subparagraph (h)(3) of this clause if included in this agreement or as otherwise may be provided in a collateral agreement incorporated or made a part of this agreeement.
(3) Removal of copyright notices. The Government agrees not to remove any copyright notices placed on data pursuant to this paragraph (c), and to include such notices on all reproductions of the data.
(1) The Receipt shall have the right to use, release to others, reproduce, distribute, or publish any data first produced or specifically used by the Recipient in the performance of this contract, except to the extent such data may be subject to the Federal export control or national security laws or regulations, or unless otherwise provided in this paragraph of this clause or expressly set forth in this contract.
(2) The Recipient agrees that to the extent it receives or is given access to data necessary for the performance of this agreement which contain restrictive markings, the Recipient shall treat the data in accordance with such markings unless otherwise specifically authorized in writing by the Contracting Officer.
(1) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this agreement concerning inspection or acceptance, if any data delivered under this agreement are marked with the notices specified in subparagraph (g)(2) or (g)(3) of this clause and use of such is not authorized by this clause, or if such data bears any other restrictive or limiting markings not authorized by this agreement, the Contracting Officer may at any time either return the data to the Recipient or cancel or ignore the markings. However, the following procedures shall apply prior to canceling or ignoring the markings.
(i) The Contracting Officer shall make written inquiry to the Recipient affording the Recipient 30 days from receipt of the inquiry to provide written justification to substantiate the propriety of the markings;
(ii) If the Recipient fails to respond or fails to provide written justification to substantiate the propriety of the markings within the 30-day period (or a longer time not exceeding 90 days approved in writing by the Contracting Officer for good cause shown), the Government shall have the right to cancel or ignore the markings at any time after said period and the data will no longer be made subject to any disclosure prohibitions.
(iii) If the Recipient provides written justification to substantiate the propriety of the markings within the period set in subdivision (e)(1)(i) of this clause, the Contracting Officer shall consider such written justification and determine whether or not the markings are to be cancelled or ignored. If the Contracting Officer determines that the markings are authorized, the Recipient shall be so notified in writing. If the Contracting Officer determines, with concurrence of the head of the contracting activity, that the markings are not authorized, the Contracting Officer shall furnish the Recipient a written determination, which determination shall become the final agency decision regarding the appropriateness of the markings unless the Recipient files suit in a court of competent jurisdiction within 90 days of receipt of the Contracting Officer's decision. The Government shall continue to abide by the markings under this subdivision (e)(1)(iii) until final resolution of the matter either by the Contracting Officer's determination become final (in which instance the Government shall thereafter have the right to cancel or ignore the markings at any time and the data will no longer be made subject to any disclosure prohibitions), or by final disposition of the matter by court decision if suit is filed.
(2) The time limits in the procedures set forth in subparagraph (e)(1) of this clause may be modified in accordance with agency regulations implementing the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) if necessary to respond to a request thereunder.
(1) Data delivered to the Government without either the limited rights or restricted rights notice as authorized by paragraph (
(i) Identifies the data to which the omitted notice is to be applied;
(ii) Demonstrates that the omission of the notice was inadvertent;
(iii) Establishes that the use of the proposed notice is authorized; and
(iv) Acknowledges that the Government has no liability with respect to the disclosure, use, or reproduction of any such data made prior to the addition of the notice or resulting from the omission of the notice.
(2) The Contracting Officer may also:
(i) Permit correction at the Recipient's expense of incorrect notices if the Recipient identifies the data on which correction of the notice is to be made, and demonstrates that the correct notice is authorized; or
(ii) Correct any incorrect notices.
(1) The Recipient may, with the concurrence of DOE, claim and mark as protected data, any data first produced in the performance of this award that would have been treated as a trade secret if developed at private expense. Any such claimed “protected data” will be clearly marked with the following Protected Rights Notice, and will be treated in accordance with such Notice, subject to the provisions of paragraphs (e) and (f) of this clause.
These protected data were produced under agreement no. ___ with the U.S. Department of Energy and may not be published, disseminated, or disclosed to others outside the Government until (
(2) Any such marked Protected Data may be disclosed under obligations of confidentiality for the following purposes:
(a) For evaluation purposes under the restriction that the “Protected Data” be retained in confidence and not be further disclosed; or
(b) To subcontractors or other team members performing work under the Government's (insert name of program or other applicable activity) program of which this award is a part, for information or use in connection with the work performed under their activity, and under the restriction that the Protected Data be retained in confidence and not be further disclosed.
(3) The obligations of confidentiality and restrictions on publication and dissemination shall end for any Protected Data.
(a) At the end of the protected period;
(b) If the data becomes publicly known or available from other sources without a breach of the obligation of confidentiality with respect to the Protected Data;
(c) If the same data is independently developed by someone who did not have access to the Protected Data and such data is made available without obligations of confidentiality; or
(d) If the Recipient disseminates or authorizes another to disseminate such data without obligations of confidentiality.
(4) However, the Recipient agrees that the following types of data are not considered to be protected and shall be provided to the Government when required by this award without any claim that the data are Protected Data. The parties agree that notwithstanding the following lists of types of data, nothing precludes the Government from seeking delivery of additional data in accordance with this award, or from making publicly available additional non-protected data, nor does the following list constitute any admission by the Government that technical data not on the list is Protected Data. (
(5) The Government's sole obligation with respect to any protected data shall be as set forth in this paragraph (g).
When data other than that listed in subparagraphs (b)(1)(i), (ii), and (iii) of this clause are specified to be delivered under this agreement and such data qualify as either limited rights data or restricted computer software, the Recipient, if the Recipient desires to continue protection of such data, shall withhold such data and not furnish them to the Government under this agreement. As a condition to this withholding the Recipient shall identify the data being withheld and furnish form, fit, and function data in lieu thereof.
The Recipient has the responsibility to obtain from its subrecipients/contractors all data and rights therein necessary to fulfill the Recipient's obligations to the Government under this agreement. If a subrecipient/contractor refuses to accept terms affording the Government such rights, the Recipient shall promptly bring such refusal to the attention of the Contracting Officer and not proceed with subaward/contract award without further authorization.
In addition to the data specified elsewhere in this agreement to be delivered, the Contracting Officer may, at anytime during agreement performance or within a period of 3 years after acceptance of all items to be delivered under this agreement, order any data first produced or specifically used in the performance of this agreement. This clause is applicable to all data ordered under this subparagraph. Nothing contained in this subparagraph shall require the Recipient to deliver any data the withholding of which is authorized by this clause or data which are specifically identified in this agreement as not subject to this clause. When data are to be delivered under this subparagraph, the Recipient will be compensated for converting the data into the prescribed form, for reproduction, and for delivery.
(k) The Recipient agrees, except as may be otherwise specified in this agreement for specific data items listed as not subject to this paragraph, that the Contracting Officer or an authorized representative may, up to three years after acceptance of all items to be delivered under this contract, inspect at the Recipient's facility any data withheld pursuant to paragraph (h) of this clause, for purposes of verifying the Recipient's assertion pertaining to the limited rights or restricted rights status of the data or for evaluating work performance. Where the Recipient whose data are to be inspected demonstrates to the Contracting Officer that there would be a possible conflict of interest if the inspection were made by a particular representative, the Contracting Officer shall designate an alternate inspector.
As prescribed in 600.325(e)(2), the following Alternate I and/or II may be inserted in the clause in the award instrument.
(h)(2) Notwithstanding subparagraph (h)(1) of this clause, the agreement may identify and specify the delivery of limited rights data, or the Contracting Officer may require by written request the delivery of limited rights data that has been withheld or would otherwise be withholdable. If delivery of such data is so required, the Recipient may affix the following “Limited Rights Notice” to the data and the Government will thereafter treat the data, in accordance with such Notice:
(a) These data are submitted with limited rights under Government agreement No. ____ (and subaward/contract No. ____, if appropriate). These data may be reproduced and used by the Government with the express limitation that they will not, without written permission of the Recipient, be used for purposes of manufacture nor disclosed outside the Government; except that the Government may disclose these data outside the Government for the following purposes, if any, provided that the Government makes such disclosure subject to prohibition against further use and disclosure:
(1) Use (except for manufacture) by Federal support services contractors within the scope of their contracts;
(2) This “limited rights data” may be disclosed for evaluation purposes under the restriction that the “limited rights data” be retained in confidence and not be further disclosed;
(3) This “limited rights data” may be disclosed to other contractors participating in the Government's program of which this Recipient is a part for information or use (except for manufacture) in connection with the work performed under their awards and under the restriction that the “limited rights data” be retained in confidence and not be further disclosed;
(4) This “limited rights data” may be used by the Government or others on its behalf for emergency repair or overhaul work under the restriction that the “limited rights data” be retained in confidence and not be further disclosed; and
(5) Release to a foreign government, or instrumentality thereof, as the interests of the United States Government may require, for information or evaluation, or for emergency repair or overhaul work by such government. This Notice shall be marked on any reproduction of this data in whole or in part.
(b) This Notice shall be marked on any reproduction of these data, in whole or in part.
(h)(3)(i) Notwithstanding subparagraph (h)(1) of this clause, the agreement may identify and specify the delivery of restricted computer software, or the Contracting Officer may require by written request the delivery of restricted computer software that has been withheld or would otherwise be withholdable. If delivery of such computer software is so required, the Recipient may affix the following “Restricted Rights Notice” to the computer software and the Government will thereafter treat the computer software, subject to paragraphs (d) and (e) of this clause, in accordance with the Notice:
(a) This computer software is submitted with restricted rights under Government Agreement No. ____ (and subaward/contract ____, if appropriate). It may not be used, reproduced, or disclosed by the Government except as provided in paragraph (c) of this Notice or as otherwise expressly stated in the agreement.
(b) This computer software may be—
(1) Used or copied for use in or with the computer or computers for which it was acquired, including use at any Government installation to which such computer or computers may be transferred;
(2) Used or copies for use in a backup computer if any computer for which it was acquired is inoperative;
(3) Reproduced for safekeeping (archives) or backup purposes;
(4) Modified, adapted, or combined with other computer software, provided that the modified, combined, or adapted portions of the derivative software are made subject to the same restricted rights;
(5) Disclosed to and reproduced for use by Federal support service Contractors in accordance with subparagraphs (b)(1) through (4) of this clause, provided the Government makes such disclosure or reproduction subject to these restricted rights; and
(6) Used or copies for use in or transferred to a replacement computer.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if this computer software is published copyrighted computer software, it is licensed to the Government, without disclosure prohibitions, with the minimum rights set forth in paragraph (b) of this clause.
(d) Any other rights or limitations regarding the use, duplication, or disclosure of this computer software are to be expressly stated in, or incorporated in, the agreement.
(e) This Notice shall be marked on any reproduction of this computer software, in whole or in part.
(ii) Where it is impractical to include the Restricted Rights Notice on restricted computer software, the following short-form Notice may be used in lieu thereof:
Use, reproduction, or disclosure is subject to restrictions set forth in Agreement No. ____ (and subaward/contract ____, if appropriate) with ____ (name of Recipient and subrecipient/contractor).
(iii) If restricted computer software is delivered with the copyright notice of 17 U.S.C. 401, it will be presumed to be published copyrighted computer software licensed to the Government without disclosure prohibitions, with the minimum rights set forth in paragraph (b) of this clause, unless the Recipient includes the following statement with such copyright notice: “Unpublished—rights reserved under the Copyright Laws of the United States.”
All contracts awarded by a recipient, including those for amounts less than the simplified acquisition threshold, must contain the following provisions as applicable:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
This subpart implements section 2306 of the Energy Policy Act of 1992, 42 U.S.C. 13525, and sets forth a general statement of policy, including procedures and interpretations, for the guidance of implementing DOE officials in making mandatory pre-award determinations of eligibility for financial assistance under Titles XX through XXIII of that Act.
The definitions in § 600.3 of this part, including the definition of the term “financial assistance,” are applicable to this subpart. In addition, as used in this subpart:
(1) Exercises ultimate ownership of the applicant company either directly, by ownership of a majority of that company's voting securities, or indirectly, by control over a majority of that company's voting securities through one or more intermediate subsidiary companies or otherwise, and
(2) Is not itself subject to the ultimate ownership control of another company.
(1) A company that has majority ownership by individuals who are citizens of the United States, or
(2) A company organized under the laws of a State that either has no parent company or has a parent company organized under the laws of a State.
A company shall be eligible to receive an award of financial assistance under a covered program only if DOE finds that—
(a) Consistent with § 600.503, the company's participation in a covered program would be in the economic interest of the United States; and
(b) The company is either—
(1) A United States-owned company; or
(2) Incorporated or organized under the laws of any State and has a parent
(i) Affords to the United States-owned companies opportunities, comparable to those afforded to any other company, to participate in any joint venture similar to those authorized under the Act;
(ii) Affords to United States-owned companies local investment opportunities comparable to those afforded to any other company; and
(iii) Affords adequate and effective protection for the intellectual property rights of United States-owned companies.
In determining whether participation of an applicant company in a covered program would be in the economic interest of the United States under § 600.502(a), DOE may consider any evidence showing that a financial assistance award would be in the economic interest of the United States including, but not limited to—
(a) Investments by the applicant company and its affiliates in the United States in research, development, and manufacturing (including, for example, the manufacture of major components or subassemblies in the United States);
(b) Significant contributions to employment in the United States by the applicant company and its affiliates; and
(c) An agreement by the applicant company, with respect to any technology arising from the financial assistance being sought—
(1) To promote the manufacture within the United States of products resulting from that technology (taking into account the goals of promoting the competitiveness of United States industry); and
(2) To procure parts and materials from competitive suppliers.
(a) Any applicant for financial assistance under a covered program shall submit with the application for financial assistance, or at such later time as may be specified by DOE, evidence for DOE to consider in making findings required under § 600.502(a) and findings concerning ownership status under § 600.502(b).
(b) If an applicant for financial assistance is submitting evidence relating to future undertakings, such as an agreement under § 600.503(c) to promote manufacture in the United States of products resulting from a technology developed with financial assistance or to procure parts and materials from competitive suppliers, the applicant shall submit a representation affirming acceptance of these undertakings. The applicant should also briefly describe its plans, if any, for any manufacturing of products arising from the program-supported research and development, including the location where such manufacturing is expected to occur.
(c) If an applicant for financial assistance is claiming to be a United States-owned company, the applicant must submit a representation affirming that it falls within the definition of that term provided in § 600.501.
(d) DOE may require submission of additional information deemed necessary to make any portion of the determination required by § 600.502.
In making the determination under § 600.502(b)(2), DOE may—
(a) consider information on the relevant international and domestic law obligations of the country of incorporation of the parent company of an applicant;
(b) consider information relating to the policies and practices of the country of incorporation of the parent company of an applicant with respect to:
(1) The eligibility criteria for, and the experience of United States-owned company participation in, energy-related research and development programs;
(2) Local investment opportunities afforded to United States-owned companies; and
(3) Protection of intellectual property rights of United States-owned companies;
(c) Seek and consider advice from other federal agencies, as appropriate; and
(d) Consider any publicly available information in addition to the information provided by the applicant.
Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs, 10 CFR part 1040 (45 FR 40514, June 13, 1980), as proposed to be amended by 46 FR 49546 (October 6, 1981).
Nondiscrimination Provisions in Federally Assisted Construction Contracts, Part III of Executive Order 11246 (September 24, 1965), 3 CFR 1964—65 Comp., p. 345.
Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation Act of 1970, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4581).
Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act of 1972, as amended (21 U.S.C. 1174).
Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4151
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321
Sec. 306, Clean Air Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. 7606c).
Sec. 508, Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972 (33 U.S.C. 1251
Title XIV, Public Health Service Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. 300f—
Sec. 102(a), Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (Pub. L. 93-234, 87 Stat. 975).
10 CFR part 1022, “Protection of Wetlands and Floodplains.”
Uniform Relocation Assistance and Land Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. 4601
Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1451
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531
Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (16 U.S.C. 661
Sec. 106, National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 470f); Executive Order 11593, “Protection and Enhancement of the Cultural Environment,” May 13, 1971, 3 CFR 1971 Comp., p. 154; Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 469
Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1271
Protection of Human Subjects, 10 CFR part 745.
Federal Laboratory Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2131
Lead-Based Paint Prohibition (42 U.S.C. 4831(b)).
Sec. 7(b), Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450e(b)).
Cargo Preference Act of 1954 (46 U.S.C. 1241(b)) (46 CFR § 381.7).
International Air Transportation Fair Competitive Practices Act of 1974 (49 U.S.C. 1517).
Executive Order 12138, “Creating a National Women's Business Enterprise Policy and Prescribing Arrangements for Developing, Coordinating, and Implementing a National Program for Women's Business Enterprise,” (May 18, 1979) 3 CFR 1979 Comp., p. 393.
Sec. 403(b), Power Plant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978, (42 U.S.C. 8373(b)); Executive Order 12185 (December 17, 1979, 3 CFR 1979 Comp., p. 474).
The Hatch Act (5 U.S.C. 1501-1508).
Federal Reports Act, as amended by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980, Pub. L. 96-511 (44 U.S.C. 3501
OMB Circular A-111, Jointly Funded Assistance to State and Local Governments and Nonprofit Organizations—Policies and Procedures.
Federal Claims Collection Act of 1966, Pub. L. 89-508, 89 Stat. 309 (31 U.S.C. 951
OMB Circular A-88, Coordinating Indirect Cost Rates and Audit at Educational Institutions.
OMB Circular A-73, Audit of Federal Operations and Programs.
Single Audit Act of 1984, Pub. L. 98-502.
OMB Circular A-128, Audits of State and Local Governments.
31 U.S.C. 1352; 42 U.S.C. 7254 and 7256; 31 U.S.C. 6301-6308; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.
See also Office of Management and Budget notice published at 54 FR 52306, Dec. 20, 1989.
(a) No appropriated funds may be expended by the recipient of a Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative ageement to pay any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with any of the following covered Federal actions: the awarding of any Federal contract, the making of any Federal grant, the making of any Federal loan, the entering into of any cooperative agreement, and the extension, continuation, renewal, amendment, or modification of any Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement.
(b) Each person who requests or receives from an agency a Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement shall file with that agency a certification, set forth in appendix A, that the person has not made, and will not make, any payment prohibited by paragraph (a) of this section.
(c) Each person who requests or receives from an agency a Federal contract, grant, loan, or a cooperative agreement shall file with that agency a disclosure form, set forth in appendix B, if such person has made or has agreed to make any payment using nonappropriated funds (to include profits from any covered Federal action), which would be prohibited under paragraph (a) of this section if paid for with appropriated funds.
(d) Each person who requests or receives from an agency a commitment providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan shall file with that agency a statement, set forth in appendix A, whether that person has made or has agreed to make any payment to influence or attempt to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with that loan insurance or guarantee.
(e) Each person who requests or receives from an agency a commitment providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan shall file with that agency a disclosure form, set forth in appendix B, if that person has made or has agreed to make any payment to influence or attempt to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with that loan insurance or guarantee.
For purposes of this part:
(a)
(b)
(1) The awarding of any Federal contract;
(2) The making of any Federal grant;
(3) The making of any Federal loan;
(4) The entering into of any cooperative agreement; and,
(5) The extension, continuation, renewal, amendment, or modification of any Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement.
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(1) An individual who is appointed to a position in the Government under title 5, U.S. Code, including a position under a temporary appointment;
(2) A member of the uniformed services as defined in section 101(3), title 37, U.S. Code;
(3) A special Government employee as defined in section 202, title 18, U.S. Code; and,
(4) An individual who is a member of a Federal advisory committee, as defined by the Federal Advisory Committee Act, title 5, U.S. Code appendix 2.
(l)
(m)
(n)
(o)
(p)
(q)
(a) Each person shall file a certification, and a disclosure form, if required, with each submission that initiates agency consideration of such person for:
(1) Award of a Federal contract, grant, or cooperative agreement exceeding $100,000; or
(2) An award of a Federal loan or a commitment providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan exceeding $150,000.
(b) Each person shall file a certification, and a disclosure form, if required, upon receipt by such person of:
(1) A Federal contract, grant, or cooperative agreement exceeding $100,000; or
(2) A Federal loan or a commitment providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan exceeding $150,000,
(c) Each person shall file a disclosure form at the end of each calendar quarter in which there occurs any event that requires disclosure or that materially affects the accuracy of the information contained in any disclosure form previously filed by such person under paragraphs (a) or (b) of this section. An event that materially affects the accuracy of the information reported includes:
(1) A cumulative increase of $25,000 or more in the amount paid or expected to be paid for influencing or attempting to influence a covered Federal action; or
(2) A change in the person(s) or individual(s) influencing or attempting to influence a covered Federal action; or,
(3) A change in the officer(s), employee(s), or Member(s) contacted to influence or attempt to influence a covered Federal action.
(d) Any person who requests or receives from a person referred to in paragraphs (a) or (b) of this section:
(1) A subcontract exceeding $100,000 at any tier under a Federal contract;
(2) A subgrant, contract, or subcontract exceeding $100,000 at any tier under a Federal grant;
(3) A contract or subcontract exceeding $100,000 at any tier under a Federal loan exceeding $150,000; or,
(4) A contract or subcontract exceeding $100,000 at any tier under a Federal cooperative agreement,
(e) All disclosure forms, but not certifications, shall be forwarded from tier to tier until received by the person referred to in paragraphs (a) or (b) of this section. That person shall forward all disclosure forms to the agency.
(f) Any certification or disclosure form filed under paragraph (e) of this section shall be treated as a material representation of fact upon which all receiving tiers shall rely. All liability arising from an erroneous representation shall be borne solely by the tier filing that representation and shall not be shared by any tier to which the erroneous representation is forwarded. Submitting an erroneous certification or disclosure constitutes a failure to file the required certification or disclosure, respectively. If a person fails to file a required certification or disclosure, the United States may pursue all available remedies, including those authorized by section 1352, title 31, U.S. Code.
(g) For awards and commitments in process prior to December 23, 1989, but not made before that date, certifications shall be required at award or commitment, covering activities occurring between December 23, 1989, and the date of award or commitment. However, for awards and commitments in process prior to the December 23, 1989 effective date of these provisions, but not made before December 23, 1989, disclosure forms shall not be required at time of award or commitment but shall be filed within 30 days.
(h) No reporting is required for an activity paid for with appropriated funds if that activity is allowable under either subpart B or C.
(a) The prohibition on the use of appropriated funds, in § 601.100 (a), does not apply in the case of a payment of reasonable compensation made to an officer or employee of a person requesting or receiving a Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement if the payment is for agency and legislative liaison activities not directly related to a covered Federal action.
(b) For purposes of paragraph (a) of this section, providing any information specifically requested by an agency or Congress is allowable at any time.
(c) For purposes of paragraph (a) of this section, the following agency and legislative liaison activities are allowable at any time only where they are not related to a specific solicitation for any covered Federal action:
(1) Discussing with an agency (including individual demonstrations) the qualities and characteristics of the person's products or services, conditions or terms of sale, and service capabilities; and,
(2) Technical discussions and other activities regarding the application or adaptation of the person's products or services for an agency's use.
(d) For purposes of paragraph (a) of this section, the following agencies and legislative liaison activities are allowable only where they are prior to formal solicitation of any covered Federal action:
(1) Providing any information not specifically requested but necessary for an agency to make an informed decision about initiation of a covered Federal action;
(2) Technical discussions regarding the preparation of an unsolicited proposal prior to its official submission; and,
(3) Capability presentations by persons seeking awards from an agency pursuant to the provisions of the Small Business Act, as amended by Public Law 95-507 and other subsequent amendments.
(e) Only those activities expressly authorized by this section are allowable under this section.
(a) The prohibition on the use of appropriated funds, in § 601.100 (a), does not apply in the case of a payment of reasonable compensation made to an officer or employee of a person requesting or receiving a Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement or an extension, continuation, renewal,
(b) For purposes of paragraph (a) of this section, “professional and technical services” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For example, drafting of a legal document accompanying a bid or proposal by a lawyer is allowable. Similarly, technical advice provided by an engineer on the performance or operational capability of a piece of equipment rendered directly in the negotiation of a contract is allowable. However, communications with the intent to influence made by a professional (such as a licensed lawyer) or a technical person (such as a licensed accountant) are not allowable under this section unless they provide advice and analysis directly applying their professional or technical expertise and unless the advice or analysis is rendered directly and solely in the preparation, submission or negotiation of a covered Federal action. Thus, for example, communications with the intent to influence made by a lawyer that do not provide legal advice or analysis directly and solely related to the legal aspects of his or her client's proposal, but generally advocate one proposal over another are not allowable under this section because the lawyer is not providing professional legal services. Similarly, communications with the intent to influence made by an engineer providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not allowable under this section since the engineer is providing technical services but not directly in the preparation, submission or negotiation of a covered Federal action.
(c) Requirements imposed by or pursuant to law as a condition for receiving a covered Federal award include those required by law or regulation, or reasonably expected to be required by law or regulation, and any other requirements in the actual award documents.
(d) Only those services expressly authorized by this section are allowable under this section.
No reporting is required with respect to payments of reasonable compensation made to regularly employed officers or employees of a person.
(a) The prohibition on the use of appropriated funds, in § 601.100 (a), does not apply in the case of any reasonable payment to a person, other than an officer or employee of a person requesting or receiving a covered Federal action, if the payment is for professional or technical services rendered directly in the preparation, submission, or negotiation of any bid, proposal, or application for that Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement or for meeting requirements imposed by or pursuant to law as a condition for receiving that Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement.
(b) The reporting requirements in § 601.110 (a) and (b) regarding filing a disclosure form by each person, if required, shall not apply with respect to professional or technical services rendered directly in the preparation, submission, or negotiation of any commitment providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan.
(c) For purposes of paragraph (a) of this section, “professional and technical services” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For example, drafting or a legal document accompanying a bid or proposal by a lawyer is allowable. Similarly, technical advice provided by an engineer on the performance or operational capability of a piece of equipment rendered directly in the negotiation of a
(d) Requirements imposed by or pursuant to law as a condition for receiving a covered Federal award include those required by law or regulation, or reasonably expected to be required by law or regulation, and any other requirements in the actual award documents.
(e) Persons other than officers or employees of a person requesting or receiving a covered Federal action include consultants and trade associations.
(f) Only those services expressly authorized by this section are allowable under this section.
(a) Any person who makes an expenditure prohibited herein shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $11,000 and not more than $110,000 for each such expenditure.
(b) Any person who fails to file or amend the disclosure form (see appendix B) to be filed or amended if required herein, shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $11,000 and not more than $110,000 for each such failure.
(c) A filing or amended filing on or after the date on which an administrative action for the imposition of a civil penalty is commenced does not prevent the imposition of such civil penalty for a failure occurring before that date. An administrative action is commenced with respect to a failure when an investigating official determines in writing to commence an investigation of an allegation of such failure.
(d) In determining whether to impose a civil penalty, and the amount of any such penalty, by reason of a violation by any person, the agency shall consider the nature, circumstances, extent, and gravity of the violation, the effect on the ability of such person to continue in business, any prior violations by such person, the degree of culpability of such person, the ability of the person to pay the penalty, and such other matters as may be appropriate.
(e) First offenders under paragraphs (a) or (b) of this section shall be subject to a civil penalty of $11,000, absent aggravating circumstances. Second and subsequent offenses by persons shall be subject to an appropriate civil penalty between $11,000 and $110,000, as determined by the agency head or his or her designee.
(f) An imposition of a civil penalty under this section does not prevent the United States from seeking any other remedy that may apply to the same conduct that is the basis for the imposition of such civil penalty.
Agencies shall impose and collect civil penalties pursuant to the provisions of the Program Fraud and Civil Remedies Act, 31 U.S.C. 3803 (except subsection (c)), 3804, 3805, 3806, 3807, 3808, and 3812, insofar as these provisions are not inconsistent with the requirements herein.
The head of each agency shall take such actions as are necessary to ensure that the provisions herein are vigorously implemented and enforced in that agency.
(a) The Secretary of Defense may exempt, on a case-by-case basis, a covered Federal action from the prohibition whenever the Secretary determines, in writing, that such an exemption is in the national interest. The Secretary shall transmit a copy of each such written exemption to Congress immediately after making such a determination.
(b) The Department of Defense may issue supplemental regulations to implement paragraph (a) of this section.
(a) The head of each agency shall collect and compile the disclosure reports (see appendix B) and, on May 31 and November 30 of each year, submit to the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives a report containing a compilation of the information contained in the disclosure reports received during the six-month period ending on March 31 or September 30, respectively, of that year.
(b) The report, including the compilation, shall be available for public inspection 30 days after receipt of the report by the Secretary and the Clerk.
(c) Information that involves intelligence matters shall be reported only to the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate, the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives, and the Committees on Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives in accordance with procedures agreed to by such committees. Such information shall not be available for public inspection.
(d) Information that is classified under Executive Order 12356 or any successor order shall be reported only to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives or the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives (whichever such committees have jurisdiction of matters involving such information) and to the Committees on Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives in accordance with procedures agreed to by such committees. Such information shall not be available for public inspection.
(e) The first semi-annual compilation shall be submitted on May 31, 1990, and shall contain a compilation of the disclosure reports received from December 23, 1989 to March 31, 1990.
(f) Major agencies, designated by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), are required to provide machine-readable compilations to the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives no later than with the compilations due on May 31, 1991. OMB shall provide detailed specifications in a memorandum to these agencies.
(g) Non-major agencies are requested to provide machine-readable compilations to the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives.
(h) Agencies shall keep the originals of all disclosure reports in the official files of the agency.
(a) The Inspector General, or other official as specified in paragraph (b) of this section, of each agency shall prepare and submit to Congress each year, commencing with submission of the President's Budget in 1991, an evaluation of the compliance of that agency with, and the effectiveness of, the requirements herein. The evaluation may include any recommended changes that may be necessary to strengthen or improve the requirements.
(b) In the case of an agency that does not have an Inspector General, the agency official comparable to an Inspector General shall prepare and submit the annual report, or, if there is no such comparable official, the head of the agency shall prepare and submit the annual report.
(c) The annual report shall be submitted at the same time the agency submits its annual budget justifications to Congress.
(d) The annual report shall include the following: All alleged violations relating to the agency's covered Federal actions during the year covered by the report, the actions taken by the head of the agency in the year covered by the report with respect to those alleged violations and alleged violations in previous years, and the amounts of civil penalties imposed by the agency in the year covered by the report.
The undersigned certifies, to the best of his or her knowledge and belief, that:
(1) No Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid, by or on behalf of the undersigned, to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of an agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with the awarding of any Federal contract, the making of any Federal grant, the making of any Federal loan, the entering into of any cooperative agreement, and the extension, continuation, renewal, amendment, or modification of any Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement.
(2) If any funds other than Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement, the undersigned shall complete and submit Standard Form-LLL, “Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying,” in accordance with its instructions.
(3) The undersigned shall require that the language of this certification be included in the award documents for all subawards at all tiers (including subcontracts, subgrants, and contracts under grants, loans, and cooperative agreements) and that all subrecipients shall certify and disclose accordingly.
This certification is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when this transaction was made or entered into. Submission of this certification is a prerequisite for making or entering into this transaction imposed by section 1352, title 31, U.S. Code. Any person who fails to file the required certification shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $11,000 and not more than $110,000 for each such failure.
The undersigned states, to the best of his or her knowledge and belief, that:
If any funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this commitment providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan, the undersigned shall complete and submit Standard Form-LLL, “Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying,” in accordance with its instructions.
Submission of this statement is a prerequisite for making or entering into this transaction imposed by section 1352, title 31, U.S. Code. Any person who fails to file the required statement shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $11,000 and not more than $110,000 for each such failure.
42 U.S.C. 2051; 42 U.S.C. 5817; 42 U.S.C. 5901-5920; 42 U.S.C. 7254 and 7256; 31 U.S.C. 6301-6308.
This part sets forth the policies and procedures applicable to the award and administration of grants and cooperative agreements by DOE (through the Office of Environment, Safety and Health or any office to which its functions are subsequently redelegated) for health related research, education/training, conferences, communication, and related activities.
(a) This part applies to all grants and cooperative agreements awarded after the effective date of this rule.
(b) Except as otherwise provided by this part, the award and administration of grants and cooperative agreements shall be governed by 10 CFR part 600 (DOE Financial Assistance Rules).
In addition to the definitions provided in 10 CFR part 600, the following definitions are provided for purposes of this part:
(a) Single-case deviations from this part may be authorized in writing by the Assistant Secretary for Environment, Safety and Health, the Head of the Contracting Activity, or their designees, upon the written request of DOE staff, an applicant for award, or a recipient. A request from an applicant or a recipient must be submitted to or through the cognizant contracting officer.
(b) Whenever a proposed deviation from this part would be a deviation from 10 CFR part 600, the deviation must also be authorized in accordance with the procedures prescribed in that part.
(a) DOE may issue under this part awards for research, education/training, conferences, communication, and related activities in the Office of Environment, Safety and Health program areas set forth in paragraph (b) of this section.
(b) The program areas are:
(1) Health experience of DOE and DOE contractor workers;
(2) Health experience of populations living near DOE facilities;
(3) Workers exposed to toxic substances, such as beryllium;
(4) Use of biomarkers to recognize exposure to toxic substances;
(5) Epidemiology and other health studies relating to energy production, transmission, and use (including electromagnetic fields) in the United States and abroad;
(6) Compilation, documentation, management, use, and analysis of data for the DOE Comprehensive Epidemiologic Data Resource; and
(7) Other systems or activities enhancing these areas, as well as other program areas as may be described by notice published in the
Any individual or entity other than a Federal agency is eligible for a grant or cooperative agreement. An unaffiliated individual is also eligible for a grant or cooperative agreement.
(a) The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number for 10 CFR part 602 is 81.108 and its solicitation control number is EOHSFAP 10 CFR part 602.
(b) An application for a new or renewal award under this solicitation may be submitted at any time to DOE at the address specified in paragraph (c) of this section. New or renewal applications shall receive consideration for funding generally within 6 months but, in any event, no later than 12 months from the date of receipt by DOE.
(c) Except as otherwise provided in a notice of availability, applicants may obtain application forms, described in 602.8(b) of this part, and additional information from the Office of Epidemiology and Health Surveillance (EH-42), U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, DC 20585, (301) 903-5926, and shall submit applications to the same address.
(d) DOE will publish program notices in the
(1) Each notice of availability shall cite this part and shall include:
(i) The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number and solicitation control number of the program;
(ii) The amount of money available or estimated to be available for award;
(iii) The name of the responsible DOE program official to contact for additional information and an address where application forms may be obtained;
(iv) The address for submission of applications; and
(v) Any evaluation criteria in addition to those set forth in § 602.9 of this part.
(2) The notice of availability may also include any other relevant information helpful to applicants such as:
(i) Program objectives;
(ii) A project agenda or potential area of project initiatives;
(iii) Problem areas requiring additional effort; and
(iv) Any other information that identifies areas in which grants or cooperative agreements may be made.
(e) DOE is under no obligation to pay for any costs associated with the preparation or submission of applications.
(f) DOE reserves the right to fund, in whole or in part, any, all, or none of the applications submitted.
(g) To be considered for a renewal award under this part, an incumbent recipient shall submit a continuation or renewal application, as provided in § 602.8 (c) and (h) of this part.
(a) An original and seven copies of the application for initial support must be submitted, except that State and local governments and Indian tribal governments shall not be required to submit more than the original and two copies of the application.
(b) Each new or renewal application in response to this part must include:
(1) An application face page, DOE Form 4650.2 (approved by OMB under OMB Control No. 1910-1400). However,
(2) A detailed description of the proposed project, including its objectives, its relationship to DOE's program, its impact on the environment, if any, and the applicant's plan for carrying it out.
(3) Detailed information about the background and experience of the recipients of funds or, as appropriate, the principal investigator(s) (including references to publications), the facilities and experience of the applicant, and the cost-sharing arrangements, if any.
(4) A detailed budget for the entire proposed period of support with written justification sufficient to evaluate the itemized list of costs provided on the entire project. Applicants should note the following when preparing budgets:
(i) Numerical details on items of cost provided by State and local government and Indian tribal government applicants shall be on Standard Form 424A, “Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs” (approved under OMB Control No. 0348-0044). All other applicants shall use budget forms ERF 4620.1 (approved by OMB under Control No. 1910-1400).
(ii) DOE may, subsequent to receipt of an application, request additional budgetary information from an applicant when necessary for clarification or make informed pre-award determinations under 10 CFR part 600.
(5) Any pre-award assurances required pursuant to 10 CFR parts 600 and 602.
(c) Applications for a renewal award must be submitted with an original and seven copies, except that State and local governments and Indian tribal government applicants are required to submit only an original and two copies (Approved by OMB under OMB Control Numbers 0348-00050348-0009)
(d) The application must be signed by an official who is authorized to act for the applicant organization and to commit the applicant to comply with the terms and conditions of the award, if one is issued, or if unaffiliated, by the individual applicant. (See § 602.17(a)(1) for requirements on continuation awards.)
(e) DOE may return an application that does not include all information and documentation required by statute, this part, 10 CFR part 600, or the notice of availability, when the nature of the omission precludes review of the application.
(f) During the review of a complete application, DOE may request the submission of additional information only if the information is essential to evaluate the application.
(g) In addition to including the information described in paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this section, an application for a renewal award must be submitted no later than 6 months before the expiration of the project period and must be on the same forms as required for initial applications. The renewal application must outline and justify a program and budget for the proposed project period, showing in detail the estimated cost of the proposed project, together with an indication of the amount of cost sharing, if any. The application shall also describe and explain the reasons for any change in the scope or objectives of the proposed project and shall compare and explain any difference between the estimates in the proposed budget and actual costs experienced as of the date of the application.
(h) DOE is not required to return an application to the applicant.
(i) Renewal applications must include a separate section that describes the results of work accomplished through the date of the renewal application and how such results relate to the activities proposed to be undertaken in the renewal period.
(a) Applications shall be evaluated for funding generally within 6 months, but in any event no later than 12 months, from the date of receipt by DOE. After DOE has held an application for 6 months, the applicant may, in response to DOE's request, be required to revalidate the terms of the original application.
(b) DOE shall perform an initial evaluation of all applications to ensure
(c) DOE shall select evaluators on the basis of their professional qualifications and expertise. To ensure credible and inclusive peer review of applications, every effort will be made to select evaluators apart from DOE employees and contractors. Evaluators shall be required to comply with all applicable DOE rules or directives concerning the use of outside evaluators.
(d) DOE shall evaluate new and renewal applications based on the following criteria that are listed in descending order of importance:
(1) The scientific and technical merit of the proposed research;
(2) The appropriateness of the proposed method or approach;
(3) Competency of research personnel and adequacy of proposed resources;
(4) Reasonableness and appropriateness of the proposed budget; and
(5) Other appropriate factors consistent with the purpose of this part established and set forth in a Notice of Availability or in a specific solicitation.
(e) DOE shall also consider as part of the evaluation other available advice or information, as well as program policy factors, such as ensuring an appropriate balance among the program areas listed in § 602.5 of this part.
(f) In addition to the evaluation criteria set forth in paragraphs (d) and (e) of this section, DOE shall consider the recipient's performance under the existing award during the evaluation of a renewal application.
(g) Selection of applications for award will be based upon the findings of the technical evaluations (including peer reviews, as specified in the Office of Environment, Safety and Health Merit Review System), the importance and relevance of the proposal to the Office of Environment, Safety and Health's mission, and the availability of funds. Cost reasonableness and realism will also be considered.
(h) After the selection of an application, DOE may, if necessary, enter into negotiations with an applicant. Such negotiations are not a commitment that DOE will make an award.
(a) A recipient performing research or related activities involving the use of human subjects must comply with DOE regulations in 10 CFR part 745, “Protection of Human Subjects,” and any additional provisions that may be included in the special terms and conditions of an award.
(b) A recipient performing research involving recombinant DNA molecules and/or organisms and viruses containing recombinant DNA molecules shall comply with the National Institutes of Health “Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules” (51 FR 16958, May 7, 1986), or such later revision of those guidelines, as may be published in the
(c) A recipient performing research on warm-blooded animals shall comply with the Federal Laboratory Animal Welfare Act of 1966, as amended (7 USC 2131 et seq.), and the regulations promulgated thereunder by the Secretary of Agriculture at 9 CFR chapter I, subchapter A, pertaining to the care, handling, and treatment of warm-blooded animals held or used for research, teaching, or other activities supported by Federal awards. The recipient shall comply with the guidelines described in the Department of Health and Human Services Publication No. [NIH] 86-23, “Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals,” or succeeding revised editions. (This guide is available from the Office for Protection from Research Risks, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health,
(a) The project period during which DOE expects to provide support for an approved project under this part shall generally not exceed 3 years and may exceed 5 years only if DOE makes a renewal award or otherwise extends the award. The project period shall be specified on the Notice of Financial Assistance Grant (DOE Form 4600.1).
(b) Each budget period of an award under this part shall generally be 12 months and may be as much as 24 months, as DOE deems appropriate.
Cost sharing is not required, nor will it be considered, as a criterion in the evaluation and selection process unless otherwise provided under § 602.9(d)(5).
Awards made under this part are subject to the requirement that the maximum DOE obligation to the recipient is the amount shown in the Notice of Financial Assistance Award as the amount of DOE funds obligated. DOE shall not be obligated to make any additional, supplemental, continuation, renewal, or other award for the same or any other purpose.
(a) Notwithstanding 10 CFR part 600, a fee may be paid, in appropriate circumstances, to a recipient that is a small business concern, as qualified under the criteria and size standards of 13 CFR part 121, in order to permit the concern to participate in the Epidemiology and Other Health Studies Financial Assistance Program. Whether or not it is appropriate to pay a fee shall be determined by the contracting officer, who shall, at a minimum, apply the following guidelines:
(1) Whether the acceptance of an award will displace other work that the small business is currently engaged in or committed to assume in the near future; or
(2) Whether the acceptance of an award will, in the absence of paying a fee, cause substantial financial distress to the business. In evaluating financial distress, the contracting officer shall balance current displacement against reasonable future benefit to the company. (If the award will result in the beneficial expansion of the existing business base of the company, then no fee would generally be appropriate.) Fees shall not be paid to other entities except as a deviation from 10 CFR part 600, nor shall fees be paid under awards in support of conferences.
(b) To request a fee, a small business concern shall submit with its application a written self-certification that it is a small business concern qualified under the criteria and size standards in 13 CFR part 121. In addition, the application must state the amount of fee requested for the entire project period and the basis for requesting the amount and must also state why payment of a fee by DOE would be appropriate.
(c) If the contracting officer determines that payment of a fee is appropriate under paragraph (a) of this section, the amount of fee shall be that determined to be reasonable by the contracting officer. The contracting officer shall, at a minimum, apply the following guidelines in determining the fee amount:
(1) The fee base shall include the estimated allowable cost of direct salaries and wages and allocable fringe benefits. This fee base shall exclude all other direct and indirect costs.
(2) The fee amount expressed as a percentage of the appropriate fee base, pursuant to paragraph (c)(1) of this section, shall not exceed the percentage rate of fee that would result if a Federal agency contracted for the same amount of salaries, wages, and allocable fringe benefits under a cost reimbursement contract.
(3) Fee amounts, determined pursuant to paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this section, shall be appropriately reduced when:
(i) Advance payments are provided; and/or
(ii) Title to property acquired with DOE funds vests in the recipient (10 CFR part 600).
(d) Notwithstanding 10 CFR part 600, any fee awarded shall be a fixed fee and shall be payable on an annual basis in proportion to the work completed, as determined by the contracting officer, upon satisfactory submission and acceptance by DOE of the progress report. If the project period is shortened due to termination, or the project period is not fully funded, the fee shall be reduced by an appropriate amount.
Awards issued under this part for conferences and scientific/technical meetings will not include payment for indirect costs.
Activities under the Epidemiology and Other Health Studies Financial Assistance Program are not expected to involve classified information (i.e., Restricted Data, Formerly Restricted Data, National Security Information). However, if in the opinion of the recipient or DOE such involvement becomes expected prior to the closeout of the award, the recipient or DOE shall notify the other in writing immediately. If the recipient believes any information developed or acquired may be classified, the recipient shall not provide the potentially classified information to anyone, including DOE officials with whom the recipient normally communicates, except the Director of Declassification, and shall protect such information as if it were classified until notified by DOE that a determination has been made that it does not require such handling. Correspondence that includes the specific information in question shall be sent by registered mail to the U.S. Department of Energy, Attn: Director of Declassification, NN-50, Washington, DC 20585. If the information is determined to be classified, the recipient may wish to discontinue the project, in which case the recipient and DOE shall terminate the award by mutual agreement. If the award is to be terminated, all material deemed by DOE to be classified shall be forwarded to DOE in a manner specified by DOE for proper disposition. If the recipient and DOE wish to continue the award, even though classified information is involved, the recipient shall be requested to obtain both personnel and facility security clearances through the Office of Safeguards and Security for Headquarters awards or from the cognizant field office Division of Safeguards and Security for awards obtained through DOE field organizations. Costs associated with handling and protecting any such classified information shall be negotiated at the time that the determination to proceed is made.
(a) A recipient shall periodically report to DOE on the project's progress in meeting the project objectives of the award. The following types of reports shall be used:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(i) Problems, delays, or adverse conditions that will materially affect the ability to attain project objectives or prevent the meeting of time schedules and goals. The report must describe remedial action that the recipient has taken, or plans to take, and any action DOE should take to alleviate the problems.
(ii) Favorable developments or events that enable meeting time schedules and goals sooner, or a lower cost than anticipated, or producing more beneficial results than originally projected.
(4)
(5)
(b) DOE may extend the deadline date for any report if the recipient submits a written request before the deadline, that adequately justifies an extension.
(c) A table summarizing the various types of reports, time for submission, and number of copies is set forth in appendix A to this part. The schedule of reports shall be as prescribed in this table, unless the award document specifies otherwise. These reports shall be submitted by the recipient to the awarding office.
(d) DOE, or its authorized representatives, may make site visits, at any reasonable time, to review the project. DOE may provide such technical assistance as may be requested.
(e) Recipients may place performance reporting requirements on a subrecipient consistent with the provisions of this section.
(a) Recipients are encouraged to disseminate research results promptly. DOE reserves the right to utilize, and have others utilize to the extent it deems appropriate, the reports resulting from research awards.
(b) DOE may waive the technical reporting requirement of progress reports set forth in § 602.17, if the recipient submits to DOE a copy of its own report that is published or accepted for publication in a recognized scientific or technical journal and that satisfies the information requirements of the program.
(c) Recipients are urged to publish results through normal publication channels in accordance with the applicable provisions of 10 CFR part 600.
(d) The article shall include an acknowledgement that the project was supported, in whole or in part, by a DOE award, and specify the award number, but state that such support does not constitute an endorsement by DOE of the views expressed in the article.
(a) In some cases, DOE will require submission of certain project records or data to facilitate mission-related activities. Recipients, therefore, must take adequate steps to ensure proper management, control, and preservation of all project records and data.
(b) Awardees must ensure that all project data is adequately documented. Documentation shall:
(1) Reference software used to compile, manage, and analyze data;
(2) Define all technical characteristics necessary for reading or processing the records;
(3) Define file and record content and codes;
(4) Describe update cycles or conditions and rules for adding or deleting information; and
(5) Detail instrument calibration effects, sampling and analysis, space and time coverage, quality control measures, data algorithms and reduction methods, and other activities relevant to data collection and assembly.
(c) Recipients agree to comply with designated DOE records and data management requirements, including providing electronic data in prescribed formats and retention of specified records and data for eventual transfer to the Comprehensive Epidemiologic Data Resource or to another repository, as directed by DOE. Recipients will provide, as part of the final report, a description of records and data compiled during the project along with a plan for its preservation or disposition.
(d) Recipients agree to make project records and data available as soon as possible when requested by DOE.
Section 31 of the Atomic Energy Act, as amended, Pub. L. 83-703, 68 Stat. 919 (42 U.S.C. 2051); sec. 107 of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, Pub. L. 93-438, 88 Stat. 1240 (42 U.S.C. 5817); Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974, Pub. L. 93-577, 88 Stat. 1878 (42 U.S.C. 5901
This part sets forth the policies and procedures applicable to the award and administration of grants and cooperative agreements by the DOE Office of Energy Research (ER) and the Science and Technology Advisor (STA) Organization for basic and applied research, educational and/or training activities, conferences and related activities.
(a) This part applies to all grants and cooperative agreements awarded after the effective date of this amended rule.
(b) Except as otherwise provided by this part, the award and administration of grants and cooperative agreements shall be governed by 10 CFR part 600 (DOE Financial Assistance Rules).
In addition to the definitions provided in 10 CFR part 600, the following definitions are provided for purposes of this part—
Single-case deviations from this part may be authorized in writing by the Director or Deputy Director of ER or the Head of a Contracting Activity upon the written request of DOE staff, an applicant for an award, or a recipient. A request from an applicant or a recipient must be submitted to or through the cognizant contracting officer. Whenever a proposed deviation from this part would be a deviation from 10 CFR part 600, the deviation must also be authorized in accordance with the procedures prescribed in that part.
(a) DOE may issue, under the Office of Energy Research Financial Assistance Program, 10 CFR part 605, awards for basic and applied research, educational/training activities, conferences, and other related activities under the ER program areas set forth in paragraph (b) of this section and described in appendix A of this part.
(b) The Program areas are:
(1) Basic Energy Sciences
(2) Field Operations Management
(3) Fusion Energy
(4) Health and Environmental Research
(5) High Energy and Nuclear Physics
(6) Scientific Computing Staff
(7) Superconducting Super Collider
(8) University and Science Education Programs
(9) Program Analysis; and
(10) Other program areas of interest as may be described in a notice of availability published in the
Any university or other institution of higher education or other non-profit or for-profit organization, non-Federal agency, or entity is eligible for a grant or cooperative agreement. An unaffiliated individual also is eligible for a grant or cooperative agreement.
(a) The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number for this program is 81.049, and its solicitation control number is ERFAP 10 CFR part 605.
(b) An application for a new or renewal award under this solicitation may be submitted at any time to DOE at the address specified in paragraph (c) of this section. New or renewal applications shall receive consideration for funding generally within 6 months but, in any event, no later than 12 months from the date of receipt by DOE.
(c) Applicants may obtain application forms, described in § 605.9(b), and additional information from the Acquisition and Assistance Management Division, Office of Energy Research, ER-64, Department of Energy, Washington, DC 20585, (301) 903-5544, and shall submit applications to the same address.
(d) DOE shall publish annually, in the
(1) Each notice of availability shall cite this part and shall include:
(i) The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number and solicitation control number of the program;
(ii) The amount of money available or estimated to be available for award;
(iii) The name of the responsible DOE program official to contact for additional information, and an address where application forms may be obtained;
(iv) The address for submission of applications; and
(v) Any evaluation criteria in addition to those set forth in § 605.10.
(2) The notice of availability may also include any other relevant information helpful to applicants such as:
(i) Program objectives,
(ii) A project agenda or potential areas for project initiatives,
(iii) Problem areas requiring additional effort, and
(iv) Any other information which identifies areas in which grants or cooperative agreements may be made.
(e) DOE is under no obligation to pay for any costs associated with the preparation or submission of applications.
(f) DOE reserves the right to fund, in whole or in part, any, all, or none of the applications submitted.
(g) To be considered for a renewal award under this part, an incumbent recipient shall submit a renewal application as provided in § 605.9 (c) and (h).
(a) An original and seven copies of the application for initial support must be submitted except that State governments, local governments, or Indian tribal governments shall not be required to submit more than the original and two copies of the application.
(b) Each new or renewal application in response to this part must include:
(1) An application face page, DOE Form 4650.2 (approved by OMB under OMB Control No. 1910-1400). However, the facesheet of the application for State and local governments and Indian tribal government applicants shall be the facesheet of Standard Form (SF) 424 (approved by OMB under OMB Control Number 0348-0043).
(2) A detailed description of the proposed project, including the objectives of the project, in relationship to DOE's program and the applicant's plan for carrying it out;
(3) Detailed information about the background and experience of the principal investigator(s) (including references to publications), the facilities and experience of the applicant, and the cost-sharing arrangements, if any.
(4) A detailed budget for the entire proposed period of support with written justification sufficient to evaluate the itemized list of costs provided on the entire project.
(i) Numerical details on items of cost provided by State and local government and Indian tribal government applicants shall be on Standard Form 424A, Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs (approved under OMB Control No. 0348-0044). All other applicants shall use budget form ERF 4620.1 (approved by OMB under Control No. 1910-1400).
(ii) DOE may, subsequent to receipt of an application, request additional budgetary information from an applicant when necessary for clarification or to make informed preaward determinations under 10 CFR part 600.
(5) Any preaward assurances required pursuant to 10 CFR parts 600 and 605.
(c) Applications for a renewal award must be submitted in an original and seven copies, except that State governments, local governments, or Indian tribes are required to submit only an original and two copies. (Approved by OMB under OMB Control Numbers 0348-0005—0348-0009)
(d) The application must be signed by an official who is authorized to act for the applicant organization and to commit the applicant to comply with the terms and conditions of the award, if one is issued, or if unaffiliated, by the individual applicant. (See § 605.19(a)(1) for requirements on continuation awards.)
(e) All applications which involve research, development, or demonstration activities when such activities:
(1) Have a unique geographic focus and are directly relevant to the governmental responsibilities of a State or local government within the geographic area;
(2) Necessitate the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321
(3) Are to be initiated at a particular site or location and require unusual measures to limit the possibility of adverse exposure or hazard to the general public, are subject to the provisions of Executive Order 12372 and 10 CFR part 1005.
(f) DOE may return an application which does not include all information and documentation required by statute, this part, 10 CFR part 600 or the notice of availability, when the nature of the omission precludes review of the application.
(g) During the review of the complete application, DOE may request the submission of additional information only if the information is essential to evaluate the application.
(h) In addition to including the information described in paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this section, an application for a renewal award must be submitted no later than six months prior to the scheduled expiration of the project period and must be on the same forms and include the same type of information as that required for initial applications. The renewal application must outline and justify a program and budget for the proposed project period, showing in detail the estimated cost of the proposed project, together with an indication of the amount of funds needed and the amount of cost sharing, if any. The application also shall describe and explain the reasons for any change in the scope or objectives of the proposed project, and shall compare and explain any difference between the estimates in the proposed budget and actual costs experienced as of the date of the application.
(i) DOE is not required to return to the applicant an application which is not selected or funded.
(j) Renewal applications must include a separate section that describes the results of work accomplished through the date of the renewal application and how such results relate to the activities proposed to be undertaken in the renewal period.
(a) Applications shall be evaluated for funding generally within 6 months but, in any event, no later than 12 months from the date of receipt by DOE. After DOE has held an application for 6 months, the applicant may, in response to DOE's request, be required to revalidate the terms of the original application.
(b) DOE staff shall perform an initial evaluation of all applications to ensure that the information required by this part is provided, that the proposed effort is technically sound and feasible, and that the effort is consistent with program funding priorities. For applications which pass the initial evaluation, DOE shall review and evaluate each application received based on the
(c) DOE shall select evaluators on the basis of their professional qualifications and expertise. Evaluators shall be required to comply with all applicable DOE rules or directives concerning the use of outside evaluators.
(d) DOE shall evaluate new and renewal applications based on the following criteria which are listed in descending order of importance:
(1) Scientific and/or technical merit or the educational benefits of the project;
(2) Appropriateness of the proposed method or approach;
(3) Competency of applicant's personnel and adequacy of proposed resources;
(4) Reasonableness and appropriateness of the proposed budget; and
(5) Other appropriate factors established and set forth by ER in a notice of availability or in a specific solicitation.
(e) Also, DOE shall consider, as part of the evaluation, other available advice or information as well as program policy factors such as ensuring an appropriate balance among the program areas listed in § 605.5(b) of this part.
(f) In addition to the evaluation criteria set forth in paragraphs (d) and (e) of this section, DOE shall consider the recipient's performance under the existing award during the evaluation of a renewal application.
(g) Selection of applications for award will be based upon the findings of the technical evaluations, the importance and relevance of the proposed application to ER's mission, and fund availability. Cost reasonableness and realism will also be considered to the extent appropriate.
(h) After the selection of an application, DOE may, if necessary, enter into negotiation with an applicant. Such negotiations are not a commitment that DOE will make an award.
(a) A recipient performing research, development, or related activities involving the use of human subjects must comply with DOE regulations in 10 CFR part 745, “Protection of Human Subjects,” and any additional provisions which may be included in the Special Terms and Conditions of an award.
(b) A recipient performing research involving recombinant DNA molecules and/or organisms and viruses containing recombinant DNA molecules shall comply with the National Institutes of Health “Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules” (51 FR 16958, May 7, 1986), or such later revision of those guidelines as may be published in the
(c) Any recipient performing research on warm-blooded animals shall comply with the Federal Laboratory Animal Welfare Act of 1966, as amended (7 U.S.C. 2131
(a) The project period during which DOE expects to provide support for an approved project under this part shall generally not exceed 3 years and may exceed 5 years only if DOE makes a renewal award or otherwise extends the award. The project period shall be specified on the Notice of Financial Assistance Award (DOE Form 4600.1).
(b) Each budget period, of an award under this part, shall generally be 12 months and may be as much as 24 months as determined appropriate by ER.
Cost sharing is not required nor will it be considered as a criterion in the evaluation and selection process unless otherwise provided under § 605.10(d)(5).
Awards under this part are subject to the requirement that the maximum DOE obligation to the recipient is the amount shown in the Notice of Financial Assistance Award as the amount of DOE funds obligated. DOE shall not be obligated to make any additional, supplemental, continuation, renewal or other awards for the same or any other purpose.
(a) Notwithstanding 10 CFR part 600, a fee may be paid, in appropriate circumstances, to a recipient which is a small business concern as qualified under the criteria and size standards of 13 CFR part 121 in order to permit the concern to participate in the ER Financial Assistance Program. Whether or not it is appropriate to pay a fee shall be determined by the Contracting Officer who shall, at a minimum, apply the following guidelines:
(1) Whether the acceptance of an award will displace other work the small business is currently engaged in or committed to assume in the near future; or
(2) Whether the acceptance of an award will, in the absence of paying a fee, cause substantial financial distress to the business. In evaluating financial distress, the Contracting Officer shall balance current displacement against reasonable future benefit to the company. (If the award will result in the beneficial expansion of the existing business base of the company, then no fee would generally be appropriate.) Fees shall not be paid to other entities except as a deviation from 10 CFR part 600, nor shall fees be paid under awards in support of conferences.
(b) To request a fee, a small business concern shall submit with its application a written self certification that it is a small business concern qualified under the criteria and size standards in 13 CFR part 121. In addition, the application must state the amount of fee requested for the entire project period and the basis for requesting the amount, and must also state why payment of a fee by DOE would be appropriate.
(c) If the Contracting Officer determines that payment of a fee is appropriate under paragraph (a) of this section, the amount of fee shall be that determined to be reasonable by the Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer shall, at a minimum, apply the following guidelines in determining the fee amount:
(1) The fee base shall include the estimated allowable cost of direct salaries and wages and allocable fringe benefits. This fee base shall exclude all other direct and indirect costs.
(2) The fee amount expressed as a percentage of the appropriate fee base pursuant to paragraph (c)(1) of this section, shall not exceed the percentage rate of fee that would result if a Federal agency contracted for the same amount of salaries, wages, and allocable fringe benefits under a cost reimbursement contract.
(3) Fee amounts, determined pursuant to paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this section, shall be appropriately reduced when:
(i) Advance payments are provided; and/or
(ii) Title to property acquired with DOE funds vests in the recipient (10 CFR part 600).
(d) Notwithstanding 10 CFR part 600, any fee awarded shall be a fixed fee and shall be payable on an annual basis in proportion to the work completed, as determined by the Contracting Officer, upon satisfactory submission and acceptance by DOE of the progress report. If the project period is shortened due to termination, or the project period is not fully funded, the fee shall be reduced by an appropriate amount.
Awards issued under this part for conferences and scientific/technical meetings will not include payment for indirect costs.
Activities under ER's Financial Assistance Program shall not involve
(a) A recipient shall periodically report to DOE on the project's progress in meeting the project objectives of the award. The following types of reports shall be used:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(i) Problems, delays, or adverse conditions which will materially affect the ability to attain project objectives, or prevent the meeting of time schedules and goals. The report must describe the remedial action the recipient has taken or plans to take and any action DOE should take to alleviate the problems.
(ii) Favorable developments or events which enable meeting time schedules
(4)
(5) Financial status report (FSR) (OMB No. 0348-0039). The FSR is required within 90 days after completion of each budget period; for budget periods exceeding 12 months, an FSR is also required within 90 days after this first 12 months unless waived by the Contracting Officer.
(b) DOE may extend the deadline date for any report if the recipient submits a written request before the deadline which adequately justifies an extension.
(c) A table summarizing the various types of reports, time for submission, number of copies is set forth below. The schedule of reports shall be as prescribed in this table, unless the award document specifies otherwise.
(d) DOE review of performance. DOE or its authorized representatives may make site visits, at any reasonable time, to review the project. DOE may provide such technical assistance as may be requested.
(e) Subrecipient progress reporting. Recipients may place progress reporting requirements on a subrecipient consistent with the provisions of this section.
(a) Recipients are encouraged to disseminate project results promptly. DOE reserves the right to utilize, and have others utilize, to the extent it deems appropriate, the reports resulting from awards.
(b) DOE may waive progress reporting requirements set forth in § 605.19, if the recipient submits to DOE a copy of its own report which is published or accepted for publication in a recognized scientific or technical journal and which satisfies the information requirements of the program.
(c) Recipients are urged to publish results through normal publication channels in accordance with the applicable provisions of 10 CFR part 600.
(d) The article shall include an acknowledgment that the project was supported, in whole or in part, by a DOE award, and specify the award number, but state that such support does not constitute an endorsement by DOE of the views expressed in the article.
This program supports basic science research efforts in a variety of disciplines to broaden the energy supply and technological base knowledge. The major science division and its objectives are as follows:
The primary objective of this program is to generate a basis of understanding of fundamental biological mechanisms in the areas of botanical and microbiological sciences that will support biotechnology development related to energy. The research serves as the basic information foundation with respect to renewable resource productivity for fuels and chemicals, microbial conversions or renewable materials and biological systems for the conservation of energy. This office has special requirements on the submission of preapplications, when to submit, and the length of the preapplication/application; applicants are encouraged to contact the office regarding these requirements.
This program sponsors experimental and theoretical research on liquids, gases, plasmas, and solids. The focus is on their chemical properties and the interactions of their component molecules, atoms, ions, and electrons. The subprogram objective is to expand, through support of basic research, our knowledge in the various areas of chemistry; the long-term goal is to contribute to new or improved processes for developing and using domestic energy resources in an efficient and environmentally sound manner. Disciplinary areas covered include physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry; chemical physics; atomic physics; photochemistry; radiation chemistry; thermodynamics; thermophysics; separations science; analytical chemistry; and actinide chemistry.
The goal of this program is to develop a quantitative and predictive understanding of the energy-related aspects of processes within the earth and at the solar-terrestrial interface. The emphasis is on the upper levels of the earth's crust and the focus is on geophysics and geochemistry of rock-fluid systems and interactions. Specific topical areas receiving emphasis include: High resolution geophysical imaging; fundamental properties of rocks, minerals, and fluids; scientific drilling; and sedimentary basin systems. The resulting improved understanding and knowledge base are needed to assist efforts in the utilization of the Nation's energy resources in an environmentally acceptable fashion.
This program's objectives are: (1) To extend the body of knowledge underlying current engineering practice in order to open new ways for enhancing energy savings and production, prolonging useful equipment life, and reducing costs while maintaining output and performance quality; and (2) to broaden the technical and conceptual base for solving future engineering problems in the energy technologies. Long-term research topics of current interest include: foundations of bioprocessing of fuels and energy related wastes, fracture mechanics, experimental and theoretical studies of multiphase flows, intelligent machines, and diagnostics and control for plasma processing of materials.
The objective of this program is to increase the understanding of phenomena and properties important to materials behavior that will contribute to meeting the needs of present and future energy technologies. It is comprised of the subfields metallurgy, ceramics, solid state physics, materials chemistry, and related disciplines where the emphasis is on the science of materials.
The objective of this program is to support exploratory research on novel concepts related to energy. The concepts may be in any field related to energy but must not fall into an area of programmatic responsibility of an existing ER technical program. The research is usually aimed at establishing the scientific feasibility of a concept and, where appropriate, at estimating its economic viability.
This office administers special purpose support programs that cut across DOE program areas. In conjunction with this activity, it supports related conferences, research, and training initiatives that further these areas of interest.
The ER Laboratory Technology Transfer (LTT) Program has dedicated funding which fulfills the legislative mandate to more effectively transfer research and technology from Energy Research laboratories to industry. By design, this program provides only partial funding for technology research projects and personnel exchanges with industry and universities. Mandatory cost-sharing by industry and other partners ensures that cooperative projects will focus on those that generate real interest in the private sector and facilitate the transfer of technology. The
The magnetic fusion energy program is an applied research and development program whose goal is to develop the scientific and technological information required to design and construct magnetic fusion energy systems. This goal is pursued by three divisions, whose major functions are listed below.
This Division seeks to develop that body of physics knowledge which permits advancement of the fusion program on a sound basis. APP research programs provide: (1) The theoretical understanding of fusion plasmas necessary for interpreting results from present experiments, and the planning and design of future confinement devices; (2) the data on plasma properties, atomic physics and new diagnostic techniques for operational support of confinement experiments; research and development of Heavy Ion Fusion Accelerator (HIFAR) and reactor studies in support of the development of Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE).
This Division has as its primary objective the conduct of research efforts to investigate and resolve basic physics issues associated with medium- to large-scale confinement devices. These devices are used to experimentally explore the limits of specific confinement concepts as well as to study associated physical phenomena. Specific areas of interest include: the production of increased plasma densities and temperatures; the understanding of the physical laws governing plasma energy transport and confinement scaling; equilibrium and stability of high plasma pressure; the investigation of plasma interaction with radio-frequency waves; and the study and control of particle transport in the plasma.
This Division supports research and development of the technology necessary for fabrication and operation of present and future plasma and fusion devices. The program also pursues R&D and system studies pertaining to critical feasibility issues of fusion technology and development.
The goals of this research program are as follows: (1) To provide, through basic and applied research, the scientific information required to identify, understand and anticipate the long-term health and environmental consequences of energy use and development; and (2) to utilize the Department's unique resources to solve major scientific problems in medicine, biology and the environment. The goals of the program are accomplished through the effort of its divisions, which are:
This is a broad program of basic and applied biological research. The objectives are: (1) To develop experimental information from biological systems for estimating or predicting risks of carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, and delayed toxicological effects associated with low level human exposures to energy-related radiations and chemicals; (2) to define mechanisms involved in the induction of biological damage following exposure to low levels of energy-related agents; (3) to develop new technologies for detecting and quantifying latent health effects associated with such agents; (4) to support fundamental research in structural biology user facilities at DOE laboratories; and (5) to create and apply new technologies and resources for characterizing the molecular nature of the human genome.
Increasing emphasis will be placed on: Understanding of mechanisms by which low level exposures to radiation and/or energy-related chemicals produce long-term health impacts; development of new technologies for estimating human health risks from low level exposures; development and application of technologies and approaches for cost-effective characterization of the human genome.
The objectives of this program comprise several areas: (1) To develop new concepts and techniques for detecting and measuring hazardous physical and chemical agents related to energy production; (2) to evaluate chemical and radiation exposures and dosimetry for health protection application; (3) to determine the physical and chemical mechanisms of radiation action in biological systems; and (4) to develop new instrumentation and technology for biological and biomedical research. In addition, Medical Application research is aimed at enhancing the beneficial applications of radiation, and radionuclides, in the diagnosis, study, and treatment of
The objectives of the program relate to environmental processes affected by energy production and use. For example, the program develops information on the physical, chemical and biological processes that cycle and transport energy related material and nutrients through the atmosphere, and the ocean margin. Specific emphasis is placed on hydrological transport, mobility and degradation of energy-related contaminants by microorganisms in subsurface systems.
This program also addresses global environmental change from increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. The scope of the global change program encompasses the carbon cycle, climate modeling and diagnostics, ecosystem responses, the role of the ocean in global change and experiments to quantify the links between greenhouse gas increases and climate change. A new dimension of this program addresses the role of molecular biology in understanding the ecosystem response to global change.
This program supports 90 percent of the U.S. efforts in high energy and nuclear physics. The objectives of these programs are indicated below:
The primary objectives of this program are an understanding of the interactions and structures of atomic nuclei and nuclear matter at the most elementary level possible, and an understanding of the fundamental forces of nature as manifested in nuclear matter.
The primary objectives of this program are to understand the nature and relationships among fundamental forces of nature and to understand the ultimate structure of matter in terms of the properties and interrelations of its basic constituents.
The goal of this program is to advance the understanding of the fundamental concepts of mathematics, statistics, and computer science underlying the complex mathematical models of the key physical processes involved in the research and development programs of DOE. Broad emphasis is given in three major categories: analytical and numerical methods, information analysis techniques, and advanced concepts.
The goals of the Superconducting Super Collider are to build a proton-proton collider with an energy of 20 TeV per proton, to construct and operate experimental systems to study the interactions of these protons, to establish the premier international laboratory for high energy physics reasearch, and to create a major resource for science education. The Office of the Superconducting Super Collider administers research grants associated with the SSC Laboratory's physics, accelerator, and associated technology research and development programs.
The Office of University and Science Education supports a variety of science, mathematics and engineering education precollege through postgraduate programs aimed at strengthening the Nation's science education and research infrastructure. DOE's education mission has been expanded to include increasing emphasis on the precollege and general public literacy areas. Much of the support involves the use of the unique resources (scientists, facilities and equipment) at DOE's national laboratories and research facilities, and includes research and/or other “hands-on” opportunities for precollege and postsecondary students, teachers, and faculty members. In addition to programs centered in DOE facilities, a number of other educational activities are supported, including:
PREP supports projects at colleges and universities aimed at seeking out gindividuals, typically under-represented in science-based careers, during junior high school and early high school years (sixth through tenth grades) and providing these individuals with pre-freshman enrichment activities to identify, motivate and prepare them for science-based careers. Projects must include concentrated, integrated activities that enhance the student's understanding of science and mathematics, must have a summer component at least four weeks in length, and may also include a pre-summer or post-summer component.
This program funds museum projects that support the development of the media of informal energy-related science education. The media of informal science education include, but are not limited to: Interactive exhibits, demonstrations, hands-on activities, teacher-student curriculum and film/video/software productions. Examples of energy-related subjects include, but are not limited to: high energy and nuclear physics, nuclear science and technologies, global warming, waste management, energy efficiency, new materials development, fossil energy resources, renewable technologies, risk assessment, energy/environment and other timely topics. The purpose of the program is the development and use of creative informal science education media which focus on energy-related science and technology.
The University Research Instrumentation Program has been developed as part of an interagency effort under the coordination of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to help alleviate the overall shortage of sophisticated state-of-the-art instruments required for advanced scientific and technical research at universities. The overall program objective is to assist university and college scientists in strengthening their capabilities to conduct long-range experimental/scientific research in specific energy areas of direct interest to DOE through the acquisition of large scientific/technical pieces of equipment. Only those colleges and universities that currently have DOE funded research projects, which require the requested equipment, totalling at least $150,000 in the specific area will be selected (more complete eligibility guidelines and principal research areas of particular DOE interest in any given year are available from the program office). Smaller research instruments (less than $100,000 each) are not eligible for consideration in this program. No specific fraction of cost sharing is required but the level of non-Federal funds to be provided will be considered in final selection of awards under the program.
The purpose of the DOE Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research is to enhance the capabilities of the eligible designated States to develop science and engineering manpower in energy-related areas and to conduct nationally competitive energy-related research. Planning committees within eligible States may apply for planning, implementation and/or training efforts (list of eligible States and activities to be supported in any given year as well as cost-sharing requirements are available from the program office). Separate applications for planning/implementation and graduate traineeships are required. Planning/implementation applications must contain information that details development of a State-wide improvement plan for energy-related research and human resources, while training grant applications must detail the need for energy-related specific and technical educational disciplines.
The objective of this program is to support research efforts aimed at strengthening University-based nuclear engineering programs. Specific areas of basic and applied research of interest include, but are not limited to: (1) Material behavior in a radiation environment typical of advanced nuclear power plants; (2) real-time instrumentation that identifies and applies innovative measurements technologies in nuclear-related fields; (3) advanced nuclear reactor concepts; (4) applied nuclear sciences that address improvements in the applications of radiation and the understanding of the interaction of radiation with matter; (5) engineering science research applicable to advanced nuclear reactor concepts, industry safety and reliability concerns; (6) neutronics that address improvements in reactor computational methodologies and knowledge of the basic fission processes; and (7) nuclear thermal hydraulics that address improvements of models and analysis of thermal hydraulic behavior in an advanced nuclear reactor system.
In accordance with DOE's responsibility to encourage research and development in the energy area, grants of used energy-related laboratory equipment for use in energy-oriented educational programs in the life, physical and environmental sciences, and engineering are available to universities, colleges and other non-profit educational institutions of higher learning in the United States. An institution is not required to have a current DOE grant or contract in order to participate in this program. The program office should be contacted for specific information on how to access the list of eligible equipment under this program. The cost of care and handling incident to the grant must be borne by the institution.
The Office of Program Analysis conducts assessments to identify research opportunities in specific areas of interest to DOE programs.
E.O. 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p.189); E.O. 12689 (3 CFR, 1989 Comp., p.235); sec. 2455, Pub. L. 103-355, 108 Stat. 3327 (31 U.S.C. 6101 note); 42 U.S.C. 7101
(a) This part is subdivided into ten subparts. Each subpart contains information related to a broad topic or specific audience with special responsibilities, as shown in the following table:
(b) The following table shows which subparts may be of special interest to you, depending on who you are:
(a) This part uses a “plain language” format to make it easier for the general public and business community to use. The section headings and text, often in the form of questions and answers, must be read together.
(b) Pronouns used within this part, such as “I” and “you,” change from subpart to subpart depending on the audience being addressed. The pronoun “we” always is the Department of Energy.
(c) The “Covered Transactions” diagram in the appendix to this part shows the levels or “tiers” at which the Department of Energy enforces an exclusion under this part.
This part uses terms throughout the text that have special meaning. Those terms are defined in Subpart I of this part. For example, three important terms are—
(a)
(b)
(c)
This part adopts a governmentwide system of debarment and suspension for DOE nonprocurement activities. It also provides for reciprocal exclusion of persons who have been excluded under the Federal Acquisition Regulation, and provides for the consolidated listing of all persons who are excluded, or disqualified by statute, executive order, or other legal authority. This part satisfies the requirements in section 3 of Executive Order 12549, “Debarment and Suspension” (3 CFR 1986 Comp., p. 189), Executive Order 12689, “Debarment and Suspension” (3 CFR 1989 Comp., p. 235) and 31 U.S.C. 6101 note (Section 2455, Public Law 103-355, 108 Stat. 3327).
Portions of this part (see table at § 606.25(b)) apply to you if you are a(n)—
(a) Person who has been, is, or may reasonably be expected to be, a participant or principal in a covered transaction;
(b) Respondent (a person against whom the Department of Energy has initiated a debarment or suspension action);
(c) DOE debarring or suspending official; or
(d) DOE official who is authorized to enter into covered transactions with non-Federal parties.
(a) To protect the public interest, the Federal Government ensures the integrity of Federal programs by conducting business only with responsible persons.
(b) A Federal agency uses the nonprocurement debarment and suspension system to exclude from Federal programs persons who are not presently responsible.
(c) An exclusion is a serious action that a Federal agency may take only to protect the public interest. A Federal agency may not exclude a person or commodity for the purposes of punishment.
With the exceptions stated in §§ 606.120, 606.315, and 606.420, a person who is excluded by the Department of Energy or any other Federal agency may not:
(a) Be a participant in a DOE transaction that is a covered transaction under subpart B of this part;
(b) Be a participant in a transaction of any other Federal agency that is a covered transaction under that agency's regulation for debarment and suspension; or
(c) Act as a principal of a person participating in one of those covered transactions.
(a) The Director, Office of Procurement and Assistance Management, DOE, for DOE actions, and Director, Office of Procurement and Assistance Management, NNSA, for NNSA actions may grant an exception permitting an excluded person to participate in a particular covered transaction. If the Director, Office of Procurement and Assistance Management, DOE, for DOE actions, and Director, Office of Procurement and Assistance Management, NNSA, for NNSA actions grants an exception, the exception must be in writing and state the reason(s) for deviating from the governmentwide policy in Executive Order 12549.
(b) An exception granted by one agency for an excluded person does not extend to the covered transactions of another agency.
If any Federal agency excludes a person under its nonprocurement common rule on or after August 25, 1995, the excluded person is also ineligible to participate in Federal procurement transactions under the FAR. Therefore, an exclusion under this part has reciprocal effect in Federal procurement transactions.
If any Federal agency excludes a person under the FAR on or after August 25, 1995, the excluded person is also ineligible to participate in nonprocurement covered transactions under this part. Therefore, an exclusion under the FAR has reciprocal effect in Federal nonprocurement transactions.
Given a cause that justifies an exclusion under this part, we may exclude any person who has been involved, is currently involved, or may reasonably be expected to be involved in a covered transaction.
Check the
Except if provided for in Subpart J of this part, this part—
(a) Addresses disqualified persons only to—
(1) Provide for their inclusion in the
(2) State responsibilities of Federal agencies and participants to check for disqualified persons before entering into covered transactions.
(b) Does not specify the—
(1) DOE transactions for which a disqualified person is ineligible. Those transactions vary on a case-by-case basis, because they depend on the language of the specific statute, Executive order, or regulation that caused the disqualification;
(2) Entities to which the disqualification applies; or
(3) Process that the agency uses to disqualify a person. Unlike exclusion, disqualification is frequently not a discretionary action that a Federal agency takes.
A covered transaction is a nonprocurement or procurement transaction that is subject to the prohibitions of this part. It may be a transaction at—
(a) The primary tier, between a Federal agency and a person (see appendix to this part); or
(b) A lower tier, between a participant in a covered transaction and another person.
The importance of a covered transaction depends upon who you are.
(a) As a participant in the transaction, you have the responsibilities laid out in Subpart C of this part. Those include responsibilities to the person or Federal agency at the next higher tier from whom you received
(b) As a Federal official who enters into a primary tier transaction, you have the responsibilities laid out in subpart D of this part.
(c) As an excluded person, you may not be a participant or principal in the transaction unless—
(1) The person who entered into the transaction with you allows you to continue your involvement in a transaction that predates your exclusion, as permitted under § 606.310 or § 606.415; or
(2) A DOE official obtains an exception from the Director, Office of Procurement and Assistance Management, DOE, for DOE actions, and Director, Office of Procurement and Assistance Management, NNSA, for NNSA actions to allow you to be involved in the transaction, as permitted under § 606.120.
All nonprocurement transactions, as defined in § 606.970, are covered transactions unless listed in § 606.215. (See appendix to this part.)
The following types of nonprocurement transactions are not covered transactions:
(a) A direct award to—
(1) A foreign government or foreign governmental entity;
(2) A public international organization;
(3) An entity owned (in whole or in part) or controlled by a foreign government; or
(4) Any other entity consisting wholly or partially of one or more foreign governments or foreign governmental entities.
(b) A benefit to an individual as a personal entitlement without regard to the individual's present responsibility (but benefits received in an individual's business capacity are not excepted). For example, if a person receives social security benefits under the Supplemental Security Income provisions of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 1301 et seq., those benefits are not covered transactions and, therefore, are not affected if the person is excluded.
(c) Federal employment.
(d) A transaction that the Department of Energy needs to respond to a national or agency-recognized emergency or disaster.
(e) A permit, license, certificate, or similar instrument issued as a means to regulate public health, safety, or the environment, unless the Department of Energy specifically designates it to be a covered transaction.
(f) An incidental benefit that results from ordinary governmental operations.
(g) Any other transaction if the application of an exclusion to the transaction is prohibited by law.
(a) Covered transactions under this part—
(1) Do not include any procurement contracts awarded directly by a Federal agency; but
(2) Do include some procurement contracts awarded by non-Federal participants in nonprocurement covered transactions (see appendix to this part).
(b) Specifically, a contract for goods or services is a covered transaction if any of the following applies:
(1) The contract is awarded by a participant in a nonprocurement transaction that is covered under § 606.210, and the amount of the contract is expected to equal or exceed $25,000.
(2) The contract requires the consent of a DOE official. In that case, the contract, regardless of the amount, always is a covered transaction, and it does not matter who awarded it. For example, it could be a subcontract awarded by a contractor at a tier below a nonprocurement transaction, as shown in the appendix to this part.
(3) The contract is for federally-required audit services.
As a participant in a transaction, you will know that it is a covered transaction because the agency regulations governing the transaction, the appropriate agency official, or participant at the next higher tier who enters into the transaction with you, will tell you that you must comply with applicable portions of this part.
When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by:
(a) Checking the
(b) Collecting a certification from that person if allowed by this rule; or
(c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person.
(a) You as a participant may not enter into a covered transaction with an excluded person, unless the Department of Energy grants an exception under § 606.120.
(b) You may not enter into any transaction with a person who is disqualified from that transaction, unless you have obtained an exception under the disqualifying statute, Executive order, or regulation.
(a) You as a participant may continue covered transactions with an excluded person if the transactions were in existence when the agency excluded the person. However, you are not required to continue the transactions, and you may consider termination. You should make a decision about whether to terminate and the type of termination action, if any, only after a thorough review to ensure that the action is proper and appropriate.
(b) You may not renew or extend covered transactions (other than no-cost time extensions) with any excluded person, unless the Department of Energy grants an exception under § 606.120.
(a) You as a participant may continue to use the services of an excluded person as a principal under a covered transaction if you were using the services of that person in the transaction before the person was excluded. However, you are not required to continue using that person's services as a principal. You should make a decision about whether to discontinue that person's services only after a thorough review to ensure that the action is proper and appropriate.
(b) You may not begin to use the services of an excluded person as a principal under a covered transaction unless the Department of Energy grants an exception under § 606.120.
Yes, you as a participant are responsible for determining whether any of your principals of your covered transactions is excluded or disqualified from participating in the transaction. You may decide the method and frequency by which you do so. You may, but you are not required to, check the
If as a participant you knowingly do business with an excluded person, we may disallow costs, annul or terminate the transaction, issue a stop work order, debar or suspend you, or take other remedies as appropriate.
Before entering into a covered transaction with a participant at the next lower tier, you must require that participant to—
(a) Comply with this subpart as a condition of participation in the transaction. You may do so using any method(s), unless § 606.440 requires you to use specific methods.
(b) Pass the requirement to comply with this subpart to each person with whom the participant enters into a covered transaction at the next lower tier.
Before you enter into a covered transaction at the primary tier, you as the participant must notify the DOE office that is entering into the transaction with you, if you know that you or any of the principals for that covered transaction:
(a) Are presently excluded or disqualified;
(b) Have been convicted within the preceding three years of any of the offenses listed in § 606.800(a) or had a civil judgment rendered against you for one of those offenses within that time period;
(c) Are presently indicted for or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a governmental entity (Federal, State or local) with commission of any of the offenses listed in § 606.800(a); or
(d) Have had one or more public transactions (Federal, State, or local) terminated within the preceding three years for cause or default.
As a primary tier participant, your disclosure of unfavorable information about yourself or a principal under § 606.335 will not necessarily cause us to deny your participation in the covered transaction. We will consider the information when we determine whether to enter into the covered transaction. We also will consider any additional information or explanation that you elect to submit with the disclosed information.
If we later determine that you failed to disclose information under § 606.335 that you knew at the time you entered into the covered transaction, we may—
(a) Terminate the transaction for material failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the transaction; or
(b) Pursue any other available remedies, including suspension and debarment.
At any time after you enter into a covered transaction, you must give immediate written notice to the DOE office with which you entered into the transaction if you learn either that—
(a) You failed to disclose information earlier, as required by § 606.335; or
(b) Due to changed circumstances, you or any of the principals for the transaction now meet any of the criteria in § 606.335.
Before you enter into a covered transaction with a person at the next higher tier, you as a lower tier participant must notify that person if you know that you or any of the principals are presently excluded or disqualified.
If we later determine that you failed to tell the person at the higher tier that you were excluded or disqualified
At any time after you enter into a lower tier covered transaction with a person at a higher tier, you must provide immediate written notice to that person if you learn either that—
(a) You failed to disclose information earlier, as required by § 606.355; or
(b) Due to changed circumstances, you or any of the principals for thetransaction now meet any of the criteria in § 606.355.
(a) You as an agency official may not enter into a covered transaction with an excluded person unless you obtain an exception under § 606.120.
(b) You may not enter into any transaction with a person who is disqualified from that transaction, unless you obtain a waiver or exception under the statute, Executive order, or regulation that is the basis for the person's disqualification.
As an agency official, you may not enter into a covered transaction with a participant if you know that a principal of the transaction is excluded, unless you obtain an exception under § 606.120.
After entering into a covered transaction with a participant, you as an agency official may not approve a participant's use of an excluded person as a principal under that transaction, unless you obtain an exception under § 606.120.
(a) You as an agency official may continue covered transactions with an excluded person, or under which an excluded person is a principal, if the transactions were in existence when the person was excluded. You are not required to continue the transactions, however, and you may consider termination. You should make a decision about whether to terminate and the type of termination action, if any, only after a thorough review to ensure that the action is proper.
(b) You may not renew or extend covered transactions (other than no-cost time extensions) with any excluded person, or under which an excluded person is a principal, unless you obtain an exception under § 606.120.
If a transaction at a lower tier is subject to your approval, you as an agency official may not approve—
(a) A covered transaction with a person who is currently excluded, unless you obtain an exception under § 606.120; or
(b) A transaction with a person who is disqualified from that transaction, unless you obtain a waiver or exception under the statute, Executive order, or regulation that is the basis for the person's disqualification.
As an agency official, you must check to see if a person is excluded or disqualified before you—
(a) Enter into a primary tier covered transaction;
(b) Approve a principal in a primary tier covered transaction;
(c) Approve a lower tier participant if agency approval of the lower tier participant is required; or
(d) Approve a principal in connection with a lower tier transaction if agency approval of the principal is required.
You check to see if a person is excluded or disqualified in two ways:
(a) You as an agency official must check the
(b) You must review information that a participant gives you, as required by § 606.335, about its status or the status of the principals of a transaction.
You as an agency official must require each participant in a primary tier covered transaction to—
(a) Comply with subpart C of this part as a condition of participation in the transaction; and
(b) Communicate the requirement to comply with Subpart C of this part to persons at the next lower tier with whom the primary tier participant enters into covered transactions.
To communicate the requirements, you must include a term or condition in the transaction requiring the participants' compliance with subpart C of this part and requiring them to include a similar term or condition in lower-tier covered transactions.
If a participant knowingly does business with an excluded or disqualified person, you as an agency official may refer the matter for suspension and debarment consideration. You may also disallow costs, annul or terminate the transaction, issue a stop work order, or take any other appropriate remedy.
If you as an agency official determine that a participant failed to disclose information, as required by § 606.335, at the time it entered into a covered transaction with you, you may—
(a) Terminate the transaction for material failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the transaction; or
(b) Pursue any other available remedies, including suspension and debarment.
If you as an agency official determine that a lower tier participant failed to disclose information, as required by § 606.355, at the time it entered into a covered transaction with a participant at the next higher tier, you may pursue any remedies available to you, including the initiation of a suspension or debarment action.
The
(a) Federal agency officials use the
(b) Participants also may, but are not required to, use the
(1) Principals of their transactions are excluded or disqualified, as required under § 606.320; or
(2) Persons with whom they are entering into covered transactions at the next lower tier are excluded or disqualified.
(c) The
In accordance with the OMB guidelines, the General Services Administration (GSA) maintains the
(a) At a minimum, the
(1) The full name (where available) and address of each excluded or disqualified person, in alphabetical order, with cross references if more than one name is involved in a single action;
(2) The type of action;
(3) The cause for the action;
(4) The scope of the action;
(5) Any termination date for the action;
(6) The agency and name and telephone number of the agency point of contact for the action; and
(7) The Dun and Bradstreet Number (DUNS), or other similar code approved by the GSA, of the excluded or disqualified person, if available.
(b)(1) The database for the
(2) Agencies disclose the SSN of an individual to verify the identity of an individual, only if permitted under the Privacy Act of 1974 and, if appropriate, the Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act of 1988, as codified in 5 U.S.C. 552(a).
Federal officials who take actions to exclude persons under this part or officials who are responsible for identifying disqualified persons must enter the following information about those persons into the
(a) Information required by § 606.515(a);
(b) The Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) of the excluded or disqualified person, including the social security number (SSN) for an individual, if the number is available and may be disclosed under law;
(c) Information about an excluded or disqualified person, generally within five working days, after—
(1) Taking an exclusion action;
(2) Modifying or rescinding an exclusion action;
(3) Finding that a person is disqualified; or
(4) Finding that there has been a change in the status of a person who is listed as disqualified.
If you have questions about a person in the
(a) You may access the
(b) As of November 26, 2003, you may also subscribe to a printed version. However, we anticipate discontinuing the printed version. Until it is discontinued, you may obtain the printed version by purchasing a yearly subscription from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, or by calling the Government Printing Office Inquiry and Order Desk at (202) 783-3238.
When we receive information from any source concerning a cause for suspension or debarment, we will promptly report and investigate it. We refer the question of whether to suspend or debar you to our suspending or debarring official for consideration, if appropriate.
Suspension differs from debarment in that—
In deciding whether to suspend or debar you, we handle the actions as informally as practicable, consistent with principles of fundamental fairness.
(a) For suspension actions, we use the procedures in this subpart and subpart G of this part.
(b) For debarment actions, we use the procedures in this subpart and subpart H of this part.
(a) The suspending or debarring official sends a written notice to the last known street address, facsimile number, or e-mail address of—
(1) You or your identified counsel; or
(2) Your agent for service of process, or any of your partners, officers, directors, owners, or joint venturers.
(b) The notice is effective if sent to any of these persons.
Yes, when more than one Federal agency has an interest in a suspension or debarment, the agencies may consider designating one agency as the lead agency for making the decision. Agencies are encouraged to establish methods and procedures for coordinating their suspension and debarment actions.
If you are suspended or debarred, the suspension or debarment is effective as follows:
(a) Your suspension or debarment constitutes suspension or debarment of all of your divisions and other organizational elements from all covered transactions, unless the suspension or debarment decision is limited—
(1) By its terms to one or more specifically identified individuals, divisions, or other organizational elements; or
(2) To specific types of transactions.
(b) Any affiliate of a participant may be included in a suspension or debarment action if the suspending or debarring official—
(1) Officially names the affiliate in the notice; and
(2) Gives the affiliate an opportunity to contest the action.
For purposes of actions taken under this rule, we may impute conduct as follows:
(a)
(b)
(c)
Yes, we may settle a debarment or suspension action at any time if it is in the best interest of the Federal Government.
Yes, if we enter into a settlement with you in which you agree to be excluded, it is called a voluntary exclusion and has governmentwide effect.
(a) Yes, we enter information regarding a voluntary exclusion into the
(b) Also, any agency or person may contact us to find out the details of a voluntary exclusion.
Suspension is a serious action. Using the procedures of this subpart and subpart F of this part, the suspending official may impose suspension only when that official determines that—
(a) There exists an indictment for, or other adequate evidence to suspect, an offense listed under § 606.800(a), or
(b) There exists adequate evidence to suspect any other cause for debarment listed under § 606.800(b) through (d); and
(c) Immediate action is necessary to protect the public interest.
(a) In determining the adequacy of the evidence to support the suspension, the suspending official considers how much information is available, how credible it is given the circumstances, whether or not important allegations are corroborated, and what inferences can reasonably be drawn as a result. During this assessment, the suspending official may examine the basic documents, including grants, cooperative agreements, loan authorizations, contracts, and other relevant documents.
(b) An indictment, conviction, civil judgment, or other official findings by Federal, State, or local bodies that determine factual and/or legal matters, constitutes adequate evidence for purposes of suspension actions.
(c) In deciding whether immediate action is needed to protect the public interest, the suspending official has wide discretion. For example, the suspending official may infer the necessity for immediate action to protect the public interest either from the nature of the circumstances giving rise to a cause for suspension or from potential business relationships or involvement with a program of the Federal Government.
A suspension is effective when the suspending official signs the decision to suspend.
After deciding to suspend you, the suspending official promptly sends you a Notice of Suspension advising you—
(a) That you have been suspended;
(b) That your suspension is based on—
(1) An indictment;
(2) A conviction;
(3) Other adequate evidence that you have committed irregularities which seriously reflect on the propriety of further Federal Government dealings with you; or
(4) Conduct of another person that has been imputed to you, or your affiliation with a suspended or debarred person;
(c) Of any other irregularities in terms sufficient to put you on notice without disclosing the Federal Government's evidence;
(d) Of the cause(s) upon which we relied under § 606.700 for imposing suspension;
(e) That your suspension is for a temporary period pending the completion of an investigation or resulting legal or debarment proceedings;
(f) Of the applicable provisions of this subpart, Subpart F of this part, and any other DOE procedures governing suspension decision making; and
(g) Of the governmentwide effect of your suspension from procurement and nonprocurement programs and activities.
If you as a respondent wish to contest a suspension, you or your representative must provide the suspending official with information in opposition to the suspension. You may do this orally or in writing, but any information provided orally that you consider important must also be submitted in writing for the official record.
(a) As a respondent you or your representative must either send, or make rrangements to appear and present, the information and argument to the suspending official within 30 days after you receive the Notice of Suspension.
(b) We consider the notice to be received by you—
(1) When delivered, if we mail the notice to the last known street address, or five days after we send it if the letter is undeliverable;
(2) When sent, if we send the notice by facsimile or five days after we send it if the facsimile is undeliverable; or
(3) When delivered, if we send the notice by e-mail or five days after we send it if the e-mail is undeliverable.
(a) In addition to any information and argument in opposition, as a respondent your submission to the suspending official must identify—
(1) Specific facts that contradict the statements contained in the Notice of Suspension. A general denial is insufficient to raise a genuine dispute over facts material to the suspension;
(2) All existing, proposed, or prior exclusions under regulations implementing E.O. 12549 and all similar actions taken by Federal, state, or local agencies, including administrative agreements that affect only those agencies;
(3) All criminal and civil proceedings not included in the Notice of Suspension that grew out of facts relevant to the cause(s) stated in the notice; and
(4) All of your affiliates.
(b) If you fail to disclose this information, or provide false information, the Department of Energy may seek further criminal, civil or administrative action against you, as appropriate.
(a) You as a respondent will not have an additional opportunity to challenge the facts if the suspending official determines that—
(1) Your suspension is based upon an indictment, conviction, civil judgment, or other finding by a Federal, State, or local body for which an opportunity to contest the facts was provided;
(2) Your presentation in opposition contains only general denials to information contained in the Notice of Suspension;
(3) The issues raised in your presentation in opposition to the suspension are not factual in nature, or are not material to the suspending official's initial decision to suspend, or the official's decision whether to continue the suspension; or
(4) On the basis of advice from the Department of Justice, an office of the United States Attorney, a State attorney general's office, or a State or local prosecutor's office, that substantial interests of the government in pending or contemplated legal proceedings based on the same facts as the suspension would be prejudiced by conducting fact-finding.
(b) You will have an opportunity to challenge the facts if the suspending official determines that—
(1) The conditions in paragraph (a) of this section do not exist; and
(2) Your presentation in opposition raises a genuine dispute over facts material to the suspension.
(c) If you have an opportunity to challenge disputed material facts under this section, the suspending official or designee must conduct additional proceedings to resolve those facts.
(a) Suspension proceedings are conducted in a fair and informal manner. The suspending official may use flexible procedures to allow you to present matters in opposition. In so doing, the suspending official is not required to follow formal rules of evidence or procedure in creating an official record upon which the official will base a final suspension decision.
(b) You as a respondent or your representative must submit any documentary evidence you want the suspending official to consider.
(a) If fact-finding is conducted—
(1) You may present witnesses and other evidence, and confront any witness presented; and
(2) The fact-finder must prepare written findings of fact for the record.
(b) A transcribed record of fact-finding proceedings must be made, unless you as a respondent and the Department of Energy agree to waive it in advance. If you want a copy of the transcribed record, you may purchase it.
The Energy Board of Contract Appeals conducts fact-finding conferences for DOE, in accordance with the rules promulgated by the Energy Board of Contract Appeals.
(a) The suspending official bases the decision on all information contained in the official record. The record includes—
(1) All information in support of the suspending official's initial decision to suspend you;
(2) Any further information and argument presented in support of, or opposition to, the suspension; and
(3) Any transcribed record of fact-finding proceedings.
(b) The suspending official may refer disputed material facts to another official for findings of fact. The suspending official may reject any resulting findings, in whole or in part, only after specifically determining them to be arbitrary, capricious, or clearly erroneous.
The suspending official must make a written decision whether to continue, modify, or terminate your suspension within 45 days of closing the official record. The official record closes upon the suspending official's receipt of final submissions, information and findings of fact, if any. The suspending official may extend that period for good cause.
(a) If legal or debarment proceedings are initiated at the time of, or during your suspension, the suspension may continue until the conclusion of those proceedings. However, if proceedings are not initiated, a suspension may not exceed 12 months.
(b) The suspending official may extend the 12 month limit under paragraph (a) of this section for an additional 6 months if an office of a U.S. Assistant Attorney General, U.S. Attorney, or other responsible prosecuting official requests an extension in writing. In no event may a suspension exceed 18 months without initiating proceedings under paragraph (a) of this section.
(c) The suspending official must notify the appropriate officials under paragraph (b) of this section of an impending termination of a suspension at least 30 days before the 12 month period expires to allow the officials an opportunity to request an extension.
We may debar a person for—
(a) Conviction of or civil judgment for—
(1) Commission of fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a public or private agreement or transaction;
(2) Violation of Federal or State antitrust statutes, including those proscribing price fixing between competitors, allocation of customers between competitors, and bid rigging;
(3) Commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements, tax evasion, receiving stolen property, making false claims, or obstruction of justice; or
(4) Commission of any other offense indicating a lack of business integrity or business honesty that seriously and directly affects your present responsibility;
(b) Violation of the terms of a public agreement or transaction so serious as to affect the integrity of an agency program, such as—
(1) A willful failure to perform in accordance with the terms of one or more public agreements or transactions;
(2) A history of failure to perform or of unsatisfactory performance of one or more public agreements or transactions; or
(3) A willful violation of a statutory or regulatory provision or requirement applicable to a public agreement or transaction;
(c) Any of the following causes:
(1) A nonprocurement debarment by any Federal agency taken before October 1, 1988, or a procurement debarment by any Federal agency taken pursuant to 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4, before August 25, 1995;
(2) Knowingly doing business with an ineligible person, except as permitted under § 606.120;
(3) Failure to pay a single substantial debt, or a number of outstanding debts (including disallowed costs and overpayments, but not including sums owed the Federal Government under the Internal Revenue Code) owed to any Federal agency or instrumentality, provided the debt is uncontested by the debtor or, if contested, provided that the debtor's legal and administrative remedies have been exhausted;
(4) Violation of a material provision of a voluntary exclusion agreement entered into under § 606.640 or of any settlement of a debarment or suspension action; or
(5) Violation of the provisions of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (41 U.S.C. 701); or
(d) Any other cause of so serious or compelling a nature that it affects your present responsibility.
After consideration of the causes in § 606.800 of this subpart, if the debarring official proposes to debar you, the official sends you a Notice of Proposed Debarment, pursuant to § 606.615, advising you—
(a) That the debarring official is considering debarring you;
(b) Of the reasons for proposing to debar you in terms sufficient to put
(c) Of the cause(s) under § 606.800 upon which the debarring official relied for proposing your debarment;
(d) Of the applicable provisions of this subpart, Subpart F of this part, and any other DOE procedures governing debarment; and
(e) Of the governmentwide effect of a debarment from procurement and nonprocurement programs and activities.
A debarment is not effective until the debarring official issues a decision. The debarring official does not issue a decision until the respondent has had an opportunity to contest the proposed debarment.
If you as a respondent wish to contest a proposed debarment, you or your representative must provide the debarring official with information in opposition to the proposed debarment. You may do this orally or in writing, but any information provided orally that you consider important must also be submitted in writing for the official record.
(a) As a respondent you or your representative must either send, or make arrangements to appear and present, the information and argument to the debarring official within 30 days after you receive the Notice of Proposed Debarment.
(b) We consider the Notice of Proposed Debarment to be received by you—
(1) When delivered, if we mail the notice to the last known street address, or five days after we send it if the letter is undeliverable;
(2) When sent, if we send the notice by facsimile or five days after we send it if the facsimile is undeliverable; or
(3) When delivered, if we send the notice by e-mail or five days after we send it if the e-mail is undeliverable.
(a) In addition to any information and argument in opposition, as a respondent your submission to the debarring official must identify—
(1) Specific facts that contradict the statements contained in the Notice of Proposed Debarment. Include any information about any of the factors listed in § 606.860. A general denial is insufficient to raise a genuine dispute over facts material to the debarment;
(2) All existing, proposed, or prior exclusions under regulations implementing E.O. 12549 and all similar actions taken by Federal, State, or local agencies, including administrative agreements that affect only those agencies;
(3) All criminal and civil proceedings not included in the Notice of Proposed Debarment that grew out of facts relevant to the cause(s) stated in the notice; and
(4) All of your affiliates.
(b) If you fail to disclose this information, or provide false information, the Department of Energy may seek further criminal, civil or administrative action against you, as appropriate.
(a) You as a respondent will not have an additional opportunity to challenge the facts if the debarring official determines that—
(1) Your debarment is based upon a conviction or civil judgment;
(2) Your presentation in opposition contains only general denials to information contained in the Notice of Proposed Debarment; or
(3) The issues raised in your presentation in opposition to the proposed debarment are not factual in nature, or are not material to the debarring official's decision whether to debar.
(b) You will have an additional opportunity to challenge the facts if the debarring official determines that—
(1) The conditions in paragraph (a) of this section do not exist; and
(2) Your presentation in opposition raises a genuine dispute over facts material to the proposed debarment.
(c) If you have an opportunity to challenge disputed material facts under this section, the debarring official or designee must conduct additional proceedings to resolve those facts.
(a) Debarment proceedings are conducted in a fair and informal manner. The debarring official may use flexible procedures to allow you as a respondent to present matters in opposition. In so doing, the debarring official is not required to follow formal rules of evidence or procedure in creating an official record upon which the official will base the decision whether to debar.
(b) You or your representative must submit any documentary evidence you want the debarring official to consider.
The Energy Board of Contract Appeals conducts fact-finding conferences for DOE, in accordance with the rules promulgated by the Energy Board of Contract Appeals.
(a) If fact-finding is conducted—
(1) You may present witnesses and other evidence, and confront any witness presented; and
(2) The fact-finder must prepare written findings of fact for the record.
(b) A transcribed record of fact-finding proceedings must be made, unless you as a respondent and the Department of Energy agree to waive it in advance. If you want a copy of the transcribed record, you may purchase it.
(a) The debarring official may debar you for any of the causes in § 606.800. However, the official need not debar you even if a cause for debarment exists. The official may consider the seriousness of your acts or omissions and the mitigating or aggravating factors set forth at § 606.860.
(b) The debarring official bases the decision on all information contained in the official record. The record includes—
(1) All information in support of the debarring official's proposed debarment;
(2) Any further information and argument presented in support of, or in opposition to, the proposed debarment; and
(3) Any transcribed record of fact-finding proceedings.
(c) The debarring official may refer disputed material facts to another official for findings of fact. The debarring official may reject any resultant findings, in whole or in part, only after specifically determining them to be arbitrary, capricious, or clearly erroneous.
(a) In any debarment action, we must establish the cause for debarment by a preponderance of the evidence.
(b) If the proposed debarment is based upon a conviction or civil judgment, the standard of proof is met.
(a) We have the burden to prove that a cause for debarment exists.
(b) Once a cause for debarment is established, you as a respondent have the burden of demonstrating to the satisfaction of the debarring official that you are presently responsible and that debarment is not necessary.
This section lists the mitigating and aggravating factors that the debarring official may consider in determining whether to debar you and the length of your debarment period. The debarring official may consider other factors if appropriate in light of the circumstances of a particular case. The existence or nonexistence of any factor, such as one of those set forth in
(a) The actual or potential harm or impact that results or may result from the wrongdoing.
(b) The frequency of incidents and/or duration of the wrongdoing.
(c) Whether there is a pattern or prior history of wrongdoing. For example, if you have been found by another Federal agency or a State agency to have engaged in wrongdoing similar to that found in the debarment action, the existence of this fact may be used by the debarring official in determining that you have a pattern or prior history of wrongdoing.
(d) Whether you are or have been excluded or disqualified by an agency of the Federal Government or have not been allowed to participate in State or local contracts or assistance agreements on a basis of conduct similar to one or more of the causes for debarment specified in this part.
(e) Whether you have entered into an administrative agreement with a Federal agency or a State or local government that is not governmentwide but is based on conduct similar to one or more of the causes for debarment specified in this part.
(f) Whether and to what extent you planned, initiated, or carried out the wrongdoing.
(g) Whether you have accepted responsibility for the wrongdoing and recognize the seriousness of the misconduct that led to the cause for debarment.
(h) Whether you have paid or agreed to pay all criminal, civil and administrative liabilities for the improper activity, including any investigative or administrative costs incurred by the government, and have made or agreed to make full restitution.
(i) Whether you have cooperated fully with the government agencies during the investigation and any court or administrative action. In determining the extent of cooperation, the debarring official may consider when the cooperation began and whether you disclosed all pertinent information known to you.
(j) Whether the wrongdoing was pervasive within your organization.
(k) The kind of positions held by the individuals involved in the wrongdoing.
(l) Whether your organization took appropriate corrective action or remedial measures, such as establishing ethics training and implementing programs to prevent recurrence.
(m) Whether your principals tolerated the offense.
(n) Whether you brought the activity cited as a basis for the debarment to the attention of the appropriate government agency in a timely manner.
(o) Whether you have fully investigated the circumstances surrounding the cause for debarment and, if so, made the result of the investigation available to the debarring official.
(p) Whether you had effective standards of conduct and internal control systems in place at the time the questioned conduct occurred.
(q) Whether you have taken appropriate disciplinary action against the individuals responsible for the activity which constitutes the cause for debarment.
(r) Whether you have had adequate time to eliminate the circumstances within your organization that led to the cause for the debarment.
(s) Other factors that are appropriate to the circumstances of a particular case.
(a) If the debarring official decides to debar you, your period of debarment will be based on the seriousness of the cause(s) upon which your debarment is based. Generally, debarment should not exceed three years. However, if circumstances warrant, the debarring official may impose a longer period of debarment.
(b) In determining the period of debarment, the debarring official may consider the factors in § 606.860. If a suspension has preceded your debarment, the debarring official must consider the time you were suspended.
(c) If the debarment is for a violation of the provisions of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, your period of debarment may not exceed five years.
(a) The debarring official must make a written decision whether to debar within 45 days of closing the official record. The official record closes upon the debarring official's receipt of final submissions, information and findings of fact, if any. The debarring official may extend that period for good cause.
(b) The debarring official sends you written notice, pursuant to § 606.615 that the official decided, either—
(1) Not to debar you; or
(2) To debar you. In this event, the notice:
(i) Refers to the Notice of Proposed Debarment;
(ii) Specifies the reasons for your debarment;
(iii) States the period of your debarment, including the effective dates; and
(iv) Advises you that your debarment is effective for covered transactions and contracts that are subject to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR chapter 1), throughout the executive branch of the Federal Government unless an agency head or an authorized designee grants an exception.
Yes, as a debarred person you may ask the debarring official to reconsider the debarment decision or to reduce the time period or scope of the debarment. However, you must put your request in writing and support it with documentation.
The debarring official may reduce or terminate your debarment based on—
(a) Newly discovered material evidence;
(b) A reversal of the conviction or civil judgment upon which your debarment was based;
(c) A bona fide change in ownership or management;
(d) Elimination of other causes for which the debarment was imposed; or
(e) Other reasons the debarring official finds appropriate.
(a) Yes, the debarring official may extend a debarment for an additional period, if that official determines that an extension is necessary to protect the public interest.
(b) However, the debarring official may not extend a debarment solely on the basis of the facts and circumstances upon which the initial debarment action was based.
(c) If the debarring official decides that a debarment for an additional period is necessary, the debarring official must follow the applicable procedures in this subpart, and subpart F of this part, to extend the debarment.
Persons are
(a) Interlocking management or ownership;
(b) Identity of interests among family members;
(c) Shared facilities and equipment;
(d) Common use of employees; or
(e) A business entity which has been organized following the exclusion of a person which has the same or similar management, ownership, or principal employees as the excluded person.
(a) A judgment or any other determination of guilt of a criminal offense by any court of competent jurisdiction, whether entered upon a verdict or plea, including a plea of nolo contendere; or
(b) Any other resolution that is the functional equivalent of a judgment, including probation before judgment and deferred prosecution. A disposition without the participation of the court is the functional equivalent of a judgment only if it includes an admission of guilt.
(a)
(1) The agency head; or
(2) An official designated by the agency head.
(b) The debarring official for the Department of Energy, exclusive of NNSA, is the Director, Office of Procurement and Assistance Management, DOE. The debarring official for NNSA is the Director, Office of Procurement and Assistance Management, NNSA.
(a) The Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 276(a));
(b) The equal employment opportunity acts and Executive orders; or
(c) The Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7606), Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1368) and Executive Order 11738 (3 CFR, 1973 Comp., p. 799).
(a) That a person or commodity is prohibited from being a participant in covered transactions, whether the person has been suspended; debarred; proposed for debarment under 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4; voluntarily excluded; or
(b) The act of excluding a person.
(a)
(1) Grants.
(2) Cooperative agreements.
(3) Scholarships.
(4) Fellowships.
(5) Contracts of assistance.
(6) Loans.
(7) Loan guarantees.
(8) Subsidies.
(9) Insurances.
(10) Payments for specified uses.
(11) Donation agreements.
(b) A nonprocurement transaction at any tier does not require the transfer of Federal funds.
(a) An officer, director, owner, partner, principal investigator, or other person within a participant with management or supervisory responsibilities related to a covered transaction; or
(b) A consultant or other person, whether or not employed by the participant or paid with Federal funds, who—
(1) Is in a position to handle Federal funds;
(2) Is in a position to influence or control the use of those funds; or,
(3) Occupies a technical or professional position capable of substantially influencing the development or outcome of an activity required to perform the covered transaction.
(a)
(1) Any of the states of the United States;
(2) The District of Columbia;
(3) The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico;
(4) Any territory or possession of the United States; or
(5) Any agency or instrumentality of a state.
(b) For purposes of this part,
(a)
(1) The agency head; or
(2) An official designated by the agency head.
(b) The suspending official for the Department of Energy, exclusive of
(a)
(b)
41 U.S.C. 701,
This part carries out the portion of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (41 U.S.C. 701
(a) Portions of this part apply to you if you are either—
(1) A recipient of an assistance award from the Department of Energy; or
(2) A DOE awarding official. (See definitions of award and recipient in §§ 607.605 and 607.660, respectively.)
(b) The following table shows the subparts that apply to you:
This part does not apply to any award that the Director, Office of Procurement and Assistance Management, DOE, for DOE actions, and Director, Office of Procurement and Assistance Management, NNSA, for NNSA actions determines that the application of this part would be inconsistent with the international obligations of the United States or the laws or regulations of a foreign government.
It will affect future contract awards indirectly if you are debarred or suspended for a violation of the requirements of this part, as described in § 607. 510(c). However, this part does not apply directly to procurement contracts. The portion of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 that applies to Federal procurement contracts is carried out through the Federal Acquisition Regulation in chapter 1 of Title 48 of the Code of Federal Regulations (the drug-free workplace coverage currently is in 48 CFR part 23, subpart 23.5).
There are two general requirements if you are a recipient other than an individual.
(a) First, you must make a good faith effort, on a continuing basis, to maintain a drug-free workplace. You must agree to do so as a condition for receiving any award covered by this part. The specific measures that you must take in this regard are described in more detail in subsequent sections of this subpart. Briefly, those measures are to—
(1) Publish a drug-free workplace statement and establish a drug-free awareness program for your employees (see §§ 607.205 through 607.220); and
(2) Take actions concerning employees who are convicted of violating drug statutes in the workplace (see § 607.225).
(b) Second, you must identify all known workplaces under your Federal awards (see § 607.230).
You must publish a statement that—
(a) Tells your employees that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in your workplace;
(b) Specifies the actions that you will take against employees for violating that prohibition; and
(c) Lets each employee know that, as a condition of employment under any award, he or she:
(1) Will abide by the terms of the statement; and
(2) Must notify you in writing if he or she is convicted for a violation of a criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace and must do so no more than five calendar days after the conviction.
You must require that a copy of the statement described in § 607.205 be given to each employee who will be engaged in the performance of any Federal award.
You must establish an ongoing drug-free awareness program to inform employees about—
(a) The dangers of drug abuse in the workplace;
(b) Your policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace;
(c) Any available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs; and
(d) The penalties that you may impose upon them for drug abuse violations occurring in the workplace.
If you are a new recipient that does not already have a policy statement as described in § 607.205 and an ongoing awareness program as described in § 607.215, you must publish the statement and establish the program by the time given in the following table:
There are two actions you must take if an employee is convicted of a drug violation in the workplace:
(a) First, you must notify Federal agencies if an employee who is engaged in the performance of an award informs you about a conviction, as required by § 607.205(c)(2), or you otherwise learn of the conviction. Your notification to the Federal agencies must—
(1) Be in writing;
(2) Include the employee's position title;
(3) Include the identification number(s) of each affected award;
(4) Be sent within ten calendar days after you learn of the conviction; and
(5) Be sent to every Federal agency on whose award the convicted employee was working. It must be sent to every awarding official or his or her official designee, unless the Federal agency has specified a central point for the receipt of the notices.
(b) Second, within 30 calendar days of learning about an employee's conviction, you must either_
(1) Take appropriate personnel action against the employee, up to and including termination, consistent with the requirements of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794), as amended; or
(2) Require the employee to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved for these purposes by a Federal, State or local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate agency.
(a) You must identify all known workplaces under each DOE award. A failure to do so is a violation of your drug-free workplace requirements. You may identify the workplaces—
(1) To the DOE official that is making the award, either at the time of application or upon award; or
(2) In documents that you keep on file in your offices during the performance of the award, in which case you must make the information available for inspection upon request by DOE officials or their designated representatives.
(b) Your workplace identification for an award must include the actual address of buildings (or parts of buildings) or other sites where work under the award takes place. Categorical descriptions may be used (
(c) If you identified workplaces to the DOE awarding official at the time of application or award, as described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, and any workplace that you identified changes during the performance of the award, you must inform the DOE awarding official.
As a condition of receiving a DOE award, if you are an individual recipient, you must agree that—
(a) You will not engage in the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance in conducting any activity related to the award; and
(b) If you are convicted of a criminal drug offense resulting from a violation occurring during the conduct of any
(1) In writing.
(2) Within 10 calendar days of the conviction.
(3) To the DOE awarding official or other designee for each award that you currently have, unless § 607.301 or the award document designates a central point for the receipt of the notices. When notice is made to a central point, it must include the identification number(s) of each affected award.
As a DOE awarding official, you must obtain each recipient's agreement, as a condition of the award, to comply with the requirements in—
(a) Subpart B of this part, if the recipient is not an individual; or
(b) Subpart C of this part, if the recipient is an individual.
A recipient other than an individual is in violation of the requirements of this part if the Director, Office of Procurement and Assistance Management, DOE, for DOE actions, and Director, Office of Procurement and Assistance Management, NNSA, for NNSA actions determines, in writing, that—
(a) The recipient has violated the requirements of subpart B of this part; or
(b) The number of convictions of the recipient's employees for violating criminal drug statutes in the workplace is large enough to indicate that the recipient has failed to make a good faith effort to provide a drug-free workplace.
An individual recipient is in violation of the requirements of this part if the Director, Office of Procurement and Assistance Management, DOE, for DOE actions, and Director, Office of Procurement and Assistance Management, NNSA, for NNSA actions determines, in writing, that—
(a) The recipient has violated the requirements of subpart C of this part; or
(b) The recipient is convicted of a criminal drug offense resulting from a violation occurring during the conduct of any award activity.
If a recipient is determined to have violated this part, as described in § 607.500 or § 607.505, the Department of Energy may take one or more of the following actions—
(a) Suspension of payments under the award;
(b) Suspension or termination of the award; and
(c) Suspension or debarment of the recipient under 10 CFR Part 606, for a period not to exceed five years.
The Secretary of Energy may waive with respect to a particular award, in writing, a suspension of payments under an award, suspension or termination of an award, or suspension or debarment of a recipient if the Secretary of Energy determines that such a waiver would be in the public interest. This exception authority cannot be delegated to any other official.
(a) The term award includes:
(1) A Federal grant or cooperative agreement, in the form of money or property in lieu of money.
(2) A block grant or a grant in an entitlement program, whether or not the grant is exempted from coverage under the Governmentwide rule 10 CFR Part 600 that implements OMB Circular A-
(b) The term award does not include:
(1) Technical assistance that provides services instead of money.
(2) Loans.
(3) Loan guarantees.
(4) Interest subsidies.
(5) Insurance.
(6) Direct appropriations.
(7) Veterans' benefits to individuals (
(a)
(1) All direct charge employees;
(2) All indirect charge employees, unless their impact or involvement in the performance of work under the award is insignificant to the performance of the award; and
(3) Temporary personnel and consultants who are directly engaged in the performance of work under the award and who are on the recipient's payroll.
(b) This definition does not include workers not on the payroll of the recipient (
(a) The principal purpose of which is to transfer a thing of value to the recipient to carry out a public purpose of support or stimulation authorized by a law of the United States, rather than to acquire property or services for the Federal Government's direct benefit or use; and
(b) In which substantial involvement is not expected between the Federal agency and the recipient when carrying out the activity contemplated by the award.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, all DOE contracts for the sale of personal property to any organization outside the U.S. Government shall include a Disputes clause which provides for:
(1) Binding final decisions by the Contracting Officer, subject to appeal;
(2) Appeal rights pursuant to the Contract Disputes Act of 1978;
(3) Continuation of performance by the contractor at the direction of the contracting officer pending final resolution of the dispute.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) The provisions of this part shall not apply to contracts for sale of electric power by the Power Marketing Administrations;
(2) The Secretary may exempt a contract or class of contracts from this requirement upon determination that it would not be in the public interest in an individual contract or class of contracts with a foreign government, or agency thereof, or international organization, or subsidiary body thereof, to include the Disputes clause, as permitted by section 3 of the Contract Disputes Act of 1978.
(c) The Energy Board of Contract Appeals (EBCA) has cognizance over disputes relating to DOE Sales contracts.
(d) The Disputes clause in § 624.102-4 shall be used in accordance with this § 622.103.
The following clause shall be used in accordance with the provisions of § 622.103:
(a) This contract is subject to the Contract Disputes Act of 1978 (41 U.S.C. 601
(b)
(1) A written request submitted to the Contracting Officer;
(2) For payment of money, adjustment of contract terms, or other relief;
(3) Which is in dispute or remains unresolved after a reasonable time for its review and disposition by the Government; and
(4) For which a Contracting Officer's decision is demanded.
(c) In the case of disputed requests or amendments to such requests for payment exceeding $50,000, or with any amendment causing the total request in dispute to exceed $50,000, the purchaser shall certify, at the time of submission of a claim, as follows:
I certify that the claim is made in good faith, that the supporting data is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief, and that the amount requested accurately reflects the contract adjustment for which the Purchaser believes the Government is liable.
(d) The Government shall pay the Purchaser interest.
(1) On the amount found due to the purchaser and unpaid on claims submitted under this clause;
(2) At the rates fixed by the Secretary of the Treasury;
(3) From the date the amount is due until the Government makes payment.
(e) The purchaser shall pay the Government interest:
(1) On the amount found due to the Government and unpaid on claims submitted under this clause;
(2) At the rates fixed by the Department of Energy for the payment of interest on past due accounts;
(3) From the date the amount is due until the purchaser makes payment.
(f) The decision of the Contracting Officer shall be final and conclusive and not subject to review by any forum, tribunal, or Government agency unless an appeal or action is timely commenced within the times specified by the Contract Disputes Act of 1978.
(g) The purchaser shall comply with any decision of the Contracting Officer and at the direction of the Contracting Officer shall proceed diligently with performance of this contract pending final resolution of any request for relief, claim, appeal, or action related to this contract.
15 U.S.C. 761; 42 U.S.C. 7101; 42 U.S.C. 6201.
This part shall apply to all price competitive sales of SPR petroleum by DOE. This section provides the rules for developing standard contract terms and conditions and financial and performance responsibility measures; notifying potential purchasers of those terms, conditions and measures; choosing applicable terms, conditions and measures for each sale of SPR petroleum; and notifying potential purchasers of which terms, conditions and measures will be applicable to particular sales of SPR petroleum.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(b)
(1) Upon the determination that a purchaser is to be considered for ineligibility, the purchaser shall be sent by certified mail return receipt requested, the following:
(i) Notification that the Headquarters Senior Procurement Official is considering making the purchaser ineligible for future awards;
(ii) Identification of the SPR sales contract which the purchaser failed to comply with, along with a brief description of the events and circumstances relating to such failure;
(iii) Advice that the purchaser may submit in writing for consideration by the Headquarters Senior Procurement Official in determining whether or not to impose ineligibility on the purchaser, any information or argument in opposition to the ineligibility; and
(iv) Advice that such information or argument in opposition to the ineligibility must be submitted within a certain time in order to be considered by the Headquarters Senior Procurement Official, such time to be not less than 21 days.
(2) After elapse of the time period established under paragraph (b)(1) of this section for receipt of the purchaser's response, the Headquarters Senior Procurement Official, at his discretion, and after consideration of the purchaser's written response, if any, may make the purchaser ineligible for future awards of SPR petroleum sales contracts. Such ineligibility shall continue for the time period determined
(3) The purchaser shall be notified of the Headquarters Senior Procurement Official's decision.
(c)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
(m)
(n)
(o)
(p)
(a) These SSPs contain pre-sale information, sales solicitation provisions, and sales contract clauses setting forth terms and conditions of sale, including purchaser financial and performance responsibility measures, or descriptions thereof, which may be applicable to price competitive sales of petroleum from the SPR in accordance with the SPR Sales Rule, 10 CFR Part 625. The NS will specify which of these provisions shall apply to a particular sale of such petroleum, and it may specify any revisions therein and any
(b) All offerors must, as part of their offers for SPR petroleum in response to a NS, agree without exception to all sales provisions of that NS. Offerors shall indicate their agreement by signing the Sales Offer Form (Exhibit A) or other form generated from electronic media used for submitting offers as specified by DOE in the NS. The Government will not award a contract to an offeror who has failed to so agree.
DOE will review the SSPs periodically and republish them in the
(a) The SPR/PMO will maintain a Sales Offerors Mailing List (SOML) of those potential offerors who wish to receive an NS whenever one is issued. In order to assure that prospective offerors will receive the NS or offer forms in a timely fashion, all potential offerors are encouraged to submit the information in (d) of this provision as soon as possible. An NS may be issued with a week or less allowed for the receipt of offers. While DOE will use its best efforts to timely supply copies of the NS to persons not on the list who request the NS at the time an SPR petroleum sale is announced, this may not always be feasible in light of the short amount of time available before offers must be received.
(b) Any firm or individual may request to be on the SOML by providing the information in (d) of this provision by letter, telephone or electronic means to: Sales Offerors Mailing List (SOML), U.S. Department of Energy, Strategic Petroleum Reserve, Project Management Office, Acquisition and Sales Division, Mail Stop FE-4451, 900 Commerce Road East, New Orleans, Louisiana 70123, Telephone Number (504) 734-4249/4201, Facsimile (504) 734-4427, e-mail: soml@spr.doe.gov
Any envelope should be marked “SPR Sales Offerors” Mailing List.”
(c) Copies of the SSPs and the NS, when one is issued, may also be obtained from this address.
(d) A request to be placed on the SOML should include the following information:
As DOE may use express mail, which cannot be delivered to a Post Office box, failure to provide a street address could result in untimely receipt of the NS and will be at the offeror's risk.
(a) The NS will be sent to names on the SOML referenced in Provision No. A.5. Interested persons may send a representative to the address in Provision No. A.5 to obtain a copy of the NS.
(b) In addition to those on the SOML, the NS will also be sent to anyone requesting it when a sale is announced.
(c) A DOE press release, which will include the salient features of the NS, will be made available to all news agencies.
(d) At the option of the Contracting Officer, advertisements may be placed in publications or media (including the Internet) likely to reach interested parties. The advertisements will contain the salient features of the NS and a point of contact at the SPR/PMO for further information.
(a) Making false statements in an offer to buy SPR petroleum may expose an offeror to a penalty under the False Statements Act, 18 U.S.C. Section 1001, which provides:
Whoever, in any matter within the jurisdiction of any department or agency of the United States knowingly and willfully falsifies, conceals or covers up by any trick, scheme, or device a material fact, or makes any false, fictitious or fraudulent statements or representations, or makes or uses any false writing or document knowing the same to contain any false, fictitious or fraudulent statement or entry, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.
(b) Under 18 U.S.C. 3571, the maximum fine to which an individual or organization may be sentenced for violations of 18 U.S.C. (including Section 1001) is set at $250,000 and
A valid offer to purchase SPR petroleum must meet the following conditions:
(a) The offer guarantee (see Provision No. B.11) must be received no later than the time set for the receipt of offers;
(b) The offer must include a completed Sales Offer Form, i.e., Exhibit A or other form generated by electronic means for submitting offers as specified by DOE in the NS, and signed SPRPMO Form 33S (Exhibit C) or other forms as specified in the NS;
(c) The offer must be received no later than the time set for receipt of offers;
(d) Any amendments to the NS that explicitly require acknowledgment of receipt must be properly acknowledged as provided for on Exhibit C; and
(e) The offeror must agree without exception to all provisions of the SSPs that the NS makes applicable to a particular sale, as well as to all provisions in the NS.
The Government, at its discretion, may make use of a price indexing mechanism to effect contract price adjustments based on petroleum market conditions, e.g., crude oil market price changes between the times of offer price submissions and physical deliveries. The NS will set forth the provisions applicable to any such mechanism.
(a) The offeror certifies that:
(1) The prices in this offer have been arrived at independently, without, for the purposes of restricting competition, any consultation, communication, or agreement with any other offeror or competitor relating to: (i) those prices; (ii) the intention to submit an offer; or (iii) the methods or factors used to calculate the prices offered.
(2) The prices in this offer have not been and will not be knowingly disclosed by the offeror, directly or indirectly, to any other offeror or to any competitor before the time set for receipt of offers, unless otherwise required by law; and
(3) No attempt has been made or will be made by the offeror to induce any other concern to submit or not to submit an offer for the purpose of restricting competition.
(b) Each signature on the offer is considered to be a certification by the signatory that the signatory:
(1) Is the person within the offeror's organization responsible for determining the prices being offered, and that the signatory has not participated, and will not participate, in any action contrary to (a)(l) through (a)(3) of this provision; or
(2) (i) Has been authorized in writing to act as agent for the persons responsible for such decision in certifying that such persons have not participated, and will not participate, in any action contrary to (a)(l) through (a)(3) of this provision; (ii) as their agent does hereby so certify; and (iii) as their agent has not participated, and will not participate, in any action contrary to (a)(l) through (a)(3) of this provision.
(c) An offer will not be considered for award where (a)(l),(a)(3), or (b) of this provision has been deleted or modified. If the offeror deletes or modifies (a)(2) of this provision, the offeror must furnish with the offer a signed statement setting forth in detail the circumstances of the disclosure.
(a) The “Jones Act”, 46 U.S.C. 883, prohibits the transportation of any merchandise, including SPR petroleum, by water or land and water, on penalty of forfeiture thereof, between points within the United States (including Puerto Rico, but excluding the Virgin Islands) in vessels other than vessels built in and documented under laws of the United States, and owned by United States citizens, unless the prohibition has been waived by the Secretary of Treasury. Further, certain U.S.-flag vessels built with Construction Differential Subsidies (CDS) are precluded by Section 506 of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936 (46 U.S.C. 1156) from participating in U.S. coastwise trade, unless such prohibition has been waived by the Secretary of Transportation, the waiver being limited to a maximum of 6 months in any given year. CDS vessels may also receive Operating Differential Subsidies, requiring separate permission from the Secretary of Transportation for domestic operation, under Section 805(a) of the same statute. The NS will advise offerors of any general waivers allowing use of non-coastwise qualified vessels or vessels built with Construction Differential Subsidies for a particular sale of SPR petroleum. If there is no general waiver, purchasers may request waivers in accordance with Provision No. C.7, but remain obligated to complete performance under this contract regardless of the outcome of that waiver process.
(b) The Department of Transportation's interim rule concerning Reception Facility Requirements for Waste Materials Retained on Board (33 CFR Parts 151 and 158) implements the reception facility requirements of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the 1978 Protocol relating thereto (MARPOL 73/78). This rule prohibits any oceangoing tankship, required to retain oil or oily mixtures on-board while at sea, from entering any port or terminal unless the port or terminal has a valid Certificate of Adequacy as to its oily waste reception facilities. SPR marine terminals (see Exhibit E, SPR Delivery Point Data) have Certificates of Adequacy and reception facilities for vessel sludge and oily bilge water wastes, all costs for which will be borne by the vessel. The terminals, however, may not have reception facilities for oily ballast. Accordingly, tankships without segregated ballast systems will be required to make arrangements for and be responsible for all costs associated with appropriate disposal of such ballast, or they will be denied permission to load SPR petroleum at terminals that lack reception facilities for oily ballast.
(c) By submission of an offer, the offeror certifies that it will comply with the “Jones Act” and all applicable ballast disposal requirements.
(a) Sections 4611 and 4612 of the Internal Revenue Code, which imposed a tax on domestic and imported petroleum to support the Hazardous Substance Response Fund (the “Superfund”), were revised by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, Public Law 99-499; and the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986, Public Law 99-509; the Steel Trade Liberalization Program Implementation Act, Public Law 101-221; and the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1989, Public Law 101-239. As amended, these sections impose taxes to finance the Hazardous Substance Superfund and the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund (“Trust Fund”).
(b) Section 4611 imposes taxes on domestic crude oil and on imported crude oil to support the Superfund and the Trust Fund. The taxes are imposed on (1) crude oil received at a United States refinery and (2) petroleum products (including crude oil) entered into the United States for consumption, use, or warehousing. Section 4612 provides that no tax is imposed if it is established that a prior tax imposed by Section 4611 has already been paid with respect to a barrel of oil. Additionally, as determined by the Secretary of Treasury, the Hazardous Substance Superfund tax and the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund tax may not be imposed during certain periods when the unobligated balances of the funds reach particular statutorily-prescribed levels.
(c) DOE has already paid the Superfund and Trust Fund taxes on some of the oil imported and stored in the SPR. However, no Superfund or Trust Fund tax has been paid on imported oil stored prior to the effective dates of these Acts or on any domestic oil stored in the SPR. Because domestic and imported crude oil for which no taxes have been paid and crude oils for which Superfund and Trust Fund taxes have been paid have been commingled in the SPR, upon drawdown of the SPR, the NS will advise purchasers of the tax liability.
(a) Offerors for SPR petroleum are put on notice that export of SPR crude oil is subject to U.S. export control laws implemented by the Department of Commerce Short Supply Controls, codified at 15 CFR part 754, § 754.2, Crude oil. Subsections of § 754.2 provide for the approval of applications to export crude oil from the SPR in connection with refining or exchange of SPR oil. Specifically, these subsections are § 754.2(b)(iii), and 754.2(g), Refining or exchange of Strategic Petroleum Reserve Oil. These provisions are issued under 42 U.S.C. 6241(i), and implement the authority given to the President to permit the export of oil in the SPR for the purpose of obtaining refined petroleum for the U.S. market. In addition, the President could waive the requirement for an export license all together. The NS will advise of any waivers under this Presidential authority.
(b) By submission of an offer, the offeror certifies that it will comply with any applicable U.S. export control laws.
In the event petroleum is sold from the SPR, DOE will issue a NS containing all the pertinent information necessary for the offeror to prepare a priced offer. A NS may be issued with a week or less allowed for the receipt of offers. Offerors are expected to examine the complete NS document, and to become familiar with the SSPs cited therein. Failure to do so will be at the offeror's risk.
(a) Unless otherwise provided in the NS, offers must be submitted to the SPR/PMO in New Orleans, Louisiana, by mail, hand-delivery, or electronic means as specified in the NS. Any direct cash deposits as offer guarantees shall be sent by wire or electronic funds transfer in accordance with Provision No. C.23.
(b) Unless otherwise provided in the NS, offers may be modified or withdrawn by hand
(c) Envelopes containing offers and any material related to offers shall be plainly marked on the outside; “RE: NS # _____ FOR SALE OF PETROLEUM FROM STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVE. OFFERS ARE DUE (insert time of opening), LOCAL NEW ORLEANS, LA TIME ON (insert date of opening). MAIL ROOM MUST MARK DATE AND TIME OF RECEIPT ON FACE OF THE ENVELOPE.” Envelopes containing modified offers or any material related to supplements or modifications of offers, shall be plainly marked on the outside: “RE: NS # _____ FOR SALE OF PETROLEUM FROM STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVE. OFFER MODIFICATION. MAIL ROOM MUST MARK DATE AND TIME OF RECEIPT ON FACE OF THE ENVELOPE.”
(d) All envelopes shall be marked with the full name and return address of the offeror.
(e) Offers being sent by mail and modifications being sent by hand delivery, mail, telegram, or electronic means must be received at the address specified in the NS. Offers or modifications submitted by electronic means must contain the required signatures. If requested by the contracting officer, the offeror agrees to promptly submit the complete original signed offer/modification.
(f) If the offeror chooses to transmit an offer/modification by electronic means, the Government will not be responsible for any failure attributable to the transmission or receipt of the offer/modification, including, but not limited to, the following:
(1) Receipt of garbled or incomplete offer/modification,
(2) Availability or condition of the receiving equipment,
(3) Incompatibility between the sending and receiving equipment,
(4) Delay in transmission or receipt of the offer/modification,
(5) Failure of the offeror to properly identify the offer/modification,
(6) Illegibility of offer/modification
(7) Security of the data contained in the offer/modification.
(g) Handcarried offers brought during normal business hours on the day set for receipt of offers, or any day prior to that day, shall be taken by the offeror to the place specified in the NS. This includes mail being delivered by a delivery service.
(h) Public opening of offers is not anticipated unless otherwise indicated in the NS. DOE will not release to the general public the identities of the offerors, or their offer quantities and prices, until the Apparently Successful Offerors have been determined. DOE will inform simultaneously all offerors and other interested parties of the successful and unsuccessful offerors and their offer data by means of a public “offer posting.” The offer posting will normally occur within a week of receipt of offers and will provide all interested parties access to offer data as well as any DOE changes in the petroleum quantities or quality to be sold. DOE will announce the date, time, and location of the offer posting as soon as practicable.
When an amendment to a NS requires acknowledgment of receipt by an offeror, it must be acknowledged either by (a) signing and returning the amendment; (b) identifying the amendment number and date in the space provided for this purpose on SPRPMO Form 33S (Exhibit C); or (c) letter, telegram, or electronic means as specified in the NS, sent to the address specified in the NS. Such acknowledgment must be received prior to the time specified for receipt of offers.
(a) Any offer received at the office designated in the NS after the date and time specified for receipt will be considered only if it is received before award is made and only under the following conditions:
(1) It was sent by registered or certified mail not later than the fifth calendar day prior to the date specified for the receipt of offers (e.g., an offer submitted in response to a NS requiring receipt of offers by the 20th of the month must have been mailed by the 15th or earlier); or,
(2) It was sent by U.S. Postal Service Express Mail Next Day Service-Post Office to Addressee, or established commercial express service, not later than the close of business at the place of mailing 2 working days prior to the date specified for receipt of offers. The working days exclude weekends and U.S. Federal holidays; or,
(3) It was sent by mail, express mail, telegram or electronic means as specified in the NS, and it is determined by the Contracting Officer that the late receipt was due solely to mishandling by the SPR/PMO after receipt at the address specified in the NS; or
(4) It is the only offer received.
(b) Any modification or withdrawal of an offer is subject to the same conditions as in (a) of this provision, except that it shall be mailed not less than the third calendar day prior to the date specified for receipt of offers. An offer may also be withdrawn in person by an offeror or its authorized representative, provided the representative's identity is made known and the representative signs a receipt for the offer, but only if the withdrawal is made prior to the time set for receipt of offers.
(c) The only acceptable evidence to establish:
(1) The date of mailing of a late offer, modification, or withdrawal sent either by registered or certified mail is the U.S. Postal Service postmark on either (i) the envelope or wrapper, or (ii) the original receipt from the U.S. Postal Service. If neither postmark shows a legible date, the offer, modification or withdrawal shall be deemed to have been mailed late. Postmark means a printed, stamped, or otherwise placed impression, exclusive of a postage meter machine impression, that is readily identifiable without further action as having been supplied and affixed on the date of mailing by employees of the U.S. Postal Service. Therefore, offerors should request the postal clerk to place a hand cancellation “bull's-eye” postmark on both the receipt and the envelope or wrapper.
(2) The date of mailing of a late offer, modification, or withdrawal sent by Express Mail Next Day Service-Post Office to Addressee or established commercial service is the date entered by the receiving clerk on the “Express Mail Next Day Service-Post Office to Addressee” or other comparable service label and the postmark on both the envelope or wrapper and on the original receipt from the U.S. Postal Service or commercial service.
(3) The time of receipt at the address specified in the NS is the time/date stamp at such address on the offer's wrapper or other documentary evidence of receipt maintained at the place of receipt.
(d) Notwithstanding (a) and (b) of this provision, a late modification of an otherwise successful offer that makes its terms more favorable to the Government will be considered at any time it is received and may be accepted.
(a) Each offeror must submit an acceptable offer guarantee for each offer submitted. Each offer guarantee must be received at the place specified for receipt of offers no later than the time and date set for receipt of offers.
(b) An offeror's failure to submit a timely, acceptable guarantee will result in rejection of its offer.
(c) The amount of each offer guarantee is $10 million or 5 percent of the maximum potential contract amount, whichever is less. The maximum potential contract amount is the sum of the products determined by multiplying the offer's maximum purchase quantity for each master line item, times the highest offer prices that the offeror would have to pay for that master line item if the offer were to be successful. To assist in this calculation, instructions and a worksheet are available at Exhibit J. Submission of the worksheet is not desired.
(d) Each offeror must submit one of the following types of offer guarantees with each offer:
(1) A cash wire deposit or electronic funds transfer to the account of the U.S. Treasury in accordance with Provision No. C.23, all attendant costs to be borne by the offeror; or
(2) A irrevocable standby letter of credit from a U.S. depository institution containing the substantive provisions set out in Exhibit F, Offer Standby Letter of Credit, all letter of credit costs to be borne by the offeror. If the letter or credit contains any provisions at variance with Exhibit F or fails to include any provisions contained in Exhibit F, nonconforming provisions must be deleted and missing substantive provisions must be added or the letter of credit will not be accepted. The depository institution must be located in and authorized to do business in any state of the United States or the District of Columbia, and authorized to issue letters of credit by the banking laws of the United States or any state of the United States or the District of Columbia. The original of the letter of credit must be sent to the Contracting Officer. The issuing bank must provide documentation indicating that the person signing the letter of credit is authorized to do so, in the form of corporate minutes, the Authorized Signature List, or the General Resolution of Signature Authority.
(e) If the offeror elects to make an offer guarantee by cash wire deposit or electronic funds transfer, the Sales Offer Form shall be annotated with the statement “Offer guarantee made by cash wire deposit (or electronic funds transfer.)” The amount transferred shall be annotated on the bottom of the first page of the offer form. In addition, the information identified in Exhibit I, Instruction Guide for Return of Offer Guarantees by Electronic Transfer or Treasury Check, shall be provided with the offer.
(f) If the offeror or bank forwards the letter of credit separately from the offer, the envelope shall clearly be marked “Offer Standby Letter of Credit (Name of Company)” and also marked in accordance with Provision No. B.8(c). Offerors are cautioned that if they provide more than one Offer Standby Letter of Credit for multiple offers and, due to the absence of clear information from the offeror, the Government is unable to identify which Letter of Credit applies to which offer, the Contracting Officer in his sole discretion may assign the Letters of Credit to specific offers.
(g) The offeror shall be liable for any amount lost by DOE due to the difference between the offer and the resale price, and for any additional resale costs incurred by DOE in the event that the offeror:
(1) Withdraws its offer within l0 days following the time set for receipt of offers;
(2) Withdraws its offer after having agreed to extend its acceptance period; or
(3) Having received a notification of ASO, fails to furnish an acceptable payment and performance letter of credit (see Provision C.21) within the time limit specified by the Contracting Officer.
The offer guarantee shall be used toward offsetting such price difference or additional resale costs. Use of the offer guarantee for such recovery shall not preclude recovery by DOE of damages in excess of the amount of the offer guarantee caused by such failure of the offeror.
(h) Letters of credit furnished as offer guarantees must be valid for at least 60 calendar days after the date set for the receipt of offers.
(i) Offer guarantees (except letters of credit) will be returned to an unsuccessful offeror 5 business days after expiration of the offeror's acceptance period, and, except as provided in (k) of this provision, to a successful offeror upon receipt of a satisfactory payment and performance letter of credit. Cash offer guarantees will be subsequently returned to unsuccessful offerors via Treasury check or electronic transfer in accordance with the information delineated in Exhibit I. Letters of credit will be returned only upon request.
(j) Where the offer guarantee was a cash wire deposit or electronic funds transfer, a successful offeror may apply it toward the first invoice for delivery under the resultant contract.
(k) If an offeror defaults on its offer, DOE will hold the offer guarantee so that damages can be assessed against it.
Offerors may request explanations regarding meaning or interpretation of the NS from the individual at the telephone number indicated in the NS. On complex and/or significant questions, DOE reserves the right to have the offeror put the question in writing; explanation or instructions regarding these questions will be given as an amendment to the NS.
Prices shall be stated and invoices shall be paid in U.S. dollars.
All offers in response to the NS and all modifications of offers shall be in English. All correspondence between offerors or purchasers and DOE shall be in English.
If any information submitted in connection with a sale is considered proprietary, that information should be so marked, and an explanation provided as to the reason such data should be considered proprietary. Any final decision as to whether the material so marked is proprietary will be made by DOE. DOE's Freedom of Information Act regulations governing the release of proprietary data shall apply.
(a) The geographical locations of the terminals, pipelines, and docks interconnected with permanent SPR storage locations, the SPR crude oil streams available at each location and the delivery points for those streams are as follows, (See also Exhibit D, SPR Crude Oil Comprehensive Analysis, and Exhibit E, SPR Delivery Point Data):
(b) The NS may change delivery points and it may also include additional terminals, temporary storage facilities or systems utilized in connection with petroleum in transit to the SPR. Alternatively, DOE may provide for transportation to the purchaser's facility, for example, when the petroleum is in transit to the SPR at time of sale.
(c) The NS may contain additional information supplementing Exhibit E, SPR Delivery Point Data.
(a) Unless the NS provides otherwise, the possible master line items (MLI) that may be offered are as provided in Exhibit A, SPR Sales Offer Form. Currently, there are nine MLIs in Exhibit A, one for each of the nine crude oil streams that the SPR has in storage. The NS may not offer all the possible MLIs.
(b) Each MLI contains several delivery line items (DLIs), each of which specifies an available delivery method and the nominal delivery period. Offerors are cautioned that the NS may alter the period of time covered by each DLI. This is most likely to occur in the first sales period of a drawdown if the period of sale does not correspond to a calendar month. The NS will specify which DLIs are offered for each MLI.
(1) DLI-A covers petroleum to be transported by pipeline, either common carrier or local. The nominal delivery period is one month.
(2) DLI-B, DLI-C and DLI-D cover petroleum to be transported by tankships: DLI-B, covering tankships to be loaded from the 1st through the 10th of the month; DLI-C, tankships to be loaded from the 11th through the 20th; and DLI-D, tankships to be loaded from the 21st through the last day of the month.
(3) DLI-E, DLI-F and DLI-G cover petroleum to be transported by barges (Caution: These DLIs are currently only applicable to deliveries of West Hackberry and Big Hill Sweet and Sour crude oil streams from Sun Docks); DLI-E, covering barges to be loaded from the 1st through the 10th of the month; DLI-F, barges to be loaded from the 11th through the 20th; and DLI-G, barges to be loaded from the 21st through the last day of the month.
(4) Where the storage site is connected to more than one terminal or pipeline, additional DLIs will be offered. The additional DLIs will include DLI-H, covering petroleum to be transported by pipeline over the period of a month; DLI-I thru DLI-K, covering tankships, etc. The Notice of Sale will specify any additional DLIs which may be applicable.
(c) The NS will state the total estimated number of barrels to be sold on each MLI. An offeror may offer to buy all or part of the petroleum offered on an MLI. In making awards, the Contracting Officer shall attempt to achieve award of the exact quantities offered by the NS, but may sell a quantity of petroleum in excess of the quantity offered for sale on a particular MLI in order to match the DLI offers received. In addition, the Contracting Officer may reduce the MLI quantity available for award by any amount and reject otherwise acceptable offers, if he determines, in his sole discretion after consideration of the offers received on all of the MLIs, that award of those quantities is not in the best interest of the Government because the prices offered for them are not reasonable, or that, in light of market conditions after offers are received, a lesser quantity than that offered should be sold.
(d) The NS will specify a minimum contract quantity for each DLI. To be responsive, an offer on a DLI must be for at least that quantity.
(e) The NS will specify the maximum quantity that could be sold on each of the DLIs. The maximum quantity is not an indication of the amount of petroleum that, in fact, will be sold on that DLI. Rather, it represents DOE's best estimate of the maximum amount of the particular SPR crude oil stream that can be moved by that transportation system over the delivery period. The total DOE estimated DLI maximums may exceed the total number of barrels to be sold on that MLI, as the NS DLI estimates represent estimated transportation capacity, not the amount of petroleum offered for sale.
(f) The NS will not specify what portion of the petroleum that DOE offers on a MLI will, in fact, be sold on any given DLI. Rather, the highest priced offers received on the MLI will determine the DLIs against which the offered petroleum is sold.
(g) DOE will not sell petroleum on a DLI in excess of the DLI maximum; however, DOE reserves the right to revise its estimates at any time and to award or modify contracts in accordance with its revised estimates. Offerors are cautioned that: DOE cannot guarantee that such transportation capacity is available; offerors should undertake their own analyses of available transportation capacity; and each purchaser is wholly responsible for arranging all transportation other than terminal arrangements at the terminals listed in Provision No. B.16, which shall be made in accordance with Provision No. C.5. A purchaser against one DLI cannot change a transportation mode without prior written permission from DOE, although such permission will be given whenever possible, in accordance with Provision No. C.6.
(h) Exhibit D, SPR Crude Oil Comprehensive Analysis, contains nominal characteristics for each SPR crude oil stream. Prospective offerors are cautioned that these data will change with SPR inventory changes. The NS will provide, to the maximum extent practicable, the latest data on each stream offered.
(a) Each offeror, if determined to be an ASO on a DLI, agrees to enter into a contract under the terms of its offer for the purchase of petroleum in the offer and to take delivery of that petroleum (plus or minus 10
(b) An offeror may submit an offer which is for more than one MLI. However, offerors are cautioned that alternate offers on different MLIs are not permitted. For example, an offeror may offer to purchase 1,000,000 barrels of SPR West Hackberry Sweet and 1,000,000 barrels of SPR West Hackberry Sour, but may not offer to purchase, in the alternative, either 1,000,000 barrels of sweet or 1,000,000 barrels of sour.
(c) An offeror may submit multiple offers. However, separate offer forms and offer guarantees must be submitted and each offer will be evaluated on an individual basis.
(d) The following information will be provided to DOE by the offeror on the form in Exhibit A or other forms as required by the NS:
(1) MLI quantity. (“MAXQ” on the Exhibit A offer form) The offer shall state the maximum quantity of each crude oil stream that the offeror is willing to buy.
(2) DLI quantity. (“DESQ”) The offer shall state the number of barrels that the offeror will accept on each DLI, i.e., by the delivery mode and during the delivery period specified. The quantity stated on a single DLI shall not exceed the MAXQ for the MLI. The offeror shall designate a quantity on at least one DLI for the MLI, but may designate quantities on more than one DLI. If the offeror is willing to accept alternate DLIs, the total of its designated DLI quantities would exceed its maximum MLI quantity; otherwise, the total of its designated DLI quantities should equal its maximum MLI quantity.
(3) DLI unit price (“UP$$”) and total price. The offer shall state the price per barrel for each DLI for which the offeror has designated a desired quantity, as well as the total price (quantity times unit price). Where offers have indicated quantities on more than one DLI with a different price on each, DOE will award the highest priced DLI first. If the offeror has the same price for two or more DLIs, it may indicate its first choice, second choice, etc., for award of those items; if the offeror does not indicate a preference, or indicates the same preference for more than one DLI, DOE may select the DLIs to be awarded at its discretion. Prices may be stated in hundredths of a cent ($0.0001). DOE shall drop from the offer and not consider any numbers of less than one one-hundredth of a cent.
(4) Minimum DLI quantity acceptable. (“MINQ”) The offeror must choose whether to accept only the stated DLI quantity (DESQ) or, in the alternative, to accept any quantity awarded between the offer's stated DLI quantity and the minimum contract quantity for the DLI (indicated by the “N” and “Y” blocks respectively under “MINQ” on the offer form). However, DOE will award less than the DESQ only if the quantity available to be awarded is less than the DESQ. If the offer fails to indicate the offeror's choice, the offer will be evaluated as though the offeror has indicated willingness to accept the minimum contract quantity.
(5) Any other data required by the NS.
(a) After opening and recording offers, the Contracting Officer shall examine all offers for mistakes. If the Contracting Officer discovers any price discrepancies or quantity discrepancies, he may obtain from the offeror oral or written verification of the offer actually intended, but in any event, he shall proceed with offer evaluation applying the following procedures:
(1) Price discrepancy: An offer for a DLI must contain the unit price per barrel being offered, the desired quantity of barrels to which the unit price applies, and an extension price which is the total of the quantity desired multiplied by the unit price offered. If there is a discrepancy between the unit price and the extension price, the unit price will govern and be recorded as the offer, unless it is clearly apparent on the face of the offer that there has been a clerical error, in which case the Contracting Officer may correct the offer.
(2) Quantity discrepancy: In case of conflict between the maximum MLI quantity and the stated DLI quantities (for example, if a single stated DLI quantity exceeds the corresponding maximum MLI quantity), the lesser quantity will govern in the evaluation of the offer. In the event that the offer fails to specify a maximum MLI quantity, the offer will be evaluated as though the largest stated DLI quantity is the offer's maximum MLI quantity.
(b) In cases where the Contracting Officer has reason to believe a mistake not covered by the procedures set forth in (a) may have been made, he shall request from the offeror a verification of the offer, calling attention to the suspected mistake. The Contracting Officer may telephone the offeror and confirm the request by electronic means. The Contracting Officer may set a limit of as little as 6 hours for telephone response, with any required written documentation to be received within as little as 2 business days. If no response is received, the Contracting Officer may determine that no error exists and proceed with offer evaluation.
(c) The Head of the Contracting Activity will make administrative determinations described in (1) and (2) of this provision if an offeror alleges a mistake after opening of offers and before award.
(1) The Head of the Contracting Activity may refuse to permit the offeror to withdraw an offer, but permit correction of the offer if
(2) The Head of the Contracting Activity may determine that an offeror shall be permitted to withdraw an offer in whole, or in part if only part of the offer is affected, without penalty under the offer guarantee, where the offeror requests permission to do so and clear and convincing evidence establishes the existence of a mistake, but not the offer actually intended.
(d) In all cases where the offeror is allowed to make verbal corrections to the original offer, confirmation of these corrections must be received in writing within the time set by the Contracting Officer or the original offer will stand as submitted.
(a) The Contracting Officer will be the determining official as to whether an offer is responsive to the SSPs and the NS. DOE reserves the right to reject any or all offers and to waive minor informalities or irregularities in offers received.
(b) A minor informality or irregularity in an offer is an inconsequential defect the waiver or correction of which would not be prejudicial to other offerors. Such a defect or variation from the strict requirements of the NS is inconsequential when its significance as to price, quantity, quality or delivery is negligible.
(a) Award on each DLI will be made to the responsible offerors that submit the highest priced offers responsive to the SSPs and the NS and that have provided the required payment and performance guarantee as required by Provision No. C.21.
(b) DOE will array all offers on an MLI from highest price to lowest price for award evaluation regardless of DLI. However, DOE will award against the DLIs and will not award a greater quantity on a DLI than DOE's estimate (which is subject to change at any time) of the maximum quantity that can be moved by the delivery method. Selection of the apparently successful offers involves the following steps:
(1) Any offers below the minimum acceptable price, if any minimum price has been established for the sale, will be rejected as nonresponsive.
(2) All offers on each MLI will be arrayed from highest price to lowest price.
(3) The highest priced offers will be reviewed for responsiveness to the NS.
(4) In the event the highest priced offer does not take all the petroleum available on the MLI, sequentially, the next highest priced offer will be selected until all of the petroleum offered on the MLI is awarded or there are no more acceptable offers. In the event that acceptance of an offer against an MLI or a DLI would result in the sale of more petroleum on an MLI than DOE has offered or the sale of more petroleum on a DLI than DOE estimates can be delivered by the specified delivery method, DOE will not award the full amount of the offer, but rather the remaining MLI quantity or DLI capacity, provided such portion exceeds DOE's minimum contract quantity. In the event that the quantity remaining is less than the offeror is willing to accept, but more than DOE's minimum contract quantity, the Contracting Officer shall proceed to the next highest priced offer.
(5) In the event of tied offers and an insufficient remaining quantity available on the MLI or insufficient remaining capacity on the DLI to fully award all tied offers, the Contracting Officer shall apply an objective random methodology for allocating the remaining MLI quantity or DLI capacity among the tied offers, taking into consideration the quantity the offeror is willing to accept as indicated in its offer. When making this allocation, the Contracting Officer in his sole discretion may do one or more of the following:
(i) Make an additional quantity or capacity available;
(ii) Contact an offeror to determine whether alternative delivery arrangements can be made; or
(iii) Not award all or part of the remaining quantity of petroleum.
(6) The Contracting Officer may reduce the MLI quantity available for award by any amount and reject otherwise acceptable offers if in his sole discretion he determines, after consideration of the offers received on all of the MLIs, that award of those quantities is not in the best interest of the Government because the prices offered for them are not reasonable; or if the Government determines, in light of market conditions after offers are received, to sell less than the overall quantity of SPR petroleum offered for sale.
(7) Determinations of ASO responsibility will be made by the Contracting Officer before each award. All ASOs will be notified and advised to provide to the Contracting Officer, within five business days or such other longer time as the Contracting Officer shall determine, a letter of credit (See Exhibit G, Payment and Performance Letter of Credit) as specified in Provision No. C.21, all letter of credit costs to be borne by the purchaser.
(8) Compliance with required payment and performance guarantees will effectively assure a finding of responsibility of offerors,
(a) As indicated in Provision No. B.21(b)(8), compliance with the required payment and performance guarantee will in most instances effectively assure a finding of responsibility. Therefore, DOE does not intend to ask for financial information from all offerors. However, after receipt of offers, but prior to making award, DOE reserves the right to ask for the audited financial statements for an offeror's most recent fiscal year and unaudited financial statements for any subsequent quarters. These financial statements must include a balance sheet and profit and loss statement for each period covered thereby. A certification by a principal accounting officer that there have been no material changes in financial condition since the date of the audited statements, and that these present the true financial condition as of the date of the offer, shall accompany the statements. If there has been a change, the amount and nature of the change must be specified and explained in the unaudited statements and a principal accounting officer shall certify that they are accurate. The Contracting Officer shall set a deadline for receipt of this information.
(b) DOE also reserves the right to require the submission of information from the offeror regarding its plans for use of the petroleum, the status of requests for export licenses, plans for complying with the Jones Act, and any other information relevant to the performance of the contract. The Contracting Officer shall set a deadline for receipt of this information.
(a) In the event that petroleum offered on an MLI remains unsold after evaluation of all offers, the Contracting Officer, at his option, may issue an amendment to the NS, resoliciting offers from all interested parties. DOE reserves the right to alter the MLIs and/or offer different MLIs in the resolicitation.
(b) In the event that for any reason petroleum that has been awarded or allotted for award becomes available to DOE for resale, the following procedures will apply:
(1) If priced offers remain valid in accordance with Provision No. B.24, the petroleum may go to the next highest ranked offer.
(2) If offers have expired in accordance with Provision No. B.24, the Contracting Officer at his option may offer the petroleum to the highest offeror for that MLI. The pertinent offeror may, at its option, accept or reject that petroleum at the price it originally offered. If that offeror rejects the petroleum, it may be offered to the next highest offeror. This process may continue until all the remaining petroleum has been allotted for award.
(3) If the petroleum is not then resold, the Contracting Officer may at his option proceed to amend the NS to resolicit offers for that petroleum or add the petroleum to the next sales cycle.
(a) By submission of an offer, the offeror certifies that its priced offer will remain valid for 10 calendar days after the date set for the receipt of offers, and further that the successful line items of its offer will remain valid for an additional 30 calendar days should it receive a notification of ASO either by telephone or in writing during the initial 10-day period.
(b) By mutual agreement of DOE and the offeror, an individual offeror's acceptance period may be extended for a longer period.
The following information concerning its offer will be provided to the apparently successful offeror by DOE in the notification of ASO:
(a) Identification of SPR crude oil streams to be awarded;
(b) Total quantity to be awarded on each MLI and on each DLI;
(c) Price in U.S. dollars per barrel for each DLI;
(d) Extended total price offer for each DLI;
(e) Provisional contract number;
(f) Any other data necessary.
If an offeror is successful, DOE will make award using an NA signed by the Contracting Officer. The NA will identify the items, quantities, prices and delivery method which DOE is accepting. Attached to the NA will be the NS and the successful offer. Provisions of
As part of its offer, each offeror shall designate an agent as a point of contact for any telephone calls or correspondence from the Contracting Officer. Any such agent shall have a U.S. address and telephone number and must be conversant in English.
(a) If a U.S. Government agency submits an offer for petroleum in a price competitive sale, that offer will be arrayed for award consideration in accordance with Provision No. B.21. If a U.S. Government agency is an ASO, award and payment will be made exclusively in accordance with statutory and regulatory requirements governing transactions between agencies, and the U.S. Government agency will be responsible for complying with these requirements within the time limits set by the Contracting Officer.
(b) U.S. Government agencies are exempt from all guarantee requirements, but must make all necessary arrangements to accept delivery of and transport SPR petroleum as set out in Provision No. C.1. Failure by a U.S. Government agency to comply with any of the requirements of these SSPs shall not provide a basis for challenging a contract award to that agency.
(a) The purchaser, at its expense, shall make all necessary arrangements to accept delivery of and transport the SPR petroleum, except for terminal arrangements which shall be coordinated with the SPR/PMO. The DOE will deliver and the purchaser will accept the petroleum at delivery points listed in the NS. The purchaser also shall be responsible for meeting any delivery requirements imposed at those points including complying with the rules, regulations, and procedures contained in applicable port/terminal manuals, pipeline tariffs or other applicable documents.
(b) For petroleum in the SPR's permanent storage sites, DOE shall provide, at no cost to the purchaser, transportation by pipeline from the SPR to the supporting SPR distribution terminal facility specified for the MLI and, for vessel loadings, a safe berth and loading facilities sufficient to deliver petroleum to the vessel's permanent hose connection. The purchaser agrees to assume responsibility for, to pay for, and to indemnify and hold DOE harmless for any other costs associated with terminal, port, vessel and pipeline services necessary to receive and transport the petroleum, including but not limited to demurrage charges assessed by the terminal, ballast and oily waste reception services other than those provided by DOE or its agent, mooring and line-handling services, tank storage charges and port charges incurred in the delivery of SPR petroleum to the purchaser. The purchaser also agrees to assume responsibility for, to pay for and to indemnify and hold DOE harmless for any liability, including consequential or other damages, incurred or occasioned by the purchaser, its agent, subcontractor at any tier, assignee or any subsequent purchaser, in connection with movement of petroleum sold under a contract incorporating this provision.
Failure to comply with the “Jones Act,” 46 U.S.C. 883, regarding use of U.S.-flag vessels in the transportation of oil between points within the United States, and with any applicable U.S. export control laws affecting the export of SPR petroleum will be considered to be a failure to comply with the terms of any contract containing these SSPs and may result in termination for default in accordance with Provision No. C.25. Purchasers who have failed to comply with the “Jones Act” or the export control laws in SPR sales may be found to be non-responsible in the evaluation of offers in subsequent sales under Provision No. B.21 of the SSPs. Those purchasers may also be subject to proceedings to make them ineligible for future awards in accordance with 10 CFR Part 625.
Continued storage of purchasers' oil in the SPR facilities after the end of the contract delivery periods is not permitted, unless specifically authorized by the Secretary of Energy and provided for in the NS. Allowing petroleum to remain in storage as the result of failure to complete delivery arrangements may result in assessment of liquidated damages under Provision Nos. C.25 through C.27 unless such failure is excused pursuant to those provisions.
(a) SPR offerors must ensure that vessels used to transport SPR oil comply with all applicable statutes, including the Ports and Waterways Safety Act of 1972; the Port and Tanker Safety of 1972; the Act to Prevent
(b) To transport SPR oil, a purchaser or the purchaser's subcontractors must use only those tankships for which the vessel's owner, operator, or demise charter has made a showing of financial responsibility under 33 CFR part 138, Financial Responsibility for Water Pollution (Vessels).
(c) Failure of the purchaser or the purchaser's subcontractors to comply with all applicable statutes and regulations in the transportation of SPR petroleum will be considered a failure to comply with the terms of any contract containing these SSPs, and may result in termination for default, unless, in accordance with Provision No. C.25, such failure was beyond the control and without the fault or negligence of the purchaser, its affiliates, or subcontractors.
(a) Unless otherwise instructed in the notification of ASO, each purchaser shall submit a proposed vessel lifting program and/or pipeline delivery schedule to the SPR/PMO by hand-delivery, express mail, or electronic transfer, no later than the fifteenth day prior to the earliest delivery date offered by the NS. The vessel lifting program shall specify the requested three-day loading window for each tanker and the quantity to be lifted. The pipeline schedule will specify the five day shipment ranges (i.e., day 1-5, 6-10, 11-15, etc.) for which deliveries are to be tendered to the pipeline and the quantity to be tendered for each date. In the event conflicting requests are received, preference will be given to such requests in descending order, the highest offered price first. The SPR/PMO will respond to each purchaser no later than the tenth day prior to the start of deliveries, either confirming the schedule as originally submitted or proposing alterations. The purchaser is deemed to have received a notice by hand delivery, express mail, or electronic transfer on the day after dispatch. The purchaser shall be deemed to have agreed to those alterations unless the purchaser requests the SPR/PMO to reconsider within two days after receipt of such alterations. The SPR/PMO will use its best efforts to accommodate such requests, but its decision following any such reconsideration shall be final and binding.
(b) Electronic transfer information, as well as the address to which express mailed and hand-carried proposed schedules should be delivered, will be provided in the notification of ASO.
(c) In order to expedite the scheduling process, at the time of submission of each vessel lifting program or pipeline delivery schedule, each purchaser shall provide the DOE Contracting Officer's Representative with a written notice of the intended destination for each cargo scheduled, if such
(d) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this provision, ASOs and purchasers may request early deliveries, i.e., deliveries commencing prior to the contractual delivery period. DOE will use its best efforts to honor such requests, unless unacceptable costs might be incurred or SPR schedules might be adversely affected or other circumstances make it unreasonable to honor such requests. DOE's decision following any such consideration for a change shall be final and binding. Requests accepted by DOE will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis, except that where conflicting requests are received on the same day, the highest-priced offer will be given preference. Requests that include both a change in delivery method and an early delivery date may also be accommodated subject to Provision No. C.6. DOE may not be able to confirm requests for early deliveries until 24 hours prior to the delivery date.
(e) Not withstanding paragraphs (a) and (d) of this provision, in no event will schedules be confirmed prior to award of contracts.
(a) A purchaser may request a change in delivery method after the issuance of the NA. Such requests may be made either orally (to be confirmed in writing within 24 hours) or in writing, but will require written modification of the contract by the Contracting Officer. Such modification shall be permitted by DOE, provided, in the sole judgement of DOE, the change is viewed as reasonable and would not interfere with the delivery plans of other purchasers, and further provided that the purchaser agrees to pay all increased costs incurred by DOE because of such modification. The NS shall establish per barrel rates for such increased costs.
(b) Changes in delivery method will only be considered after the initial confirmation of schedules described in Provision C.5(a).
(a) Unless otherwise specified in the Notice of Sale, an ASO or purchaser seeking a waiver of the “Jones Act” should submit a request by letter, telegram or electronic means to: U.S. Customs Service, Chief, Carrier Rulings Branch, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20229, Telephone: (202) 927-2320, Facsimile: (202) 927-1873.
(b) A purchaser seeking a waiver to use a vessel built with a Construction Differential Subsidy (and, if applicable, operated with an Operating Differential Subsidy) should have the vessel owner submit a waiver request by letter, telegram, or electronic means to: Associate Administrator for Ship Financial Assistance and Cargo Preference, Maritime Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 7th Street, SW, Washington, D.C. 20590, Fax: (202) 366-7901.
For speed and brevity, the request may incorporate by reference appropriate contents of any earlier “Jones Act” waiver request by the purchaser. Under 46 U.S.C. App. 1223, a hearing is also required for any intervenor, and a waiver may not be approved if it will result in unfair competition to any person, firm, or corporation operating exclusively in the coastwise or intercoastal service.
(c) Copies of the Jones Act, CDS, or ODS requests should also be sent, as appropriate, to:
(d) In addition to the addresses in paragraph (c) of this provision, copies of the “Jones Act” request should also be sent to: Assistant Secretary of Defense (Acquisition and Logistics), U.S. Department of Defense, Washington, DC 20301-8000.
(e) Any request for waiver should include the following information:
(1) Name, address and telephone number of requestor;
(2) Purpose for which waiver is sought, e.g., to take delivery of so many barrels of SPR crude oil, with reference to the SPR NS number and the provisional or assigned contract number;
(3) Name and flag of registry of vessel for which waiver is sought, if known at the time of waiver request, and either the scheduled 3-day delivery window(s), if available, or 10-day delivery period applicable to the contract;
(4) The intended number of voyages, including the ports for loading and discharging;
(5) Estimated period of time for which vessel will be employed; and
(6) Reason for not using qualified U.S.-flag vessel, including documentary evidence of good faith effort to obtain suitable U.S.-flag vessel and responses received from that effort. Such evidence would include copies of correspondence and telephone conversation summaries. Use of commercial brokers and
(7) For waivers to use Construction Differential Subsidy vessels, the request must also contain a specific agreement for Construction Differential Subsidies payback pursuant to Section 506 of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936 and must be signed by an official of the vessel owner authorized to make a payback commitment.
(f) If there are shown to be “Jones Act” vessels available and in a position to meet the loading dates required, no waivers may be approved.
(g) The names of any vessel(s) to be employed under a “Jones Act” waiver must be provided to the U.S. Customs Service no later than 3 days prior to the beginning of the 3-day loading window scheduled in accordance with Provision No. C.5.
(a) After notification of ASO, each ASO shall provide the SPR/PMO a proposed schedule of vessel loading windows in accordance with Provision No. C.5.
(b) The length of the scheduled loading window shall be 3 days. If the purchaser schedules more than one window, the average quantity to be lifted during any single loading window will be no less than DOE's minimum contract quantity.
(c) Tankships, ITBs, and self-propelled barges shall be capable of sustaining a minimum average load rate commensurate with receiving an entire full cargo within twenty-four (24) hours pumping time. Barges with a load rate of not less than 4,000 BPH shall be permitted at the Sun Terminal barge docks. With the consent of the SPR/PMO, lower loading rates and the use of barges at the Sun and Phillips Terminals' suitably equipped tankship docks may be permitted if such do not interfere with DOE's obligations to other parties.
(d) At least 7 days in advance of the beginning of the scheduled loading window, the purchaser shall furnish the SPR/PMO with vessel nominations specifying: (i) Name and size of vessel or advice that the vessel is “To Be Nominated” at a later date (such date to be no later than 3 days before commencement of the loading window); (ii) estimated date of arrival (to be narrowed to a firm date not later than 72 hours prior to the first day of the vessel's 3-day window, as provided in paragraph (f) of this provision); (iii) quantity to be loaded and contract number; and (iv) other relevant information requested by the SPR/PMO including but not limited to a copy of the crew list, ship's specifications, last three ports and cargoes, vessel owner/operator and flag, any known deficiencies, and on board quantities of cargo and slops. The listing of all required vessel information shall be provided in the Notice of Sale. DOE will advise the purchaser, in writing, of the acceptance or rejection of the nominated vessel within 24 hours of such nomination. If no advice is furnished within 24 hours, the nomination will be firm. Once established, changes in such nomination details may be made only by mutual agreement of the parties, to be confirmed by DOE in writing. The purchaser shall be entitled to substitute another vessel of similar size for any vessel so nominated, subject to DOE's approval. DOE must be given at least 3 days' notice prior to the first day of the 3-day loading window of any such substitution. DOE shall make a reasonable effort to accept any nomination for which notice has not been given in strict accordance with this provision.
(e) In the event the purchaser intends to use more than one vessel to take delivery of the contract quantity scheduled to be delivered during a loading window, the information in (d) and (f) of this provision shall be provided for each vessel.
(f) The vessel or purchaser shall notify the SPR/PMO of the expected day of arrival 72 hours before the beginning of his scheduled 3-day loading window. This notice establishes the firm agreed-upon date of arrival which is the 1-day window for the purposes of vessel demurrage (see Provision No. C.9). If the purchaser fails to make notification of the expected day of arrival, the 1-day window will be deemed to be the middle day of the scheduled 3-day window. The vessel shall also notify the SPR/PMO of the expected hour of arrival 72, 48 and 24 hours in advance of arrival, and after the first notice, to advise of any variation of more than 4 hours. With the first notification of the hour of arrival, the Master shall advise the SPR/PMO: (i) quantity of oily bilge wastes or sludge requiring discharge ashore; (ii) cargo loading rate requested; (iii) number, size, and material of vessel's manifold connections; and (iv) defects in vessel or equipment affecting performance or maneuverability.
(g) Notice of Readiness shall be tendered upon arrival at berth or at customary anchorage which is deemed to be any anchorage within 6 hours vessel time to the SPR dock. The preferred anchorages are identified in Exhibit E. The Notice of Readiness shall be confirmed promptly in writing to the SPR/PMO and the terminal responsible for coordination of crude oil loading operations. Such notice shall be effective only if given during customary port operating hours. If notice is given after customary business hours of the port, it shall be effective as of the beginning of customary business hours on the next business day.
(h) DOE shall use its best efforts to berth the purchaser's vessel as soon as possible after receipt of the Notice of Readiness.
(i) Standard hose and fittings (American Standard Association standard connections) for loading shall be provided by DOE. Purchasers must arrange for line handling, deballasting, tug boat and pilot services, both for arrival and departure, through the terminal or ship's agent, and bear all costs associated with such services.
(j) Tankships, ITBs, and self-propelled barges shall be allowed berth time of 36 hours. Barges loading at Sun Terminal barge dock facilities shall be allowed berth time of three (3) hours plus the quotient determined by dividing the cargo size (gross standard volume barrels) by four thousand (4,000). Vessels loading cargo quantities in excess of 500,000 barrels shall be allowed berth time of 36 hours plus 1 hour for each 20,000 barrels to be loaded in excess of 500,000 barrels. Conditions in this provision excepted, however, the vessel shall not remain at berth more than 6 hours after completion of cargo loading unless hampered by tide or weather.
(1) Berth time shall commence with the vessel's first line ashore and shall continue until loading of the vessel, or vessels in case more than one vessel is loaded, is completed and the last line is off. In addition, allowable berth time will be increased by the amount of any delay occurring subsequent to the commencement of berth time and resulting from causes due to adverse weather, labor disputes, force majeure and the like, decisions made by port authorities affecting loading operations, actions of DOE, its contractors and agents resulting in delay of loading operations (providing this action does not arise through the fault of the purchaser or purchaser's agent), and customs and immigration clearance. The time required by the vessel to discharge oily wastes or to moor multiple vessels sequentially into berth shall count as used berth time.
(2) For all hours of berth time used by the vessel in excess of allowable berth time provided in this provision, the purchaser shall be liable for dock demurrage and also shall be subject to the conditions of Provision No. C.11.
(a) The laytime allowed DOE for handling of the purchaser's vessel shall be 36 running hours. For vessels with cargo quantities in excess of 500,000 barrels, laytime shall be 36 running hours plus 1 hour for each 20,000 barrels of cargo to be loaded in excess of 500,000 barrels. Vessel laytime shall commence when the vessel is moored alongside (all fast) the loading berth or 6 hours after receipt of a Notice of Readiness, whichever occurs first. It shall continue 24 hours per day, seven days per week without interruption from its commencement until loading of the vessel is completed and cargo hoses or loading arms are disconnected. Any delay to the vessel in reaching berth caused by the fault or negligence of the vessel or purchaser, delay due to breakdown or inability of the vessel's facilities to load, decisions made by vessel owners or operators or by port authorities affecting loading operations, discharge of ballast or slops, customs and immigration clearance, weather, labor disputes, force majeure and the like shall not count as used laytime. In addition, movement in roads shall not count as used laytime.
(b) If the vessel is tendered for loading on a date earlier than the firm agreed-upon arrival date, established in accordance with Provision No. C.8, and other vessels are loading or have already been scheduled for loading prior to the purchaser's vessel, the purchaser's vessel shall await its turn and vessel laytime shall not commence until the vessel moors alongside (all fast), or at 0600 hours local time on the firm agreed-upon date of arrival, whichever occurs first. If the vessel is tendered for loading later than 2400 hours on the firm agreed-upon date of arrival, DOE will use its best efforts to have the vessel loaded as soon as possible in its proper turn with other scheduled vessels, under the circumstances prevailing at the time. In such instances, vessel laytime shall commence when the vessel moors alongside (all fast).
(c) For all hours or any part thereof of vessel laytime that elapse in excess of the allowed vessel laytime for loading provided in this provision, demurrage shall be paid by DOE, for U.S.-flag vessels, at the lesser of the demurrage rate in the tanker voyage or charter party agreement, or the most recently available United States Freight Rate Average (USFRA) for a hypothetical tanker with a deadweight in long tons equal to the weight in long tons of the petroleum loaded, multiplied by the most recent edition of the American Tanker Rate Schedule rate for such hypothetical tanker. For foreign flag vessels, demurrage shall be as determined in this provision, except that the London Tanker Brokers' Panel Average Freight Rate Assessment (AFRA) and most recent edition of the New Worldwide Tanker Nominal Freight Scale “Worldscale” shall be used as appropriate, if less than the charter party rate. For all foreign flag vessel loadings that commence during a particular calendar month, the applicable AFRA shall be the one that is determined on the basis of freight assessments for the period ended on the 15th day of the preceding month. The demurrage rate for barges will be the hourly rate contained in the charter of a chartered barge, or if it is not a chartered barge, at a rate determined by DOE as a fair rate under prevailing conditions. If demurrage is incurred because of breakdown of machinery or equipment of
(d) In the event the purchaser is using more than one vessel to load the contract quantity scheduled to be delivered during a single loading window, the terms of this provision and the Government's liability for demurrage apply only to the first vessel presenting its Notice of Readiness in accordance with (a) of this provision.
(e) The primary source document and official record for demurrage calculations is the SPRCODR (see Provision No. C.19).
(a) Notwithstanding Provision No. C.8(j)(1), in order to avoid disruption in the SPR distribution process, the Government may limit berthing time for any vessel receiving SPR petroleum to that period required for loading operations and the physical berthing/unberthing of the vessel. At the direction of the Government, activities not associated with the physical loading of the vessel (e.g., preparing documentation, gauging, sampling, etc.) may be required to be accomplished away from the berth. Time consumed by these activities will not be for the Government's account. If berthing time is to be restricted, the Government will so advise the vessel prior to berthing of the vessel.
(b) In addition to (a) of this provision, the Government may limit vessels calling at SPR terminals to a total of 24 hours for petroleum transfer operations. In such an event, the loading will be considered completed if the vessel has loaded 95 percent or more of the nominated quantity within a total of 24 hours. If the vessel has loaded less than 95 percent of its nominated quantity, then Provision C.11 shall apply.
The Government reserves the right to direct a vessel loading SPR petroleum at a delivery point specified in the NS, to vacate its SPR berth, and absorb all costs associated with this movement, should such vessel, through its operational inability to receive oil at the average rates provided for in Provision No. C.8, cause the berth to be unavailable for an already scheduled follow-on vessel. Furthermore, should a breakdown of the vessel's propulsion system prevent its getting under way on its own power, the Government may cause the vessel to be removed from the berth with all costs to be borne by the purchaser.
(a) The purchaser shall nominate his delivery requirements to the pipeline carrier, to include the total quantity to be moved and his preferred five-day shipment range(s) as specified in C.5. The purchaser shall provide confirmation of the carrier's acceptance of the nominated quantity [in thousands of barrels per day] and shipment ranges to the SPR/PMO no later than the last day of the month preceding the month of delivery. The purchaser shall also furnish the SPR/PMO with the name and telephone number of the pipeline point of contact with whom the SPR/PMO should coordinate the petroleum delivery.
(b) The SPR/PMO will ensure oil is made available to the carrier within the shipment date range(s) established in accordance with Provision C.5. Once established, the pipeline delivery schedule can only be changed with SPR/PMO's prior written consent. Should the schedule established in accordance with (a) of this provision vary from the original schedule established in accordance with Provision No. C.5, the Government will provide its best efforts to accommodate this revised schedule but will incur no liability for failure to provide delivery on the dates requested.
(c) Three days prior to the beginning of any five-day shipping range in which the purchaser is to receive delivery, the purchaser shall furnish the SPR/PMO the firm date within that range on which the movement is to commence, the quantity to be moved, and the contract number.
(d) The date of delivery, which will be recorded on the CODR (see Provision No. C.19), is the date delivery commenced to the custody transfer point, as identified in the NS.
(e) The purchaser shall receive pipeline deliveries at a minimum average rate of 100,000 barrels per day. The purchaser is solely responsible for making the necessary arrangements with pipeline carriers, including storage, to achieve the stated minimum.
Unless otherwise provided in the NS, title to and risk of loss for SPR petroleum will pass to the purchaser at the delivery point as follows:
(a) For vessel shipment—when the petroleum passes from the dock loading equipment connections to the vessel's permanent hose connection.
(b) For pipeline shipment—as identified in the NS.
(c) For in-transit shipments—when the petroleum passes the permanent flange of the discharging vessel manifold upon discharge into the purchaser's designated marine terminal facility or vessel.
(a) When practical, the NS shall update the SPR crude oil stream characteristics shown in Exhibit D, SPR Crude Oil Comprehensive Analysis. However, the purchaser shall accept the crude oil delivered regardless of characteristics. Except as provided in this provision, DOE assumes no responsibility for deviations in quality.
(b) In the event that the crude oil stream delivered both has a total sulfur content (by weight) in excess of 3.5 percent if Bryan Mound Maya, 2.0 percent if any other sour crude oil stream, or 0.50 percent if a sweet crude oil stream, and, in addition, has an API gravity less than 20°API if Bryan Mound Maya, 28°API if any other sour crude oil stream, or 32°API if a sweet crude oil stream, the purchaser shall accept the crude oil delivered and either pay the contract price adjusted in accordance with Provision No. C.16, or request negotiation of the contract price. Unless the purchaser submits a written request for negotiation of the contract price to the Contracting Officer within 10 days from the date of delivery, the purchaser shall be deemed to have accepted the adjustment of the price in accordance with Provision No. C.16. Should the purchaser request a negotiation of the price and the parties be unable to agree as to that price, the dispute shall be settled in accordance with Provision No. C.32.
(a) The purchaser shall provide written confirmation to SPR/PMO, no later than 72 hours prior to the scheduled date of the first delivery under the contract, the name(s) of the authorized agent(s) given signature authority to sign/endorse the delivery documentation (CODR, etc.) on the purchaser's behalf. Any changes to this listing of names must be provided to the SPR/PMO in writing no later than 72 hours before the first delivery to which such change applies. In the event that an independent surveyor (separate from the authorized signatory agent) is appointed by the purchaser to witness the delivery operation (gauging, sampling, testing, etc.), written notification must be provided to SPR/PMO, no later than 72 hours prior to the scheduled date of each applicable cargo delivery.
(b) Absence of the provision of the name(s) of bona fide agent(s) and the signature of such agent on the delivery documentation constitutes acceptance of the delivery quantity and quality as determined by DOE and/or its agents.
(a) The NS will specify quality price adjustments applicable to the crude oil streams offered for sale. Unless otherwise specified by the NS, quality price adjustments will be applied only to the amount of variation by which the API gravity of the crude oil delivered differs by more than plus or minus five-tenths of one degree API (±0.5°API) from the API gravity of the crude oil stream contracted for as published in the NS.
(b) Price adjustments for SPR crude oil are expected to be similar to one or more commercial crude oil postings for equivalent quality crude oil. The contract price per barrel shall be increased by that amount if the API gravity of the crude oil delivered exceeds the published API gravity by more than 0.5°API and decreased by that amount if the API gravity of the crude oil delivered falls below the published API gravity by more than 0.5°API.
(a) The quality of the crude oil delivered to the purchaser will be determined from samples taken from the delivery tanks in accordance with API Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards, Chapter 8.1, Manual Sampling of Petroleum and Petroleum Products (ASTM D4057), latest edition; or from a representative sample collected by an automatic sampler whose performance has been proven in accordance with the API Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards, Chapter 8.2, Automatic Sampling of Petroleum and Petroleum Products (ASTM D4177), latest edition. Preference will be given to samples collected by means of an automatic sampler when such a system is available and operational. Tests to be performed by DOE or its authorized contractor are:
Primary methods: API Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards, Chapter 10.1, Determination of Sediment in Crude Oils and Fuel Oils by the Extraction Method (ASTM D473) (IP53), latest edition; or API Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards, Chapter 10.8, Sediment in Crude Oil by Membrane Filtration (ASTM D4807), latest edition; and API Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards, Chapter 10.2, Determination of Water in Crude Oil by Distillation (ASTM D4006) (IP358), latest edition; or API Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards, Chapter 10.9, Water in Crude Oil by Coulometric Karl Fischer Titration (ASTM D4928) (IP 386), latest edition.
Alternate method: API Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards, Chapter 10.3, Determination of Water and Sediment in Crude Oil by the Centrifuge Method (Laboratory Procedure) (ASTM D4007) (IP 359), latest edition.
Primary method: ASTM D1552, Sulfur in Petroleum Products (High Temperature Method), latest edition.
Alternate method: ASTM D4294, Sulfur in Petroleum Products by Energy-Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry, latest edition.
Primary methods: API Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards, Chapter 9.1, Density, Relative Density (Specific Gravity), or API Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Liquid Petroleum Products by Hydrometer Method (ASTM D1298) (IP 160), latest edition; or Density and Relative Density of Crude Oils by Digital Density Analyzer (ASTM D5002), latest edition.
Alternate method: API Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Petroleum Products (Hydrometer Method) (ASTM D287), latest edition.
To the maximum extent practicable, the primary methods will be used for determination of SPR crude oil quality characteristics. However, because of conditions prevailing at the time of delivery, it may be necessary to use alternate methods of test for one or more of the quality characteristics. The Government's test results will be binding in any dispute over quality characteristics of SPR petroleum.
(b) The purchaser or his representative may arrange to witness and verify testing simultaneously with the Government Quality Assurance Representatives. Such services, however, will be for the account of the purchaser. Any disputes will be settled in accordance with Provision No. C.32. Should the purchaser opt not to witness the testing, then the Government findings will be binding on the purchaser.
(a) The quantity of crude oil delivered to the purchaser will be determined by opening and closing tank gauges with adjustment for opening and closing free water and sediment and water as determined from shore tank samples where an automatic sampler is not available, or delivery meter reports. All volumetric measurements will be corrected to net standard volume in barrels at 60°F, using the API Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards, Chapter 11.1, Volume 1, Volume Correction Factors (ASTM D1250) (IP 200); Table 5A-Generalized Crude Oils, Correction of Observed API Gravity to API Gravity at 60°F; Table 6A-Generalized Crude Oils, Correction of Volume to 60°F Against API Gravity at 60°F, latest edition, and by deducting the tanks' free water, and the entrained sediment and water as determined by the testing of composite all-levels samples taken from the delivery tanks; or by deducting the sediment and water as determined by testing a representative portion of the sample collected by a certified automatic sampler, and also corrected by the applicable pressure correction factor and meter factor.
(b) The quantity measurements shall be performed and certified by the DOE contractor responsible for delivery operations, and witnessed by the Government Quality Assurance Representative at the delivery point. The purchaser shall have the right to have representatives present at the gauging/metering, sampling, and testing. Should the purchaser arrange for additional inspection services, such services will be for the account of the purchaser. Any disputes shall be settled in accordance with Provision No. C.32. Should the purchaser not arrange for additional services, then DOE's quantity determination shall be binding on the purchaser.
The quantity and quality determination shall be documented on the SPR/PMO Crude Oil Delivery Report (SPRCODR), SPRPMO-F-6110.2-14b (Rev 8/91) (see Exhibit H for copy of this form). The SPRCODR will be signed by the purchaser's agent to acknowledge receipt of the quantity and quality of crude oil indicated. In addition, for vessel deliveries, the time statement on the SPRCODR will be signed by the vessel's Master when loading is complete. Copies of the completed SPRCODR, with applicable supporting documentation (i.e., metering or tank gauging tickets and appropriate calculation worksheets), will be furnished to the purchaser and/or the purchaser's authorized representative after completion of delivery. They will serve as the basis for invoicing and/or reconciliation invoicing for the sale of petroleum as well as for any associated services that may be provided.
The contract quantities and dollar value stated in the NA are estimates. The per barrel unit price is subject to adjustment due to variation in the API gravity from the published characteristics, changes in delivery mode and price index values, if applicable. In addition, due to conditions of vessel loading and shipping or pipeline transmission, the quantity actually delivered may vary by ±10 percent for each shipment. However, a purchaser is not required to engage additional transportation capacity if sufficient capacity to take delivery of at least 90 percent of the contract quantity has been engaged.
(a) Within five business days of receipt of notification of Apparently Successful Offeror, the Purchaser must provide to the Contracting Officer an “Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit” established in favor of the United States Department of Energy equal to 100 percent of the contract awarded value and containing the substantive provisions set out in Exhibit G. The purchaser must furnish an acceptable letter of credit before DOE will execute the NA. The letter of credit MUST NOT VARY IN SUBSTANCE from the sample at Exhibit G. If the letter of credit contains any provisions at variance with Exhibit G or fails to include any provisions contained in Exhibit G, nonconforming provisions must be deleted and missing substantive provisions must be added or the letter of credit will not be accepted. The letter of credit must be effective on or before the first delivery under the contract and remain in effect for a period of 120 days, must permit multiple partial drawings, and must contain the contract number. The original of the letter of credit must be sent to the Contracting Officer.
(b) The letter of credit must be issued by a depository institution located in and authorized to do business in any state of the United States or the District of Columbia, and authorized to issue letters of credit by the banking laws of the United States or any state of the United States or the District of Columbia. The issuing bank must provide documentation indicating that the person signing the letter of credit is authorized to do so, in the form of corporate minutes, the Authorized Signature List, or the General Resolution of Signature Authority.
(c) All wire deposit electronic funds transfer and letter of credit costs will be borne by the purchaser.
(d) The letter of credit must be maintained at 100 percent of the contract value of the petroleum remaining to be delivered, plus any other charges owed to the Government under the contract. In the event the letter of credit falls below the level specified, or at the discretion of the Contracting Officer must be increased because of the effect of the price indexing mechanism provided for in Provision B.2, DOE reserves the right to demand the purchaser modify the letter of credit to a level deemed sufficient by the Contracting Officer. The purchaser shall make such modification within two business days of being notified by the Contracting Officer by express mail or electronic means. The purchaser is deemed to have received such notification the next business day after its dispatch. If such modification is not made within two days after purchaser is deemed to have received the notice, the Contracting Officer may, on the 3rd business day, without prior notice to the purchaser, withhold deliveries in whole or in part under the contract and/or terminate the contract in whole or in part under Provision C.25.
(e) Within 30 calendar days after final payment under the contract, the Contracting Officer shall authorize the cancellation of the letter of credit and shall return it to the bank or financial institution issuing the letter of credit. A copy of the notice of cancellation will be provided to the purchaser.
(a) The Government will invoice the Purchaser at the conclusion of each delivery.
(b) Payment is due in full on the 20th of the month following each delivery month. Should the 20th of the month fall on a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal holiday, payment will be due and payable in full on the last business day preceding the 20th of the month.
(c) If an invoice is not paid in full, the Government may provide the Purchaser oral or written notification that Purchaser is delinquent in its payments; draw against the letter of credit for all quantities for which unpaid invoices are outstanding; withhold all or any part of future deliveries under the contract; and/or terminate the contract, in whole or in part, in accordance with Provision C.25.
(d) In the event that the bank refuses to honor the draft against the letter of credit, the purchaser shall be responsible for paying the principal and any interest due (see Provision No. C.24) from the due date.
(a) All amounts payable by the purchaser shall be paid by either:
(1) Deposit to the account of the U.S. Treasury by wire transfer of funds over the Fedwire Deposit System Network. The information to be included in each wire transfer will be provided in the NS.
(2) Electronic funds transfer through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network, using the Federal Remittance Express Program. The information to be included in each transfer will be provided in the NS.
(b) If the purchaser disagrees with the amounts invoiced by the Government, the purchaser shall immediately pay the amount invoiced, and notify the Contracting Officer of the basis for its disagreement. The Contracting Officer will receive and act upon any such objection. Failure to agree to any adjustment shall be a dispute, and a purchaser shall file a claim promptly in accordance with Provision C.32.
(c) DOE may designate another place, different timing, or another method of payment after reasonable written notice to the purchaser.
(d) Notwithstanding any other contract provision, DOE may via a draft message request a wire transfer of funds against the standby letter of credit at any time for payment of monies due under the contract and remaining unpaid in violation of the terms of the contract. These would include but not be limited to interest, liquidated damages, demurrage, amounts owing for any services provided under the contract, and the difference between the contract price and price received on the resale of undelivered petroleum as defined in Provision No. C.25. If the invoice is for delinquent payments, interest shall accrue from the payment due date.
(e) No payment due DOE hereunder shall be subject to reduction or set-off for any claim of any kind against the United States arising independently of the contract.
(a) Amounts due and payable by the purchaser or its bank that are not paid in accordance with the provisions governing such payments shall bear interest from the date due until the date payment is received by the Government.
(b) Interest shall be computed on a daily basis. The interest rate shall be in accordance with the Current Value of Funds rate as established by the Department of the Treasury in accordance with the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1997 and published periodically in Bulletins to the Treasury Fiscal Requirements Manual and in the
(1) The Contracting Officer may terminate this contract in whole or in part, without liability of DOE, by written notice to the purchaser effective upon its being deposited in the U.S. Postal System addressed to the purchaser as provided in Provision No. C.31 in the event that the purchaser either notifies the Contracting Officer that it will not be able to accept, or fails to accept, any delivery line item in accordance with the terms of the contract. Such notice shall invite the purchaser to submit information to the Contracting Officer as to the reasons for the failure to accept the delivery line item in accordance with the terms of the contract.
(2) Within 10 business days after the issuance of the notice of termination, the Contracting Officer may determine that such termination was a termination for default under paragraph (b)(l)(ii) of this provision. In the absence of information which persuades the Contracting Officer that the purchaser's failure to accept the delivery line item was excusable, the fact of such failure may be the basis for the Contracting Officer determining the purchaser to be in default, without first determining under paragraphs (b)(2) and (b)(3) whether such failure was excusable under the terms of the contract. The Contracting Officer shall promptly give the purchaser written notice of such determination.
(3) Any immediate termination other than one determined to be a termination for default in accordance with paragraph (a)(2) and paragraph (b) of this provision shall be a termination for the convenience of DOE without liability of the Government.
(1) Subject to the provisions of paragraphs (b)(2) and (b)(3), the Contracting Officer may terminate the contract in whole or in part for purchaser default, without liability of DOE, by written notice to the purchaser, effective upon its being deposited in the U.S. Postal System, addressed to the purchaser as provided in Provision No. C.31 in the event that:
(i) The Government does not receive payment in accordance with any payment provision of the contract;
(ii) The purchaser fails to accept delivery of petroleum in accordance with the terms of the contract; or
(iii) The purchaser fails to comply with any other term or condition of the contract within 5 business days after the purchaser is deemed to have received written notice of such failure from the Contracting Officer.
(2) Except with respect to defaults of subcontractors, the purchaser shall not be determined to be in default or be charged with any liability to DOE under circumstances which prevent the purchaser's acceptance of delivery hereunder due to causes beyond the control and without the fault or negligence of the purchaser as determined by the Contracting Officer. Such causes shall include but are not limited to:
(i) Acts of God or the public enemy;
(ii) Acts of the Government acting in its sovereign or contractual capacity;
(iii) Fires, floods, earthquakes, explosions, unusually severe weather, or other catastrophes; or
(iv) Strikes.
(3) If the failure to perform is caused by the default of a subcontractor, the purchaser shall not be determined to be in default or to be liable for any excess costs for failure to perform, unless the supplies or services to be furnished by the subcontractor were obtainable from other sources in sufficient time to permit the purchaser to meet the delivery schedule, if:
(i) Such default arises out of causes beyond the control of the purchaser and its subcontractor, and without the fault or negligence of either of them; or
(ii) Such default arises out of causes within the control of a transportation subcontractor, not an affiliate of the purchaser, hired to transport the purchaser's petroleum
(4) In the event that the contract is terminated in whole or in part for default, the purchaser shall be liable to DOE for:
(i) The difference between the contract price on the contract termination date and any lesser price the Contracting Officer obtained upon resale of the petroleum; and
(ii) Liquidated damages as specified in Provision No. C.27 as fixed, agreed, liquidated damages for each day of delay until the petroleum is delivered to a purchaser under either a resolicitation for the sale of the quantities of oil defaulted on, or an NS issued after the date of default that specifies that it is for the sale of quantities of oil defaulted on. In no event shall liquidated damages be assessed for more than 30 days.
(5) In the event that the Government exercises its right of termination for default, and it is later determined that the purchaser's failure to perform was excused in accordance with paragraphs (b)(2) and (3) of this provision, the rights and obligations of the parties shall be the same as if such termination was a termination for convenience without liability of the Government under paragraph (c) of this provision.
(1) In addition to any other right or remedy provided for in the contract, the Government may terminate this contract at any time in whole or in part whenever the Contracting Officer shall determine that such termination is in the best interest of the Government. Such termination shall be without liability of the Government if such termination arises out of causes specified in (a)(l) or (b)(l) of this provision, acts of the Government in its sovereign capacity, or causes beyond the control and without the fault or negligence of the Government, its contractors (other than the purchaser of SPR crude oil under this contract) and agents. For any other termination for convenience, the Government shall be liable for such reasonable costs incurred by the purchaser in preparing to perform the contract, but under no circumstances shall the Government be liable for consequential damages or lost profits as the result of such termination.
(2) The purchaser will be given immediate written notice of any decrease of petroleum deliveries greater than 10 percent, or of termination, under this paragraph (c). The termination or reduction shall be effective upon its notice being deposited in the U.S. Postal System unless otherwise specified in the notice. The purchaser is deemed to have received a mailed notice on the second day after its dispatch and an electronic or express mail notice on the day after dispatch.
(3) Termination for the convenience of the Government shall not excuse the purchaser from liquidated damages accruing prior to the effective date of the termination.
(d) Nothing herein contained shall limit the Government in the enforcement of any legal or equitable remedy that it might otherwise have, and a waiver of any particular cause for termination shall not prevent termination for the same cause occurring at any other time or for any other cause.
(e) In the event that the Government exercises its right of termination, as provided in paragraphs (a), (b), or (c)(1) of this provision, the Contracting Officer may sell any undelivered petroleum under such terms and conditions as he deems appropriate.
(f) DOE's ability to deliver petroleum on the date on which the defaulted purchaser was scheduled to accept delivery, under another contract awarded prior to the date of the contractor's default, shall not excuse a purchaser that has been terminated for default from either liquidated damages or the difference between the contract price and any lesser price obtained on resale.
(g) Any disagreement with respect to the amount due the Government for either resale costs or liquidated damages shall be deemed to be a dispute and will be decided by the Contracting Officer pursuant to Provision No. C.32.
(h) The term “subcontractor” or “subcontractors” includes subcontractors at any tier.
(a) The Government's rights under this provision are in addition to any other right or remedy available to it by law or by virtue of this contract.
(b) The Government may, without liability on its part, withhold deliveries of petroleum under this contract or any other contract the purchaser may have with DOE if payment is not made in accordance with this contract.
(c) If the purchaser fails to take delivery of petroleum in accordance with the delivery schedule developed under the terms of the contract, and such tardiness is not excused under the terms of Provision No. C.25, but the Government does not elect to terminate that item for default, the purchaser nonetheless shall be liable to the Government for liquidated damages in the amount established by Provision No. C.27 for each calendar day of delay or fraction thereof until such time as it accepts delivery of the petroleum. In no event shall such damages be assessed for longer than 30 days. No purchaser that fails to perform in accordance with the terms of the contract shall be excused from liability for liquidated damages by virtue of the fact that DOE is able to deliver petroleum on the
(a) In case of failure on the part of the purchaser to perform within the time fixed in the contract or any extension thereof, the purchaser shall pay to the Government liquidated damages in the amount of 1 percent of the contract price of the undelivered petroleum per calendar day of delay or fraction thereof in accordance with paragraph (b) of Provision No. C.25 and paragraph (c) of Provision No. C.26.
(b) As provided in (a) of this provision, liquidated damages will be assessed for each day or fraction thereof a purchaser is late in accepting delivery of petroleum in accordance with this contract, unless such tardiness is excused under Provision No. C.25. For petroleum to be lifted by vessel, damages will be assessed in the event that the vessel has not commenced loading by 11:59 p.m. on the second day following the last day of the 3-day delivery window established under Provision No. C.5, unless the vessel has arrived in roads and its Master has presented a notice of readiness to the Government or its agents. Liquidated damages shall continue until the vessel presents its notice of readiness. For petroleum to be moved by pipeline, if delivery arrangements have not been made by the last day of the month prior to delivery, liquidated damages shall commence on the 3rd day of the delivery month until such delivery arrangements are completed; if delivery arrangements have been made, then liquidated damages shall begin on the 3rd day after the scheduled delivery date if delivery is not commenced and shall continue until delivery is commenced.
(c) Any disagreement with respect to the amount of liquidated damages due the Government will be deemed to be a dispute and will be decided by the Contracting Officer pursuant to Provision No. C.32.
In addition to the usual debarment procedures, 10 CFR Section 625.3 provides procedures to make purchasers that fail to perform in accordance with these provisions ineligible for future SPR contracts.
(a) In the event that DOE is unable to deliver petroleum contracted for to the purchaser due either to events beyond the control of the Government, including actions of the purchaser, or to acts of the Government, its agents, its contractors or subcontractors at any tier, the Government at its option may do either of the following:
(1) Terminate for the convenience of the Government under Provision No. C.25; or
(2) Offer different SPR crude oil streams or delivery times to the purchaser in substitution for those specified in the contract.
(b) In the event that a different SPR crude oil stream than originally contracted for is offered to the purchaser, the contract price will be negotiated between the parties. In no event shall the negotiated price be less than the minimum acceptable price, if established for the same or similar crude oil streams in the most recent NS or determined after the opening of offers.
(c) DOE's obligation in such circumstances is to use its best efforts, and DOE under no circumstances shall be liable to the purchaser for damages arising from DOE's failure to offer alternate SPR crude oil streams or delivery times.
(d) If the parties are unable to reach agreement as to price, crude oil streams or delivery times, DOE may terminate the contract for the convenience of the Government under Provision No. C.25.
DOE's obligation under these SSPs and any resultant contract is to use its best efforts to perform in accordance therewith. The Government under no circumstances shall be liable thereunder to the purchaser for the conduct of the Government's contractors or subcontractors or for indirect, consequential, or special damages arising from its conduct, except as provided herein; neither shall the Government be liable thereunder to the purchaser for any damages due in whole or in part to causes beyond the control and without the fault or negligence of the Government, including but not restricted to, acts of God or public enemy, acts of the Government acting in its sovereign capacity, fires, floods, earthquakes, explosions, unusually severe weather, other catastrophes, or strikes.
(a) Any notices required to be given by one party to the contract to the other in writing shall be forwarded to the addressee, prepaid, by U.S. registered, return receipt requested mail, express mail, telegram, or electronic means as provided in the NS. Parties shall give each other written notice of address changes.
(b) Notices to the purchaser shall be forwarded to the purchaser's address as it appears in the offer and in the contract.
(c) Notices to the Contracting Officer shall be forwarded to the following address: U.S. Department of Energy, Strategic Petroleum Reserve, Project Management Office, Acquisition and Sales Division, Mail Stop FE-4451, 900 Commerce Road East, New Orleans, Louisiana 70123.
(a) This contract is subject to the Contract Disputes Act of 1978 (41 U.S.C. Section 601 et seq.). If a dispute arises relating to the contract, the purchaser may submit a claim to the Contracting Officer, who shall issue a written decision on the dispute in the manner specified in 48 CFR 1-33.211.
(b) “Claim” means:
(1) A written request submitted to the Contracting Officer;
(2) For payment of money, adjustment of contract terms, or other relief;
(3) Which is in dispute or remains unresolved after a reasonable time for its review and disposition by the Government; and (4) For which a Contracting Officer's decision is demanded.
(c) In the case of dispute requests or amendments to such requests for payment exceeding $50,000, the purchaser shall certify at the time of submission as a claim, as follows:
I certify that the claim is made in good faith, that the supporting data are current, accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief and that the amount requested accurately reflects the contract adjustment for which the purchaser believes the Government is liable.
(d) The Government shall pay to the purchaser interest on the amount found due to the purchaser on claims submitted under this provision at the rate established by the Department of the Treasury from the date the amount is due until the Government makes payment. The Contract Disputes Act of 1978 and the Prompt Payment Act adopt the interest rate established by the Secretary of the Treasury under the Renegotiation Act as the basis for computing interest on money owed by the Government. This rate is published semi-annually in the
(e) The purchaser shall pay to DOE, interest on the amount found due to the Government and unpaid on claims submitted under this provision at the rate specified in Provision No. C.24 from the date the amount is due until the purchaser makes payment.
(f) The decision of the Contracting Officer shall be final and conclusive and shall not be subject to review by any forum, tribunal, or Government agency unless an appeal or action is commenced within the times specified by the Contract Disputes Act of 1978.
(g) The purchaser shall comply with any decision of the Contracting Officer and at the direction of the Contracting Officer shall proceed diligently with performance of this contract pending final resolution of any request for relief, claim, appeal, or action related to this contract.
The purchaser shall not make or attempt to make any assignment of a contract that incorporates these SSPs or any interest therein contrary to the provisions of Federal law, including the Anti-Assignment Act (4l U.S.C. 15), which provides:
No contract or order, or any interest therein, shall be transferred by the party to whom such contract or order is given to any other party, and any such transfer shall cause the annulment of the contract or order transferred, so far as the United States are concerned. All rights of action, however, for any breach of such contract by the contracting parties, are reserved to the United States.
In the event of an inconsistency between the terms of the various parts of this contract, the inconsistency shall be resolved by giving precedence in the following order:
(a) The NA and written modifications thereto;
(b) The NS;
(c) Those provisions of the SSPs (as published in the
(d) The instructions to the SPR Sales Offer Form; and
(e) The successful offer.
(a) The Government, by written notice to the purchaser, may terminate the right of the purchaser to proceed under this contract if it is found, after notice and hearing, by the Secretary of Energy or his duly authorized representative, that gratuities (in the form of entertainment, gifts, or otherwise) were offered by or given by the purchaser, or any agent or representative of the purchaser, to any officer or employee of the Government with a view toward securing a contract or securing favorable treatment with respect to the awarding, amending, or making of any determinations with respect to the performing of such contract; provided, that the existence of the facts upon which the Secretary of Energy or his duly authorized representative makes such findings shall be in issue and may be reviewed in any competent court.
(b) In the event that this contract is terminated as provided in paragraph (a) hereof, the Government shall be entitled (l) to pursue the same remedies against the purchaser as it could pursue in the event of a breach of the contract by purchaser, and (2) as a penalty in addition to any other damages to which it may be entitled by law, to exemplary damages in an amount (as determined
(c) The rights and remedies of the Government provided in this clause shall not be exclusive and are in addition to any other rights and remedies provided by law or under this contract.
Sec. 161, 68 Stat. 948, as amended; 42 U.S.C. 2201.
The purpose of this part is to set forth Department of Energy, hereinafter “DOE,” security policies and practices in the area of labor-management relations.
The specific policies contained in this part are worked out within the framework of DOE's general objectives for labor-management relations in the DOE program, namely:
(a) Wholehearted acceptance by contractors and by labor and its representatives of the moral responsibility inherent in participation in the DOE program;
(b) Development of procedures to assure (1) that all participants in the program are loyal to the United States including those whose participation involves the exercise of negotiating and disciplinary authority over bargaining units, and (2) that determination of unit, jurisdiction, and similar questions will not breach security;
(c) Continuity of production at vital DOE installations;
(d) Consistent with DOE's responsibility under the law, the least possible governmental interference with the efficient management expected from DOE contractors;
(e) Minimum interference with the traditional rights and privileges of American labor.
It is policy of DOE that NLRB cases falling within the scope of the Labor Management Relations Act at the various DOE installations should be conducted in normal fashion whereever possible, on the basis of open hearings, unclassified records and published decisions. This policy does not preclude adoption of special arrangements which may be required for reasons of program security at any stage of the proceedings in particular areas.
In accordance with the recommendation of the President's Commission on Labor Relations in the Atomic Energy Installations, it is the policy of DOE to encourage every effort by management and labor at DOE installations to determine bargaining units and representatives by agreement and consent elections in preference to contested proceedings before the National Labor Relations Board.
By agreement with the National Labor Relations Board, a panel of cleared NLRB administrative law judges is maintained to facilitate resolution of questions as to the materiality of classified information in NLRB hearings and to facilitate preparation of an unclassified record. The assignment of individual administrative law judges to DOE cases remains a matter within the discretion of the National Labor Relations Board.
It is recognized that clearance of counsel for the parties is sometimes desirable for proper preparation of a case even though the record is to be unclassified. Clearance of counsel makes possible their participation in any closed discussions needed preparatory to making an unclassified record. Each party is responsible for requesting clearance of its counsel well in advance so that clearance requirements will not delay the proceeding. The clearance of temporary special counsel will be terminated on completion of the proceeding.
If controversies within the scope of the Labor Management Relations Act arise which cannot be adjusted by mutual agreement, and contested proceedings before NLRB result, each party to such proceedings will present his own position and the evidence in support thereof with due regard for existing security rules. DOE will be continuously informed of the progress of such proceedings and will act as may appear desirable (a) to assure the protection of classified information; (b) to assure that material and relevant information is not withheld from the record on grounds of security if such information can be supplied in unclassified form; and (c) to assist in determining appropriate action where a decision may turn on data which can be expressed only in classified form.
Loyalty to the United States is a paramount factor applicable to all participants in DOE program including those whose participation (although not requiring access to restricted data) involves the exercise of administrative, negotiating and disciplinary authority over bargaining units composed of employees engaged on classified work. Individuals involved in questions of loyalty will be given full opportunity to explore the questions with DOE. DOE will take such further steps as may be appropriate in the circumstances.
It is recognized that security clearance of certain union representatives may be necessary to assure opportunity for effective representation of employees in collective bargaining relationships with DOE contractors. Accordingly, DOE managers may authorize investigation for “Q” clearance of union officials whose functions as representatives of employees may reasonably be expected to require access to Restricted Data under NLRB and other procedures according to applicable law (LMRA, 1947); to effectively perform their representation functions in the resolution of grievances and in other collective bargaining relationships with contractors; to effectuate the recommendation of the President's Commission on Labor Relations in the Atomic Energy Installations in respect to integration of the union into the plant organization “as to two-way channel of communication and a medium of understanding between management and workers”.
(a) In the pre-contract stage of union-management relations, the requirements of the Labor Management Relations Act normally will be the applicable criteria for determining which bargaining representatives, if any, will need access to classified material in the exercise of their functions as employee representatives.
(b) After a bargaining relationship has been established between the contractor and the representatives of its employees the nature of this relationship and the procedures followed in it normally will be the controlling criteria for determination of the access to be granted to particular persons in carrying out their functions as employee representatives. For example, many contract grievance procedures designate by title certain union and management officials who are to have definite roles in the resolution of grievances under the procedure. Investigation for “Q” clearance will normally be
Conciliators and arbitrators who are regularly assigned to DOE cases may be processed for “Q” clearance at the discretion of the local DOE manager, either on the manager's initiative or at the request of a contractor.
All collective bargaining representatives, company and union, who are to have access to Restricted Data, will be given appropriate security indoctrination.
On all matters of security at all Government-owned, privately operated DOE installations, DOE retains absolute and final authority, and neither the security rules nor their administration are matters for collective bargaining between management and labor, insofar as DOE security regulations affect the collective bargaining process, the security policies and regulations will be made known to both parties. To the fullest extent feasible DOE will consult with representatives of management and labor in formulating security rules and regulations that affect the collective bargaining process.
41 U.S.C. 701
The Department of Energy (DOE) promulgates this part in order to protect the environment, maintain public health and safety, and safeguard the national security. This part establishes policies, criteria, and procedures for developing and implementing programs that help to maintain a workplace free from the use of illegal drugs. It applies to DOE contractors and subcontractors performing work at sites owned or controlled by DOE andoperated under the authority of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, and to individuals with unescorted access to the control areas of certain DOE reactors. The procedures include detection of the use of illegal drugs by current or prospective contractor employees in testing designated positions.
(a) This part applies to the following contracts with DOE, at sites owned or controlled by DOE which are operated
(1) Management and operating contracts; and
(2) Other contracts or subcontracts with a value of $25,000 or more, and which have been determined by DOE to involve:
(i) Access to or handling of classified information or special nuclear materials;
(ii) High risk of danger to life, the environment, public health and safety, or national security; or
(iii) Transportation of hazardous materials to or from a DOE site.
(b) Individuals described in § 707.7 (b) and (c) will be subject to random drug testing; to drug testing as a result of an occurrence, as described in § 707.9; and to drug testing on the basis of reasonable suspicion, as described in § 707.10.
(c) Applicants for employment in testing designated positions will be tested in accordance with § 707.8.
It is the policy of DOE to conduct its programs so as to protect the environment, maintain public health and safety, and safeguard the national security. This policy is advanced in this rule by requiring contractors and subcontractors within its scope to adopt procedures consistent with the baseline requirements of this part, and to impose significant sanctions on individuals in testing designated positions or with unescorted access to the control areas of certain DOE reactors, who use or are involved with illegal drugs.
For the purposes of this part, the following definitions apply:
(1) Injury or fatality to any person involving actions of a Department of Energy contractor employee.
(2) Involvement of nuclear explosives under Department of Energy jurisdiction which results in an explosion, fire, the spread of radioactive material, personal injury or death, or significant damage to property.
(3) Accidental release of pollutants which results or could result in a significant effect on the public or environment.
(4) Accidental release of radioactive material above regulatory limits.
(a) Each contractor subject to this part shall develop a written program consistent with the requirements of this part and the guidelines of the Department of Health and Human Services and subsequent amendments to those guidelines (“Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs,” 53 FR 11970, April 11, 1988; hereinafter “HHS Mandatory Guidelines”), and applicable to appropriate DOE sites. Such a program shall be submitted to DOE for review and approval, and shall include at least the following baseline elements:
(1) Prohibition of the use; possession, sale, distribution, or manufacture of illegal drugs at sites owned or controlled by DOE;
(2) Plans for instruction of supervisors and employees concerning problems of substance abuse, including illegal drug use, and the availability of assistance through the employee assistance program and referrals to other resources, and the penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug-related violations occurring on the DOE owned or controlled site;
(3) Provision for distribution to all employees engaged in performance of the contract on the DOE owned or controlled site of a statement which sets forth the contractor's policies prohibiting the possession, sale, distribution, or manufacture of illegal drugs at the DOE owned or controlled site. The statement shall include notification to all employees that as a condition of employment under the contract, the employee will:
(i) Abide by the terms of the statement; and
(ii) Notify the employer in writing of the employee's conviction under a criminal drug statute for a violation occurring on the DOE owned or controlled site no later than 10 calendar days after such conviction;
(4) Provision for written notification to the DOE contracting officer within 10 calendar days after receiving notice under paragraph (a)(3)(ii) of this section, from an employee or otherwise receiving actual notice of an employee's conviction of a drug-related offense;
(5) Provision for imposing one of the following actions, with respect to any employee who is convicted of a drug-related violation occurring in the workplace, within 30 calendar days after receiving such notice of conviction under paragraph (a)(4) of this section;
(i) Taking appropriate personnel action against such employee, up to and including termination; or
(ii) Offering such employee, consistent with the contractor's policies, an opportunity to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved for such purposes by a Federal, State, or local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate agency. If the employee does not participate in such a rehabilitation program, the contractor must take appropriate personnel action, up to and including termination, in accordance with the contractor's policies.
(6) Commitment to make a good faith effort to maintain a workplace free of substance abuse through implementation of paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(5) of this section.
(b) In addition, the following baseline elements must be included in programs developed by contractors that have identified testing designated positions (see § 707.7(b));
(1) Notification to DOE of the positions subject to drug testing;
(2) Prohibition of individuals in testing designated positions who are not free from the use of illegal drugs from working in those positions;
(3) Sanctions for individuals in testing designated positions who violate the prohibitions of paragraphs (a)(1) or (b)(2) of this section;
(4) Provision for:
(i) Notification, at least 60 days in advance of initiating testing, to those individuals subject to drug testing, unless the contractor is currently conducting a testing program.
(ii) Urine drug analysis of applicants for testing designated positions before final selection for employment or assignment;
(iii) Random urine drug analysis for employees in testing designated positions;
(iv) Urine drug analysis for employees in testing designated positions on the basis of reasonable suspicion, as a result of an occurrence, or as a follow-up to rehabilitation; and
(v) Random urine drug analysis and urine drug analysis on the basis of reasonable suspicion or as the result of an occurrence, for any individual with unescorted access to the control areas of certain DOE reactors (see § 707.7(c)).
(vi) Written notice to the contractor by an employee in a testing designated position of a drug-related arrest or conviction, or receipt of a positive drug test result regarding that employee, as soon as possible but within 10 calendar days of such arrest, conviction, or receipt; and
(vii) Appropriate action, if any, to be taken regarding an employee who:
(A) is arrested for or convicted of a drug-related offense; or
(B) has a positive drug test result (consistent with § 707.14).
(5) Provision to employees of the opportunity for rehabilitation, consistent with the contractor's policies, under circumstances as provided in this part (see § 707.14(b));
(6) Immediate notification to DOE security officials whenever the circumstances in connection with procedures under this part raise a security concern as provided in DOE Orders, rules and regulations; such circumstances including, but are not necessarily limited to, a determination that an individual holding a DOE access authorization has used an illegal drug.
(c) Each contractor's written policy and procedures under this part shall comply with the requirements of 10 CFR part 710, “Criteria and Procedures for Determining Eligibility for Access to Classified Matter or Significant Quantities of Special Nuclear Material.”
(d) Contractors are required to submit all subcontracts they believe to be within the scope of this part to DOE for a determination as to whether the subcontract falls within the scope of this part. Subcontractors so determined to be within the scope of this part shall be required to agree to comply with its requirements, as a condition of eligibility for performing the subcontract work. Each subcontractor subject to this part shall submit its plan to the appropriate prime contractor for approval; the contractor shall be responsible for periodically monitoring the implementation of the subcontractor's program for effectiveness and compliance with this part.
(e) In reviewing each proposed workplace substance abuse plan, DOE shall decide whether the program meets the applicable baseline requirements established by this part. The responsible DOE official will reject proposed workplace substance abuse plans that are deemed not to meet the baseline requirements. DOE shall provide the contractor with a written notification regarding the decision as to the acceptability of the plan. Nothing in this rule is intended to prohibit any contractor subject to this part from implementing workplace substance abuse requirements additional to those of the baseline, including drug testing employees and applicants for employment in any position and testing for any illegal drugs. However, the contractor shall inform DOE of such additional requirements at least 30 days prior to implementation.
(f) DOE shall periodically review and evaluate each contractor's program, including the contractor's oversight of the covered subcontractors, to assure effectiveness and compliance with this part.
(g) Contractors or proposers will submit their program to DOE for review within 30 days of notification by DOE that the contract or proposed contract falls within the scope of this part. Workplace substance abuse programs, as provided in this part, shall be implemented within 30 days of approval by DOE. DOE may grant an extension to the notification or implementation period, as warranted by local conditions. Implementation may require changes to collective bargaining agreements as discussed in § 707.15 of this part.
(h) To assure consistency of application, DOE shall periodically review designated contracts and testing designated positions included in the workplace substance abuse plans approved by DOE. DOE will also periodically review implementation of programs conducted by prime contractors, to assure consistency of application among prime contracts (and subcontracts where appropriate) throughout DOE.
(i) This part preempts any State or local law, rule, regulation, order, or standard to the extent that:
(1) compliance with both the State or local requirement and any requirements in this part is not possible; or
(2) compliance with the State or local requirement is an obstacle to the accomplishments and execution of any requirement in this part.
Contractor programs shall include the following or appropriate alternatives:
(a) Employee assistance programs emphasizing preventive services, education, short-term counseling, coordination and referral to outside agencies,
(b) Education and training programs for on-site employees on a periodic basis, which will include, at a minimum, the following subjects:
(1) For all on-site employees: Health aspects of substance abuse, especially illegal drug use; safety, security, and other workplace-related problems caused by substance abuse, especially illegal drug use; the provisions of this rule; the employer's policy; and available employee assistance services.
(2) For managers and supervisors:
(i) The subjects listed in paragraph (b)(1) of this section;
(ii) Recognition of deteriorating job performance or judgment, or observation of unusual conduct which may be the result of possible illegal drug use;
(iii) Responsibility to intervene when there is deterioration in performance, or observed unusual conduct, and to offer alternative courses of action that can assist the employee in returning to satisfactory performance, judgment, or conduct, including seeking help from the employee assistance program;
(iv) Appropriate handling and referral of employees with possible substance abuse problems, especially illegal drug use; and
(v) Employer policies and practices for giving maximum consideration to the privacy interests of employees and applicants.
(a)(1) Each workplace substance abuse program will provide for random testing for evidence of the use of illegal drugs of employees in testing designated positions identified in this section.
(2) Programs developed under this part for positions identified in paragraph (b)(3) of this section shall provide for random tests at a rate equal to 50 percent of the total number of employees in testing designated positions for each 12 month period. Employees in the positions identified in paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), and (c) of this section will be subject to random testing at a rate equal to 100 percent of the total number of employees identified, and those identified in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this section may be subject to additional drug tests.
(b) The testing designated positions subject to random drug testing are:
(1) Positions determined to be covered by the Personnel Security Assurance Program (PSAP), codified at 10 CFR part 710. PSAP employees will be subject to the drug testing standards of this part and any additional requirements of the PSAP rule.
(2) Positions which entail critical duties that require an employee to perform work which affords both technical knowledge of and access to nuclear explosives sufficient to enable the individual to cause a detonation (high explosive or nuclear), in what is commonly known as the Personnel Assurance Program (PAP). PAP employees will be subject to the drug testing standards of this part and any additional requirements of the PAP program.
(3) Positions identified by the contractor which entail duties where failure of an employee adequately to discharge his or her position could significantly harm the environment, public health or safety, or national security, such as:
(i) Pilots;
(ii) Firefighters;
(iii) Protective force personnel, exclusive of those covered in paragraphs (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this section, in positions involving use of firearms where the duties also require potential contact with, or proximity to, the public at large;
(iv) Personnel directly engaged in construction, maintenance, or operation of nuclear reactors; or
(v) Personnel directly engaged in production, use, storage, transportation,
(4) Other positions determined by the DOE, after consultation with the contractor, to have the potential to significantly affect the environment, public health and safety, or national security.
(c) Each contractor shall require random testing of any individual, whether or not an employee, who is allowed unescorted access to the control areas of the following DOE reactors: Advanced Test Reactor (ATR); C Production Reactor (C); Experimental Breeder Reactor II (EBR-II); Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF); High Flux Beam Reactor (HFBR); High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR); K Production Reactor (K); L Production Reactor (L); N Production Reactor (N); Oak Ridge Research Reactor (ORR); and P Production Reactor (P). A confirmed positive test shall result in such an individual being denied unescorted access. If such an individual is not an employee of the contractor, that individual may be granted unescorted access only after the individual meetsthe conditions established in § 707.14(d) of this part. If, after restoration of unescorted access, such an individual is determined to have used illegal drugs for a second time, unescorted access shall be denied for a period of not less than three (3) years. Such an individual thereafter shall be granted unescorted access only upon a determination by DOE that a grant of unescorted access to the individual presents no unacceptable safety or security risk. If such an individual is an employee, that individual is subject to the other requirements of this part, including appropriate disciplinary measures.
(d) A position otherwise subject to testing under this part may be exempted from such testing if it is within the scope of another comparable Federal drug testing program, as determined by DOE, after consultation with the contractor, to avoid unnecessary multiple tests.
An applicant for a testing designated position will be tested for the use of illegal drugs before final selection for employment or assignment to such a position. Provisions of this part do not prohibit contractors from conducting drug testing on applicants for employment in any position.
When there is an occurrence which is required to be reported to DOE by the contractor, under contract provisions incorporating applicable DOE Orders, rules, and regulations, it may be necessary to test individuals in testing designated positions, or individuals with unescorted access to the control areas of the DOE reactors listed in § 707.7(c), for the use of illegal drugs, if such individuals could have caused or contributed to the conditions which caused the occurrence. For an occurrence requiring immediate notification or reporting as required by applicable DOE Orders, rules, and regulations, the contractor will require testing as soon as possible after the occurrence but within 24 hours of the occurrence, unless DOE determines that it is not feasible to do so. For other occurrences requiring notifications to DOE as required by applicable DOE Orders, rules, and regulations, the contractor may require testing.
(a)(1) It may be necessary to test any employee in a testing designated position, or individuals with unescorted access to the control areas of the DOE reactors listed in § 707.7(c), for the use of illegal drugs, if the behavior of such an individual creates the basis for reasonable suspicion of the use of illegal drugs. Two or more supervisory or management officials, at least one of whom is in the direct chain of supervision of the employee, or is a physician from the site occupational medical department, must agree that such testing is appropriate. Reasonable suspicion must be based on an articulable belief that an employee uses illegal drugs, drawn from particularized facts and reasonable inferences from those facts.
(2) Such a belief may be based upon, among other things:
(i) Observable phenomena, such as direct observation of:
(A) The use or possession of illegal drugs; or
(B) The physical symptoms of being under the influence of drugs;
(ii) A pattern of abnormal conduct or erratic behavior;
(iii) Arrest for a conviction of a drug related offense, or the identification of the individual as the focus of a criminal investigation into illegal drug possession use, or trafficking;
(iv) Information that is either provided by a reliable and credible source or is independently corroborated;
(v) Evidence that an employee has tampered with a drug test; or
(vi) Temperature of the urine specimen is outside the range of 32.5-37.7 degrees centigrade or 90.5-99.8 degrees Fahrenheit.
(b) The fact that an employee had a confirmed positive test for the use for the use of illegal drugs at some prior time, or has undergone a period of rehabilitation or treatment, will not, in and of itself, be grounds for testing on the basis of reasonable suspicion.
(c) The requirements of this part relating to the testing for the use of illegal drugs are not intended to prohibit the contractor from pursuing other existing disciplinary procedures or from requiring medical evaluation of any employee exhibiting aberrant or unusual behavior.
Where testing is performed under this part, at a minimum, contractors will be required to test for the use of the following drugs or classes of drugs: marijuana; cocaine; opiates; phencyclidine; and amphetamines. However, when conducting reasonable suspicion or occurrence testing, the contractor may test for any drug listed in Schedules I or II of the Controlled Substances Act.
(a) Procedures for providing urine specimens must allow individual privacy, unless there is reason to believe that a particular individual may alter or substitute the specimen to be provided. Contractors shall utilize a chain of custody procedure for maintaining control and accountability from point of collection to final disposition of specimens, and testing laboratories shall use appropriate cutoff levels in screening specimens to determine whether they are negative or positive for a specific drug, consistent with the HHS Mandatory Guidelines (see § 707.5(a)). The contractor shall ensure that only testing laboratories certified by the Department of Health and Human Services, under subpart C of the HHS Mandatory Guidelines are utilized.
(b)(1) If the individual refuses to cooperate with the urine collection (e.g., refusal to provide a specimen, or to complete paperwork), then the collection site person shall inform the MRO and shall document the non-cooperation on the specimen chain of custody form. The MRO shall report the failure to cooperate to the appropriate management authority, who shall report to DOE if the individual holds an access authorization. Individuals so failing to cooperate shall be treated in all respects as if they had been tested and had been determined to have used an illegal drug. The contractor may apply additional sanctions consistent with its disciplinary policy.
(2) The collection site person shall ascertain that there is a sufficient amount of urine to conduct an initial test, a confirmatory test, and a retest, in accordance with the HHS Mandatory Guidelines. If there is not a sufficient amount of urine, additional urine will be collected in a separate container. The individual may be given reasonable amounts of liquid and a reasonable amount of time in which to provide the specimen required. The individual and the collection site person must keep the specimen in view at all times. When collection is complete, the partial specimens will be combined in a single container. In the event that the individual fails to provide a sufficient amount of urine, the amount collected will be noted on the “Urine Sample Custody Document.” In this case, the collection site person will telephone the individual's supervisor who will determine the next appropriate action.
(a) All test results shall be submitted for medical review by the MRO. A confirmed positive test for drugs shall consist of an initial test performed by the immunoassay method, with positive results on that initial test confirmed by another test, performed by the gas chromatography/mass spectrometry method (GC/MS). This procedure is described in paragraphs 2.4 (e) and (f) of the HHS Mandatory Guidelines.
(b) The Medical Review Officer will consider the medical history of the employee or applicant, as well as any other relevant biomedical information. When there is a confirmed positive test result, the employee or applicant will be given an opportunity to report to the MRO the use of any prescription or over-the-counter medication. If the MRO determines that there is a legitimate medical explanation for a confirmed positive test result, consistent with legal and non-abusive drug use, the MRO will certify that the test results do not meet the conditions for a determination of use of illegal drugs. If no such certification can be made, the MRO will make a determination of use of illegal drugs. Determinations of use of illegal drugs will be made in accordance with the criteria provided in the Medical Review Officer Manual issued by the Department of Health and Human Services [DHHS Publication No. (ADM) 88-1526].
(a) When an applicant for employment has been tested and determined to have used an illegal drug, processing for employment will be terminated and the applicant will be so notified.
(b)(1) When an employee who is in a testing designated position has been tested and determined to have used an illegal drug, the contractor shall immediately remove that employee from the testing designated position; if such employee also holds, or is an applicant for, an access authorization, then the contractor shall immediately notify DOE security officials for appropriateadjudication. If this is the first determination of use of illegal drugs by that employee (for example, the employee has not previously signed a DOE drug certification, and has not previously tested positive for use of illegal drugs), the employee may be offered a reasonable opportunity for rehabilitation, consistent with the contractor's policies. If rehabilitation is offered, the employee will be placed in a non-testing designated position, which does not require a security clearance, provided there is such an acceptable position in which the individual can be placed during rehabilitation; if there is no acceptable non-testing designated position, the employee will be placed on sick, annual, or other leave status, for a reasonable period sufficient to permit rehabilitation. However, the employee will not be protected from disciplinary action which may result from violations of work rules other than a positive test result for illegal drugs.
(2) Following a determination by the site occupational medical department, after counseling or rehabilitation, that the employee can safely return to duty, the contractor may offer the employee reinstatement, in the same or a comparable position to the one held prior to the removal, consistent with the contractor's policies and the requirements of 10 CFR part 710. Failure to take the opportunity for rehabilitation, if it has been made available, for the use of illegal drugs, will require significant disciplinary action up to and including removal from employment under the DOE contract, in accordance with the contractor's policies. Any employee who is twice determined to have used illegal drugs shall in all cases be removed from employment under the DOE contract. Also, if an employee who has signed a DOE drug certification violates the terms of the certification, DOE shall conduct a timely review of the circumstances of such violation, and the individual's continued eligibility for a DOE access authorization shall be determined under the provisions of 10 CFR part 710,
(c) An employee who has been removed from a testing designated position because of the use of illegal drugs may not be returned to such position until that employee has:
(1) Successfully completed counseling or a program of rehabilitation;
(2) Undergone a urine drug test with a negative result; and
(3) Been evaluated by the site occupational medical department, which has determined that the individual is capable of safely returning to duty.
(d) An individual who is not an employee of a contractor who has been denied unescorted access because of the use of illegal drugs may not have the unescorted access reinstated until that individual has:
(1) Provided evidence of successful completion of counseling or a program of rehabilitation;
(2) Undergone a urine drug test with a negative result; and
(3) Been evaluated by the site occupational medical department, which has determined that the individual is capable of being permitted unescorted access to a reactor control area.
(e) If a DOE access authorization is involved, DOE must be notified of a contractor's intent to return to a testing designated position an employee removed from such duty for use of illegal drugs. Positions identified in § 707.7(b)(1) and (2) will require DOE approval prior to return to a testing designated position.
(f) An individual who has been notified of a positive test result may request a retest of the same sample at the same or another certified laboratory. The individual shall bear the costs of transportation and/or testing of the specimen. The contractor will inform employees of their right to request a retest under the provisions of this paragraph.
(g) After an employee determined to have used illegal drugs has been returned to duty, the employee shall be subject to unannounced drug testing, at intervals, for a period of 12 months.
When establishing drug testing programs, contractors who are parties to collective bargaining agreements will negotiate with employee representatives, as appropriate, under labor relations laws or negotiated agreements. Such negotiation, however, cannot change or alter the requirements of this rule because DOE security requirements themselves are non-negotiable under the security provisions of DOE contracts. Employees covered under collective bargaining agreements will not be subject to the provisions of this rule until those agreements have been modified, as necessary; provided, however, that if one year after commencement of negotiation the parties have failed to reach agreement, an impasse will be determined to have been reached and the contractor will unilaterally implement the requirements of this rule.
(a) Confirmed positive test results shall be provided to the Medical Review Officer and other contractor and DOE officials with a need to know. Any other disclosure may be made only with the written consent of the individual.
(b) Contractors shall maintain maximum confidentiality of records related to illegal drug use, to the extent required by applicable statutes and regulations (including, but not limited to, 42 U.S.C. 290dd-3, 42 U.S.C. 290ee-3, and 42 CFR part 2). If such records are sought from the contractor for criminal investigations, or to resolve a question or concern relating to the Personnel Assurance Program certification or access authorization under 10 CFR part 710, any applicable procedures in statute or regulation for disclosure of such information shall be followed. Moreover, owing to DOE's express environmental, public health and safety, and national security interests, and the need to exercise proper contractor oversight, DOE must be kept fully apprised of all aspects of the contractor's program, including such information as incidents involving reasonable suspicion, occurrences, and
(c) Unless otherwise approved by DOE, the contractors shall ensure that all laboratory records relating to positive drug test results, including initial test records and chromatographic tracings, shall be retained by the laboratory in such a manner as to allow retrieval of all information pertaining to the individual urine specimens for a minimum period of five years after completion of testing of any given specimen, or longer if so instructed by DOE or by the contractor. In addition, a frozen sample of all positive urine specimens shall be retained by the laboratory for at least six months, or longer if so instructed by DOE.
(d) The contractor shall maintain as part of its medical records copies of specimen chain of custody forms.
(e) The specimen chain of custody form will contain the following information:
(1) Date of collection;
(2) Tested person's name;
(3) Tested employee/applicant's social security number or other identification number unique to the individual;
(4) Specimen number;
(5) Type of test (random, applicant, occurrence, reasonable suspicion, follow-up, or other);
(6) Temperature range of specimen;
(7) Remarks regarding unusual behavior or conditions;
(8) Collector's signature; and
(9) Certification signature of specimen provider certifying that specimen identified is in fact the specimen the individual provided.
Actions available to DOE in the event of contractor noncompliance with the provisions of this part or otherwise performing in a manner inconsistent with its approved program include, but are not limited to, suspension or debarment, contract termination, or reduction in fee in accordance with the contract terms.
42 U.S.C. 2201(b), 2201(c), 2201(i), and 2201(p); 42 U.S.C. 5814 and 5815; 42 U.S.C. 7251, 7254, 7255, and 7256; and 5 U.S.C. Appendix 3.
This part provides procedures for processing complaints by employees of DOE contractors alleging retaliation by their employers for disclosure of information concerning danger to public or worker health or safety, substantial violations of law, or gross mismanagement; for participation in Congressional proceedings; or for refusal to participate in dangerous activities.
For purposes of this part:
(1) A management and operating contract or other type of contract with DOE to perform work directly related to activities at DOE-owned or -leased facilities, or
(2) A subcontract under a contract of the type described in paragraph (1) of this definition, but only with respect to work related to activities at DOE-owned or -leased facilities.
This part applies to a complaint of retaliation filed by an employee of a contractor that performs work on behalf of DOE, directly related to activities at a DOE-owned or -leased site, if the complaint stems from a disclosure, participation, or refusal described in § 708.5.
If you are an employee of a contractor, you may not file a complaint against your employer under this part if:
(a) The complaint is based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, or other similar basis; or
(b) The complaint involves misconduct that you, acting without direction from your employer, deliberately caused, or in which you knowingly participated; or
(c) Except as provided in § 708.15(a), the complaint is based on the same facts for which you have chosen to pursue a remedy available under:
(1) Department of Labor regulations at 29 CFR part 24, “Procedures for the Handling of Discrimination Complaints under Federal Employee Protection Statutes;”
(2) Federal Acquisition Regulations, 48 CFR part 3, “Federal Acquisition Regulation; Whistleblower Protection for Contractor Employees (Ethics);” or
(3) State or other applicable law, including final and binding grievance-arbitration, as described in § 708.15 of subpart B; or
(d) The complaint is based on the same facts in which you, in the course of a covered disclosure or participation, improperly disclosed Restricted Data, national security information, or any other classified or sensitive information in violation of any Executive Order, statute, or regulation. This part does not override any provision or requirement of any regulation pertaining to Restricted Data, national security information, or any other classified or sensitive information; or
(e) The complaint deals with “terms and conditions of employment” within the meaning of the National Labor Relations Act, except as provided in § 708.5.
If you are an employee of a contractor, you may file a complaint against your employer alleging that you have been subject to retaliation for:
(a) Disclosing to a DOE official, a member of Congress, any other government official who has responsibility for the oversight of the conduct of operations at a DOE site, your employer, or any higher tier contractor, information that you reasonably believe reveals—
(1) A substantial violation of a law, rule, or regulation;
(2) A substantial and specific danger to employees or to public health or safety; or
(3) Fraud, gross mismanagement, gross waste of funds, or abuse of authority; or
(b) Participating in a Congressional proceeding or an administrative proceeding conducted under this part; or
(c) Subject to § 708.7 of this subpart, refusing to participate in an activity, policy, or practice if you believe participation would—
(1) Constitute a violation of a federal health or safety law; or
(2) Cause you to have a reasonable fear of serious injury to yourself, other employees, or members of the public.
Participation in an activity, policy, or practice may cause an employee to have a reasonable fear of serious injury that justifies a refusal to participate if:
(a) A reasonable person, under the circumstances that confronted the employee, would conclude there is a substantial risk of a serious accident, injury, or impairment of health or safety resulting from participation in the activity, policy, or practice; or
(b) An employee, because of the nature of his or her employment responsibilities, does not have the training or skills needed to participate safely in the activity or practice.
You may file a complaint for retaliation for refusing to participate in an activity, policy, or practice only if:
(a) Before refusing to participate in the activity, policy, or practice, you asked your employer to correct the violation or remove the danger, and your employer refused to take such action; and
(b) By the 30th day after you refused to participate, you reported the violation or dangerous activity, policy, or practice to a DOE official, a member of Congress, another government official with responsibility for the oversight of the conduct of operations at the DOE site, your employer, or any higher tier contractor, and stated your reasons for refusing to participate.
The procedures in this part apply prospectively in any complaint proceeding pending on the effective date of this part.
Under this part, a complaint or other document is considered “filed” on the date it is mailed or on the date it is personally delivered to the specified official or office.
(a) If you were employed by a contractor whose contract is handled by a contracting officer located in DOE Headquarters when the alleged retaliation occurred, you must file two copies of your written complaint with the EC Director.
(b) If you were employed by a contractor at a DOE field facility or site when the alleged retaliation occurred, you must file two copies of your written complaint with the Head of Field Element at the DOE field element with jurisdiction over the contract.
No. The identity of an employee who files a complaint under this part appears on the complaint. A copy of the complaint is provided to the contractor and it becomes a public document.
Your complaint does not need to be in any specific form but must be signed by you and contain the following:
(a) A statement specifically describing
(1) The alleged retaliation taken against you and
(2) The disclosure, participation, or refusal that you believe gave rise to the retaliation;
(b) A statement that you are not currently pursuing a remedy under State or other applicable law, as described in § 708.15 of this subpart;
(c) A statement that all of the facts that you have included in your complaint are true and correct to the best of your knowledge and belief; and
(d) An affirmation, as described in § 708.13 of this subpart, that you have exhausted (completed) all applicable grievance or arbitration procedures.
(a) To show that you have exhausted all applicable grievance-arbitration procedures, you must:
(1) State that all available opportunities for resolution through an applicable grievance-arbitration procedure have been exhausted, and provide the date on which the grievance-arbitration procedure was terminated and the reasons for termination; or
(2) State that you filed a grievance under applicable grievance-arbitration procedures, but more than 150 days have passed and a final decision on it has not been issued, and provide the date that you filed your grievance; or
(3) State that your employer has established no grievance-arbitration procedures.
(b) If you do not provide the information specified in § 708.13(a), your complaint may be dismissed for lack of jurisdiction as provided in § 708.17 of this subpart.
(a) You must file your complaint by the 90th day after the date you knew, or reasonably should have known, of the alleged retaliation.
(b) The period for filing a complaint does not include time spent attempting to resolve the dispute through an internal company grievance-arbitration procedure. The time period for filing stops running on the day the internal grievance is filed and begins to run again on the earlier of:
(1) The day after such dispute resolution efforts end; or
(2) 150 days after the internal grievance was filed if a final decision on the grievance has not been issued.
(c) The period for filing a complaint does not include time spent resolving jurisdictional issues related to a complaint you file under State or other applicable law. The time period for filing stops running on the date the complaint under State or other applicable law is filed and begins to run again the day after a final decision on the jurisdictional issues is issued.
(d) If you do not file your complaint during the 90-day period, the Head of Field Element or EC Director (as applicable) will give you an opportunity to show any good reason you may have for not filing within that period, and that official may, in his or her discretion, accept your complaint for processing.
(a) You may not file a complaint under this part if, with respect to the same facts, you choose to pursue a remedy under State or other applicable law, including final and binding grievance-arbitration procedures, unless:
(1) Your complaint under State or other applicable law is dismissed for lack of jurisdiction;
(2) Your complaint was filed under 48 CFR part 3, Subpart 3.9 and the Inspector General, after conducting an initial inquiry, determines not to pursue it; or
(3) You have exhausted grievance-arbitration procedures pursuant to § 708.13, and issues related to alleged retaliation for conduct protected under § 708.5 remain.
(b) Pursuing a remedy other than final and binding grievance-arbitration procedures does not prevent you from filing a complaint under this part.
(c) You are considered to have filed a complaint under State or other applicable law if you file a complaint, or other pleading, with respect to the same facts in a proceeding established or mandated by State or other applicable law, whether you file such complaint before, concurrently with, or after you file a complaint under this part.
(d) If you file a complaint under State or other applicable law after filing a complaint under this part, your complaint under this regulation will be dismissed under § 708.17(c)(3).
(a) By the 15th day after receiving your complaint, the Head of Field Element or EC Director (as applicable) will provide your employer a copy of your complaint. Your employer has 10 days from receipt of your complaint to submit any comments it wishes to make regarding the allegations in the complaint.
(b) If you are part of a bargaining unit represented for purposes of collective bargaining by a labor organization, the Head of Field Element or EC Director (as applicable) will provide your representative a copy of your complaint by the 15th day after receiving it. The labor organization will be advised that it has 10 days from the receipt of your complaint to submit any comments it wishes to make regarding the allegations in the complaint.
(a) The Head of Field Element or EC Director (as applicable) may dismiss your complaint for lack of jurisdiction or for other good cause after receiving your complaint, either on his or her own initiative or at the request of a party named in your complaint. Such decisions are generally issued by the 15th day after the receipt of your employer's comments.
(b) The Head of Field Element or EC Director (as applicable) will notify you by certified mail, return receipt requested, if your complaint is dismissed for lack of jurisdiction or other good cause, and give you specific reasons for the dismissal, and will notify other parties of the dismissal.
(c) Dismissal for lack of jurisdiction or other good cause is appropriate if:
(1) Your complaint is untimely; or
(2) The facts, as alleged in your complaint, do not present issues for which relief can be granted under this part; or
(3) You filed a complaint under State or other applicable law with respect to the same facts as alleged in a complaint under this part; or
(4) Your complaint is frivolous or without merit on its face; or
(5) The issues presented in your complaint have been rendered moot by subsequent events or substantially resolved; or
(6) Your employer has made a formal offer to provide the remedy that you request in your complaint or a remedy that DOE considers to be equivalent to what could be provided as a remedy under this part.
(a) If your complaint is dismissed by the Head of Field Element or EC Director, the administrative process is terminated unless you appeal the dismissal to the OHA Director by the 10th day after you receive the notice of dismissal as evidenced by a receipt for delivery of certified mail.
(b) If you appeal a dismissal to the OHA Director, you must send copies of your appeal to the Head of Field Element or EC Director (as applicable) and all parties. Your appeal must include a copy of the notice of dismissal, and state the reasons why you think the dismissal was erroneous.
(c) The OHA Director will issue a decision on your appeal and notify the parties of the decision by the 30th day after it is received.
(d) The OHA Director's decision, either upholding the dismissal by the Head of Field Element or EC Director or ordering further processing of your complaint, is the final decision on your appeal, unless a party files a petition for Secretarial review by the 30th day after receiving the appeal decision.
(a) By the 30th day after receiving a decision on an appeal under § 708.18 from the OHA Director, any party may file a petition for Secretarial review of a dismissal with the Office of Hearings and Appeals.
(b) By the 15th day after filing the petition for Secretarial review, a party must file a statement setting forth the arguments in support of its position. A copy of the statement must be served on the other parties, who may file a response by the 20th day after receipt of the statement. Any response must also be served on the other parties.
(c) All submissions permitted under this section must be filed with the Office of Hearings and Appeals.
(d) After a petition for Secretarial review is filed, the Secretary (or his or her delegee) will issue the final agency decision on jurisdiction over the complaint. The Secretary will reverse or revise an appeal decision by the OHA Director only under extraordinary circumstances. In the event he or she determines that a revision in the appeal decision is appropriate, the Secretary will direct the OHA Director to issue an order either upholding the dismissal by the Head of Field Element or EC Director or ordering further processing of your complaint.
(a) Yes. The Head of Field Element or EC Director (as applicable) may recommend that the parties attempt to resolve the complaint informally, for example, through mediation.
(b) The period for attempting informal resolution of the complaint may not exceed 30 days from the date you filed your complaint, unless the parties agree to extend the time.
(c) The 30-day period permitted for informal resolution of the complaint stops running when a request to dismiss your complaint on jurisdictional grounds is filed with the Head of Field Element or EC Director, and begins to run again on the date the OHA Director returns the complaint to the Head of Field Element or EC Director for further processing.
(d) If the parties resolve the complaint informally, the Head of Field Element or EC Director (as applicable) must be given a copy of the settlement agreement or a written statement from you withdrawing the complaint.
(a) If the attempt at informal resolution is not successful, the Head of Field Element or EC Director (as applicable) will notify you in writing that you have the following options:
(1) Request that your complaint be referred to the Office of Hearings and Appeals for a hearing without an investigation; or
(2) Request that your complaint be referred to the Office of Hearings and Appeals for an investigation followed by a hearing.
(b) You must notify the Head of Field Element or EC Director (as applicable), in writing, by the 20th day after receiving notice of your options, whether you request referral of your complaint to the Office of Hearings and Appeals for a hearing without an investigation, or an investigation followed by a hearing.
(c) If the Head of Field Element or EC Director does not receive your response to the notice of options by the 20th day after your receipt of that notice, DOE will consider your complaint withdrawn.
(d) If you timely request referral to the Office of Hearings and Appeals, the Head of Field Element or EC Director
(e) The Head of the Field Element or EC Director (as applicable) will notify all parties that the complaint has been referred to the Office of Hearings and Appeals, and state whether you have requested a hearing without an investigation or requested an investigation followed by a hearing.
(a) If you request a hearing without an investigation, the OHA Director will not initiate an investigation even if another party requests one.
(b) If you request an investigation followed by a hearing, the OHA Director will appoint a person from the Office of Hearings and Appeals to conduct the investigation. The investigator may not participate or advise in the initial or final agency decision on your complaint.
(c) The investigator will determine the appropriate scope of investigation based on the circumstances of the complaint. The investigator may enter and inspect places and records; make copies of records; interview persons alleged to have been involved in retaliation and other employees of the charged contractor who may have relevant information; take sworn statements; and require the production of any documents or other evidence.
(d) A contractor must cooperate fully with the investigator by making employees and all pertinent evidence available upon request.
(e) A person being interviewed in an investigation has the right to be represented by a person of his or her choosing.
(f) Parties to the complaint are not entitled to be present at interviews conducted by an investigator.
(g) If a person other than the complainant requests that his or her identity be kept confidential, the investigator may grant confidentiality, but must advise such person that confidentiality means that the Office of Hearings and Appeals will not identify the person as a source of information to anyone outside the Office of Hearings and Appeals, except as required by statute or other law, or as determined by the OHA Director to be unavoidable.
(a) The investigator will complete the investigation and issue a report of investigation by the 60th day after the complaint is received by the Office of Hearings and Appeals, unless the OHA Director, for good cause, extends the investigation for no more than 30 days.
(b) The investigator will provide copies of the report of investigation to the parties. The investigation will not be reopened after the report of investigation is issued.
(c) If the parties informally resolve the complaint (e.g., through mediation) after an investigation is started, you must notify the OHA Director in writing of your decision to withdraw the complaint.
(a) No. An employee may withdraw a hearing request after the report of investigation is issued. However, the hearing may be canceled only if all parties agree that they do not want a hearing.
(b) If the hearing is canceled, the Hearing Officer will issue an initial agency decision pursuant to § 708.31 of this subpart.
(a) The OHA Director will appoint a Hearing Officer from the Office of Hearings and Appeals to conduct a hearing.
(b) The Hearing Officer may not be subject to the supervision or direction of the investigator.
(a) The Hearing Officer will schedule a hearing to be held by the 90th day after receipt of the complaint, or issuance of the report of investigation, whichever is later. Any extension of the hearing date must be approved by the OHA Director.
(b) The Hearing Officer will schedule the hearing for a location near the site where the alleged retaliation occurred or your place of employment, or at another location that is appropriate considering the circumstances of a particular case.
The Hearing Officer may recommend, but may not require, that the parties attempt to resolve the complaint through mediation or other informal means at any time before issuance of an initial agency decision on the complaint.
(a) In all hearings under this part:
(1) The parties have the right to be represented by a person of their choosing or to proceed without representation. The parties are responsible for producing witnesses in their behalf, including requesting the issuance of subpoenas, if necessary;
(2) Testimony of witnesses is given under oath or affirmation, and witnesses must be advised of the applicability of 18 U.S.C. 1001 and 1621, dealing with the criminal penalties associated with false statements and perjury;
(3) Witnesses are subject to cross-examination;
(4) Formal rules of evidence do not apply, but OHA may use the Federal Rules of Evidence as a guide; and
(5) A court reporter will make a transcript of the hearing.
(b) The Hearing Officer has all powers necessary to regulate the conduct of proceedings:
(1) The Hearing Officer may order discovery at the request of a party, based on a showing that the requested discovery is designed to produce evidence regarding a matter, not privileged, that is relevant to the subject matter of the complaint;
(2) The Hearing Officer may permit parties to obtain discovery by any appropriate method, including deposition upon oral examination or written questions; written interrogatories; production of documents or things; permission to enter upon land or other property for inspection and other purposes; and requests for admission;
(3) The Hearing Officer may issue subpoenas for the appearance of witnesses on behalf of either party, or for the production of specific documents or other physical evidence;
(4) The Hearing Officer may rule on objections to the presentation of evidence; exclude evidence that is immaterial, irrelevant, or unduly repetitious; require the advance submission of documents offered as evidence; dispose of procedural requests; grant extensions of time; determine the format of the hearing; direct that written motions, documents, or briefs be filed with respect to issues raised during the course of the hearing; ask questions of witnesses; direct that documentary evidence be served upon other parties (under protective order if such evidence is deemed confidential); and otherwise regulate the conduct of the hearing;
(5) The Hearing Officer may, at the request of a party or on his or her own initiative, dismiss a claim, defense, or party and make adverse findings upon the failure of a party or the party's representative to comply with a lawful order of the Hearing Officer, or, without good cause, to attend a hearing;
(6) The Hearing Officer, upon request of a party, may allow the parties a reasonable time to file pre-hearing briefs or written statements with respect to material issues of fact or law. Any pre-hearing submission must be limited to the issues specified and filed within the time prescribed by the Hearing Officer.
(7) The parties are entitled to make oral closing arguments, but post-hearing submissions are only permitted by direction of the Hearing Officer.
(8) Parties allowed to file written submissions must serve copies upon the other parties within the time prescribed by the Hearing Officer.
(9) The Hearing Officer is prohibited, beginning with his or her appointment and until a final agency decision is issued, from initiating or otherwise engaging in
The employee who files a complaint has the burden of establishing by a preponderance of the evidence that he or she made a disclosure, participated in a proceeding, or refused to participate, as described under § 708.5, and that such act was a contributing factor in one or more alleged acts of retaliation against the employee by the contractor. Once the employee has met this burden, the burden shifts to the contractor to prove by clear and convincing evidence that it would have taken the same action without the employee's disclosure, participation, or refusal.
(a) The Hearing Officer will issue an initial agency decision on your complaint by the 60th day after the later of:
(1) The date the Hearing Officer approves the parties' agreement to cancel the hearing;
(2) The date the Hearing Officer receives the transcript of the hearing; or
(3) The date the Hearing Officer receives post-hearing submissions permitted under § 708.28(b)(7) of this subpart.
(b) The Hearing Officer will serve the initial agency decision on all parties.
(c) An initial agency decision issued by the Hearing Officer will contain appropriate findings, conclusions, an order, and the factual basis for each finding, whether or not a hearing has been held on the complaint. In making such findings, the Hearing Officer may rely upon, but is not bound by, the report of investigation.
(d) If the Hearing Officer determines that an act of retaliation has occurred, the initial agency decision will include an order for any form of relief permitted under § 708.36.
(e) If the Hearing Officer determines that an act of retaliation has not occurred, the initial agency decision will state that the complaint is denied.
(a) If no party wants a hearing after the issuance of a report of investigation, the Hearing Officer will issue an initial agency decision by the 60th day after the hearing is canceled pursuant to § 708.24. The standards in § 708.30, governing the issuance of an initial agency decision, apply whether or not a hearing has been held on the complaint.
(b) The Hearing Officer will serve the initial agency decision on all parties.
(a) Yes. By the 15th day after receiving an initial agency decision from the Hearing Officer, any party may file a notice of appeal with the OHA Director requesting review of the initial agency decision.
(b) A party who appeals an initial agency decision (the appellant) must serve a copy of the notice of appeal on all other parties.
(c) A party who receives an initial agency decision by a Hearing Officer has not exhausted its administrative remedies until an appeal has been filed with the OHA Director and a decision granting or denying the appeal has been issued.
(a) By the 15th day after filing a notice of appeal under § 708.32, the appellant must file a statement identifying the issues that it wishes the OHA Director to review. A copy of the statement must be served on the other parties, who may file a response by the 20th day after receipt of the statement. Any response must also be served on the other parties.
(b) In considering the appeal, the OHA Director:
(1) May initiate an investigation of any statement contained in the request for review and utilize any relevant facts obtained by such investigation in conducting the review of the initial agency decision;
(2) May solicit and accept submissions from any party that are relevant to the review. The OHA Director may
(3) May consider any other source of information that will advance the evaluation, provided that all parties are given an opportunity to respond to all third person submissions; and
(4) Will close the record on appeal after receiving the last submission permitted under this section.
(a) If there is no appeal of an initial agency decision, and the time for filing an appeal has passed, the initial agency decision becomes the final agency decision.
(b) If there is an appeal of an initial agency decision, the OHA Director will issue an appeal decision based on the record of proceedings by the 60th day after the record is closed.
(1) An appeal decision issued by the OHA Director will contain appropriate findings, conclusions, an order, and the factual basis for each finding, whether or not a hearing has been held on the complaint. In making such findings, the OHA Director may rely upon, but is not bound by, the report of investigation and the initial agency decision.
(2) If the OHA Director determines that an act of retaliation has occurred, the appeal decision will include an order for any form of relief permitted under § 708.36.
(3) If the OHA Director determines that the contractor charged has not committed an act of retaliation, the appeal decision will deny the complaint.
(c) The OHA Director will send an appeal decision to all parties and to the Head of Field Element or EC Director having jurisdiction over the contract under which you were employed when the alleged retaliation occurred.
(d) The appeal decision issued by the OHA Director is the final agency decision unless a party files a petition for Secretarial review by the 30th day after receiving the appeal decision.
(a) By the 30th day after receiving an appeal decision from the OHA Director, any party may file a petition for Secretarial review with the Office of Hearings and Appeals.
(b) By the 15th day after filing a petition for Secretarial review, the petitioner must file a statement identifying the issues that it wishes the Secretary to consider. A copy of the statement must be served on the other parties, who may file a response by the 20th day after receipt of the statement. Any response must also be served on the other parties.
(c) All submissions permitted under this section must be filed with the Office of Hearings and Appeals.
(d) After a petition for Secretarial review is filed, the Secretary (or his or her delegee) will issue the final agency decision on the complaint. The Secretary will reverse or revise an appeal decision by the OHA Director only under extraordinary circumstances. In the event the Secretary determines that a revision in the appeal decision is appropriate, the Secretary will direct the OHA Director to issue a revised decision which is the final agency action on the complaint.
(a)
(1) Reinstatement;
(2) Transfer preference;
(3) Back pay;
(4) Reimbursement of your reasonable costs and expenses, including attorney and expert-witness fees reasonably incurred to prepare for and participate in proceedings leading to the initial or final agency decision; or
(5) Such other remedies as are deemed necessary to abate the violation and provide you with relief.
(b)
No. If your complaint is denied by a final agency decision, you may not be reimbursed for the costs and expenses you incurred in pursuing the complaint.
(a) The Head of Field Element having jurisdiction over the contract under which you were employed when the alleged retaliation occurred, or EC Director, will implement a final agency decision by forwarding the decision and order to the contractor, or subcontractor, involved.
(b) A contractor's failure or refusal to comply with a final agency decision and order under this regulation may result in a contracting officer's decision to disallow certain costs or terminate the contract for default. In the event of a contracting officer's decision to disallow costs or terminate a contract for default, the contractor may file a claim under the disputes procedures of the contract.
No. A final agency decision and order issued pursuant to this regulation is not considered a claim by the government against a contractor or “a decision by the contracting officer” under sections 6 and 7 of the Contract Disputes Act (41 U.S.C. 605 and 606).
Yes. Contractors who are covered by this part must inform their employees about these regulations by posting notices in conspicuous places at the work site. These notices must include the name and address of the DOE office where you can file a complaint under this part.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this part, the Secretary of Energy retains the right to request that a complaint filed under this part be accepted by another Federal agency for investigation and factual determinations.
Yes. The Secretary of Energy (or the Secretary's designee) may approve the extension of any deadline established by this part, and the OHA Director may approve the extension of any deadline under § 708.22 through § 708.34 of this subpart (relating to the investigation, hearing, and OHA appeal process).
Yes. DOE contractors may not retaliate against any employee because the employee (or any person acting at the request of the employee) has taken an action listed in §§ 708.5(a)-(c).
42 U.S.C. 2011,
This part:
(a) Describes the categories of individuals who are eligible for counterintelligence-scope polygraph testing; and
(b) Provides guidelines for the use of counterintelligence-scope polygraph examinations and for the use of exculpatory polygraph examinations, upon the request of an individual, in order to resolve counterintelligence investigations and personnel security issues; and
(c) Provides guidelines for protecting the rights of individual DOE, and DOE contractor, and employees subject to this rule.
This part includes:
(a) A description of the conditions under which DOE may administer and use polygraph examinations;
(b) A description of the positions which DOE may subject to polygraph examination;
(c) Controls on the use of polygraph examinations; and
(d) Safeguards to prevent unwarranted intrusion into the privacy of individuals.
For purposes of this part:
(1) With regard to a DOE employee, the removal, suspension for more than 14 days, reduction in grade or pay, or a furlough of 30 days or less as described in 5 U.S.C. Chapter 75; or
(2) With regard to a contractor employee, the discharge, discipline, or denial of employment or promotion, or any other discrimination in regard to hire or tenure of employment or any term or condition of employment.
(1) Records continuously, visually, permanently, and simultaneously changes in cardiovascular, respiratory, and electrodermal patterns as minimum instrumentation standards; and
(2) Is used, or the results of which are used, for the purpose of rendering a diagnostic opinion regarding the honesty or dishonesty of an individual.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, this part applies to DOE and contractor employees and applicants for employment, and other individuals assigned or detailed to Federal positions at DOE, who are in:
(1) Positions that DOE has determined include counterintelligence activities or access to counterintelligence sources and methods;
(2) Positions that DOE has determined include intelligence activities or access to intelligence sources and methods;
(3) Positions requiring access to information that is protected within a non-intelligence special access program (SAP) designated by the Secretary of Energy;
(4) Positions that are subject to the Personnel Security Assurance Program (PSAP);
(5) Positions that are subject to the Personnel Assurance Program (PAP);
(6) Positions that DOE has determined have a need-to-know or access to information specifically designated by the Secretary regarding the design and operation of nuclear weapons and associated use control features;
(7) Positions within the Office of Independent Oversight and Performance Assurance, or any successor thereto, involved in inspection and assessment of safeguards and security functions, including cyber security, of the Department;
(8) Positions within the Office of Security and Emergency Operations, or any successor thereto;
(9) The Accelerated Access Authorization Program (AAAP); and
(10) Positions where the applicant or incumbent has requested a polygraph examination in order to respond to questions that have arisen in the context of counterintelligence investigations or personnel security issues. These examinations are referred to in this part as exculpatory polygraph examinations.
(b) This part does not apply to:
(1) Any individual for whom the Director of the Office of Counterintelligence (D/OCI), gives a waiver, based upon certification from another Federal agency that the individual has successfully completed a full scope or counterintelligence-scope polygraph examination administered within the last five years;
(2) Any individual who is being treated for a medical or psychological condition or is taking medication that, based upon consultation with the individual, the DOE Test Center determines would preclude the individual from being tested; or
(3) Any individual for whom the Secretary of Energy gives a written waiver in the interest of national security.
(c) The Program Manager responsible for each program with positions identified in paragraphs (a)(1)-(8) of this section identifies in the first instance, in order of priority, those specific positions that will be polygraphed.
(d) The Program Manager submits positions identified under paragraph (c) of this section to the D/OCI for review and concurrence. The D/OCI forwards the positions, with suggested additions or deletions, to the Secretary for approval.
(a) All positions in the programs described in § 709.4(a)(1)-(8) are eligible for polygraph examination. When a polygraph examination is scheduled, DOE must notify the individual, in accordance with § 709.21.
(b) Any job announcement or posting with respect to any position in those
Positions identified in § 709.4(a)(1)-(8) are subject to a five year periodic, as well as an aperiodic, reinvestigation polygraph.
(a) DOE may ask questions that are appropriate to a counterintelligence-scope examination or that are relevant to the matter at issue in an exculpatory examination.
(b) A counterintelligence-scope polygraph examination is limited to topics concerning the individual's involvement in espionage, sabotage, terrorism, unauthorized disclosure of classified information, unauthorized foreign contacts, and deliberate damage to or malicious misuse of a U.S. government information or defense system.
(c) DOE may not ask questions that:
(1) Probe a person's thoughts or beliefs;
(2) Concern conduct that has no counterintelligence implication; or
(3) concern conduct that has no direct relevance to an investigation.
The examiner determines the exact wording of the polygraph questions based on the examiner's pretest interview of the individual, the individual's understanding of the questions, and other input from the individual.
(a) Yes. An individual may refuse to take a counterintelligence-scope or exculpatory polygraph examination, and an individual being examined may terminate the examination at any time.
(b) If an individual terminates a counterintelligence-scope or exculpatory polygraph examination prior to the completion of the examination, DOE may treat that termination as a refusal to take a polygraph examination under § 709.14.
(a) If an individual is an applicant for employment, assignment, or detail to one of the positions described in § 709.4(a)(1)-(8), and the individual refuses to take a counterintelligence polygraph examination required by statute as an initial condition of access, DOE and its contractors must refuse to employ, assign, or detail the individual to the identified position.
(b) If the individual is an applicant for employment, assignment, or detail to one of the positions described in § 709.4(a)(1)-(8) and the individual refuses to take a counterintelligence polygraph examination otherwise required by this part, DOE and its contractors may refuse to employ, assign, or detail the individual to the identified position.
(c) If an individual is an incumbent in a position described in § 709.4(a)(1)-(8) and the individual refuses to take a counterintelligence polygraph examination required by statute as a condition of continued access, DOE and its contractors must deny the individual access to the information or involvement in the activities that justified conducting the examination, consistent with § 709.15. If the individual is a DOE employee, DOE may reassign or realign the individual's duties, within the local commuting area, or take other action, consistent with that denial of access.
(d) If the individual is an incumbent in a position described in § 709.4(a)(1)-(8), and the individual refuses to take a counterintelligence polygraph examination as required by this part, DOE and its contractors may deny that individual access to the information or involvement in the activities that justified conducting the examination, consistent with § 709.15. If the individual is a DOE employee, DOE may reassign or realign the individual's duties, within
(e) If the individual is a DOE employee whose current position does not require a counterintelligence polygraph examination and is an applicant for employment, assignment, or detail to one of the positions described in § 709.4(a)(1)-(8), the individual's refusal to take a polygraph examination will not affect the individual's current employment status.
(f) If an individual refuses to take a polygraph examination as part of the Accelerated Access Authorization Program, DOE must terminate the accelerated authorization process and the individual may continue to be processed for access authorization under the standard DOE personnel security process.
(g) Since an exculpatory polygraph examination is administered at the request of an individual, DOE and its contractors may not take any adverse personnel action against an individual for refusing to request or take an exculpatory polygraph examination. DOE and its contractors may not record an individual's refusal to take an exculpatory polygraph examination in the individual's personnel security file, or any investigative file. DOE also may not record the fact of that refusal in a DOE employee's personnel file.
(h) If a DOE employee refuses to take a counterintelligence polygraph examination, DOE may not record the fact of that refusal in the employee's personnel file.
(a) If, following the completion of the polygraph test, there are any unresolved issues, the polygraph examiner must conduct an in-depth interview of the individual to address those unresolved issues.
(b) If, after the polygraph examination, there are remaining unresolved issues that raise significant questions relevant to the individual's access to the information or involvement in the activities that justified the polygraph examination, DOE must so advise the individual and provide an opportunity for the individual to undergo an additional polygraph examination. If the additional polygraph examination is not sufficient to resolve the matter, DOE must undertake a comprehensive investigation of the individual, using the polygraph examination as an investigative lead.
(c) The Office of Counterintelligence (OCI) will conduct an eligibility evaluation that considers examination results, the individual's personnel security file, and other pertinent information. If unresolved issues remain at the time of the eligibility evaluation, DOE will interview the individual if it is determined that a personal interview will assist in resolving the issue. No denial or revocation of access will occur until the eligibility evaluation is completed.
(d) Following the eligibility evaluation, D/OCI must recommend, in writing, to the Program Manager responsible for the access that the individual's access be approved or retained, or denied or revoked.
(1) If the Program Manager agrees with the recommendation, the Program Manager will notify the individual, in writing, that the individual's access has been approved or retained, or denied or revoked.
(2) If the Program Manager disagrees with the D/OCI's recommendation the matter will be referred to the Secretary for a final decision.
(3) If the Program Manager denies or revokes the individual's access, and the individual is a DOE employee, DOE may reassign the individual or realign the individual's duties within the local commuting area or take other actions consistent with the denial of access.
(4) If the Program Manager denies the individual's access and the individual is an applicant for employment, assignment, or detail to one of the positions described in 709.4(a)(1)-(8), DOE and its contractors may refuse to employ, assign or detail the individual to the identified position.
(5) If the Program Manager revokes the access of an individual assigned or detailed to DOE, DOE may remove the individual from access to the information that justified the polygraph examination and return the individual to the agency of origin.
(6) If the Program Manager denies or revokes the access for an individual applying for a DOE access authorization or already holding a DOE access authorization, DOE may initiate an administrative review of the individual's clearance eligibility under the DOE regulations governing eligibility for a security clearance at 10 CFR part 710.
(7) For cases involving a question of loyalty to the United States, DOE may refer the matter to the FBI as required by section 145d of the AEA.
(e) DOE and contractor employees, applicants for employment, and other individuals assigned or detailed to Federal positions within DOE whose access to the categories described in § 709.4(a)(1)-(8) is denied or revoked may request reconsideration by the relevant head of the departmental element, as identified in the notice of denial or revocation. Individuals who decline to take the counterintelligence scope polygraph examination will not be afforded these reconsideration rights.
(f) Utilizing the DOE security criteria used to grant or deny access to classified information, OCI will make a determination whether an individual completing a counterintelligence polygraph examination has made disclosures that warrant referral, as appropriate, to the Office of Security and Emergency Operations or the Manager of the applicable Operations Office. OCI will not report minor security infractions that do not create a serious question as to the individual's eligibility for a personnel security clearance.
When a polygraph examination is scheduled, DOE must notify the individual, in writing, of the date, time, and place of the polygraph examination, and the individual's right to obtain and consult with legal counsel or to secure another representative prior to the examination. DOE must provide a copy of this part to the individual. The individual must receive the notification at least ten days, excluding weekend days and holidays, before the time of the examination except when good cause is shown or when the individual waives the advance notice provision.
(a) At the individual's own expense, an individual has the right to obtain and consult with legal counsel or another representative prior to the polygraph examination. The counsel or representative may not be present during the polygraph examination. No one other than the individual and the examiner may be present in the examination room during the polygraph examination.
(b) At the individual's own expense, an individual has the right to obtain and consult with legal counsel or another representative at any time during an interview conducted in accordance with § 709.15(c).
DOE may not administer a polygraph examination unless DOE has:
(a) Notified the individual of the polygraph examination in writing in accordance with § 709.21; and
(b) Obtained written consent from the individual.
Before administering the polygraph examination, the examiner must:
(a) Inform the individual of the use of audio and video recording devices and other observation devices, such as two-way mirrors and observation rooms;
(b) Explain to the individual the characteristics and nature of the polygraph instrument and examination;
(c) Explain the physical operation of the instrument and the procedures to be followed during the examination;
(d) Review with the individual the control questions and relevant questions to be asked during the examination;
(e) Advise the individual of the individual's privilege against self-incrimination; and
(f) Provide the individual with a pre-addressed envelope addressed to the D/OCI in Washington, D.C., which may be used to submit comments or complaints concerning the examination.
(a) DOE or its contractors may not:
(1) Take an adverse personnel action against an individual solely on the basis of a polygraph examination result of “deception indicated” or “no opinion”; or
(2) Use a polygraph examination that reflects “deception indicated” or “no opinion” as a substitute for any other required investigation.
(b) The Secretary or the D/OCI may suspend an individual's access based upon a written determination that the individual's admission of involvement in one or more of the activities covered by the counterintelligence polygraph, when considered in the context of the individual's access to one or more of the high risk programs identified in § 709.4(a)(1)-(8), poses an unacceptable risk to national security or defense. In such cases, DOE will investigate the matter immediately and make a determination of whether to revoke the individual's access.
(a) DOE owns all polygraph examination records and reports.
(b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, the Office of Counterintelligence maintains all polygraph examination records and reports in a system of records established under the Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. 552a.
(c) The Office of Intelligence also may maintain polygraph examination reports generated with respect to individuals identified in § 709.4(a)(2) in a system of records established under the Privacy Act.
(d) Polygraph examination records and reports used to make AAAP determinations or generated as a result of an exculpatory personnel security polygraph examination are maintained in a system of records established under the Privacy Act of 1974.
(e) DOE must afford the full privacy protection provided by law to information regarding an employee's refusal to take a polygraph examination.
(f) With the exception of the polygraph report, all other polygraph examination records are destroyed ninety days after the eligibility evaluation is completed, provided that a favorable recommendation has been made to grant or continue the access to the position. If a recommendation is made to deny or revoke access to the information or involvement in the activities that justified conducting the polygraph examination, then all the records are retained at least until the final resolution of any request for reconsideration by the individual or the completion of any ongoing investigation.
(a) DOE adheres to the procedures and standards established by the Department of Defense Polygraph Institute (DODPI). DOE administers only DODPI approved testing formats.
(b) A polygraph examiner may administer no more than five polygraph examinations in any twenty-four hour period. This does not include those instances in which an individual voluntarily terminates an examination prior to the actual testing phase.
(c) The polygraph examiner must be certified to conduct polygraph examinations under this part by the DOE Psychophysiological Detection of Deception/Polygraph Program Quality Control Official.
(d) To be certified under paragraph (c) of this section, an examiner must have the following minimum qualifications:
(1) The examiner must be an experienced counterintelligence or criminal investigator with extensive additional training in using computerized instrumentation in Psychophysiological Detection of Deception and in psychology, physiology, interviewing, and interrogation.
(2) The examiner must have a favorably adjudicated single-scope background investigation, complete a counterintelligence-scope polygraph examination, and must hold a “Q” access authorization, which is necessary for access to Secret Restricted Data and Top Secret National Security Information. In addition, he or she must have been granted SCI access approval.
(3) The examiner must receive basic Forensic Psychophysiological Detection of Deception training from the DODPI.
(4) The examiner must be certified by DOE to conduct the following tests:
(i) Test for Espionage, Sabotage, and Terrorism;
(ii) Counterintelligence-Scope Polygraph Tests;
(iii) Zone Comparison Tests;
(iv) Modified General Question Tests;
(v) Peak of Tension Tests; and,
(vi) Relevant and Irrelevant and Directed Lie Control Tests.
(a) Examiners must complete an initial training course of thirteen weeks, or longer, in conformance with the procedures and standards established by DODPI.
(b) Examiners must undergo annual continuing education for a minimum of forty hours training within the discipline of Forensic Psychophysiological Detection of Deception.
(c) The following organizations provide acceptable curricula to meet the training requirement of paragraph (b) of this section:
(1) American Polygraph Association,
(2) American Association of Police Polygraphists, and
(3) Department of Defense Polygraph Institute.
42 U.S.C. 7101,
(a) This subpart establishes the criteria, procedures, and methods for resolving questions concerning the eligibility of individuals who are employed by, or applicants for employment with, Department of Energy (DOE) contractors, agents, and access permittees, individuals who are DOE employees or applicants for DOE employment, and other persons designated by the Secretary of Energy, for access to Restricted Data or special nuclear material, pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, or for access to national security information.
(b) This subpart is published to implement: Executive Order 12968, 60 FR 40245 (August 7, 1995); Executive Order 12958, 60 FR 19825 (April 20, 1995); Executive Order 10865, 25 FR 1583 (February 24, 1960), as amended; and Executive Order 10450, 18 FR 2489 (April 27, 1954), as amended. This subpart also provides for public information: selected provisions of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, set forth in appendix A to this subpart; and the 1997 Adjudicative Guidelines approved by the President and set forth in appendix B to this subpart.
The criteria and procedures outlined in this subpart shall be used in those cases in which there are questions of eligibility for DOE access authorization involving:
(a) Employees (including consultants) of, and applicants for employment with, contractors and agents of the DOE;
(b) Access permittees of the DOE and their employees (including consultants) and applicants for employment;
(c) Employees (including consultants) of, and applicants for employment with, the DOE; and
(d) Other persons designated by the Secretary of Energy.
The pertinent sections of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, relative to this regulation are set forth in Appendix A to this subpart.
(a) It is the policy of DOE to provide for the security of its programs in a manner consistent with traditional American concepts of justice and fairness. To this end, the Secretary has established criteria for determining eligibility for access authorization and procedures that will afford those individuals described in § 710.2 the opportunity for administrative review of questions concerning their eligibility for access authorization.
(b) It is also the policy of DOE that none of the procedures established by DOE for determining eligibility for access authorization shall be used for an improper purpose, including any attempt to coerce, restrain, threaten, intimidate, or retaliate against individuals for exercising their rights under any statute, regulation or DOE directive. Any DOE officer or employee violating, or causing the violation of this policy, shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.
(c) If the individual is currently awaiting a hearing or trial, or has been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment of six (6) months or longer, or is awaiting or serving a form of preprosecution probation, suspended or deferred sentencing, court ordered probation, or parole in conjunction with
(d) DOE may suspend processing an application for access authorization if sufficient information about the individual's background cannot be obtained to meet the investigative scope and extent requirements for the access authorization requested.
(e) DOE may suspend processing an application for access authorization until such time as a question regarding an individual's national allegiance is resolved. For example, if an individual is exercising rights of citizenship conferred by a country other than the United States, DOE will be concerned with whether granting access authorization to that individual constitutes an unacceptable national security risk.
(f) DOE may suspend processing an application for access authorization whenever an individual fails to fulfill the responsibilities described in § 710.6.
(g) If an individual believes that the provisions of paragraph (c), (d), or (e) of this section have been inappropriately applied, a written appeal may be filed with the Director, Office of Safeguards and Security, DOE Headquarters, within 30 calendar days of the date the individual was notified of the action. The Director, Office of Safeguards and Security, shall act on the written appeal as described in section 710.6(c).
(a) As used in this subpart:
(b) Throughout this subpart the use of the male gender shall include the female gender and vice versa.
(a) It is the responsibility of the individual to cooperate by providing full, frank, and truthful answers to DOE's relevant and material questions, and when requested, to furnish or authorize others to furnish information that the DOE deems pertinent to the individual's eligibility for DOE access authorization. This obligation to cooperate applies when completing security forms, during the course of a personnel security background investigation or reinvestigation, and at any stage of DOE's processing of the individual's access authorization, including but not limited to, personnel security interviews, DOE-sponsored mental evaluations, and other authorized DOE investigative activities under this subpart. The individual may elect not to cooperate; however, such refusal may prevent DOE from reaching an affirmative finding required for granting or continuing access authorization. In this event, any access authorization then in effect may be terminated, or, for applicants, further processing may be suspended.
(b) If the individual believes that the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section have been inappropriately applied in his case, he may file a written appeal of the action with the Director, Office of Safeguards and Security, DOE Headquarters, within 30 calendar days of the date he was notified of the action.
(c) Upon receipt of the written appeal, the Director, Office of Safeguards and Security, shall conduct an inquiry as to the circumstances involved in the action and shall, within 30 calendar days of receipt of the written appeal, notify the individual, in writing, as to whether the action to terminate or suspend processing of access authorization was appropriate. If the Director, Office of Safeguards and Security, determines that the action was inappropriate, he shall direct that the individual continue to be processed for access authorization, or that access authorization for the individual be reinstated.
(a) The decision as to access authorization is a comprehensive, common-sense judgment, made after consideration of all relevant information, favorable and unfavorable, as to whether the granting or continuation of access authorization will not endanger the common defense and security and is clearly consistent with the national interest. Any doubt as to an individual's access authorization eligibility shall be resolved in favor of the national security. Absent any derogatory information, a favorable determination usually will be made as to access authorization eligibility.
(b) To assist in making these determinations, on the basis of all the information in a particular case, there are set forth in this subpart criteria consisting of a number of specific types of derogatory information. These criteria are not exhaustive but contain the principal types of derogatory information which create a question as to the individual's eligibility for access authorization. DOE is not limited to these criteria or precluded from exercising its judgment that information or facts in a case under its cognizance are derogatory although at variance with, or outside the scope of, the stated categories. These criteria are subject to continuing review and may be revised from time to time as experience and circumstances may make desirable.
(c) In resolving a question concerning an individual's eligibility for access authorization, all DOE officials involved in the decision-making process shall consider: the nature, extent, and seriousness of the conduct; the circumstances surrounding the conduct, to include knowledgeable participation; the frequency and recency of the conduct; the age and maturity of the
Derogatory information shall include, but is not limited to, information that the individual has:
(a) Committed, prepared or attempted to commit, or aided, abetted or conspired with another to commit or attempt to commit any act of sabotage, espionage, treason, terrorism, or sedition.
(b) Knowingly established or continued a sympathetic association with a saboteur, spy, terrorist, traitor, seditionist, anarchist, or revolutionist, espionage agent, or representative of a foreign nation whose interests are inimical to the interests of the United States, its territories or possessions, or with any person advocating the use of force or violence to overthrow the Government of the United States or any state or subdivision thereof by unconstitutional means.
(c) Knowingly held membership in or had a knowing affiliation with, or has knowingly taken action which evidences a sympathetic association with the intent of furthering the aims of, or adhering to, and actively participating in, any foreign or domestic organization, association, movement, group, or combination of persons which advocates or practices the commission of acts of force or violence to prevent others from exercising their rights under the Constitution or Laws of the United States or any state or subdivision thereof by unlawful means.
(d) Publicly or privately advocated, or participated in the activities of a group or organization, which has as its goal, revolution by force or violence to overthrow the Government of the United States or the alteration of the form of Government of the United States by unconstitutional means with the knowledge that it will further those goals.
(e) Parent(s), brother(s), sister(s), spouse, or offspring residing in a nation whose interests may be inimical to the interests of the United States.
(f) Deliberately misrepresented, falsified, or omitted significant information from a Personnel Security Questionnaire, a Questionnaire for Sensitive (or National Security) Positions, a personnel qualifications statement, a personnel security interview, written or oral statements made in response to official inquiry on a matter that is relevant to a determination regarding eligibility for DOE access authorization, or proceedings conducted pursuant to § 710.20 through § 710.31.
(g) Failed to protect classified matter, or safeguard special nuclear material; or violated or disregarded security or safeguards regulations to a degree which would be inconsistent with the national security; or disclosed classified information to a person unauthorized to receive such information; or violated or disregarded regulations, procedures, or guidelines pertaining to classified or sensitive information technology systems.
(h) An illness or mental condition of a nature which, in the opinion of a psychiatrist or licensed clinical psychologist, causes or may cause, a significant defect in judgment or reliability.
(i) Refused to testify before a Congressional Committee, Federal or state court, or Federal administrative body, regarding charges relevant to eligibility for DOE, or another Federal agency's access authorization.
(j) Been, or is, a user of alcohol habitually to excess, or has been diagnosed by a psychiatrist or a licensed clinical psychologist as alcohol dependent or as suffering from alcohol abuse.
(k) Trafficked in, sold, transferred, possessed, used, or experimented with a drug or other substance listed in the Schedule of Controlled Substances established pursuant to section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 (such as marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates, narcotics, etc.) except as prescribed or administered by a physician licensed to dispense drugs in the practice of medicine, or as otherwise authorized by Federal law.
(l) Engaged in any unusual conduct or is subject to any circumstances which tend to show that the individual is not honest, reliable, or trustworthy; or which furnishes reason to believe that the individual may be subject to pressure, coercion, exploitation, or duress which may cause the individual to act contrary to the best interests of the national security. Such conduct or circumstances include, but are not limited to, criminal behavior, a pattern of financial irresponsibility, conflicting allegiances, or violation of any commitment or promise upon which DOE previously relied to favorably resolve an issue of access authorization eligibility.
(a) If the reports of investigation of an individual or other reliable information tend to establish the validity and significance of one or more items in the criteria, or of other reliable information or facts which are of security concern, although outside the scope of the stated categories, such information shall be regarded as derogatory and create a question as to the individual's access authorization eligibility.
(b) If a question arises as to the individual's access authorization eligibility, the Local Director of Security shall authorize the conduct of an interview with the individual, or other appropriate actions, which may include a DOE-sponsored mental evaluation, and, on the basis of the results of such interview or actions, may authorize the granting of the individual's access authorization. If, in the opinion of the Local Director of Security, the question as to the individual's access authorization eligibility has not been favorably resolved, he shall submit the matter to the Manager with a recommendation that authority be obtained to process the individual's case under administrative review procedures.
(c) If the Manager agrees that unresolved derogatory information is present and that appropriate attempts to resolve such derogatory information have been unsuccessful, he shall notify the Director, Office of Safeguards and Security, of his proposal to conduct an administrative review proceeding, accompanied by an explanation of the security concerns and a duplicate Personnel Security File. If the Manager believes that the derogatory information has been favorably resolved, he shall direct that access authorization be granted for the individual. The Manager may also direct the Local Director of Security to obtain additional information in the matter prior to deciding whether to grant the individual access authorization or to submit a request for authority to conduct an administrative review proceeding. A decision in the matter shall be rendered by the Manager within 10 calendar days of its receipt.
(d) Upon receipt of the Manager's notification, the Director, Office of Safeguards and Security, shall review the matter and confer with the Manager on:
(1) The institution of administrative review proceedings set forth in §§ 710.20 through 710.32;
(2) The granting of access authorization; or
(3) Other actions as the Director deems appropriate.
(e) The Director, Office of Safeguards and Security, shall act pursuant to one of these options within 30 calendar days of the receipt of the Manager's notification unless an extension is granted by the Director, Office of Security Affairs.
(a) If information is received that raises a question concerning an individual's continued access authorization eligibility, the Local Director of Security shall authorize action(s), to be taken on an expedited basis, to resolve the question pursuant to § 710.9(b). If the question as to the individual's continued access authorization eligibility is not resolved in favor of the individual, the Local Director of Security shall submit the matter to the Manager with a recommendation that the individual's access authorization be
(b) Within two working days of receipt of the recommendation from the Local Director of Security to suspend the individual's DOE access authorization, the Manager shall review the matter and authorize continuation or suspension of access authorization. The access authorization of an individual shall not be suspended except by the direction of the Manager. This authority to suspend access authorization may not be delegated but may be exercised by a person who has been designated in writing as Acting Manager.
(c) Upon suspension of an individual's access authorization pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section, the individual, the individual's employer, any other DOE Operations Office having an access authorization interest in the individual, and, if known, any other government agency where the individual holds an access authorization, security clearance, or access approval, or to which the DOE has certified the individual's DOE access authorization, shall be notified immediately. The Central Personnel Clearance Index shall also be updated. Notification to the individual shall be made in writing and shall reflect, in general terms, the reason(s) why the suspension has been effected. Pending final determination of the individual's eligibility for access authorization from the operation of the procedures provided in this subpart, the individual shall not be afforded access to classified matter, special nuclear material, or unescorted access to security areas that require the individual to possess a DOE access authorization.
(d) Following the decision to suspend an individual's DOE access authorization, the Manager shall immediately notify the Director, Office of Safeguards and Security, of the action and the reason(s) therefore. In addition, the Manager, within 10 calendar days of the date of suspension, shall notify the Director, Office of Safeguards and Security, of his proposal to conduct an administrative review proceeding, accompanied by an explanation of its basis and a duplicate Personnel Security File.
(e) Upon receipt of the Manager's notification, the Director, Office of Safeguards and Security, shall review the matter and confer with the Manager on:
(1) The institution of administrative review procedures set forth in §§ 710.20 through 710.32;
(2) The reinstatement of access authorization; or
(3) Other actions as the Director deems appropriate.
(f) The Director, Office of Safeguards and Security, shall act pursuant to one of these options within 30 calendar days of the receipt of the Manager's notification unless an extension is granted by the Director, Office of Security Affairs.
These procedures establish methods for the conduct of the administrative review of questions concerning an individual's eligibility for access authorization when it is determined that such questions cannot be favorably resolved by interview or other action.
(a) Unless an extension is authorized by the Director, Office of Safeguards and Security, within 30 calendar days of receipt of authority to institute administrative review procedures, the Manager shall prepare and deliver to the individual a notification letter approved by the local Office of Chief Counsel, or the Office of General Counsel for Headquarters cases. Where practicable, the letter shall be delivered to the individual in person.
(b) The letter shall state:
(1) That reliable information in the possession of DOE has created a substantial doubt concerning the individual's eligibility for access authorization.
(2) The information which creates a substantial doubt regarding the individual's access authorization eligibility (which shall be as comprehensive and detailed as the national security
(3) That the individual has the option to have the substantial doubt regarding eligibility for access authorization resolved in one of two ways:
(i) By the Manager, without a hearing, on the basis of the existing information in the case;
(ii) By personal appearance before a Hearing Officer (a “hearing”).
(4) That, if the individual desires a hearing, the individual must, within 20 calendar days of the date of receipt of the notification letter, indicate this in writing to the Manager from whom the letter was received.
(5) That the individual may also file with the Manager the individual's written answer to the reported information which raises the question of the individual's eligibility for access authorization, and that, if the individual requests a hearing without filing a written answer, the request shall be deemed a general denial of all of the reported information.
(6) That, if the individual so requests, a hearing will be scheduled before a Hearing Officer, with due regard for the convenience and necessity of the parties or their representatives, for the purpose of affording the individual an opportunity of supporting his eligibility for access authorization;
(7) That, if a hearing is requested, the individual will have the right to appear personally before a Hearing Officer; to present evidence in his own behalf, through witnesses, or by documents, or both; and, subject to the limitations set forth in § 710.26(g), to be present during the entire hearing and be accompanied, represented, and advised by counsel or representative of the individual's choosing and at the individual's own expense;
(8) That the individual's failure to file a timely written request for a hearing before a Hearing Officer in accordance with paragraph (b)(4) of this section, unless time deadlines are extended for good cause, will be considered as a relinquishment by the individual of the right to a hearing provided in this subpart, and that in such event a final decision will be made by the Manager; and
(9) That in any proceedings under this subpart DOE Counsel will be participating on behalf of and representing the Department of Energy, and that any statements made by the individual to DOE Counsel may be used in subsequent proceedings.
(c) The notification letter referenced in paragraph (b) of this section shall also:
(1) Describe the individual's access authorization status until further notice;
(2) Advise the individual of the right to representation at the individual's own expense at each and every stage of the proceedings;
(3) Provide the name and telephone number of the designated DOE official to contact for any further information desired concerning the proceedings, including an explanation of the individual's rights under the Freedom of Information and Privacy Acts; and
(4) Include a copy of this subpart.
(a) The Manager shall make an initial decision as to the individual's access authorization eligibility based on the existing information in the case if:
(1) The individual fails to respond to the notification letter by filing a timely written request for a hearing before a Hearing Officer or fails to respond to the notification letter after requesting an extension of time to do so;
(2) The individual's response to the notification letter does not request a hearing before a Hearing Officer; or
(3) The Hearing Officer refers the individual's case to the Manager in accordance with § 710.25(e) or § 710.26(b).
(b) Unless an extension of time is granted by the Director, Office of Safeguards and Security, the Manager's initial decision as to the individual's access authorization eligibility shall be made within 15 calendar days of the date of receipt of the information in paragraph (a) of this section. The Manager shall either grant or deny, or reinstate or revoke, the individual's access authorization.
(c) A letter reflecting the Manager's initial decision in the individual's case
(1) Of the Manager's unfavorable decision and the reason(s) therefor;
(2) That within 30 calendar days from the date of receipt of the letter, he may file a written request for a review of the Manager's initial decision through the Director, Office of Safeguards and Security, DOE Headquarters, to the DOE Headquarters Appeal Panel (hereafter referred to as the “Appeal Panel”);
(3) That the Director, Office of Safeguards and Security, may, for good cause shown, at the written request of the individual, extend the time for filing a written request for a review of the case by the Appeal Panel; and
(4) That if the written request for a review of the Manager's initial decision by the Appeal Panel is not filed within 30 calendar days of the individual's receipt of the Manager's letter, the Manager's initial decision in the case shall be final.
The Manager may, for good cause shown, at the written request of the individual, extend the time for filing a written request for a hearing, and/or the time for filing a written answer to the matters contained in the notification letter. The Manager shall notify the Director, Office of Safeguards and Security, when such extensions have been approved.
(a) Upon receipt from the individual of a written request for a hearing, an attorney shall forthwith be assigned by the Manager to act as DOE Counsel.
(b) DOE Counsel is authorized to consult directly with the individual if he is not represented by counsel, or with the individual's counsel or representative if so represented, to clarify issues and reach stipulations with respect to testimony and contents of documents and other physical evidence. Such stipulations shall be binding upon the individual and the DOE Counsel for the purposes of this subpart.
(a) Upon receipt of a request for a hearing, the Manager shall in a timely manner transmit that request to the Office of Hearings and Appeals, and identify the DOE Counsel. The Manager shall at the same time transmit a copy of the notification letter and the individual's response to the Office of Hearings and Appeals.
(b) Upon receipt of the hearing request from the Manager, the Director, Office of Hearings and Appeals, shall appoint, as soon as practicable, a Hearing Officer.
(c) Immediately upon appointment of the Hearing Officer, the Office of Hearings and Appeals shall notify the individual and DOE Counsel of the Hearing Officer's identity and the address to which all further correspondence should be sent.
(d) The Hearing Officer shall have all powers necessary to regulate the conduct of proceedings under this subpart, including, but not limited to, establishing a list of persons to receive service of papers, issuing subpoenas for witnesses to attend the hearing or for the production of specific documents or other physical evidence, administering oaths and affirmations, ruling upon motions, receiving evidence, regulating the course of the hearing, disposing of procedural requests or similar matters, and taking other actions consistent with the regulations in this subpart. Requests for subpoenas shall be liberally granted except where the Hearing Officer finds that the grant of subpoenas would clearly result in evidence or testimony that is repetitious, incompetent, irrelevant, or immaterial to the issues in the case. The Hearing Officer may take sworn testimony, sequester witnesses, and control the dissemination or reproduction of any record or testimony taken pursuant to this part, including correspondence, or
(e) The Hearing Officer will determine the day, time, and place for the hearing. Hearings will normally be held at or near the appropriate DOE facility, unless the Hearing Officer determines that another location would be more appropriate. Normally the location for the hearing will be selected for the convenience of all participants. In the event the individual fails to appear at the time and place specified, the record in the case shall be closed and returned to the Manager, who will then make a final determination regarding the eligibility of the individual for DOE access authorization.
(f) At least 7 calendar days prior to the date scheduled for the hearing, the Hearing Officer will convene a prehearing conference for the purpose of discussing stipulations and exhibits, identifying witnesses, and disposing of other appropriate matters. The conference will usually be conducted by telephone.
(g) Hearings shall commence within 90 calendar days from the date the individual's request for hearing is received by the Office of Hearings and Appeals. Any extension of the hearing date past 90 calendar days from the date the request for hearing is received by the Office of Hearings and Appeals shall be approved by the Director, Office of Hearings and Appeals.
(a) In all hearings conducted under this subpart, the individual shall have the right to be represented by a person of his own choosing. The individual is responsible for producing witnesses in his own behalf, including requesting the issuance of subpoenas, if necessary, or presenting other proof before the Hearing Officer to support his defense to the allegations contained in the notification letter. With the exception of procedural or scheduling matters, the Hearing Officer is prohibited from initiating or otherwise engaging in ex parte discussions about the case during the pendency of proceedings under this part.
(b) Unless the Hearing Officer finds good cause for granting a waiver of this paragraph or granting an extension of time, in the event that the individual unduly delays the hearing, such as by failure to meet deadlines set by the Hearing Officer, the record shall be closed, and a final decision shall be made by the Manager on the basis of the record in the case.
(c) Hearings shall be open only to DOE Counsel, duly authorized representatives of the staff of DOE, the individual and his counsel or other representatives, and such other persons as may be authorized by the Hearing Officer. Unless otherwise ordered by the Hearing Officer, witnesses shall testify in the presence of the individual but not in the presence of other witnesses.
(d) DOE Counsel shall assist the Hearing Officer in establishing a complete administrative hearing record in the proceeding and bringing out a full and true disclosure of all facts, both favorable and unfavorable, having a bearing on the issues before the Hearing Officer. The individual shall be afforded the opportunity of presenting evidence, including testimony by the individual in the individual's own behalf. The proponent of a witness shall conduct the direct examination of that witness. All witnesses shall be subject to cross- examination, if possible. Whenever reasonably possible, testimony shall be given in person.
(e) The Hearing Officer may ask the witnesses any questions which the Hearing Officer deems appropriate to assure the fullest possible disclosure of relevant and material facts.
(f) During the course of the hearing, the Hearing Officer shall rule on all questions presented to the Hearing Officer for the Hearing Officer's determination.
(g) In the event it appears during the course of the hearing that Restricted Data or national security information may be disclosed, it shall be the duty of the Hearing Officer to assure that disclosure is not made to persons who are not authorized to receive it.
(h) Formal rules of evidence shall not apply, but the Federal Rules of Evidence may be used as a guide for procedures and principles designed to assure
(i) Testimony of the individual and witnesses shall be given under oath or affirmation. Attention of the individual and each witness shall be directed to 18 U.S.C. 1001 and 18 U.S.C. 1621.
(j) The Hearing Officer shall endeavor to obtain all the facts that are reasonably available in order to arrive at findings. If, prior to or during the proceedings, in the opinion of the Hearing Officer, the allegations in the notification letter are not sufficient to cover all matters into which inquiry should be directed, the Hearing Officer shall recommend to the Operations Office Manager concerned that, in order to give more adequate notice to the individual, the notification letter should be amended. Any amendment shall be made with the concurrence of the local Office of Chief Counsel or the Office of General Counsel in Headquarters cases. If, in the opinion of the Hearing Officer, the circumstances of such amendment may involve undue hardships to the individual because of limited time to answer the new allegations in the notification letter, an appropriate adjournment shall be granted upon the request of the individual.
(k) A written or oral statement of a person relating to the characterization in the notification letter of any organization or person other than the individual may be received and considered by the Hearing Officer without affording the individual an opportunity to cross-examine the person making the statement on matters relating to the characterization of such organization or person, provided the individual is given notice that it has been received and may be considered by the Hearing Officer, and is informed of its contents provided such is not prohibited by paragraph (g) of this section.
(l) Any oral or written statement adverse to the individual relating to a controverted issue may be received and considered by the Hearing Officer without affording an opportunity for cross-examination in either of the following circumstances:
(1) The head of the agency supplying the statement certifies that the person who furnished the information is a confidential informant who has been engaged in obtaining intelligence information for the Government and that disclosure of the informant's identity would be substantially harmful to the national interest;
(2) The Secretary or his special designee for that particular purpose has preliminarily determined, after considering information furnished by the investigative agency as to the reliability of the person and the accuracy of the statement concerned, that:
(i) The statement concerned appears to be reliable and material; and
(ii) Failure of the Hearing Officer to receive and consider such statement would, in view of the access sought to Restricted Data, national security information, or special nuclear material, be substantially harmful to the national security and that the person who furnished the information cannot appear to testify
(A) Due to death, severe illness, or similar cause, in which case the identity of the person and the information to be considered shall be made available to the individual, or
(B) Due to some other specified cause determined by the head of the agency to be good and sufficient.
(m) Whenever procedures under paragraph (l) of this section are used:
(1) The individual shall be given a summary or description of the information which shall be as comprehensive
(2) Appropriate consideration shall be accorded to the fact that the individual did not have an opportunity to cross-examine such person(s).
(n) Records compiled in the regular course of business, or other physical evidence other than investigative reports obtained by DOE, may be received and considered subject to rebuttal without authenticating witnesses provided that such information has been furnished to DOE by an investigative agency pursuant to its responsibilities in connection with assisting the Secretary to safeguard Restricted Data, national security information, or special nuclear material.
(o) Records compiled in the regular course of business, or other physical evidence other than investigative reports, relating to a controverted issue which, because they are classified, may not be inspected by the individual, may be received and considered provided that:
(1) The Secretary or his special designee for that particular purpose has made a preliminary determination that such physical evidence appears to be material;
(2) The Secretary or his special designee for that particular purpose has made a determination that failure to receive and consider such physical evidence would, in view of the access sought to Restricted Data, national security information, or special nuclear material sought, be substantially harmful to the national security; and
(3) To the extent that national security permits, a summary or description of such physical evidence is made available to the individual. In every such case, information as to the authenticity and accuracy of such physical evidence furnished by the investigative agency shall be considered.
(p) The Hearing Officer may request the Local Director of Security to arrange for additional investigation on any points which are material to the deliberations of the Hearing Officer and which the Hearing Officer believes need further investigation or clarification. In this event, the Hearing Officer shall set forth in writing those issues upon which more evidence is requested, identifying where possible persons or sources from which the evidence should be sought. The Local Director of Security shall make every effort through appropriate sources to obtain additional information upon the matters indicated by the Hearing Officer.
(q) A written transcript of the entire proceedings shall be made and, except for portions containing Restricted Data or national security information, a copy of such transcript shall be furnished the individual without cost.
(r) Whenever information is made a part of the record under the exceptions authorized by paragraphs (l) or (o) of this section, the record shall contain certificates evidencing that the determinations required therein have been made.
(a) The Hearing Officer shall carefully consider the record in view of the standards set forth herein and shall render a decision as to whether the grant or restoration of access authorization to the individual would not endanger the common defense and security and would be clearly consistent with the national interest. In resolving a question concerning the eligibility of an individual for access authorization under these procedures, the Hearing Officer shall consider the factors stated in paragraph 710.7(c) to determine whether the findings will be adverse or favorable.
(b) In reaching the findings, the Hearing Officer shall consider the demeanor of the witnesses who have testified at the hearing, the probability or likelihood of the truth of their testimony, their credibility, and the authenticity and accuracy of documentary evidence, or lack of evidence on any material points in issue. If the individual is, or may be, handicapped by the non-disclosure to the individual of confidential information or by lack of opportunity to cross-examine confidential informants, the Hearing Officer shall take that fact into consideration. Possible impact of the loss of the individual's access authorization upon the DOE program shall not be considered by the Hearing Officer.
(c) The Hearing Officer shall make specific findings based upon the record
(d) The Hearing Officer's decision shall be based on the Hearing Officer's findings of fact. If, after considering all of the factors in light of the criteria set forth in this subpart, the Hearing Officer is of the opinion that it will not endanger the common defense and security and will be clearly consistent with the national interest to grant or reinstate access authorization for the individual, the Hearing Officer shall render a favorable decision; otherwise, the Hearing Officer shall render an unfavorable decision. Within 15 calendar days of the Hearing Officer's written decision, the Hearing Officer shall provide copies of the decision and the administrative record to the Manager and the Director, Office of Safeguards and Security.
(a) Within 10 calendar days of receipt of the decision and the administrative record, unless an extension of time is granted by the Director, Office of Safeguards and Security, the Manager shall:
(1) Notify the individual in writing of the Hearing Officer's decision;
(2) Advise the individual in writing of the appeal procedures available to the individual in paragraph (b) of this section if the decision is unfavorable to the individual;
(3) Advise the individual in writing of the appeal procedures available to the Manager and the Director, Office of Safeguards and Security, in paragraph (c) of this section if the decision is favorable to the individual; and,
(4) Provide the individual and/or counsel or representative, a copy of the Hearing Officer's decision and the administrative record.
(b) If the Hearing Officer's decision is unfavorable to the individual:
(1) The individual may file with the Director, Office of Safeguards and Security, a written request for further review of the decision by the Appeal Panel along with a statement required by paragraph (e) of this section within 30 calendar days of the individual's receipt of the Manager's notice;
(2) The Director, Office of Safeguards and Security may, for good cause shown, extend the time for filing a request for further review of the decision by the Appeal Panel at the written request of the individual provided the request for an extension of time is filed by the individual within 30 calendar days of receipt of the Manager's notice;
(3) The Hearing Officer's decision shall be considered final if the individual does not: file a written request for a review of the decision by the Appeal Panel or for an extension of time to file a written request for further review of the decision by the Appeal Panel in accordance with paragraphs (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this section; or, file a written request for a further review of the decision by the Appeal Panel after having been granted an extension of time to do so.
(c) If the Hearing Officer's decision is favorable to the individual, within 30 calendar days of the individual's receipt of the Manager's notice:
(1) The Manager or the Director, Office of Safeguards and Security, may file a written request for further review of the decision by the Appeal Panel along with the statement required by paragraph (e) of this section;
(2) The Director, Office of Security Affairs, may, at the written request of the Manager or Director, Office of Safeguards and Security, extend the time for filing a request for further review of the decision by the Appeal Panel; or
(3) The Manager, with the concurrence of the Director, Office of Safeguards and Security, shall grant or reinstate the individual's access authorization.
(d) A copy of any request for further review of the individual's case by the Appeal Panel filed by the Manager or the Director, Office of Safeguards and Security, shall be provided to the individual by the Manager.
(e) The party filing a request for review of the individual's case by the Appeal Panel shall include with the request a statement identifying the issues on which it wishes the Appeal Panel to focus. A copy of such statement shall be served on the other party, who may file a response with the Appeal Panel within 20 calendar days of receipt of the statement.
(a) The Appeal Panel shall be convened by the Director, Office of Security Affairs, to review and render a final decision in an access authorization eligibility case referred by the individual, the Manager, or the Director, Office of Safeguards and Security, in accordance with §§ 710.22, 710.28, and 710.32.
(b) The Appeal Panel shall consist of three members, each of whom shall be a DOE Headquarters employee, a United States citizen, and hold a DOE Q access authorization. The Director, Office of Security Affairs, shall serve as a permanent member of the Appeal Panel and as the Appeal Panel Chairman. The second member of the Appeal Panel shall be a DOE attorney designated by the General Counsel. The head of the DOE Headquarters element who has cognizance over the individual whose access authorization eligibility is being considered may designate an employee to act as the third member on the Appeal Panel; otherwise, the third member will be designated by the Chairman. Only one member of the Appeal Panel shall be from the security field.
(c) In filing a written request for a review by the Appeal Panel in accordance with §§ 710.22 and 710.28, the individual, or the counsel or representative, shall identify the relevant issues and may also submit any relevant material in support of the individual. The individual's written request and supportive material shall be made a part of the administrative record. The Director, Office of Safeguards and Security, shall provide staff support to the Appeal Panel as requested by the Director, Office of Security Affairs.
(d) Within 15 calendar days from the date of receipt of a request for a review of a case by the Appeal Panel, the Director, Office of Security Affairs, shall:
(1) Request the General Counsel to designate an attorney who shall serve as an Appeal Panel member;
(2) Either request the head of the cognizant DOE element to designate, or himself designate, an employee from outside the security field who shall serve as the third member of the Appeal Panel; and
(3) Arrange for the Appeal Panel members to convene to review the administrative record or provide a copy of the administrative record to the other Appeal Panel members for their independent review.
(e) The Appeal Panel may initiate an investigation of any statement or material contained in the request for an Appeal Panel review and use any relevant facts obtained by such investigation in the conduct of the final decision process. The Appeal Panel may solicit and accept submissions from either the individual or DOE officials that are relevant to the final decision process and may establish appropriate time frames to allow for such submissions. The Appeal Panel may also consider any other source of information that will advance the final decision process, provided that both parties are afforded an opportunity to respond to all third party submissions. All information obtained by the Appeal Panel under this section shall be made a part of the administrative record.
(f) Within 45 work days of the closing of the administrative record, the Appeal Panel shall render a final written decision in the case predicated upon an evaluation of the administrative record, findings as to each of the allegations contained in the notification letter, and any new evidence that may have been submitted pursuant to § 710.30. If a majority of the Appeal Panel members determine that it will not endanger the common defense and security and will be clearly consistent with the national interest, the Director, Office of Security Affairs, shall grant or reinstate access authorization for the individual; otherwise, the Director, Office of Security Affairs, shall deny or revoke access authorization for
(g) The Director, Office of Security Affairs, through the Director, Office of Safeguards and Security, shall inform in writing the individual involved and counsel or representative of the Appeal Panel's final decision. A copy of the correspondence shall also be provided to the other panel members and the Manager.
(h) If, upon receipt of a written request for a review of the individual's case by the Appeal Panel, the Director, Office of Security Affairs, is aware or subsequently becomes aware of information that the individual is the subject of an unresolved inquiry or investigation of a matter that could reasonably be expected to affect the individual's DOE access authorization eligibility, the Director may defer action by the Appeal Panel on the request until the inquiry or investigation is completed and its results available for review by the Appeal Panel. In such instances, the Director, Office of Security Affairs, shall:
(1) Obtain written approval from the Secretary to defer review of the individual's case by the Appeal Panel for an initial interval not to exceed 90 calendar days;
(2) Advise the individual and appropriate DOE officials in writing of the initial deferral and the reason(s) therefor;
(3) Request that the individual's employment status not be affected during the initial and any subsequent deferral interval, except at the written request of the individual;
(4) Obtain written approval from the Secretary to extend the deferral for each subsequent 90 calendar day interval and advise in writing all concerned parties of the Secretary's approval;
(5) Inform in writing all concerned parties when the inquiry or investigation has been completed and the results made available to the Appeal Panel.
(i) If, upon receipt of a written request for review of an individual's case by the Appeal Panel, the Director, Office of Security Affairs, is aware or subsequently becomes aware of information that adversely affects the individual's DOE access authorization eligibility and that cannot for national security reasons be disclosed in the proceedings before a DOE Hearing Officer, the Director may refer the information and the administrative record to the Secretary for the final decision as to the individual's DOE access authorization eligibility. In such instances, the Director, Office of Security Affairs, shall notify in writing all concerned parties that the individual's case has been provided to the Secretary for a final decision in accordance with § 710.31.
(j) Upon the recommendation of the Appeal Panel, the Secretary may exercise the appeal authority of the Appeal Panel. If the Secretary exercises the appeal authority, then the decision of the Secretary is final.
(a) In the event of the discovery of new evidence relevant to the allegations contained in the notification letter prior to final decision of the individual's eligibility for access authorization, such evidence shall be submitted by the offering party to the Director, Office of Safeguards and Security. DOE Counsel shall notify the individual of any new evidence submitted by DOE.
(b) The Director, Office of Safeguards and Security, shall:
(1) Refer the matter to the Hearing Officer appointed in the individual's case if the Hearing Officer has not yet issued a decision. The Hearing Officer receiving the application for the presentation of new evidence shall determine the appropriate form in which any new evidence, and the other party's response, shall be received, e.g., by testimony before the Hearing Officer, by deposition or by affidavit.
(2) In those cases where the Hearing Officer's decision has been issued, the application for presentation of new evidence shall be referred to the Director, Office of Security Affairs. In the event that the Director, Office of Security Affairs, determines that the new evidence shall be received, he shall determine the form in which it, and the other party's response, shall be received.
(c) When new evidence submitted by either party is received into the record, the opposing party shall be afforded the opportunity to cross-examine the source of the new information or to submit a written response, unless the information is subject to the exceptions in § 710.26 (l) or (o).
(a) Whenever an individual has not been afforded an opportunity to cross-examine witnesses who have furnished information adverse to the individual under the provisions of §§ 710.26(l) or (o), or the opportunity to review and respond to the information provided by the Director, Office of Security Affairs, to the Secretary under § 710.29(i), only the Secretary may issue a final decision to deny or revoke DOE access authorization for the individual after personally reviewing the administrative record and any additional material provided by the Director, Office of Security Affairs. The Secretary's authority may not be delegated and may be exercised only when the Secretary determines that the circumstances described in § 710.26(l) or (o), or § 710.29(i) are present, and such determination shall be final.
(b) Whenever the Secretary issues a final decision as to the individual's DOE access authorization eligibility, the individual and other concerned parties will be notified in writing, by the Director, Office of Security Affairs, of that decision and of the Secretary's findings with respect to each of the allegations contained in the notification letter and each substantial issue identified in the statement in support of the request for review to the extent allowed by the national security.
(c) Nothing contained in these procedures shall be deemed to limit or affect the responsibility and powers of the Secretary to issue subpoenas or to deny or revoke access to Restricted Data, national security information, or special nuclear material.
(d) Only the Secretary may approve initial and subsequent requests under § 710.29(h) by the Director, Office of Security Affairs, to defer the review of an individual's case by the Appeal Panel.
(a) If, pursuant to the procedures set forth in §§ 710.20 through 710.31 the Manager, Hearing Officer, Appeal Panel, or the Secretary has made a decision granting or reinstating access authorization for an individual, the individual's access authorization eligibility shall be reconsidered as a new administrative review under the procedures set forth in this subpart when previously unconsidered derogatory information is identified, or the individual violates a commitment or promise upon which the DOE previously relied to favorably resolve an issue of access authorization eligibility.
(b) If, pursuant to the procedures set forth in §§ 710.20 through 710.31 the Manager, Hearing Officer, Appeal Panel, or the Secretary has made a decision denying or revoking access authorization for the individual, the individual's access authorization eligibility may be reconsidered only when the individual so requests, when there is a bona fide offer of employment requiring access to Restricted Data, national security information, or special nuclear material, and when there is either:
(1) Material and relevant new evidence which the individual and the individual's representatives are without fault in failing to present earlier, or
(2) Convincing evidence of rehabilitation or reformation.
(c) A request for reconsideration shall be submitted in writing to the Director, Office of Security Affairs, accompanied by an affidavit setting forth in detail the new evidence or evidence of rehabilitation or reformation. If the Director, Office of Security Affairs, determines that the regulatory requirements for reconsideration have been met, the Director shall notify the individual that the individual's access authorization shall be reconsidered in accordance with established procedures for determining eligibility for access authorizations.
(d) If the individual's access authorization is not reinstated following reconsideration, the individual shall be advised by the Director, Office of Safeguards and Security, in writing:
(1) Of the unfavorable action and the reason(s) therefor; and
(2) That within 30 calendar days from the date of receipt of the notification, he may file, through the Director, Office of Safeguards and Security, DOE Headquarters, a written request for a review of the decision by the Appeal Panel, in accordance with § 710.29.
If the individual is no longer an applicant for access authorization or no longer requires access authorization, the procedures of this subpart shall be terminated without a final decision as to the individual's access authorization eligibility, unless a final decision has been rendered prior to the DOE being notified of the change in the individual's pending access authorization status.
In the event the individual is represented by an attorney or other representatives, the individual shall file with the Hearing Officer and DOE Counsel a document designating such attorney or representatives and authorizing one such attorney or representative to receive all correspondence, transcripts, and other documents pertaining to the proceeding under this subpart.
Statements of time established for processing aspects of a case under this subpart are the agency's desired time frames in implementing the procedures set forth in this subpart. However, failure to meet the time frames shall have no impact upon the final disposition of an access authorization by a Manager, Hearing Officer, the Appeal Panel, or the Secretary, and shall confer no procedural or substantive rights upon an individual whose access authorization eligibility is being considered.
Except for the Secretary, the responsibilities and authorities conferred in this subpart may be exercised by persons who have been designated in writing as acting for, or in the temporary capacity of, the following DOE positions: The Local Director of Security, the Manager, the Director, Office of Safeguards and Security, or the General Counsel. The responsibilities and authorities of the Director, Office of Security Affairs, may be exercised in his absence only by the Deputy Director, Office of Security Affairs.
Sec. 141. Policy. It shall be the policy of the Commission to control the dissemination and declassification of Restricted Data in such a manner as to assure the common defense and security. * * *
Sec. 145. Restriction. (a) No arrangement shall be made under section 31, no contract shall be made or continued in effect under section 141, and no license shall be issued under section 103 or 104, unless the person with whom such arrangement is made, the contractor or prospective contractor, or the prospective licensee agrees in writing not to permit any individual to have access to Restricted Data until the Civil Service Commission shall have made an investigation and report to the Commission on the character, associations, and loyalty of such individual, and the Commission shall have determined that permitting such person to have access to Restricted Data will not endanger the common defense and security.
(b) Except as authorized by the Commission or the General Manager upon a determination by the Commission or General
(c) In lieu of the investigation and report to be made by the Civil Service Commission pursuant to subsection (b) of this appendix, the Commission may accept an investigation and report on the character, associations, and loyalty of an individual made by another Government agency which conducts personnel security investigations, provided that a security clearance has been granted to such individual by another Government agency based on such investigation and report.
(d) In the event an investigation made pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of this appendix develops any data reflecting that the individual who is the subject of the investigation is of questionable loyalty, the Civil Service Commission shall refer the matter to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the conduct of a full field investigation, the results of which shall be furnished to the Civil Service Commission for its information and appropriate action.
(e) If the President deems it to be in the national interest he may from time to time determine that investigations of any group or class which are required by subsections (a), (b), and (c) of this appendix be made by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
(f) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (a), (b), and (c) of this appendix, a majority of the members of the Commission shall certify those specific positions which are of a high degree of importance or sensitivity, and upon such certification, the investigation and reports required by such provisions shall be made by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
(g) The Commission shall establish standards and specifications in writing as to the scope and extent of investigations, the reports of which will be utilized by the Commission in making the determination, pursuant to subsections (a), (b), and (c) of this appendix, that permitting a person access to Restricted Data will not endanger the common defense and security. Such standards and specifications shall be based on the location and class or kind of work to be done, and shall, among other considerations, take into account the degree of importance to the common defense and security of the Restricted Data to which access will be permitted.
(h) Whenever the Congress declares that a state of war exists, or in the event of a national disaster due to enemy attack, the Commission is authorized during the state of war or period of national disaster due to enemy attack to employ individuals and to permit individuals access to Restricted Data pending the investigation report, and determination required by section 145b, to the extent that and so long as the Commission finds that such action is required to prevent impairment of its activities in furtherance of the common defense and security.
Sec. 161. General provisions. In the performance of its functions the Commission is authorized to:
(a) Establish advisory boards to advise with and make recommendations to the Commission on legislation, policies, administration, research, and other matters, provided that the Commission issues regulations setting forth the scope, procedure, and limitations of the authority of each such board;
(b) Establish by rule, regulation, or order, such standards and instructions to govern the possession and use of special nuclear material, source material, and byproduct material as the Commission may deem necessary or desirable to promote the common defense and security or to protect health or to minimize danger to life or property;
(c) Make such studies and investigations, obtain such information, and hold such meetings or hearings as the Commission may deem necessary or proper to assist it in exercising any authority provided in this chapter, or in the administration or enforcement of this Act, or any regulations or orders issued thereunder. For such purposes the Commission is authorized to administer oaths and affirmations, and by subpoena to require any person to appear and testify, or to appear and produce documents, or both, at any designated place. Witnesses subpoenaed under this subsection, shall be paid the same fees and mileage as are paid witnesses in the district courts of the United States.
(i) Prescribe such regulations or orders as it may deem necessary (1) to protect Restricted Data received by any person in connection with any activity authorized pursuant to this Act, (2) to guard against the loss or diversion of any special nuclear material acquired by any person pursuant to section 53 or produced by any person in connection with any activity authorized pursuant to the Act, to prevent any use or disposition thereof which the Commission may determine to be inimical to the common defense and security, including regulations or orders designating activities, involving quantities of special nuclear material which in the opinion of
(n) Delegate to the General Manager or other officers of the Commission any of those functions assigned to it under this Act except those specified in sections 51, 57b, 61, 108, 123, 145b (with respect to the determination of those persons to whom the Commission may reveal Restricted Data in the national interest), 145f, and 161a;
(p) Make, promulgate, issue, rescind, and amend such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
1.
2.
(a) The adjudicative process is an examination of a sufficient period of a person's life to make an affirmative determination that the person is eligible for a security clearance. Eligibility for access to classified information is predicated upon the individual meeting these personnel security guidelines. The adjudicative process is the careful weighing of a number of variables known as the whole person concept. Available, reliable information about the person, past and present, favorable and unfavorable, should be considered in reaching a determination. In evaluating the relevance of an individual's conduct, the adjudicator should consider the following factors:
(1) The nature, extent, and seriousness of the conduct;
(2) The circumstances surrounding the conduct, to include knowledgeable participation;
(3) The frequency and recency of the conduct;
(4) The individual's age and maturity at the time of the conduct;
(5) The voluntariness of participation;
(6) The presence or absence of rehabilitation and other pertinent behavioral changes;
(7) The motivation for the conduct;
(8) The potential for pressure, coercion, exploitation, or duress; and
(9) The likelihood of continuation or recurrence.
(b) Each case must be judged on its own merits, and final determination remains the responsibility of the specific department or agency. Any doubt as to whether access to classified information is clearly consistent with national security will be resolved in favor of the national security.
(c) The ultimate determination of whether the granting or continuing of eligibility for a security clearance is clearly consistent with the interests of national security must be an overall common sense determination based upon careful consideration of the following, each of which is to be evaluated in the context of the whole person concept, as explained further below:
(1) Guideline A: Allegiance to the United States;
(2) Guideline B: Foreign influence;
(3) Guideline C: Foreign preference;
(4) Guideline D: Sexual behavior;
(5) Guideline E: Personal conduct;
(6) Guideline F: Financial considerations;
(7) Guideline G: Alcohol consumption;
(8) Guideline H: Drug involvement;
(9) Guideline I: Emotional, mental, and personality disorders;
(10) Guideline J: Criminal Conduct;
(11) Guideline K: Security violations;
(12) Guideline L: Outside activities;
(13) Guideline M: Misuse of Information Technology Systems.
(d) Although adverse information concerning a single criterion may not be sufficient for an unfavorable determination, the individual may be disqualified if available information reflects a recent or recurring pattern of questionable judgment, irresponsibility, or emotionally unstable behavior. Notwithstanding, the whole person concept, pursuit of further investigation may be terminated by an appropriate adjudicative agency in the face of reliable, significant, disqualifying, adverse information.
(e) When information of security concern becomes known about an individual who is currently eligible for access to classified information, the adjudicator should consider whether the person:
(1) Voluntarily reported the information;
(2) Was truthful and complete in responding to questions;
(3) Sought assistance and followed professional guidance, where appropriate;
(4) Resolved or appears likely to favorably resolve the security concern;
(5) Has demonstrated positive changes in behavior and employment;
(6) Should have his or her access temporarily suspended pending final adjudication of the information.
(f) If after evaluating information of security concern, the adjudicator decides that the information is not serious enough to warrant a recommendation of disapproval or revocation of the security clearance, it may be appropriate to recommend approval with a warning that future incidents of a similar nature may result in revocation of access.
3.
4.
(a) Involvement in any act of sabotage, espionage, treason, terrorism, sedition, or other act whose aim is to overthrow the Government of the United States or alter the form of government by unconstitutional means;
(b) Association or sympathy with persons who are attempting to commit, or who are committing, any of the above acts;
(c) Association or sympathy with persons or organizations that advocate the overthrow of the United States Government, or any state or subdivision, by force or violence or by other unconstitutional means;
(d) Involvement in activities which unlawfully advocate or practice the commission of acts of force or violence to prevent others from exercising their rights under the Constitution or laws of the United States or of any state.
5.
(a) The individual was unaware of the unlawful aims of the individual or organization and severed ties upon learning of these;
(b) The individual's involvement was only with the lawful or humanitarian aspects of such an organization;
(c) Involvement in the above activities occurred for only a short period of time and was attributable to curiosity or academic interest;
(d) The person has had no recent involvement or association with such activities.
6.
7.
(a) An immediate family member, or a person to whom the individual has close ties of affection or obligation, is a citizen of, or resident or present in, a foreign country.
(b) Sharing living quarters with a person or persons, regardless of their citizenship status, if the potential for adverse foreign influence or duress exists;
(c) Relatives, cohabitants, or associates who are connected with any foreign country;
(d) Failing to report, where required, associations with foreign nationals;
(e) Unauthorized association with a suspected or known collaborator or employee of a foreign intelligence service;
(f) Conduct which may make the individual vulnerable to coercion, exploitation, or pressure by a foreign government;
(g) Indications that representatives or nationals from a foreign country are acting to increase the vulnerability of the individual to possible future exploitation, coercion or pressure;
(h) A substantial financial interest in a country, or in any foreign owned or operated business that could make the individual vulnerable to foreign influence.
8.
(a) A determination that the immediate family member(s) (spouse, father, mother,
(b) Contacts with foreign citizens are the result of official United States Government business;
(c) Contact and correspondence with foreign citizens are casual and infrequent;
(d) The individual has promptly complied with existing agency requirements regarding the reporting of contacts, requests, or threats from persons or organizations from a foreign country;
(e) Foreign financial interests are minimal and not sufficient to affect the individual's security responsibilities.
9.
10.
(a) The exercise of dual citizenship;
(b) Possession and/or use of a foreign passport;
(c) Military service or a willingness to bear arms for a foreign country;
(d) Accepting educational, medical, or other benefits, such as retirement and social welfare, from a foreign country;
(e) Residence in a foreign country to meet citizenship requirements;
(f) Using foreign citizenship to protect financial or business interests in another country;
(g) Seeking or holding political office in the foreign country;
(h) Voting in foreign elections; and
(i) Performing or attempting to perform duties, or otherwise acting, so as to serve the interests of another government in preference to the interests of the United States.
11.
(a) Dual citizenship is based solely on parents' citizenship or birth in a foreign country;
(b) Indicators of possible foreign preference (e.g., foreign military service) occurred before obtaining United States citizenship;
(c) Activity is sanctioned by the United States;
(d) Individual has expressed a willingness to renounce dual citizenship.
12.
13.
(a) Sexual behavior of a criminal nature, whether or not the individual has been prosecuted;
(b) Compulsive or addictive sexual behavior when the person is unable to stop a pattern of self-destructive high-risk behavior or that which is symptomatic of a personality disorder;
(c) Sexual behavior that causes an individual to be vulnerable to coercion, exploitation, or duress;
(d) Sexual behavior of a public nature and/or that which reflects lack of discretion or judgment.
14.
(a) The behavior occurred during or prior to adolescence and there is no evidence of subsequent conduct of a similar nature;
(b) The behavior was not recent and there is no evidence of subsequent conduct of a similar nature;
(c) There is no other evidence of questionable judgment, irresponsibility, or emotional instability;
(d) The behavior no longer serves as a basis for coercion, exploitation, or duress.
15.
(a) Refusal to undergo or cooperate with required security processing, including medical and psychological testing; or
(b) Refusal to complete required security forms, releases, or provide full, frank and truthful answers to lawful questions of investigators, security officials or other official representatives in connection with a personnel security or trustworthiness determination.
16.
(a) Reliable, unfavorable information provided by associates, employers, coworkers, neighbors, and other acquaintances;
(b) The deliberate omission, concealment, or falsification of relevant and material facts from any personnel security questionnaire, personal history statement, or similar form used to conduct investigations, determine employment qualifications, award benefits or status, determine security clearance eligibility or trustworthiness, or award fiduciary responsibilities;
(c) Deliberately providing false or misleading information concerning relevant and material matters to an investigator, security official, competent medical authority, or other official representative in connection with a personnel security or trustworthiness determination.
(d) Personal conduct or concealment of information that may increase an individual's vulnerability to coercion, exploitation, or duress, such as engaging in activities which, if known, may affect the person's personal, professional, or community standing or render the person susceptible to blackmail;
(e) A pattern of dishonesty or rule violations, including violation of any written or recorded agreement made between the individual and the agency;
(f) Association with persons involved in criminal activity.
17.
(a) The information was unsubstantiated or not pertinent to a determination of judgment, trustworthiness, or reliability;
(b) The falsification was an isolated incident, was not recent, and the individual has subsequently provided correct information voluntarily;
(c) The individual made prompt, good-faith efforts to correct the falsification before being confronted with the facts;
(d) Omission of material facts was caused or significantly contributed to by improper or inadequate advice of authorized personnel, and the previously omitted information was promptly and fully provided;
(e) The individual has taken positive steps to significantly reduce or eliminate vulnerability to coercion, exploitation, or duress;
(f) A refusal to cooperate was based on advice from legal counsel or other officials that the individual was not required to comply with security processing requirements and, upon being made aware of the requirement, fully and truthfully provided the requested information;
(g) Association with persons involved in criminal activities has ceased.
18.
19.
(a) A history of not meeting financial obligations;
(b) Deceptive or illegal financial practices such as embezzlement, employee theft, check fraud, income tax evasion, expense account fraud, filing deceptive loan statements, and other intentional financial breaches of trust;
(c) Inability or unwillingness to satisfy debts;
(d) Unexplained affluence;
(e) Financial problems that are linked to gambling, drug abuse, alcoholism, or other issues of security concern.
20.
(a) The behavior was not recent;
(b) It was an isolated incident;
(c) The conditions that resulted in the behavior were largely beyond the person's control (e.g., loss of employment, a business downturn, unexpected medical emergency, or a death, divorce or separation);
(d) The person has received or is receiving counseling for the problem and there are clear indications that the problem is being resolved or is under control;
(e) The affluence resulted from a legal source; and
(f) The individual initiated a good-faith effort to repay overdue creditors or otherwise resolve debts.
21.
22.
(a) Alcohol-related incidents away from work, such as driving while under the influence, fighting, child or spouse abuse, or other criminal incidents related to alcohol use;
(b) Alcohol-related incidents at work, such as reporting for work or duty in an intoxicated or impaired condition, or drinking on the job;
(c) Diagnosis by a credentialed medical professional (e.g., physician, clinical psychologist, or psychiatrist) of alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence;
(d) Evaluation of alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence by a licensed clinical social worker who is a staff member of a recognized alcohol treatment program;
(e) Habitual or binge consumption of alcohol to the point of impaired judgment;
(f) Consumption of alcohol, subsequent to a diagnosis of alcoholism by a credentialed
23.
(a) The alcohol related incidents do not indicate a pattern;
(b) The problem occurred a number of years ago and there is no indication of a recent problem;
(c) Positive changes in behavior supportive of sobriety;
(d) Following diagnosis of alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence, the individual has successfully completed inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation along with aftercare requirements, participated frequently in meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous or a similar organization, has abstained from alcohol for a period of at least 12 months, and received a favorable prognosis by a credentialed medical professional or a licensed clinical social worker who is a staff member of a recognized alcohol treatment program.
24.
(a) Improper or illegal involvement with drugs raises questions regarding an individual's willingness or ability to protect classified information. Drug abuse or dependence may impair social or occupational functioning, increasing the risk of an unauthorized disclosure of classified information.
(b) Drugs are defined as mood and behavior altering substances and include: (1) Drugs, materials, and other chemical compounds identified and listed in the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, as amended (e.g., marijuana or cannabis, depressants, narcotics, stimulants, and hallucinogens), and (2) inhalants and other similar substances.
(c) Drug abuse is the illegal use of a drug or use of a legal drug in a manner that deviates from approved medical direction.
25.
(a) Any drug abuse (see above definition);
(b) Illegal drug possession, including cultivation, processing, manufacture, purchase, sale, or distribution;
(c) Diagnosis by a credentialed medical professional (e.g., physician, clinical psychologist, or psychiatrist) of drug abuse or drug dependence;
(d) Evaluation of drug abuse or drug dependence by a licensed clinical social worker who is a staff member of a recognized drug treatment program;
(e) Failure to successfully complete a drug treatment program prescribed by a credentialed medical professional. Recent drug involvement, especially following the granting of a security clearance, or an expressed intent not to discontinue use, will almost invariably result in an unfavorable determination.
26.
(a) The drug involvement was not recent;
(b) The drug involvement was an isolated or aberrational event;
(c) A demonstrated intent not to abuse any drugs in the future;
(d) Satisfactory completion of a prescribed drug treatment program, including rehabilitation and aftercare requirements, without recurrence of abuse, and a favorable prognosis by a credentialed medical professional.
27.
28.
(a) An opinion by a credentialed mental health professional that the individual has a condition or treatment that may indicate a defect in judgment, reliability, or stability;
(b) Information that suggests that an individual has failed to follow appropriate medical advice relating to treatment of a condition, e.g., failure to take prescribed medication;
(c) A pattern of high-risk, irresponsible, aggressive, anti-social or emotionally unstable behavior;
(d) Information that suggests that the individual's current behavior indicates a defect in his or her judgment or reliability.
29.
(a) There is no indication of a current problem;
(b) Recent opinion by a credentialed mental health professional that an individual's previous emotional, mental, or personality disorder is cured, under control or in remission and has a low probability of recurrence or exacerbation;
(c) The past emotional instability was a temporary condition (e.g., one caused by a death, illness, or marital breakup), the situation has been resolved, and the individual is no longer emotionally unstable.
30.
31.
(a) Allegations or admissions of criminal conduct, regardless of whether the person was formally charged;
(b) A single serious crime or multiple lesser offenses.
32.
(a) The criminal behavior was not recent;
(b) The crime was an isolated incident;
(c) The person was pressured or coerced into committing the act and those pressures are no longer present in that person's life;
(d) The person did not voluntarily commit the act and/or the factors leading to the violation are not likely to recur;
(e) Acquittal;
(f) There is clear evidence of successful rehabilitation.
33.
34.
(a) Unauthorized disclosure of classified information;
(b) Violations that are deliberate or multiple or due to negligence.
35.
(a) Were inadvertent;
(b) Were isolated or infrequent;
(c) Were due to improper or inadequate training;
(d) Demonstrate a positive attitude towards the discharge of security responsibilities.
36.
37. Conditions that could raise a security concern and may be disqualifying include any service, whether compensated, volunteer, or employment with:
(a) A foreign country;
(b) Any foreign national;
(c) A representative of any foreign interest;
(d) Any foreign, domestic, or international organization or person engaged in analysis, discussion, or publication of material on intelligence, defense, foreign affairs, or protected technology.
38.
(a) Evaluation of the outside employment or activity indicates that it does not pose a conflict with an individual's security responsibilities;
(b) The individual terminates employment or discontinues the activity upon being notified that it is in conflict with his or her security responsibilities.
39.
40.
(a) Illegal or unauthorized entry into any information technology system;
(b) Illegal or unauthorized modification destruction, manipulation or denial of access to information residing on an information technology system;
(c) Removal (or use) of hardware, software, or media from any information technology system without authorization, when specifically prohibited by rules, procedures, guidelines or regulations;
(d) Introduction of hardware, software, or media into any information technology system without authorization, when specifically prohibited by rules, procedures, guidelines or regulations.
41.
(a) The misuse was not recent or significant;
(b) The conduct was unintentional or inadvertent;
(c) The introduction or removal of media was authorized;
(d) The misuse was an isolated event;
(e) The misuse was followed by a prompt, good faith effort to correct the situation.
42 U.S.C. 2165; 42 U.S.C. 2201; 42 U.S.C. 5814-5815; 42 U.S.C. 7101
This part establishes the policies and procedures for a Human Reliability Program (HRP) in the Department of Energy (DOE), including the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). The HRP is a security and safety reliability program designed to ensure that individuals who occupy positions affording access to certain materials, nuclear explosive devices, facilities, and programs meet the highest standards of reliability and physical and mental suitability. This objective is accomplished under this part through a system of continuous evaluation that identifies individuals whose judgment and reliability may be impaired by physical or mental/personality disorders, alcohol abuse, use of illegal drugs or the abuse of legal drugs or other substances, or any other condition or circumstance that may be of a security or safety concern.
The HRP applies to all applicants for, or current employees of DOE or a DOE contractor or subcontractor in a position defined or designated under § 712.10 of this subpart as an HRP position. Individuals currently in a Personnel Assurance Program or Personnel Security Assurance Program position will be grandfathered into the HRP.
The following definitions are used in this part:
(1) A situation that may provide an individual proximity to or control over Category I special nuclear material (SNM); or
(2) The proximity to a nuclear explosive and/or Category I SNM that allows the opportunity to divert, steal, tamper with, and/or damage the nuclear explosive or material in spite of any controls that have been established to prevent such unauthorized actions.
(1) Medical history review;
(2) Job task analysis;
(3) Physical examination;
(4) Appropriate laboratory tests and measurements; and
(5) Appropriate psychological and psychiatric evaluations.
(1) Injury or fatality to any person involving actions of a DOE employee or contractor employee;
(2) An explosion, fire, spread of radioactive material, personal injury or death, or damage to property that involves nuclear explosives under DOE jurisdiction;
(3) Accidental release of pollutants that results from, or could result in, a significant effect on the public or environment; or
(4) Accidental release of radioactive material above regulatory limits.
(a) HRP certification is required for each individual assigned to, or applying for, a position that:
(1) Affords access to Category I SNM or has responsibility for transportation or protection of Category I quantities of SNM;
(2) Involves nuclear explosive duties or has responsibility for working with, protecting, or transporting nuclear explosives, nuclear devices, or selected components;
(3) Affords access to information concerning vulnerabilities in protective systems when transporting nuclear explosives, nuclear devices, selected components, or Category I quantities of SNM; or
(4) Is not included in paragraphs (a)(1) through (3) of this section but affords the potential to significantly impact national security or cause unacceptable damage and is approved pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section.
(b) The Manager or the HRP management official may nominate positions for the HRP that are not specified in paragraphs (a)(1) through (3) of this section or that have not previously been designated HRP positions. All such nominations must be submitted to and approved by either the NNSA Administrator, his or her designee, the Director, Office of Security, or the appropriate Lead Program Secretarial Officer, or his or her designee.
(c) Before nominating a position for designation as an HRP position, the Manager or the HRP management official must analyze the risks the position poses for the particular operational program. If the analysis shows that more restrictive physical, administrative, or other controls could be implemented that would prevent the position from being designated an HRP position, those controls will be implemented, if practicable.
(d) Nothing in this part prohibits contractors from establishing stricter employment standards for individuals who are nominated to DOE for certification or recertification in the HRP.
(a) The following certification requirements apply to each individual applying for or in an HRP position:
(1) A DOE “Q” access authorization based on a background investigation, except for security police officers who have been granted an interim “Q” through the Accelerated Access Authorization Program;
(2) The annual submission of SF-86, OMB Control No. 3206-0007, Questionnaire for National Security Positions, Part 2, and an annual review of the personnel security file;
(3) Signed releases, acknowledgments, and waivers to participate in the HRP on forms provided by DOE;
(4) Completion of initial and annual HRP instruction as provided in § 712.17;
(5) Successful completion of an initial and annual supervisory review, medical assessment, management evaluation, and a DOE personnel security
(i) If the DOE personnel security review is not completed within the 12-month time period and the individual's access authorization is not suspended, the HRP certification form shall be forwarded to the HRP certifying official for recertification or temporary removal, contingent upon a favorable security review;
(ii) If a final determination has been made by DOE personnel security that is favorable, this information shall be forwarded to the HRP certifying official and so noted on the certification form; or
(iii) If the final determination has been made by DOE personnel security that the access authorization has been suspended, the individual shall be immediately removed from the HRP position, the HRP certifying official notified, the information noted on the certification form, and the procedures outlined in 10 CFR part 710, subpart A, shall be followed.
(6) No use of any hallucinogen in the preceding five years and no experience of flashback resulting from the use of any hallucinogen more than five years before applying for certification or recertification;
(7) A psychological evaluation consisting of a generally accepted psychological assessment (test) and a semi-structured interview;
(8) An initial drug test and random drug tests for the use of illegal drugs at least once each 12 months in accordance with DOE policies implementing Executive Order 12564 or the relevant provisions of 10 CFR part 707 for DOE contractors, and DOE Order 3792.3, “Drug-Free Federal Workplace Testing Implementation Program,” for DOE employees;
(9) An initial alcohol test and random alcohol tests at least once each 12 months using an evidential-grade breath alcohol device, as listed without asterisks on the Conforming Products List of Evidential Breath Measurement Devices published by the NHTSA (49 CFR part 40); and
(10) Successful completion of a counterintelligence evaluation, which includes a counterintelligence-scope polygraph examination in accordance with DOE's Polygraph Examination Regulation, 10 CFR part 709, and any subsequent revisions to that regulation.
(b) Each HRP candidate must be certified in the HRP before being assigned to HRP duties and must be recertified annually, not to exceed 12 months between recertifications. For certification:
(1) Individuals in newly identified HRP positions must immediately sign the releases, acknowledgments, and waivers to participate in the HRP and complete initial instruction on the importance of security, safety, reliability, and suitability. If these requirements are not met, the individual must be removed from the HRP position.
(2) All remaining HRP requirements listed in paragraph (a) of this section must be completed in an expedited manner.
(c) Alcohol consumption is prohibited within an eight-hour period preceding scheduled work for individuals performing nuclear explosive duties and for individuals in specific positions designated by either the Manager, the NNSA Administrator, his or her designee, or the appropriate Lead Program Secretarial Officer, or his or her designee.
(d) Individuals reporting for unscheduled nuclear explosive duties and those specific positions designated by either the Manager, the NNSA Administrator or his or her designee, or the appropriate Lead Program Secretarial Officer, or his or her designee, will be asked prior to performing any type of work if they have consumed alcohol within the preceding eight-hour period. If they answer “no,” they may perform their assigned duties but still may be tested.
(e) HRP-certified individuals may be tested for alcohol and/or drugs in accordance with § 712.15(b), (c), (d) and (e) if they are involved in an incident, unsafe practice, or an occurrence, or if there is reasonable suspicion that they may be impaired.
(a) The implementation of the HRP is the responsibility of the appropriate
(b) The HRP Management Official must:
(1) Prepare an initial HRP implementation plan and submit it by March 23, 2004, to the applicable Manager for review and site approval. The implementation plan must:
(i) Be reviewed and updated every two years;
(ii) Include the four annual components of the HRP process: supervisory review, medical assessment, management evaluation (which includes random drug and alcohol testing), and a DOE personnel security determination; and
(iii) Include the HRP instruction and education component described in § 712.17 of this part.
(2) Approve the temporary removal and the reinstatement after temporary removal of an HRP-certified individual if the removal was based on a nonsecurity concern and the HRP-certified individual continues to meet the certification requirements and notify the HRP certifying official of these actions.
(c) The Deputy Administrator for Defense Programs, NNSA must:
(1) Provide advice and assistance to the Director, Office of Security, regarding policies, standards, and guidance for all nuclear explosive duty requirements; and
(2) Be responsible for implementation of all nuclear explosive duty safety requirements.
(d) The DOE Deputy Secretary, based on a recommendation of the Director, Office of Security, makes the final decision for any appeal of denial or revocation of certification or recertification from HRP.
(e) The Director, Security Policy Staff, within the Office of Security, is responsible for HRP policy and must:
(1) Ensure consistency of the HRP throughout the DOE and NNSA;
(2) Review and comment on all HRP implementation plans to ensure consistency with policy; and
(3) Provide policies and guidance, including instructional materials, to NNSA and non-NNSA field elements concerning the HRP, as appropriate.
(f) The Manager must:
(1) Review and approve the HRP implementation plan for sites/facilities under their cognizance and forward the plan to the Director, Security Policy Staff; and
(2) Ensure that the HRP is implemented at the sites/facilities under their cognizance.
(g) The HRP certifying official must:
(1) Approve placement, certification, reinstatement, and recertification of individuals into HRP positions; for unresolved temporary removals, follow the process in § 712.19(c)(5);
(2) Ensure that instructional requirements are implemented;
(3) Immediately notify (for the purpose of limiting access) the appropriate HRP management official of a personnel security action that results in the suspension of access authorization; and
(4) Ensure that the supervisory review, medical assessment, and management evaluation, including drug and alcohol testing, are conducted on an annual basis (not to exceed 12 months).
(h) Individuals assigned to HRP duties must:
(1) Execute HRP releases, acknowledgments, and waivers to facilitate the collection and dissemination of information, the performance of drug and alcohol testing, and medical examinations;
(2) Notify the Designated Physician, the Designated Psychologist, or the SOMD immediately of a physical or mental condition requiring medication or treatment;
(3) Provide full, frank, and truthful answers to relevant and material questions, and when requested, furnish, or authorize others to furnish, information that DOE deems pertinent to reach a decision regarding HRP certification or recertification;
(4) Report any observed or reported behavior or condition of another HRP-certified individual that could indicate a reliability concern, including those behaviors and conditions listed in § 712.13(c), to a supervisor, the Designated Physician, the Designated Psychologist, the SOMD, or the HRP management official; and
(5) Report to a supervisor, the Designated Physician, the Designated Psychologist, the SOMD, or the HRP management official, any behavior or condition, including those listed in § 712.13(c), that may affect his or her ability to perform HRP duties.
(a) The supervisor must ensure that each HRP candidate and each individual occupying an HRP position but not yet HRP certified, executes the appropriate HRP releases, acknowledgments, and waivers. If these documents are not executed:
(1) The request for HRP certification may not be further processed until these requirements are completed; and
(2) The individual is immediately removed from the position.
(b) Each supervisor of HRP-certified personnel must conduct an annual review of each HRP-certified individual during which the supervisor must evaluate information (including security concerns) relevant to the individual's suitability to perform HRP tasks in a reliable and safe manner.
(c) The supervisor must report any concerns resulting from his or her review to the appropriate HRP management official. Types of behavior and conditions that would indicate a concern include, but are not limited to:
(1) Psychological or physical disorders that impair performance of assigned duties;
(2) Conduct that warrants referral for a criminal investigation or results in arrest or conviction;
(3) Indications of deceitful or delinquent behavior;
(4) Attempted or threatened destruction of property or life;
(5) Suicidal tendencies or attempted suicide;
(6) Use of illegal drugs or the abuse of legal drugs or other substances;
(7) Alcohol use disorders;
(8) Recurring financial irresponsibility;
(9) Irresponsibility in performing assigned duties;
(10) Inability to deal with stress, or the appearance of being under unusual stress;
(11) Failure to comply with work directives, hostility or aggression toward fellow workers or authority, uncontrolled anger, violation of safety or security procedures, or repeated absenteeism; and
(12) Significant behavioral changes, moodiness, depression, or other evidence of loss of emotional control.
(d) The supervisor must immediately remove an HRP-certified individual from HRP duties, pursuant to § 712.19, and temporarily reassign the individual to a non-HRP position if the supervisor believes the individual has demonstrated a security or safety concern that warrants such removal. If temporary removal is based on a security concern, the HRP management official must immediately notify the applicable DOE personnel security office and the HRP certifying official.
(1) Based on the DOE personnel security office recommendation, the HRP certifying official will make the final decision about whether to reinstate an individual into an HRP position.
(2) If temporary removal is based on a medical concern, the Designated Physician, the Designated Psychologist, or the SOMD must immediately recommend the medical removal or medical restriction in writing to the appropriate HRP management official, who will make the final determination in temporary removal actions and immediately notify the appropriate HRP certifying official.
(e) The supervisor must immediately remove from HRP duties any Federal employee who does not obtain HRP recertification. The supervisor may reassign the individual or realign the individual's current duties. If these actions are not feasible, the supervisor must contact the appropriate personnel office for guidance.
(f) The supervisor who has been informed by the breath alcohol technician that an HRP-certified individual's confirmatory breath alcohol test result is at or above an alcohol concentration of 0.02 percent shall send the individual home and not allow that individual to perform HRP duties for 24 hours, and inform the HRP management official of this action.
(a)
(1) Represents a security concern; or
(2) Has a condition that may prevent the individual from performing HRP duties in a reliable and safe manner.
(b)
(2) The Designated Physician and other examiners working under the direction of the Designated Physician also will conduct an evaluation:
(i) If an HRP-certified individual requests an evaluation (
(ii) If an HRP-certified individual is referred by management for an evaluation.
(c)
(d)
(1) Physical or medical disabilities, such as a lack of visual acuity, defective color vision, impaired hearing, musculoskeletal deformities, and neuromuscular impairment;
(2) Mental/personality disorders or behavioral problems, including alcohol and other substance use disorders, as described in the
(3) Use of illegal drugs or the abuse of legal drugs or other substances, as identified by self-reporting or by medical or psychological evaluation or testing;
(4) Threat of suicide, homicide, or physical harm; or
(5) Medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, endocrine disease, cerebrovascular or other neurologic disease, or the use of drugs for the treatment of conditions that may adversely affect the judgment or ability of an individual to perform assigned duties in a reliable and safe manner.
(e)
(f)
(1) For initial HRP certification. This psychological evaluation consists of a psychological assessment (test), approved by the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health or his or her designee, and a semi-structured interview.
(2) For recertification. This psychological evaluation consists of a semi-structured interview. A psychological assessment (test) may also be conducted as warranted.
(3) Every third year. The medical assessment for recertification must include a psychological assessment (test) approved by the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health or his or her designee. This requirement can be implemented over a three-year period for individuals who are currently in an HRP position.
(4) When additional psychological or psychiatric evaluations are required by the SOMD to resolve any concerns.
(g)
(h)
(i)
(2) The HRP certifying official may reinstate HRP certification of an individual who successfully completes an SOMD-approved drug or alcohol rehabilitation program. Recertification is based on the SOMD's follow-up evaluation and recommendation. The individual is also subject to unannounced follow-up tests for illegal drugs or alcohol and relevant counseling for three years.
(j)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) Breath alcohol testing must be conducted by a certified breath alcohol technician and conform to the DOT procedures (49 CFR part 40, Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs, subparts J through N) for use of an evidential-grade breath analysis device approved for 0.02/0.04 cutoff levels, which conforms to the DOT model specifications and the most recent “Conforming Products List” issued by NHTSA.
(2) An individual required to undergo DOT alcohol testing is subject to the regulations of the DOT. If such an individual's blood alcohol level exceeds DOT standards, the individual's employer may take appropriate disciplinary action.
(3) The following constitutes a refusal to submit to a test and shall be considered as a positive alcohol concentration test of 0.02 percent, which requires the individual be sent home and not allowed to perform HRP duties for 24 hours:
(i) Failure to appear for unannounced testing within two hours of notification (or established shorter time for the specific site);
(ii) Failure to provide an adequate volume of breath in two attempts without a valid medical excuse; and
(iii) Engaging in conduct that clearly obstructs the testing process, including failure to cooperate with reasonable instructions provided by the testing technician.
(d)
(i) Testing for the use of illegal drugs in accordance with the provisions of the DOE policies implementing Executive Order 12564, and 10 CFR part 707 or DOE Order 3792.3, which establish workplace substance abuse programs for contractor and DOE employees, respectively.
(ii) Testing for use of alcohol in accordance with this section.
(2) Testing must be performed as soon as possible after an occurrence that requires immediate notification or reporting.
(3) The supervisor must remove an HRP-certified individual from HRP duties if the individual refuses to undergo the testing required by this section.
(e)
(2) Reasonable suspicion must be based on an articulable belief, drawn from facts and reasonable inferences from those particular facts, that an HRP-certified individual is in possession of, or under the influence of, an illegal drug or alcohol. Such a belief may be based on, among other things:
(i) Observable phenomena, such as direct observation of the use or possession of illegal drugs or alcohol, or the physical symptoms of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
(ii) A pattern of abnormal conduct or erratic behavior;
(iii) Information provided by a reliable and credible source that is independently corroborated; or
(iv) Detection of alcohol odor on the breath.
(f) Counterintelligence Evaluation. HRP candidates and, when selected, HRP-certified individuals, must submit to and successfully complete a counterintelligence evaluation, which includes a polygraph examination in accordance with 10 CFR part 709, Polygraph Examination Regulations and any subsequent revisions to that regulation.
(a) A personnel security specialist will perform a personnel security file review of an HRP candidate and HRP-certified individual upon receiving the supervisory review, medical assessment, and management evaluation and recommendation.
(b) If the personnel security file review is favorable, this information must be forwarded to the HRP certifying official. If the review reveals a security concern, or if a security concern is identified during another component of the HRP process, the HRP certifying official must be notified and the security concern evaluated in accordance with the criteria in 10 CFR part 710, subpart A. All security concerns must be resolved according to procedures outlined in 10 CFR part 710, subpart A, rather than through the procedures in this part.
(c) Any mental/personality disorder or behavioral issues found in a personnel security file, which could impact an HRP candidate or HRP-certified individual's ability to perform HRP duties, may be provided in writing to the SOMD, Designated Physician, and Designated Psychologist previously identified for receipt of this information. Medical personnel may not share any information obtained from the personnel security file with anyone who is not an HRP certifying official.
(a) HRP management officials at each DOE site or facility with HRP positions must establish an initial and annual HRP instruction and education program. The program must provide:
(1) HRP candidates, HRP-certified individuals, supervisors, and managers, and supervisors and managers responsible for HRP positions with the knowledge described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section; and
(2) For all HRP medical personnel, a detailed explanation of HRP duties and responsibilities.
(b) The following program elements must be included in initial and annual instruction. The elements may be tailored to accommodate group differences and refresher training needs:
(1) The objectives of the HRP and the role and responsibilities of each individual in the HRP to include recognizing and responding to behavioral change and aberrant or unusual behavior that may result in a risk to national security or nuclear explosive safety; recognizing and reporting security concerns and prescription drug use; and an explanation of return-to-work requirements and continuous evaluation of HRP participants; and
(2) For those who have nuclear explosive responsibilities, a detailed explanation of duties and safety requirements.
(a) For HRP certification to be transferred, the individual must currently be certified in the HRP.
(b) Transferring the HRP certification from one site to another requires the following before the individual is allowed to perform HRP duties at the new site:
(1) Verify that the individual is currently certified in the HRP and is transferring into a designated HRP position;
(2) Incorporate the individual into the new site's alcohol and drug-testing program;
(3) Ensure that the 12-month time period for HRP requirements that was established at the prior site is not exceeded; and
(4) Provide site-specific instruction.
(c) Temporary assignment to HRP positions at other sites requires verification that the individual is currently enrolled in the HRP and has completed all site-specific instruction. The individual is required to return to
(a)
(1) Require the individual to stop performing HRP duties;
(2) Take action to ensure the individual is denied both escorted and unescorted access to the material access areas; and
(3) Provide, within 24 hours, to the individual and the HRP management official, a written reason for these actions.
(b) The temporary removal of an HRP-certified individual from HRP duties pending a determination of the individual's reliability is an interim, precautionary action and does not constitute a determination that the individual is not fit to perform his or her required duties. Removal is not, in itself, cause for loss of pay, benefits, or other changes in employment status.
(c)
(2) If removal is based on a security concern, the HRP management official must notify the HRP certifying official and the applicable DOE personnel security office. The security concern will be resolved under the criteria and procedures in 10 CFR part 710, subpart A.
(3) If removal is based on a concern that is not security related, the HRP management official must conduct an evaluation of the circumstances or information that led the supervisor to remove the individual from HRP duties. The HRP management official must prepare a written report of the evaluation that includes a determination of the individual's reliability for continuing HRP certification.
(4) If the HRP management official determines that an individual who has been temporarily removed continues to meet the requirements for certification, the HRP management official must:
(i) Notify the individual's supervisor of the determination and direct that the individual be allowed to return to HRP duties;
(ii) Notify the individual; and
(iii) Notify the HRP certifying official.
(5) If the HRP management official determines that an individual who has been temporarily removed does not meet the HRP requirements for certification, the HRP management official must forward the written report to the HRP certifying official. If the HRP certifying official is not the Manager, the HRP certifying official must review the written report and take one of the following actions:
(i) Direct that the individual be reinstated and provide written explanation of the reasons and factual bases for the action;
(ii) Direct continuation of the temporary removal pending completion of specified actions (
(iii) Recommend to the Manager the revocation of the individual's certification and provide written explanation of the reasons and factual bases for the decision.
(d) The Manager, on receiving the HRP management official's written report and the HRP certifying official's recommendation (if any), must take one of the following actions:
(1) Direct reinstatement of the individual and provide written explanation of the reasons and factual bases for the action;
(2) Direct revocation of the individual's HRP certification; or
(3) Direct continuation of the temporary removal pending completion of specified actions (
(e) If the action is revocation, the Manager must provide the individual a copy of the HRP management official's report. The Manager may withhold such a report, or portions thereof, to the extent that he or she determines that the report, or portions thereof, may be exempt from access by the employee under the Privacy Act or the Freedom of Information Act.
(f) If an individual is directed by the Manager to take specified actions to resolve HRP concerns, he or she must be reevaluated by the HRP management official and HRP certifying official after those actions have been completed. After considering the HRP management and HRP certifying officials' report and recommendation, the Manager must direct either:
(1) Reinstatement of the individual; or
(2) Revocation of the individual's HRP certification.
(g)
(a) An HRP-certified individual who receives notification of the Manager's decision to revoke his or her HRP certification may choose one of the following options:
(1) Take no action;
(2) Submit a written request to the Manager for reconsideration of the decision to revoke certification. The request must include the individual's response to the information that gave rise to the concern. The request must be sent by certified mail to the Manager within 20 working days after the individual received notice of the Manager's decision; or
(3) Submit a written request to the Manager for a certification review hearing. The request for a hearing must be sent by certified mail to the Manager within 20 working days after the individual receives notice of the Manager's decision.
(b) If an individual requests reconsideration by the Manager but not a certification review hearing, the Manager must, within 20 working days after receipt of the individual's request, send by certified mail (return receipt requested) a final decision to the individual. This final decision about certification is based on the individual's response and other relevant information available to the Manager.
(c) If an individual requests a certification review hearing, the Manager must forward the request to the Office of Hearings and Appeals.
(a) The certification review hearing is conducted by the Office of Hearings and Appeals.
(b) The hearing officer must have a DOE “Q” access authorization when hearing cases involving HRP duties.
(c) An individual who requests a certification review hearing has the right to appear personally before the hearing officer; to present evidence in his or her own behalf, through witnesses or by documents, or by both; and to be accompanied and represented at the hearing by counsel or any other person of the individual's choosing and at the individual's own expense.
(d) In conducting the proceedings, the hearing officer must:
(1) Receive all relevant and material information relating to the individual's fitness for HRP duties through witnesses or documentation;
(2) Ensure that the individual is permitted to offer information in his or her behalf; to call, examine, and cross-examine witnesses and other persons who have made written or oral statements, and to present and examine documentary evidence;
(3) Require the testimony of the individual and all witnesses be given under oath or affirmation; and
(4) Ensure that a transcript of the certification review proceedings is made.
Within 30 calendar days of the receipt of the hearing transcript by the hearing officer or the closing of the record, whichever is later, the hearing officer must forward written findings, a supporting statement of reasons, and recommendation regarding the individual's eligibility for recertification in the HRP position to the Director, Office of Security. The hearing officer's report and recommendation must be accompanied by a copy of the record of the proceedings. The Director, Office of Security shall forward to the DOE Deputy Secretary a recommendation to either recertify or revoke the certification of an individual in the HRP.
Within 20 working days of the receipt of the Director, Office of Security's recommendation, the Deputy Secretary should issue a final written decision. A copy of this decision must be sent by certified mail (return receipt requested) to the Manager and to the individual accompanied by a copy of the hearing officer's report and the transcript of the certification review proceedings.
This subpart establishes standards and procedures for conducting medical assessments of DOE and DOE contractor individuals in HRP positions.
The standards and procedures set forth in this subpart are necessary for DOE to:
(a) Identify the presence of any mental/personality disorders, physical, or behavioral characteristics or conditions that present or are likely to present an unacceptable impairment in reliability;
(b) Facilitate the early diagnosis and treatment of disease or impairment and foster accommodation and rehabilitation;
(c) Determine what functions an HRP-certified individual may be able to perform and to facilitate the proper placement of individuals; and
(d) Provide for continuing monitoring of the health status of individuals to facilitate early detection and correction of adverse health effects, trends, or patterns.
(a) The Designated Physician must be qualified to provide professional expertise in the area of occupational medicine as it relates to the HRP.
(b) The Designated Physician must:
(1) Be a graduate of an accredited school of medicine or osteopathy;
(2) Have a valid, unrestricted state license to practice medicine in the state where HRP medical assessments occur;
(3) Have met the applicable HRP instruction requirements; and
(4) Be eligible for the appropriate DOE access authorization.
(c) The Designated Physician is responsible for the medical assessments of HRP candidates and HRP-certified individuals, including determining which components of the medical assessments may be performed by other qualified personnel. Although a portion of the assessment may be performed by another physician, physician's assistant, or nurse practitioner, the Designated Physician remains responsible for:
(1) Supervising the evaluation process;
(2) Interpreting the results of evaluations;
(3) Documenting medical conditions or issues that may disqualify an individual from the HRP;
(4) Providing medical assessment information to the Designated Psychologist to assist in determining psychological fitness;
(5) Determining, in conjunction with DOE if appropriate, the location and date of the next required medical assessment; and
(6) Signing a recommendation about the medical fitness of an individual for certification or recertification.
(d) The Designated Physician must immediately report to the SOMD any of the following about himself or herself:
(1) Initiation of an adverse action by any state medical licensing board or any other professional licensing board;
(2) Initiation of an adverse action by any Federal regulatory board since the last designation;
(3) The withdrawal of the privilege to practice by any institution;
(4) Being named a defendant in any criminal proceedings (felony or misdemeanor) since the last designation;
(5) Being evaluated or treated for alcohol use disorder or drug dependency or abuse since the last designation; or
(6) Occurrence, since the last designation, of a physical, mental/personality disorder, or health condition that might affect his or her ability to perform professional duties.
(a) The Designated Psychologist reports to the SOMD and determines the psychological fitness of an individual to participate in the HRP. The results of this evaluation may be provided only to the Designated Physician or the SOMD.
(b) The Designated Psychologist must:
(1) Hold a doctoral degree from a clinical psychology program that includes a one-year clinical internship approved by the American Psychological Association or an equivalent program;
(2) Have accumulated a minimum of three years postdoctoral clinical experience with a major emphasis in psychological assessment and testing;
(3) Have a valid, unrestricted state license to practice clinical psychology in the state where HRP medical assessments occur;
(4) Have met the applicable HRP instruction requirements; and
(5) Be eligible for the appropriate DOE access authorization.
(c) The Designated Psychologist is responsible for all psychological evaluations of HRP candidates, HRP-certified individuals, and others as directed by the SOMD. Although a portion of the psychological evaluation may be performed by another psychologist, the Designated Psychologist must:
(1) Supervise the psychological evaluation process and designate which components may be performed by other qualified personnel;
(2) Upon request of management, assess the psychological fitness of HRP candidates and HRP-certified individuals for HRP duties, including specific work settings, and recommend referrals as indicated; and
(3) Make referrals for psychiatric, psychological, substance abuse, or personal or family problems, and monitor the progress of individuals so referred.
(d) The Designated Psychologist must immediately report to the SOMD any of the following about himself or herself:
(1) Initiation of an adverse action by any state medical licensing board or any other professional licensing board;
(2) Initiation of an adverse action by any Federal regulatory board since the last designation;
(3) The withdrawal of the privilege to practice by any institution;
(4) Being named a defendant in any criminal proceeding (felony or misdemeanor) since the last designation;
(5) Being evaluated or treated for alcohol use disorder or drug dependency or abuse since the last designation; or
(6) Occurrence since the last designation of a physical, mental/personality disorder, or health condition that might affect his or her ability to perform professional duties.
(a) The SOMD must nominate a physician to serve as the Designated Physician and a clinical psychologist to serve as the Designated Psychologist. The nominations must be sent through the Manager to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health or his or her designee. Each nomination must describe the nominee's relevant training, experience, and licensure, and include a curriculum vitae and a copy of the nominee's current state or district license.
(b) The SOMD must submit a renomination report biennially through the Manager to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health or his or her designee. This report must be submitted at least 60 days before the second anniversary of the initial designation or of
(1) A statement evaluating the performance of the Designated Physician and Designated Psychologist during the previous designation period; and
(2) A copy of the valid, unrestricted state or district license of the Designated Physician and Designated Psychologist.
(c) The SOMD must submit, annually, to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health or his or her designee through the Manager, a written report summarizing HRP medical activity during the previous year. The SOMD must comply with any DOE directives specifying the form or contents of the annual report.
(d) The SOMD must investigate any reports of performance issues regarding a Designated Physician or Designated Psychologist, and the SOMD may suspend either official from HRP-related duties. If the SOMD suspends either official, the SOMD must notify the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health or his or her designee and provide supporting documentation and reasons for the action.
The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health or his or her designee must:
(a) Develop policies, standards, and guidance for the medical aspects of the HRP, including the psychological testing inventory to be used;
(b) Review the qualifications of Designated Physicians and Designated Psychologists, and concur or nonconcur with their designations by sending a statement to the Manager and an informational copy to the SOMD; and
(c) Provide technical assistance on medical aspects of the HRP to all DOE elements and DOE contractors.
(a) The Designated Physician, under the supervision of the SOMD, is responsible for the medical assessment of HRP candidates and HRP-certified individuals. In carrying out this responsibility, the Designated Physician or the SOMD must integrate the medical evaluations, psychological evaluations, psychiatric evaluations, and any other relevant information to determine an individual's overall medical qualification for assigned duties.
(b) Employers must provide a job task analysis for those individuals involved in HRP duties to both the Designated Physician and the Designated Psychologist before each medical assessment and psychological evaluation. HRP medical assessments and psychological evaluations may not be performed if a job task analysis has not been provided.
(c) The medical process by the Designated Physician includes:
(1) Medical assessments for initial certification, annual recertification, and evaluations for reinstatement following temporary removal from the HRP;
(2) Evaluations resulting from self-referrals and referrals by management;
(3) Routine medical contacts and occupational and nonoccupational health counseling sessions; and
(4) Review of current legal drug use.
(d) Psychological evaluations must be conducted:
(1) For initial certification. This psychological evaluation consists of a generally accepted psychological assessment (test) approved by the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health or his or her designee and a semi-structured interview.
(2) For recertification. This psychological evaluation consists of a semi-structured interview, which is conducted annually at the time of the medical examination.
(3) Every third year. The medical assessment for recertification must include a generally accepted psychological assessment (test) approved by the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health or his or her designee.
(4) When the SOMD determines that additional psychological or psychiatric evaluations are required to resolve HRP concerns as listed in § 712.13(c).
(e) Following absences requiring return-to-work evaluations under applicable DOE directives, the Designated Physician, the Designated Psychologist, or the SOMD must determine whether a psychological evaluation is necessary.
(f) Except as provided in paragraph (g) of this section, the Designated Physician must forward the completed medical assessment of an HRP candidate and HRP-certified individual to the SOMD, who must make a recommendation, based on the assessment, to the individual's HRP management official. If the Designated Physician determines that a currently certified individual no longer meets the HRP requirements, the Designated Physician must immediately, orally, inform the HRP management official. A written explanation must follow within 24 hours.
(g) The Designated Physician, the Designated Psychologist, or the SOMD may make a medical recommendation for return to work and work accommodations for HRP-certified individuals.
(h) The following documentation is required after treatment of an individual for any disqualifying condition:
(1) A summary of the diagnosis, treatment, current status, and prognosis to be furnished by the treatment provider to the Designated Physician;
(2) The medical opinion of the Designated Physician advising the individual's supervisor whether the individual is able to return to work in either an HRP or non-HRP capacity; and
(3) Any periodic monitoring plan, approved by the Designated Physician or the Designated Psychologist and the SOMD, used to evaluate the reliability of the individual.
(i) If the disqualifying condition was of a security concern, the appropriate procedure described in 10 CFR part 710, subpart A, applies.
If DOE determines that an HRP candidate or HRP-certified individual has used any hallucinogen, the individual is not eligible for certification or recertification unless:
(a) Five years have passed since the last use of the hallucinogen;
(b) There is no evidence of any flashback within the last five years from the previous hallucinogen use; and
(c) The individual has a record of acceptable job performance and observed behavior.
(a) The medical records of HRP candidates and HRP-certified individuals must be maintained in accordance with the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. 552a, and DOE implementing regulations in 10 CFR part 1008; the Department of Labor's regulations on access to individual exposure and medical records, 29 CFR 1910.1020; and applicable DOE directives. DOE contractors also may be subject to section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, 29 U.S.C. 793, and its implementing rules, including confidentiality provisions in 41 CFR 60-741.23 (d).
(b) The psychological record of HRP candidates and HRP-certified individuals is a component of the medical record. The psychological record must:
(1) Contain any clinical reports, test protocols and data, notes of individual contacts and correspondence, and other information pertaining to an individual's contact with a psychologist;
(2) Be stored in a secure location in the custody of the Designated Psychologist; and
(3) Be kept separate from other medical record documents, with access limited to the SOMD and the Designated Physician.
42 U.S.C. 7651o(a)(2)(B); 42 U.S.C. 7254.
This part sets forth the definition of “nonrecourse project-financed” as that term is used to define “new independent power production facility,” in section 416(a)(2)(B) of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, 42 U.S.C. 7651o(a)(2)(B). This definition is for purposes of section 416(a)(2)(B) only. It is not intended to alter or impact the
As used in this subpart—
42 U.S.C. 2201, 5814, 5815 and 7101,
This part is intended to facilitate control of Department and contractor legal costs, including litigation costs. The contractor is required to develop a procedure for retaining legal counsel, and to document the analysis used to decide when, where and who will be engaged as outside counsel and the terms of the engagement. Payment of law firm invoices and reimbursement of contractor legal costs under covered contracts is subject to compliance with this part.
For purposes of this part:
(a) This part covers cost reimbursement contracts:
(1) For an amount exceeding $100,000,000, and
(2) Involving work performed at the facilities owned or leased by the Department.
(b) This part covers contracts otherwise not covered by paragraph 3(a) of this section containing a specialized clause requiring compliance with this part.
(c) This part also covers Department contracts with retained legal counsel where the legal costs are expected to exceed $100,000.
Retained legal counsel under fixed rate or other type of contract with the Department itself to provide legal services must comply with the following where the legal costs over the life of the matter for which counsel has been retained are expected to exceed $100,000:
(a) Requirements related to staffing and resource plans in subpart B of this part,
(b) Engagement letter requirements if legal work is contracted out, and
(c) Cost guidelines in subpart D of this part.
This part does not cover:
(a) Fixed price contracts;
(b) Cost reimbursement contracts for an amount less than $100,000,000; or
(c) Contracts for an amount exceeding $100,000,000 involving work not performed at a government owned or leased site.
Matters not covered by this part include:
(a) Matters handled by counsel retained by an insurance carrier;
(b) Routine intellectual property law support services;
(c) Routine workers and unemployment compensation matters and labor arbitrations; and
(d) Routine matters handled by counsel retained through a GSA supply schedule.
(a) Requests for exceptions or deviations from this part by contractors must be made in writing to Department counsel and approved by the General Counsel. If an alternate procedure is proposed for compliance with an individual requirement in this part, that procedure must be included in the written request by the contractor.
(b) The General Counsel may authorize exceptions based on a recommendation of Department counsel. The General Counsel may also establish exceptions to this part based on current field office and contractor practices which satisfy the purpose of these requirements.
(c) Exceptions to this part which are also a deviation from the cost principles (see subpart D of this part) must be approved by the Procurement Executive. See 48 CFR (FAR) 31.101. Written requests from contractors for a deviation to a cost principle must be submitted to the contracting officer, with a copy provided to Department counsel.
The legal management plan must include the following items:
(a) A description of the legal matters that may necessitate handling by retained legal counsel.
(b) A discussion of the factors the contractor must consider in determining whether to handle a particular matter utilizing retained legal counsel.
(c) An outline of the factors the contractor must consider in selecting retained legal counsel, including:
(1) Competition;
(2) Past performance and proficiency shown by previously retained counsel;
(3) Particular expertise in a specific area of the law;
(4) Familiarity with the Department's activity at the particular site and the prevalent issues associated with facility history and current operations;
(5) Location of retained legal counsel relative to:
(i) The site involved in the matter,
(ii) Any forum in which the matter will be processed, and
(iii) Where a significant portion of the work will be performed;
(6) Experience as an advocate in alternative dispute resolution procedures such as mediation;
(7) Actual or potential conflicts of interest; and
(8) The means and rate of compensation (
(d) A description of:
(1) The system that the contractor will use to review each case to determine whether and when alternative dispute resolution is appropriate;
(2) The role of in house counsel in cost management;
(3) The contractor's process for review and approval of invoices from outside law firms or consultants;
(4) The contractor's strategy for interaction with, and supervision of, retained legal counsel;
(5) How appropriate interaction with the contracting officer and Department counsel will be ensured; and,
(6) The contractor's corporate approach to legal decision making.
Contractors identified under paragraphs (a) and (b) in § 719.3 must submit a legal management plan.
Contractors identified under paragraphs (a) and (b) in § 719.3 must submit a legal management plan within 60 days following the execution of a contract with the Department.
The contractors identified under paragraphs (a) and (b) in § 719.3 must file a legal management plan with Department counsel.
(a) The Department will notify the contractor within 30 days of the contractor's submission of the plan of any deficiencies relating to requirements in § 719.10.
(b) The contractor must either correct identified deficiencies within 30 days of notice of the deficiency or file a letter with the General Counsel disputing the determination of a deficiency.
(a) For significant matters, the contractor must require retained legal counsel providing legal services to prepare a staffing and resource plan as provided in this section. The contractor must then forward the staffing and resource plan to Department counsel. Department retained counsel subject to this part must prepare a staffing and resource plan and forward it to Department counsel.
(b) A staffing and resource plan is a plan describing:
(1) Major phases likely to be involved in the handling of the matter;
(2) Timing and sequence of such phases;
(3) Projected cost for each phase of the representation; and
(4) Numbers and mix of resources, when applicable, that the retained legal counsel intends to devote to the representation.
(c) For significant matters in litigation, in addition to the generalized annual budget required by § 719.17 a staffing and resource plan must include a budget, broken down by phases, including at a minimum:
(1) Matter assessment, development and administration;
(2) Pretrial pleadings and motions;
(3) Discovery;
(4) Trial preparation and trial; and
(5) Appeal.
(a) For significant matters in litigation, the contractor or Department retained counsel must submit the staffing and resource within 30 days after the filing of an answer or a dispositive motion in lieu of an answer, or 30 days after a determination that the cost is expected to exceed $100,000.
(b) For significant legal services matters, the contractor or Department retained counsel must submit the staffing and resource plan within 30 days following execution of an engagement letter.
(c) Contractors and Department retained counsel must submit updates to staffing and resource plans annually or sooner if significant changes occur in the matter.
(d) When it is unclear whether a matter is significant, the contractor must consult with Department counsel on the question.
(e) The purpose of the staffing and resource plan is primarily informational, but Department counsel may state objections within 30 days of the submission of a staffing and resource plan. When an objection is stated, the contractor has 30 days to satisfy the objection or dispute the objection in a letter to the General Counsel.
(a) Contractors required to submit a legal management plan must also submit an annual legal budget covering then pending matters to Department counsel.
(b) The annual legal budget must include cost projections for known or existing matters for which reimbursable legal costs are expected to exceed $100,000, at a level of detail reflective of the types of billable activities and the stage of each such matter.
(c) For informational purposes for both the contractor and Department counsel, the contractor must report on its success on staying within budget at the conclusion of the period covered by each annual legal budget. The Department recognizes, however, that there will be departures from the annual budget beyond the control of the contractor.
Contractors must submit an engagement letter to retained legal counsel expected to provide $25,000 or more in legal services for a particular matter and submit a copy of correspondence relating to § 719.21, including correspondence from retained legal counsel addressing any of the issues under § 719.21, to Department counsel.
(a) The engagement letter must require retained legal counsel to assist the contractor in complying with this part and any supplemental guidance distributed under this part.
(b) At a minimum, the engagement letter must include the following:
(1) A process for review and documented approval of all billing by a contractor representative, including the timing and scope of billing reviews.
(2) A statement that provision of records to the Government is not intended to constitute a waiver of any applicable legal privilege, protection, or immunity with respect to disclosure of these records to third parties. (An exemption for specific records may be obtained where contractors can demonstrate that a particular situation may provide grounds for a waiver.)
(3) A requirement that the contractor, the Department, and the General Accounting Office, have the right upon request, at reasonable times and locations, to inspect, copy, and audit all records documenting billable fees and costs.
(4) A statement that all records must be retained for a period of three (3) years after the final payment.
(c) The contractor must obtain the following information from retained counsel:
(1) Identification of all attorneys and staff who are assigned to the matter and the rate and basis of their compensation (i.e., hourly rates, fixed fees, contingency arrangement) and a process for obtaining approval of temporary adjustments in staffing levels or identified attorneys.
(2) An initial assessment of the matter, along with a commitment to provide updates as necessary.
(3) A description of billing procedures, including frequency of billing and billing statement format.
(d) The contractor must obtain retained counsel's agreement to the following:
(1) That in significant matters a staffing and resource plan for the conduct of the matter must be submitted by the retained legal counsel to the contractor in accordance with the requirements of §§ 719.15 and 719.16.
(2) That alternative dispute resolution must be considered at as early a stage as possible where litigation is involved.
(3) That retained counsel must comply with the cost guidelines in subpart D of this part.
(4) That retained counsel must provide a certification concerning the costs submitted for reimbursement that is consistent with the certification in the Attachment to Appendix A to this part.
(5) That professional conflicts of interest issues must be identified and addressed promptly.
(e) Additional requirements may be included in an engagement letter based on the needs of the contractor or the office requiring the Department retained counsel.
The standard for cost reasonableness determinations, one of the criteria for an allowability determination, is contained in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), at 48 CFR 31.201-3.
In determining whether fees or rates charged by retained legal counsel are reasonable, the Department may consider:
(a) Whether the lowest reasonably achievable fees or rates (including any currently available or negotiable discounts) were obtained from retained legal counsel;
(b) Whether lower rates from other firms providing comparable services were available;
(c) Whether alternative rate structures such as flat, contingent, and other innovative proposals, were considered;
(d) The complexity of the legal matter and the expertise of the law firm in this area; and
(e) The factors listed in § 719.10(c).
All costs determined to be allowable are reimbursable for actual costs only, with no overhead or surcharge adjustments.
(a) Specific categories of unallowable costs are contained in the cost principles at 48 CFR (FAR) part 31 and 48 CFR (DEAR) part 931 and 970.31. See also 41 U.S.C. 256(e).
(b) The Department does not consider for reimbursement any costs incurred for entertainment or alcoholic beverages. See 48 CFR (FAR) 31.205-14 and 31.205-51 and 41 U.S.C. 256(e).
(c) Costs that are customarily or already included in billed hourly rates are not separately reimbursable.
(d) Interest charges that a contractor incurs on any outstanding (unpaid) bills from retained legal counsel are not reimbursable.
Travel and related expenses must at a minimum comply with the restrictions set forth in 48 CFR (FAR) 31.205-46, or 48 CFR (DEAR) 970.3102-05-46, as appropriate, to be reimbursable.
Costs for the following require specific justification or advance written approval from Department counsel to be considered for reimbursement:
(a) Computers or general application software, or non-routine computerized databases specifically created for a particular matter;
(b) Charges for materials or non-attorney services exceeding $5,000;
(c) Secretarial and support services, word processing, or temporary support personnel;
(d) Attendance by more than one person at a deposition, court hearing, interview or meeting;
(e) Expert witnesses and consultants;
(f) Trade publications, books, treatises, background materials, and other similar documents;
(g) Professional or educational seminars and conferences;
(h) Preparation of bills or time spent responding to questions about bills from either the Department or the contractor;
(i) Food and beverages when the attorney or consultant is not on travel status and away from the home office; and
(j) Pro hac vice admissions.
If advance approval is required under this part, the advance approval must be obtained from the Department counsel unless the Department counsel indicates that approval of a request may only be given by the contracting officer.
(a) The contractor must have a monitoring system for subcontractor legal matters likely to reach $100,000 over the life of the matter. The purpose of this system is to enable the contractor to perform the same type of analysis and review of subcontractor legal management practices that the Department can perform of the contractor's legal management practices. The monitoring is intended to enable the contractor to keep the Department informed about significant subcontractor legal matters, including significant matters in litigation. The burden is on the prime contractor to be responsive to questions raised by the Department concerning significant subcontractor legal matters.
(b) Contractors must submit information copies of subcontractor invoices for legal services to Department counsel.
All costs covered by this part are subject to audit by the Department, its designated representative or the General Accounting Office. See § 719.21.
(a) If more than one contractor is a party in a particular matter and the issues involved are similar for all the contractors, a single legal counsel designated by the General Counsel must either represent all of the contractors or serve as lead counsel, when the rights of the contractors and the government can be effectively represented by a single legal counsel, consistent with the standards for professional conduct applicable in the particular matter. Contractors may propose to the General Counsel their preference for the individual or law firm to perform as the lead counsel for a particular matter.
(b) If a contractor, having been afforded an opportunity to present its views concerning joint or lead representation, does not acquiesce in the designation of one retained legal counsel to represent a number of contractors, or serve as lead counsel, then the legal costs of such contractor are not reimbursable by the Department, unless the contractor persuasively shows that it was reasonable for the contractor to incur such expenses.
(a) The individual selected as Department counsel for a contract subject to the requirements of this part must be approved by the contracting officer and the appropriate Chief Counsel, or General Counsel if at Headquarters. The Department counsel must receive written delegated authority from the contracting officer to serve as the contracting officer's representative for legal matters. The contractor must receive a copy of this delegation of authority.
(b) Actions by Department counsel may not exceed the responsibilities and limitations as delegated by the contracting officer. Delegated contracting officer representative authority may not be construed to include the authority to execute or to agree to any modification of the contract nor to attempt to resolve any contract dispute concerning a question of fact arising under the contract.
Department counsel must submit through the General Counsel reporting system, the approved costs and status updates for all matters involving retained counsel, including but not limited to contractor litigation. The reports are to be received by the 15th day of the month following the end of each quarter of the fiscal year.
(a) Requests from contractors for exception from this entire part must be coordinated with Headquarters.
(b) Requests from contractors for approval to initiate or defend litigation, or to appeal from adverse decisions, where legal issues of first impression, sensitive issues, issues of significance to the Department nationwide or issues of broad applicability to the Government that might adversely impact its operations are involved must be coordinated by Department counsel with the Deputy General Counsel for Litigation or his/her designee.
(c) Department field counsel must inform the General Counsel of any significant matter, as defined in this part, and must coordinate any action involving a significant matter with the General Counsel, or his/her designee, as directed by the General Counsel or his/her designee.
This guidance is intended to assist contractors and the Department's contracting officers and counsel in managing the costs of outside legal services. This guidance is also intended to assist retained legal counsel who provide services to the Department or to the Department's contractors.
(A) The Insurance—Litigation and Claims clause (48 CFR (DEAR) 970.5228-1) in the Department's facility management contracts provides that the contractor may not initiate litigation, including appeals from adverse decisions, without the prior authorization or approval of Department counsel acting in his/her capacity as the Department's contracting officer representative. The following are the minimum informational requirements for requests for authorization or approval under that clause:
(1) Identification of the proposed parties;
(2) The nature of the proposed action;
(3) Relief sought;
(4) Venue;
(5) Proposed representation and reason for selection;
(6) An analysis of the issues and the likelihood of success, and any time limitation associated with the requested approval;
(7) The estimated costs associated with the proposed action, including whether outside counsel has agreed to a contingent fee arrangement;
(8) Whether, for any reason, the contractor will assume any part of the costs of the action;
(9) A description of any attempts to resolve the issues that would be the subject of the litigation, such as through mediation or other means of alternative dispute resolution; and
(10) A discussion of why initiating litigation would prove beneficial to the contractor and to the Government.
(B) Department counsel should advise the contracting officer concerning each request and must provide assistance to the contracting officer in communicating the Department's decision to the contractor.
(A) In accordance with the Insurance-Litigation and Claims clause, the contractor must immediately notify Department counsel, acting in his/her capacity as contracting officer representative, of the initiation of litigation against the contractor. Department counsel will advise the contractor as to:
(1) Whether the defense of the litigation will be either approved or disapproved or approval deferred and any conditions to which approval is subject;
(2) Whether the contractor must authorize the Government to defend the action;
(3) Whether the Government will take charge of the action; or
(4) Whether the Government must receive an assignment of the contractor's rights.
(B) When defensive litigation is approved at a later stage or at the conclusion of the matter, reimbursement can be made for only those expenses which would have been reimbursable as allowable costs if the Department had originally approved the defense of the litigation.
If the Department disapproves in advance the costs of defense of the litigation, the contractor will be notified of the disapproval and that contract funds may not be used to fund the defense of the litigation. The contractor will also be informed if the Department changes its position. Contractor compliance with these policies and procedures does not itself obligate the Department to reimburse litigation costs or judgment costs when Departmental approval of the litigation cost has been denied or deferred.
The contractor's procedures under its Legal Management Plan should include provisions for earliest possible notification to the Department of the likely initiation of any “significant matters” involving class actions, radiation or toxic substance exposure, problems concerning the safeguarding of classified information, and any other matters involving issues which the contractor has reason to believe are of general importance to the Department or the government as a whole.
Contractors are expected to evaluate all matters for appropriate alternative dispute resolution (ADR) at various stages of an issue in dispute,
A determination of cost reasonableness may depend on a variety of considerations and circumstances. In accordance with 48 CFR (FAR) 31.201-3, no presumption of reasonableness is attached to the incurrence of costs by a contractor. 10 CFR part 719 and this Appendix provide contractors guidelines for incurring legal costs to which adherence should result in a determination of allowability if the cost is otherwise allowable under the contract.
(A) While 10 CFR part 719 provides procedures for incurring legal costs, the determination of the reason for the incurrence of the legal costs,
(B) In some cases, the final determination of allowability of legal costs cannot be made until a matter is fully resolved. This is particularly true in the case of legal defense costs covered by the restrictions in the Major Fraud Act and is also a common problem in cases covered by various whistleblower statutes and regulations. In certain circumstances, contract and cost principle language may permit conditional reimbursement of costs pending the outcome of the legal matter. Whether the Department makes conditional reimbursements or withholds any payment pending the outcome, legal costs ultimately reimbursed by the Department must satisfy the standards of cost reasonableness.
(A) Requests by retained legal counsel that are not in a direct contract with the Department for fee increases should be sent in writing to the contractor, who should review the request for reasonableness. If the contractor determines the request is reasonable, the contractor should seek approval for the request from Department counsel and the contracting officer before it authorizes any increase. Contractors should attempt to lock in rates for partners, associates and paralegals for at least a two-year period.
(B) Costs listed in 10 CFR 719.33(c) are usually incorporated into the rate or fee structure. Consultants or experts hired by retained legal counsel who do not include any overhead or similar charges, such as computer time, in their base rate, must have those charges approved in advance by Department counsel and the contracting officer. Time charged by law students should be scrutinized for its efficiency and have prior authorization.
(C) Travel time may be reimbursed at a full rate for the portion of time during which retained legal counsel actually performs work for which it was retained; any remaining travel time during normal working hours shall be reimbursed at 50 percent, except that in no event is travel time for time during which work was performed for other clients reimbursable. Also, for long distance travel that could be completed by various methods of transportation,
(D) For costs associated with the creation and use of computerized databases, contractors and retained legal counsel must ensure that the creation and use of computerized databases is necessary and cost-effective. Potential use of databases originally created by the Department or its contractors for other purposes, but that can be used to assist a contractor or retained legal counsel in connection with a particular matter, should be considered and be coordinated with Department counsel.
(A) An attorney from the field office or from Headquarters will be appointed a contracting officer's representative by the cognizant contracting officer. A contracting officer may designate other Government personnel to act as authorized representatives for functions not involving a change in the scope, price, terms or conditions of the contract. This designation is made in writing and contains specific instructions regarding the extent to which the representatives may take action for the contracting officer, and prohibits the representative from signing contractual documents. The contracting officer is the only person authorized to approve changes in any of the requirements under the contract.
(B) Additional discussion of the authority and limitation of contracting officers can be found at 48 CFR (FAR) 1.602-1, and for contracting officer's representatives at 48 CFR (DEAR) 942.270-1. The clause, Technical Direction, 48 CFR (DEAR) 952.242-70, also discusses the responsibilities and limitations of a contracting officer's representative.
The Office of the General Counsel may by memorandum provide additional guidance to contractors. These memoranda will serve as guidance for “safe harbor” practices for contractors procuring outside legal services.
Bills or invoices should contain a certification signed by a representative of the retained legal counsel to the effect that:
“Under penalty of law, [the representative] acknowledges the expectation that the bill will be paid by the contractor and that the contractor will be reimbursed by the Federal Government through the U.S. Department of Energy, and, based on personal knowledge and a good faith belief, certifies that the bill is truthful and accurate, and that the services and charges set forth herein comply with the terms of engagement and the policies set forth in the Department of Energy's regulation and guidance on contractor legal management requirements, and that the costs and charges set forth herein are necessary.”
All fees must be itemized and described in sufficient detail and specificity to reflect the purpose and nature of the work performed (
Description should be in sufficient detail to determine that the disbursement expense was in accordance with all applicable Department policies on reimbursement of contractor legal costs and the terms of engagement between the contractor and the retained legal counsel. The date the expense was incurred or disbursed should be listed rather than the date the expense was processed. The following should be itemized: copy charge (
Receipts for all expenses equal to or above $75 must be attached.
Sec. 161 of the Atomic Energy Act, as amended, 68 Stat. 943, 42 U.S.C. 2201.
Regulations in this part are affected by a document published at 44 FR 37938, June 29, 1979. See the redesignation table appearing in the Finding Aids section of this volume.
This part establishes procedures and standards for the issuance of an Access Permit to any person subject to this part who requires access to Restricted Data applicable to civil uses of atomic energy for use in his business, trade or profession; provides for the amendment, renewal, suspension, termination and revocation of an Access Permit; and specifies the terms and conditions under which the Administrator will issue the Permit.
The regulations in this part apply to any person within or under the jurisdiction of the United States who desires access to Restricted Data for use in his business, profession or trade.
As used in this part:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
Except as specifically authorized by the Administrator in writing no interpretation of the meaning of the regulations in this part by any officer or employee of DOE other than a written interpretation by the General Counsel will be recognized to be binding upon DOE.
Communications concerning rulemaking, i.e., petition to change part 725, should be addressed to Administrator of Energy Research and Development, Department of Energy, Washington DC 20545. Except with respect to category C-24, all other communications concerning the regulations in this part and applications filed under them, should be addressed to the DOE Operations Office listed in appendix B of this part responsible for the geographical area in which (a) the applicant's principal place of business is located, or (b) the principal place where the applicant will use the restricted data is located.
For administrative purposes DOE has categorized Restricted Data which will be made available to permittees in the categories as set forth in appendix A to this part. Top Secret information; information pertaining to the design, manufacture or utilization of atomic weapons; and defense information other than Restricted Data are not included in these categories and will not be made available under this part.
The Administrator may, upon application of any interested party, grant such waivers from the requirements of this part as he determines are authorized by law and will not constitute an undue risk to the common defense and security.
(a) Any person desiring access to Restricted Data pursuant to this part should submit an application (Form DOE 378), in triplicate, for an access permit to the DOE Operations Office, listed in appendix B to this part, responsible for the area in which (1) the applicant's principal place of business is located, or (2) the principal place where the applicant will use the Restricted Data is located. Applications for access to Restricted Data in category C-24 isotope separation, should be submitted to the Oak Ridge Operations Office.
(b) Where an individual desires access to Restricted Data for use in the performance of his duties as an employee, the application for an access permit must be filed in the name of his employer.
(c) Self-employed private consultants, desiring access to Restricted Data, must file the application in their own name for an individual access permit.
(d) Each application should contain the following information:
(1) Name of applicant (unincorporated subsidiaries or divisions of a corporation must apply in the name of the corporation);
(2) Address of applicant;
(3) Description of business or occupation of applicant; and
(4)(i) If applicant is an individual, state citizenship.
(ii) If applicant is a partnership, state name, citizenship and address of each partner and the principal location where the partnership does business.
(iii) If applicant is a corporation or an unincorporated association, state:
(A) The state where it is incorporated or organized and the principal location where it does business;
(B) The names, addresses and citizenship of its directors and of its principal officers;
(C) Whether it is owned, controlled or dominated by an alien, a foreign corporation, or foreign government, and if so, give details.
(iv) If the applicant is acting as agent or representative of another person in filing the application, identify the principal and furnish information required under this subparagraph with respect to such principal;
(5) Total number of full-time employees;
(6) Classification of Restricted Data (Confidential or Secret) to which access is requested;
(7) Potential use of the Restricted Data in the applicant's business, profession or trade. If access to Secret Restricted Data is requested, list the specific categories by number and furnish detailed reasons why such access within the specified categories is needed by the applicant. The need for Secret information should be stated by describing its proposed use in specific research, design, planning, construction, manufacturing, or operatingprojects; in activities under licenses issued by Nuclear Regulatory Commission; in studies or evaluations planned or under way; or in work or services to be performed for other organizations. In addition, if access to secret restricted data in category C-65, plutonium production, or restricted data in category C-24, isotope separation, is requested, the application should also include sufficient information to satisfy the requirements of § 725.15(b) (2) or (3), as the case may be.”
(8) Principal Location(s) at which Restricted Data will be used.
(e) Applications should be signed by a person authorized to sign for the applicant.
(f) Each application shall contain complete and accurate disclosure with respect to the real party or parties in interest and as to all other matters and things required to be disclosed.
The following persons are not eligible to apply for an access permit:
(a) Corporations not organized under the laws of the United States or a political subdivision thereof.
(b) Any individual who is not a citizen of the United States.
(c) Any partnership not including among the partners one or more citizens of the United States; or any other unincorporated association not including one or more citizens of the United States among its principal officers.
(d) Any organization which is owned, controlled or dominated by the Government of, a citizen of, or an organization organized under the laws of a country or area listed as a Subgroup A country or destination in § 371.3 (15 CFR 371.3) of the Comprehensive Export Schedule of the United States Department of Commerce.
(e) Persons subject to the jurisdiction of the United States who are not doing business within the United States.
The Administrator may, at any time after the filing of the original application and before the termination of the permit, require additional information in order to enable the Administrator to
Applications and documents submitted to DOE in connection with applications may be made available for public inspection in accordance with the regulations contained in part 702 of this chapter.
(a) An application for an access permit authorizing access to confidential restricted data in the categories set forth in appendix A of this part (except C-91 and C-24) will be approved only if the application demonstrates that the applicant has a potential use or application for such data in his business, trade, or profession and has filed a complete application form.
(b)(1) An application for an access permit authorizing access to restricted data in category C-24 or secret restricted data in other categories will be approved only if the applicant has a need for such data in his business, trade, or profession and has filed a complete application form.
(2) An application for an access permit authorizing access to Secret Restricted Data in category C-65 Plutonium Production will be approved only if the application demonstrates also that the applicant:
(i) Is directly engaged in a substantial effort to develop, design, build or operate a chemical processing plant or other facility related to his participation in the peaceful uses of atomic energy for which such production rate and cost data are needed; or
(ii) Is furnishing to a permittee having access to C-65 under paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section, substantial scientific, engineering or other professional services to be used by said permittee in carrying out the activities for which said permittee received access to category C-65.
(3) An application for an access permit authorizing access to Restricted Data in category C-24, isotope separation—subcategory A or B—will be approved only if the application demonstrates also that the applicant:
(i) Possesses technical, managerial and financial qualifications demonstrating that the applicant is potentially capable of undertaking or participating significantly in the construction and/or operation of production or manufacturing facilities and offers reasonable assurance of adequacy of resources to carry on, alone or with others, uranium enrichment on a production basis or the large-scale manufacture or assembly of precision equipment systems, or is potentially capable of utilizing centrifuge machines in its business for uranium enrichment or for purposes other than uranium enrichment; and is not subject to foreign ownership, control, or influence; and
(A) For subcategory A, desires to determine its interest in participating significantly in a substantial effort to develop, design, build, and operate a uranium enrichment facility or a facility for the manufacture of uranium enrichment equipment.
(B) For subcategory B, proposes to
(ii) Is furnishing to a permittee having access to Category C-24 under the paragraph (b)(3)(i) of this section substantial scientific, engineering, or other professional services to be used by said permittee in carrying out the activities for which said permittee received access to Category C-24.
(4) An application for an access permit authorizing access to Confidential and Secret Restricted Data in C-91, Nuclear Reactors for Rocket Propulsion, will be approved only if the application demonstrates also that the applicant:
(i) Possesses qualifications demonstrating that he is capable of making a contribution to research and development in the field of nuclear reactors for rocket propulsion and is directly engaged in or proposes to engage in a
(ii) Is engaged in or proposes to engage in a substantial study program in the field of nuclear reactors for rocket propulsion preparatory to the submission of a research and development proposal to DOE; or
(iii) Is furnishing to a permittee having access under paragraph (b)(4) (i) or (ii) of this section substantial scientific, engineering or other professional services to be used by that permittee in a study or research and development program for which said permittee received access.
(a) Upon a determination that an application meets the requirements of this regulation, the Administrator will issue to the applicant an access permit on Form DOE 379.
(b) An Access Permit is not an access authorization. It does not authorize any individual not having an appropriate DOE access authorization to receive Restricted Data. See § 725.24 and part 795 of this chapter.
(a) All access permits will as a minimum authorize access, subject to the terms and conditions of the access permit to confidential restricted data in all of the categories set forth in appendix A to this part, except C-91 and C-24.
(b) In addition, access permits may authorize access, subject to the terms and conditions of the access permit to such Secret Restricted Data as is included within the particular category or categories specified in the permit.
(c) In addition, access permits may authorize access, subject to the terms and conditions of the access permit, to such government confidential commercial information as is included within the particular category or categories specified in the permit.
(a) Neither the United States, nor DOE, nor any person acting on behalf of DOE makes any warranty or other representation, expressed or implied, (1) with respect to the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information made available pursuant to an access permit, or (2) that the use of any such information may not infringe privately owned rights.
(b) The Administrator, on behalf of DOE, hereby waives such rights with respect to any invention or discovery as it may have pursuant to section 152 of the Act by reason of such invention or discovery having been made or conceived in the course of, in connection with, or resulting from access to Restricted Data received under the terms of an access permit. (Note provisions of § 725.23(d).)
(c) Each permittee shall:
(1) Comply with all applicable provisions of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, and with parts 795 and 810 of this chapter and with all other applicable rules, regulations, and orders of DOE, including such rules, regulations, and orders as DOE may adopt or issue to effectuate the policies specified in the act directing DOE to strengthen free competition in private enterprise and avoid the creation or maintenance of a situation inconsistent with the antitrust laws.
(2) Be deemed to have waived all claims for damages under section 183 of title 35 U.S. Code by reason of the imposition of any secrecy order on any patent application and all claims for just compensation under section 173 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, with respect to any invention or discovery made or conceived in the course of, in connection with or as a result of access to Restricted Data received under the terms of the access permit;
(3) Be deemed to have waived any and all claims against the United States, DOE and all persons acting on behalf of DOE that might arise in connection with the use, by the applicant, of any and all information supplied by them pursuant to the access permit;
(4) Obtain and preserve in his files written agreements from all individuals who will have access to Restricted
In consideration for receiving access to Restricted Data under the access permit issued by the Administrator of Energy Research and Development, I hereby agree to:
(a) Waive all claims for damages under section 183 of title 35 U.S. Code by reason of the imposition of any secrecy order on any patent application, and all claims for just compensation under section 173 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, with respect to any invention or discovery made or conceived in the course of, in connection with or resulting from access to Restricted Data received under the terms of the access permit issued to (insert the name of the holder of the access permit);
(b) Waive any and all claims against the United States, DOE, and all persons acting on behalf of DOE that might arise in connection with the use, by me, of any and all information supplied by them pursuant to the access permit issued to (insert the name of the holder of the access permit).
(5) Pay all established charges for personnel access authorizations, DOE consulting services, publication and reproduction of documents, and such other services as DOE may furnish in connection with the access permit.
(d) The following terms and conditions are applicable to an access permit authorizing access to restricted data in category C-24, isotope separation irrespective of whether access to DOE's restricted data information is desired:
(1) The permittee agrees to grant a nonexclusive license at reasonable royalties to the United States and, at the request of DOE, to domestic and foreign persons, to use in the production or enrichment of special nuclear material any U.S. patent or any U.S. patent application (otherwise in condition for allowance except for a secrecy order thereon) on any invention or discovery made or conceived by the permittee, its employees, or others engaged by the permittee in the course of the permittee's work under the access permit, or as a result of access to data or information made available by DOE.
(2) The permittee agrees to grant to the United States, and, at the request of DOE, to domestic and foreign persons, the right at reasonable royalties to use for research, development, or manufacturing programs for the production or enrichment of special nuclear material, any technical information or data, including economic evaluations thereof, of a proprietary nature developed by the permittee, its employees, or others engaged by the permittee in the course of the permittee's work under the access permit or as a result of access to data or information made available by DOE and not covered by a U.S. patent or U.S. patent application referred to in paragraph (d)(1) of this section. If DOE disseminates any such proprietary technical information or data in its possession to any of its contractors for use in any DOE research, development, production, or manufacturing programs, it will do so under contractual provisions pursuant to which the contractor would undertake to use this information only for the work under the pertinent DOE contract. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this subparagraph, the permittee waives any claim against DOE for compensation or otherwise, in connection with any use or dissemination of information or data not specifically identified and claimed by the permittee as proprietary in a written notice to DOE at the time of the furnishing of the information or data to DOE. As used in this subparagraph, the term “technical information or data, including economic evaluations thereof, of a proprietary nature” means information or data which:
(i) Is not the property of the Government by virtue of any agreement;
(ii) Concerns the details of trade secrets or manufacturing processes which the permittee has protected from us by others; and
(iii)(A) Is specifically identified as proprietary at the time it is made available to DOE.
(B) Technical information or data shall not be deemed proprietary in nature whenever substantially the same technical information is available to
(3) If the amount of reasonable royalties provided for in paragraphs (d) (1) and (2) of this section cannot be agreed upon, the permittee agrees that such amount shall be determined by the Administrator under the provisions of section 157c of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended.
(4) In the event domestic commercial uranium enriching services are provided by persons other than an agency of the United States, the permittee agrees not to require the United States to pay the royalties provided for in paragraphs (d) (1) and (2) of this section.
(5) The acceptance, exercise, or use of the licenses or rights provided for in paragraphs (d) (1) and (2) of this section shall not prevent the Government, at any time, from contesting their validity, scope or enforceability.
(6) The permittee agrees, during the term of the access permit, to make quarterly reports to DOE in writing, in reasonable detail, respecting all technical information or data, including economic evaluations thereof, which the permittee or DOE considers may be of interest to DOE, including reports of patent applications on inventions or discoveries and of technical information and data of a proprietary nature. These reports will cover the results of the permittee's work under the access permit or as a result of data or information made available by DOE. The foregoing provisions of this subparagraph shall be subject to the provisions of paragraphs (d) (1) and (2) of this section.
(7) The permittee agrees to make available to DOE, at all reasonable times during the term of the access permit, for inspection by DOE personnel, or by mutual agreement, others on behalf of DOE, all experimental equipment and technical information or data developed by the permittee, its employees, or others engaged by the permittee, in the course of the permittee's work under the access permit or as a result of data or information made available by DOE. The foregoing provision of this subparagraph shall be subject to the provisions of paragraphs (d) (1) and (2) of this section.
(8) The permittee agrees to pay such reasonable compensation as DOE may elect to charge for the commercial use of its inventions and discoveries including related data and technology and, except for an applicant qualifying for a permit pursuant to § 725.15(b)(3)(ii), agrees to pay $25,000 for an access permit authorizing access to restricted data in subcategory B.
(9) Except as may be otherwise authorized by DOE, the permittee agrees not to disseminate to persons not granted access by DOE, restricted data or government confidential commercial information made available to the permittee by DOE or restricted data developed by the permittee, its employees, or others engaged by the permittee in the course of the permittee's work under the access permit or as a result of data or information made available by DOE.
(10) The granting of an access permit does not constitute any assurance, direct or implied, that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission will grant the permittee a license for a production facility or any other license.
(11) In the event the permittee is engaged by DOE to perform work for DOE in the field of the separation of isotopes, the permittee agrees to undertake such measures as DOE may require for the separation of its activities under the access permit from its work for DOE.
With respect to each permit issued pursuant to the regulations in this part, the cognizant Operations Office will:
(a) Process all personnel access authorizations requested in connection with the permit;
(b) Review the procedures submitted by the Applicant, in accordance with part 795 of this chapter, for the safeguarding of Restricted Data; and
(c) Provide information to the permittee with respect to the sources and locations of Restricted Data available
(a) Each access permit will be issued for a two year term, unless otherwise stated in the permit.
(b) Applications for renewal shall be filed in accordance with § 725.11. Each renewal application must be complete, without reference to previous applications. In any case in which a permittee has filed a properly completed application for renewal more than thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of his existing permit, such existing permit shall not expire until the application for a renewal has been finally acted upon by the Administrator.
An access permit is nontransferable and nonassignable.
An access permit may be amended from time to time upon application by the permittee. An application for amendment may be filed, in triplicate, in letter form and shall be signed by an individual authorized to sign on behalf of the applicant. The term of an access permit shall not be altered by an amendment thereto.
In considering an application by a permittee to review or amend his permit, the Administrator will apply the criteria set forth in § 725.15. Failure of an applicant to reply to an DOE request for additional information concerning an application for renewal or amendment within 60 days shall result in a rejection of the application without prejudice to resubmit a properly completed application at a later date.
The Administrator may revoke or suspend any access permit for any material false statement in the application or in any report submitted to DOE pursuant to the regulations in this part or because of conditions or facts which would have warranted a refusal to grant the permit in the first instance, or for violation of any of the terms and conditions of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 or rules, regulations or orders issued pursuant thereto. A permittee should request termination of his permit when he no longer requires Restricted Data for use in his business, trade or profession.
Notwithstanding any other provision in the regulations in this part, the Administrator may deny an application for an access permit or suspend or revoke any access permit, or incorporate additional conditions or requirements in any access permit, upon finding that such denial, revocation or the incorporation of such conditions and limitations is necessary or appropriate in the interest of the common defense and security or is otherwise in the public interest.
An injunction or other court order may be obtained prohibiting any violation of any provision of the Act or any regulation or order issued thereunder. Any person who willfully violates any provision of the Act or any regulation or order issued thereunder may be guilty of a crime and, upon conviction, may be punished by fine or imprisonment or both, as provided by law.
C-24Isotope separation.—This category is divided into subcategories A and B.
Subcategory A includes information in summary form concerning the status and potential of the gaseous diffusion and gas centrifuge processes for the separation of uranium isotopes.
Subcategory B includes information on the following:
a. Any aspect of separating one or more isotopes of uranium from a composition containing a mixture of isotopes of that element by the gas centrifuge or gaseous diffusion processes.
b. Design, construction, and operation of any plant, facility or device capable of separating by the gas centrifuge or gaseous diffusion processes one or more isotopes of uranium from a composition containing a mixture of isotopes of that element, including
C-44Nuclear Technology. This category includes classified technical information concerning nuclear technology. It may contain information on the following:
a. Materials, including metals, ceramics, organic and inorganic compounds. Included are such technical areas as the technology and fabrication of fuel elements, corrosion studies, cladding techniques and radiation studies.
b. Chemistry, chemical engineering and radiochemistry of all the elements and their compounds. Included are techniques and processes of chemical separations, radioactive waste handling and feed material processing.
c. Reactor physics, engineering and technology including theory, design, criticality studies and operation of reactors, reactor systems and reactor components.
d. Reserved.
e. Lithium isotope separation technology. This subcategory includes classified technical information on the separation of lithium isotopes by using counter-current flows of lithium amalgam and aqueous lithium hydroxide solution in packed columns. Not included is information regarding plant design and operating conditions from which total production rates or design capacity of the lithium isotope separation plant (Colex) in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, can be inferred. In addition to the other requirements of this part, access permits for Restricted Data in this subcategory will be approved, provided the permittee:
1. Demonstrates that it is not a corporation or entity owned, controlled or dominated by an alien, a foreign corporation, or a foreign government, and
2. Agrees to insertion in his access permit of the terms and conditions:
(i) Set forth in paragraphs (a) and (b) of § 725.23 of this part;
(ii) Set forth in paragraph (c) of § 725.23 of this part, amended by deleting the phrase “category C-24, isotope separation,” and inserting in lieu thereof the phrase “subcategory C-44e, lithium isotope separation technology”;
(iii) Set forth in paragraph (d) of § 725.23 of this part, amended by:
(A) Deleting the phrases “production or enrichment of special nuclear material” and “separation of isotopes” wherever they appear, and inserting in lieu thereof the phrase “separation of isotopes of lithium”;
(B) Deleting the phrase “domestic commercial uranium enriching services are provided by,” and inserting in lieu thereof the phrase “domestic lithium isotope separation capacity becomes available to.”
This category does not include information which reveals or from which can be calculated actual or planned (as distinguished from design) capacities, production rates and unit costs for the plutonium production program.
C-65Plutonium Production. This category includes information on reactor, fuel element and separations technology which reveals or from which can be calculated actual or planned (as distinguished from design) capacities, production rates and unit costs for the Hanford and Savannah River production facilities.
Technology which does not reveal or enable calculation of production rates and unit costs of Hanford or Savannah River production facilities is categorized in C-44 Nuclear Technology.
C-90Nuclear Reactors for Ram-Jet Propulsion. This category includes information on:
a. Programs pertaining to the development of nuclear reactors for application to ram-jet propulsion systems including theory and/or design, test philosophy procedures and/or results.
b. Fabrication technology and evaluation of performance or characteristics of materials or components for such reactors.
c. Controls, control systems and instrumentation relating to the design or technology of such reactors.
d. Data pertaining to heat transfer, propellant kinetics or corrosion and erosion of materials under conditions of high temperature, high gas flows or other environmental conditions characteristic of ram-jet propulsion systems.
This category does not include information on:
a. Design details of weapons systems or nuclear warheads.
b. Military operational techniques or characteristics.
c. General aspects of nuclear ram-jet missiles, such as payload, aerodynamic characteristics, guidance systems, physical size, gross weight, thrust and information of this kind which is associated with utilization of a nuclear ram-jet propulsion system.
C-91Nuclear Reactors for Rocket Propulsion. This category includes information on:
a. Programs pertaining to nuclear reactors for rocket propulsion, i.e., missile propulsion, theory and/design, test philosophy procedures and/or results.
b. Design, fabrication technology and evaluation of performance or characteristics of material, components, or subsystems or nuclear rocket reactors.
c. Controls, control systems and instrumentation relating to the design or technology of rocket reactor systems.
d. Data pertaining to heat transfer, propellant kinetics or corrosion and erosion of rocket reactor system materials under conditions of high temperature, high gas flows,
This category does not include information on:
a. Design details of weapons systems or nuclear warheads.
b. Military operational techniques or characteristics.
c. General aspects of payload and aerodynamic characteristics.
d. Design details and development, information of components and subsystems of the nuclear rocket engine other than that associated with the reactor system.
C-92Systems for Nuclear Auxiliary Power (SNAP). This category includes information on:
a. Isotopic SNAP Program, including theory, design, research and development, fabrication, test procedures and results for the device, including power conversion device and the fuels used.
b. Reactor SNAP Program, including theory, design, research and development, fabrication, test procedures and results for the reactor, including the directly associated power conversion device when developed by DOE.
This category does not include that technical and scientific data developed under the SNAP Advanced Concept Program which should be reported in C-93.
C-93Advanced Concepts for Future Application.
C-93aReactor Experiments. This category includes classified technical information developed in the pursuit of work on new or advanced concepts of reactors or components which DOE considers essential to future growth or for general application to future generations of reactors. Classified information developed in the pursuit of work on the lithium cooled reactor experiment is an example of the type of information to be reported in this category, i.e., information resulting from an experimental reactor proj-ect or component development which may have many future applications but which is not currently being pursued to meet the specific needs of an approved requirement for which other information categories have been provided. For example, classified technical information developed in the pursuit of work on Naval, Ram-Jet or Rocket nuclear reactors would not be reported here but under their respective specific categories. This category will include classified technical information on the following:
a. Theory, design, and performance, either estimated or actual.
b. Design details, composition and performance characteristics of major components (e.g., fuel media, reflectors, moderators, heat exchangers, pressure shells or containment devices, control rods, conversion devices, instrumentation and shielding).
c. Material (metals, ceramics and compounds) development, alloying, cladding, corrosion, erosion, radiation studies and fabrication techniques.
d. Chemistry, including chemical engineering, processes and techniques. Reactor physics, engineering and criticality studies.
C-93bConversion Devices. This category includes classified technical information developed in the pursuit of studies, designs, research and development, fabrication and operation of any energy conversion device to be used with nuclear energy sources which is not being applied to a specific system development project.
C-94Military Compact Reactor (MCR). This category includes classified technical information on the actual or planned Military Compact Reactor and its components developed in the pursuit of studies, designs, research and development, fabrication, and operation of the reactor system or its components.
Examples of the areas of information included are:
a. Reactor core physics.
b. Fuel elements and fuel element components.
c. Moderator and reflector details.
d. Data on primary coolant system.
e. Radiation shield.
f. Controls and instrumentation.
This category does not include information on military operational characteristics or techniques.
5 U.S.C. 301; 42 U.S.C. 7254; 42 U.S.C. 300v-1(b).
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, this policy applies to all research involving human subjects conducted, supported or otherwise subject to regulation by any federal department or agency which takes appropriate administrative action to make the policy applicable to such research. This includes research conducted by federal civilian employees or military personnel, except that each department or agency head may adopt such procedural modifications as may be appropriate from an administrative standpoint. It also includes research conducted, supported, or otherwise subject to regulation by the federal government outside the United States.
(1) Research that is conducted or supported by a federal department or agency, whether or not it is regulated as defined in § 745.102(e), must comply with all sections of this policy.
(2) Research that is neither conducted nor supported by a federal department or agency but is subject to regulation as defined in § 745.102(e) must be reviewed and approved, in compliance with § 745.101, § 745.102 and § 745.107 through § 745.101 of this policy, by an institutional review board (IRB) that operates in accordance with the pertinent requirements of this policy.
(b) Unless otherwise required by department or agency heads, research activities in which the only involvement of human subjects will be in one or more of the following categories are exempt from this policy:
(1) Research conducted in established or commonly accepted educational settings, involving normal educational practices, such as (i) research on regular and special education instructional strategies, or (ii) research on the effectiveness of or the comparison among instructional techniques, curricula, or classroom management methods.
(2) Research involving the use of educational tests (cognitive, diagnostic, aptitude, achievement), survey procedures, interview procedures or observation of public behavior, unless:
(i) Information obtained is recorded in such a manner that human subjects can be identified, directly or through
(3) Research involving the use of educational tests (cognitive, diagnostic, aptitude, achievement), survey procedures, interview procedures, or observation of public behavior that is not exempt under paragraph (b)(2) of this section, if:
(i) The human subjects are elected or appointed public officials or candidates for public office; or (ii) federal statute(s) require(s) without exception that the confidentiality of the personally identifiable information will be maintained throughout the research and thereafter.
(4) Research, involving the collection or study of existing data, documents, records, pathological specimens, or diagnostic specimens, if these sources are publicly available or if the information is recorded by the investigator in such a manner that subjects cannot be identified, directly or through identifiers linked to the subjects.
(5) Research and demonstration projects which are conducted by or subject to the approval of department or agency heads, and which are designed to study, evaluate, or otherwise examine:
(i) Public benefit or service programs;
(ii) Procedures for obtaining benefits or services under those programs;
(iii) Possible changes in or alternatives to those programs or procedures; or
(iv) Possible changes in methods or levels of payment for benefits or services under those programs.
(6) Taste and food quality evaluation and consumer acceptance studies, (i) if wholesome foods without additives are consumed or (ii) if a food is consumed that contains a food ingredient at or below the level and for a use found to be safe, or agricultural chemical or environmental contaminant at or below the level found to be safe, by the Food and Drug Administration or approved by the Environmental Protection Agency or the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
(c) Department or agency heads retain final judgment as to whether a particular activity is covered by this policy.
(d) Department or agency heads may require that specific research activities or classes of research activities conducted, supported, or otherwise subject to regulation by the department or agency but not otherwise covered by this policy, comply with some or all of the requirements of this policy.
(e) Compliance with this policy requires compliance with pertinent federal laws or regulations which provide additional protections for human subjects.
(f) This policy does not affect any state or local laws or regulations which may otherwise be applicable and which provide additional protections for human subjects.
(g) This policy does not affect any foreign laws or regulations which may otherwise be applicable and which provide additional protections to human subjects of research.
(h) When research covered by this policy takes place in foreign countries, procedures normally followed in the foreign countries to protect human subjects may differ from those set forth in this policy. [An example is a foreign institution which complies with guidelines consistent with the World Medical Assembly Declaration (Declaration of Helsinki amended 1989) issued either by sovereign states or by an organization whose function for the protection of human research subjects is internationally recognized.] In these circumstances, if a department or agency head determines that the procedures prescribed by the institution afford protections that are at least equivalent to those provided in this policy, the department or agency head may approve the substitution of the foreign procedures in lieu of the procedural requirements provided in this policy. Except when otherwise required by statute, Executive Order, or the department or agency head, notices of these actions as they occur will be published in the
(i) Unless otherwise required by law, department or agency heads may waive the applicability of some or all of the provisions of this policy to specific research activities or classes of research activities otherwise covered by this policy. Except when otherwise required by statute or Executive Order, the department or agency head shall forward advance notices of these actions to the Office for Protection from Research Risks, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and shall also publish them in the
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(1) Data through intervention or interaction with the individual, or
(2) Identifiable private information.
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(a) Each institution engaged in research which is covered by this policy and which is conducted or supported by a federal department or agency shall provide written assurance satisfactory to the department or agency head that it will comply with the requirements set forth in this policy. In lieu of requiring submission of an assurance, individual department or agency heads shall accept the existence of a current assurance, appropriate for the research in question, on file with the Office for Protection from Research Risks, HHS, and approved for Federal wide use by that office. When the existence of an HHS-approved assurance is accepted in lieu of requiring submission of an assurance, reports (except certification) required by this policy to be made to department and agency heads shall also be made to the Office for Protection from Research Risks, HHS.
(b) Departments and agencies will conduct or support research covered by this policy only if the institution has an assurance approved as provided in this section, and only if the institution has certified to the department or agency head that the research has been reviewed and approved by an IRB provided for in the assurance, and will be subject to continuing review by the IRB. Assurances applicable to federally supported or conducted research shall at a minimum include:
(1) A statement of principles governing the institution in the discharge of its responsibilities for protecting the rights and welfare of human subjects of research conducted at or sponsored by the institution, regardless of whether the research is subject to federal regulation. This may include an appropriate existing code, declaration, or statement of ethical principles, or a statement formulated by the institution itself. This requirement does not preempt provisions of this policy applicable to department- or agency-supported or regulated research and need not be applicable to any research exempted or waived under § 745.101 (b) or (i).
(2) Designation of one or more IRBs established in accordance with the requirements of this policy, and for which provisions are made for meeting space and sufficient staff to support the IRB's review and recordkeeping duties.
(3) A list of IRB members identified by name; earned degrees; representative capacity; indications of experience such as board certifications, licenses, etc., sufficient to describe each member's chief anticipated contributions to IRB deliberations; and any employment or other relationship between each member and the institution; for example: full-time employee, part-time employee, member of governing panel or board, stockholder, paid or unpaid consultant. Changes in IRB membership shall be reported to the department or agency head, unless in accord with § 745.103(a) of this policy, the existence of an HHS-approved assurance is accepted. In this case, change in IRB membership shall be reported to the Office for Protection from Research Risks, HHS.
(4) Written procedures which the IRB will follow (i) for conducting its initial and continuing review of research and for reporting its findings and actions to the investigator and the institution;
(5) Written procedures for ensuring prompt reporting to the IRB, appropriate institutional officials, and the department or agency head of (i) any unanticipated problems involving risks to subjects or others or any serious or continuing noncompliance with this policy or the requirements or determinations of the IRB and (ii) any suspension or termination of IRB approval.
(c) The assurance shall be executed by an individual authorized to act for the institution and to assume on behalf of the institution the obligations imposed by this policy and shall be filed in such form and manner as the department or agency head prescribes.
(d) The department or agency head will evaluate all assurances submitted in accordance with this policy through such officers and employees of the department or agency and such experts or consultants engaged for this purpose as the department or agency head determines to be appropriate. The department or agency head's evaluation will take into consideration the adequacy of the proposed IRB in light of the anticipated scope of the institution's research activities and the types of subject populations likely to be involved, the appropriateness of the proposed initial and continuing review procedures in light of the probable risks, and the size and complexity of the institution.
(e) On the basis of this evaluation, the department or agency head may approve or disapprove the assurance, or enter into negotiations to develop an approvable one. The department or agency head may limit the period during which any particular approved assurance or class of approved assurances shall remain effective or otherwise condition or restrict approval.
(f) Certification is required when the research is supported by a federal department or agency and not otherwise exempted or waived under § 745.101 (b) or (i). An institution with an approved assurance shall certify that each application or proposal for research covered by the assurance and by § 745.103 of this Policy has been reviewed and approved by the IRB. Such certification must be submitted with the application or proposal or by such later date as may be prescribed by the department oragency to which the application or proposal is submitted. Under no condition shall research covered by § 745.103 of the Policy be supported prior to receipt of the certification that the research has been reviewed and approved by the IRB. Institutions without an approved assurance covering the research shall certify within 30 days after receipt of a request for such a certification from the department or agency, that the application or proposal has been approved by the IRB. If the certification is not submitted within these time limits, the application or proposal may be returned to the institution.
(a) Each IRB shall have at least five members, with varying backgrounds to promote complete and adequate review of research activities commonly conducted by the institution. The IRB shall be sufficiently qualified through the experience and expertise of its members, and the diversity of the members, including consideration of race, gender, and cultural backgrounds and sensitivity to such issues as community attitudes, to promote respect for its advice and counsel in safeguarding the rights and welfare of human subjects. In addition to possessing the professional competence necessary to review specific research activities, the IRB shall be able to ascertain the acceptability of proposed
(b) Every nondiscriminatory effort will be made to ensure that no IRB consists entirely of men or entirely of women, including the institution's consideration of qualified persons of both sexes, so long as no selection is made to the IRB on the basis of gender. No IRB may consist entirely of members of one profession.
(c) Each IRB shall include at least one member whose primary concerns are in scientific areas and at least one member whose primary concerns are in nonscientific areas.
(d) Each IRB shall include at least one member who is not otherwise affiliated with the institution and who is not part of the immediate family of a person who is affiliated with the institution.
(e) No IRB may have a member participate in the IRB's initial or continuing review of any project in which the member has a conflicting interest, except to provide information requested by the IRB.
(f) An IRB may, in its discretion, invite individuals with competence in special areas to assist in the review of issues which require expertise beyond or in addition to that available on the IRB. These individuals may not vote with the IRB.
In order to fulfill the requirements of this policy each IRB shall:
(a) Follow written procedures in the same detail as described in § 745.103(b)(4) and, to the extent required by, § 745.103(b)(5).
(b) Except when an expedited review procedure is used (see § 745.110), review proposed research at convened meetings at which a majority of the members of the IRB are present, including at least one member whose primary concerns are in nonscientific areas. In order for the research to be approved, it shall receive the approval of a majority of those members present at the meeting.
(a) An IRB shall review and have authority to approve, require modifications in (to secure approval), or disapprove all research activities covered by this policy.
(b) An IRB shall require that information given to subjects as part of informed consent is in accordance with § 745.116. The IRB may require that information, in addition to that specifically mentioned in § 745.116, be given to the subjects when in the IRB's judgment the information would meaningfully add to the protection of the rights and welfare of subjects.
(c) An IRB shall require documentation of informed consent or may waive documentation in accordance with § 745.117.
(d) An IRB shall notify investigators and the institution in writing of its decision to approve or disapprove the proposed research activity, or of modifications required to secure IRB approval of the research activity. If the IRB decides to disapprove a research activity, it shall include in its written notification a statement of the reasons for its decision and give the investigator an opportunity to respond in person or in writing.
(e) An IRB shall conduct continuing review of research covered by this policy at intervals appropriate to the degree of risk, but not less than once per year, and shall have authority to observe or have a third party observe the consent process and the research.
(a) The Secretary, HHS, has established, and published as a Notice in the
(b) An IRB may use the expedited review procedure to review either or both of the following:
(1) Some or all of the research appearing on the list and found by the reviewer(s) to involve no more than minimal risk,
(2) Minor changes in previously approved research during the period (of one year or less) for which approval is authorized.
(c) Each IRB which uses an expedited review procedure shall adopt a method for keeping all members advised of research proposals which have been approved under the procedure.
(d) The department or agency head may restrict, suspend, terminate, or choose not to authorize an institution's or IRB's use of the expedited review procedure.
(a) In order to approve research covered by this policy the IRB shall determine that all of the following requirements are satisfied:
(1) Risks to subjects are minimized: (i) By using procedures which are consistent with sound research design and which do not unnecessarily expose subjects to risk, and (ii) whenever appropriate, by using procedures already being performed on the subjects for diagnostic or treatment purposes.
(2) Risks to subjects are reasonable in relation to anticipated benefits, if any, to subjects, and the importance of the knowledge that may reasonably be expected to result. In evaluating risks and benefits, the IRB should consider only those risks and benefits that may result from the research (as distinguished from risks and benefits of therapies subjects would receive even if not participating in the research). The IRB should not consider possible long-range effects of applying knowledge gained in the research (for example, the possible effects of the research on public policy) as among those research risks that fall within the purview of its responsibility.
(3) Selection of subjects is equitable. In making this assessment the IRB should take into account the purposes of the research and the setting in which the research will be conducted and should be particularly cognizant of the special problems of research involving vulnerable populations, such as children, prisoners, pregnant women, mentally disabled persons, or economically or educationally disadvantaged persons.
(4) Informed consent will be sought from each prospective subject or the subject's legally authorized representative, in accordance with, and to the extent required by § 745.116.
(5) Informed consent will be appropriately documented, in accordance with, and to the extent required by § 745.117.
(6) When appropriate, the research plan makes adequate provision for monitoring the data collected to ensure the safety of subjects.
(7) When appropriate, there are adequate provisions to protect the privacy of subjects and to maintain the confidentiality of data.
(b) When some or all of the subjects are likely to be vulnerable to coercion or undue influence, such as children, prisoners, pregnant women, mentally disabled persons, or economically or educationally disadvantaged persons, additional safeguards have been included in the study to protect the rights and welfare of these subjects.
Research covered by this policy that has been approved by an IRB may be subject to further appropriate review and approval or disapproval by officials of the institution. However, those officials may not approve the research if it has not been approved by an IRB.
An IRB shall have authority to suspend or terminate approval of research that is not being conducted in accordance with the IRB's requirements or that has been associated with unexpected serious harm to subjects. Any suspension or termination of approval shall include a statement of the reasons for the IRB's action and shall be reported promptly to the investigator, appropriate institutional officials, and the department or agency head.
Cooperative research projects are those projects covered by this policy which involve more than one institution. In the conduct of cooperative research projects, each institution is responsible for safeguarding the rights and welfare of human subjects and for complying with this policy. With the approval of the department or agency head, an institution participating in a cooperative project may enter into a joint review arrangement, rely upon the review of another qualified IRB, or make similar arrangements for avoiding duplication of effort.
(a) An institution, or when appropriate an IRB, shall prepare and maintain adequate documentation of IRB activities, including the following:
(1) Copies of all research proposals reviewed, scientific evaluations, if any, that accompany the proposals, approved sample consent documents, progress reports submitted by investigators, and reports of injuries to subjects.
(2) Minutes of IRB meetings which shall be in sufficient detail to show attendance at the meetings; actions taken by the IRB; the vote on these actions including the number of members voting for, against, and abstaining; the basis for requiring changes in or disapproving research; and a written summary of the discussion of controverted issues and their resolution.
(3) Records of continuing review activities.
(4) Copies of all correspondence between the IRB and the investigators.
(5) A list of IRB members in the same detail as described is § 745.103(b)(3).
(6) Written procedures for the IRB in the same detail as described in § 745.103(b)(4) and § 745.103(b)(5).
(7) Statements of significant new findings provided to subjects, as required by § 745.116(b)(5).
(b) The records required by this policy shall be retained for at least 3 years, and records relating to research which is conducted shall be retained for at least 3 years after completion of the research. All records shall be accessible for inspection and copying by authorized representatives of the department or agency at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner.
Except as provided elsewhere in this policy, no investigator may involve a human being as a subject in research covered by this policy unless the investigator has obtained the legally effective informed consent of the subject or the subject's legally authorized representative. An investigator shall seek such consent only under circumstances that provide the prospective subject or the representative sufficient opportunity to consider whether or not to participate and that minimize the possibility of coercion or undue influence. The information that is given to the subject or the representative shall be in language understandable to the subject or the representative. No informed consent, whether oral or written, may include any exculpatory language through which the subject or the representative is made to waive or appear to waive any of the subject's legal rights, or releases or appears to release
(a)
(1) A statement that the study involves research, an explanation of the purposes of the research and the expected duration of the subject's participation, a description of the procedures to be followed, and identification of any procedures which are experimental;
(2) A description of any reasonably foreseeable risks or discomforts to the subject;
(3) A description of any benefits to the subject or to others which may reasonably be expected from the research;
(4) A disclosure of appropriate alternative procedures or courses of treatment, if any, that might be advantageous to the subject;
(5) A statement describing the extent, if any, to which confidentiality of records identifying the subject will be maintained;
(6) For research involving more than minimal risk, an explanation as to whether any compensation and an explanation as to whether any medical treatments are available if injury occurs and, if so, what they consist of, or where further information may be obtained;
(7) An explanation of whom to contact for answers to pertinent questions about the research and research subjects' rights, and whom to contact in the event of a research-related injury to the subject; and
(8) A statement that participation is voluntary, refusal to participate will involve no penalty or loss of benefits to which the subject is otherwise entitled, and the subject may discontinue participation at any time without penalty or loss of benefits to which the subject is otherwise entitled.
(b) Additional elements of informed consent. When appropriate, one or more of the following elements of information shall also be provided to each subject:
(1) A statement that the particular treatment or procedure may involve risks to the subject (or to the embryo or fetus, if the subject is or may become pregnant) which are currently unforeseeable;
(2) Anticipated circumstances under which the subject's participation may be terminated by the investigator without regard to the subject's consent;
(3) Any additional costs to the subject that may result from participation in the research;
(4) The consequences of a subject's decision to withdraw from the research and procedures for orderly termination of participation by the subject;
(5) A statement that significant new findings developed during the course of the research which may relate to the subject's willingness to continue participation will be provided to the subject; and
(6) The approximate number of subjects involved in the study.
(c) An IRB may approve a consent procedure which does not include, or which alters, some or all of the elements of informed consent set forth above, or waive the requirement to obtain informed consent provided the IRB finds and documents that:
(1) The research or demonstration project is to be conducted by or subject to the approval of state or local government officials and is designed to study, evaluate, or otherwise examine: (i) Public benefit of service programs; (ii) procedures for obtaining benefits or services under those programs; (iii) possible changes in or alternatives to those programs or procedures; or (iv) possible changes in methods or levels of payment for benefits or services under those programs; and
(2) The research could not practicably be carried out without the waiver or alteration.
(d) An IRB may approve a consent procedure which does not include, or which alters, some or all of the elements of informed consent set forth in this section, or waive the requirements to obtain informed consent provided the IRB finds and documents that:
(1) The research involves no more than minimal risk to the subjects;
(2) The waiver or alteration will not adversely affect the rights and welfare of the subjects;
(3) The research could not practicably be carried out without the waiver or alteration; and
(4) Whenever appropriate, the subjects will be provided with additional pertinent information after participation.
(e) The informed consent requirements in this policy are not intended to preempt any applicable federal, state, or local laws which require additional information to be disclosed in order for informed consent to be legally effective.
(f) Nothing in this policy is intended to limit the authority of a physician to provide emergency medical care, to the extent the physician is permitted to do so under applicable federal, state, or local law.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, informed consent shall be documented by the use of a written consent form approved by the IRB and signed by the subject or the subject's legally authorized representative. A copy shall be given to the person signing the form.
(b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, the consent form may be either of the following:
(1) A written consent document that embodies the elements of informed consent required by § 745.116. This form may be read to the subject or the subject's legally authorized representative, but in any event, the investigator shall give either the subject or the representative adequate opportunity to read it before it is signed; or
(2) A short form written consent document stating that the elements of informed consent required by § 745.116 have been presented orally to the subject or the subject's legally authorized representative. When this method is used, there shall be a witness to the oral presentation. Also, the IRB shall approve a written summary of what is to be said to the subject or the representative. Only the short form itself is to be signed by the subject or the representative. However, the witness shall sign both the short form and a copy of the summary, and the person actually obtaining consent shall sign a copy of the summary. A copy of the summary shall be given to the subject or the representative, in addition to a copy of the short form.
(c) An IRB may waive the requirement for the investigator to obtain a signed consent form for some or all subjects if it finds either:
(1) That the only record linking the subject and the research would be the consent document and the principal risk would be potential harm resulting from a breach of confidentiality. Each subject will be asked whether the subject wants documentation linking the subject with the research, and the subject's wishes will govern; or
(2) That the research presents no more than minimal risk of harm to subjects and involves no procedures for which written consent is normally required outside of the research context.
In cases in which the documentation requirement is waived, the IRB may require the investigator to provide subjects with a written statement regarding the research.
Certain types of applications for grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts are submitted to departments or agencies with the knowledge that subjects may be involved within the period of support, but definite plans would not normally be set forth in the application or proposal. These include activities such as institutional type grants when selection of specific projects is the institution's responsibility; research training grants in which the activities involving subjects remain to be selected; and projects in which human subjects' involvement will depend upon completion ofinstruments, prior animal studies, or purification of compounds. These applications need not be reviewed by an IRB before an award may be made. However, except for research exempted or waived under § 745.101 (b) or (i), no human subjects may be involved in any project supported by these awards until the
In the event research is undertaken without the intention of involving human subjects, but it is later proposed to involve human subjects in the research, the research shall first be reviewed and approved by an IRB, as provided in this policy, a certification submitted, by the institution, to the department or agency, and final approval given to the proposed change by the department or agency.
The department or agency head will evaluate all applications and proposals involving human subjects submitted to the department or agency through such officers and employees of the department or agency and such experts and consultants as the department or agency head determines to be appropriate. This evaluation will take into consideration the risks to the subjects, the adequacy of protection against these risks, the potential benefits of the research to the subjects and others, and the importance of the knowledge gained or to be gained.
(b) On the basis of this evaluation, the department or agency head may approve or disapprove the application or proposal, or enter into negotiations to develop an approvable one.
Federal funds administered by a department or agency may not be expended for research involving human subjects unless the requirements of this policy have been satisfied.
(a) The department or agency head may require that department or agency support for any project be terminated or suspended in the manner prescribed in applicable program requirements, when the department or agency head finds an institution has materially failed to comply with the terms of this policy.
(b) In making decisions about supporting or approving applications or proposals covered by this policy the department or agency head may take into account, in addition to all other eligibility requirements and program criteria, factors such as whether the applicant has been subject to a termination or suspension under paragraph (a) of this section and whether the applicant or the person or persons who would direct or has have directed the scientific and technical aspects of an activity has have, in the judgment of the department or agency head, materially failed to discharge responsibility for the protection of the rights and welfare of human subjects (whether or not the research was subject to Federal regulation).
With respect to any research project or any class of research projects the department or agency head may impose additional conditions prior to or at the time of approval when in the judgment of the department or agency head additional conditions are necessary for the protection of human subjects.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
(m)
(n)
(o)
(p)
(q)
(r)
(s)
(t)
(u)
(v)
(w)
(x)
(y)
42 U.S.C. 2296a
The provisions of this part establish regulatory requirements governing reimbursement for certain costs of remedial action at active uranium or thorium processing sites as specified by Subtitle A of Title X of the Energy Policy Act of 1992. These regulations are authorized by section 1002 of the Act (42 U.S.C. 2296a-1), which requires the Secretary to issue regulations governing the reimbursements.
(a) This part establishes policies, criteria, and procedures governing reimbursement of certain costs of remedial action incurred by licensees at active uranium or thorium processing sites as a result of byproduct material generated as an incident of sales to the United States.
(b) Costs of remedial action at active uranium or thorium processing sites are borne by persons licensed under section 62 or 81 of the Atomic Energy Act (42 U.S.C. 2092, 2111), either by NRC or an Agreement State pursuant to a counterpart to section 62 or 81 of the Atomic Energy Act, under State law, subject to the exceptions and limitations specified in this part.
(c) The Department shall, subject to the provisions specified in this part, reimburse a licensee, of an active uranium or thorium processing site for the portion of the costs of remedial action as are determined by the Department to be attributable to byproduct material generated as an incident of sales to the United States and either incurred by the licensee not later than December 31, 2007, or incurred by the licensee
(d) Costs of remedial action are reimbursable under Title X for decontamination, decommissioning, reclamation, and other remedial action, provided that claims for reimbursement are supported by reasonable documentation as specified in subpart C of this part.
(e) Except as authorized by § 765.32, the total amount of reimbursement paid to any licensee of an active uranium processing site shall not exceed $6.25 multiplied by the number of Federal-related dry short tons of byproduct material. This total amount shall be adjusted for inflation pursuant to section 765.12.
(f) The total amount of reimbursement paid to all active uranium processing site licensees shall not exceed $350 million. This total amount shall be adjusted for inflation by applying the CPI-U, as provided by § 765.12.
(g) The total amount of reimbursement paid to the licensee of the active thorium processing site shall not exceed $365 million, as adjusted for inflation by applying the CPI-U as provided by § 765.12.
(h) Reimbursement of licensees for costs of remedial action will only be made for costs that are supported by reasonable documentation as required by § 765.20 and claimed for reimbursement by a licensee in accordance with the procedures established by subpart C of this part.
(i) The $715 million aggregate amount authorized to be appropriated under section 1003(a) of the Act (42 U.S.C. 2296a-2(a)) shall be adjusted for inflation by applying the CPI-U as provided by § 765.12, and shall be provided from the Fund.
For the purposes of this part, the following terms are defined as follows:
(1) Any uranium or thorium processing site, including the mill, containing byproduct material for which a license, issued either by NRC or by an Agreement State, for the production at a site of any uranium or thorium derived from ore—
(i) Was in effect on January 1, 1978;
(ii) Was issued or renewed after January 1, 1978; or
(iii) For which an application for renewal or issuance was pending on, or after January 1, 1978; and
(2) Any other real property or improvement on such real property that is determined by the Secretary or by an Agreement State to be:
(i) In the vicinity of such site; and
(ii) Contaminated with residual byproduct material.
(1) The amount obtained by multiplying the total cost of remedial action at the site, as determined in the approved plan for subsequent remedial action, by the Federal reimbursement ratio established for the site; or
(2) $6.25, as adjusted for inflation, multiplied by the number of Federal-related dry short tons of byproduct material.
(a) Any licensee of an active uranium or thorium processing site that has incurred costs of remedial action for the site that are attributable to byproduct material generated as an incident of sales to the United States shall be eligible for reimbursement of these costs, subject to the procedures and limitations specified in this part.
(b) Prior to reimbursement of costs of remedial action incurred by a licensee, the Department shall make a determination regarding the total quantity of dry short tons of byproduct material, and the quantity of Federal-related dry short tons of byproduct material present on October 24, 1992 at the licensee's active processing site. A claim for reimbursement from a site for which a determination is made will be evaluated individually. If a licensee does not concur with the Department's determination regarding the quantity of dry short tons of byproduct material present at the site, the licensee may appeal the Department's determination in accordance with § 765.22 of this part. The Department's determination shall be used to determine that portion of an approved claim for reimbursement submitted by the licensee which shall be reimbursed, unless or until the determination is overturned on appeal. If the outcome of an appeal requires a change in the Department's initial determination, the Department will adjust any payment previously made to the licensee to reflect the change.
(a) Costs for which a licensee may be reimbursed must be for remedial action that a licensee demonstrates is attributable to byproduct material generated as an incident of sales to the United States, as determined by the Department. These costs are equal to the total costs of remedial action at a site multiplied by the Federal reimbursement ratio established for the site. These costs must be incurred in the performance of activities, prior to or after enactment of UMTRCA, and required by a plan, portion thereof, or other written authorization, approved by NRC or by an Agreement State. Costs of remedial action shall be reimbursable only if approved by the Department in accordance with the provisions of this part.
(b) In addition, costs of remedial action incurred by a licensee after December 31, 2007 must be in accordance with a plan for subsequent remedial action approved by the Department as specified in § 765.30.
(c) Total reimbursement of costs of remedial action incurred at an active processing site that are otherwise reimbursable pursuant to the provisions of this part shall be limited as follows:
(1) Reimbursement of costs of remedial action to active uranium processing site licensees shall not exceed $6.25, as adjusted for inflation, multiplied by the number of Federal-related dry short tons of byproduct material.
(2) Aggregate reimbursement of costs of remedial action incurred at all active uranium processing sites shall not exceed $350 million. This aggregate amount shall be adjusted for inflation pursuant to § 765.12; and
(3) Reimbursement of costs of remedial action at the active thorium processing site shall be limited to costs incurred for offsite disposal and shall not exceed $365 million. This amount shall be adjusted for inflation pursuant to § 765.12.
(d) Notwithstanding the Title X requirement that byproduct material must be located at an active processing site on October 24, 1992, byproduct material moved from the Edgemont Mill in Edgemont, South Dakota, to a disposal site as a result of remedial action, shall be eligible for reimbursement in accordance with all applicable requirements of this part.
(a) The amounts of $6.25 (as specified in § 765.2(e) of this rule) $350 million (as specified in § 765.2(f) of this rule), $365 million (as specified in § 765.2(g) of this rule) and $715 million (as specified in § 765.2(i) of this rule) shall be adjusted for inflation as provided by this section.
(b) To make adjustments for inflation to the amounts specified in paragraph (a) of this section, the Department shall apply the CPI-U to these amounts annually, beginning in 1994, using the CPI-U as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics within the Department of Commerce for the preceding calendar year.
(c) The Department shall adjust annually, using the CPI-U as defined in this part, amounts paid to an active uranium processing site licensee for purposes of comparison with the $6.25 per dry short ton limit on reimbursement as adjusted for inflation.
(a) All costs of remedial action for which reimbursement is claimed must be supported by reasonable documentation as specified in this subpart. The Department reserves the right to deny any claim for reimbursement, in whole or in part, that is not submitted in accordance with the requirements of this subpart.
(b) The licensee shall provide a copy of the approved site reclamation plan or other written authorization from NRC or an Agreement State upon which claims for reimbursement are based, with the initial claim submitted. Any revision or modification made to the plan or other written authorization, which is approved by NRC or an Agreement State, shall be included by the licensee in the next claim submitted to the Department following that revision or modification. This reclamation plan or other written authorization, as modified or revised, shall serve as the basis for the Department's evaluation of all claims for reimbursement submitted by a licensee.
(c) Each submitted claim shall provide a summary of all costs of remedial action for which reimbursement is claimed. This summary shall identify the costs of remedial action associated with each major activity or requirement established by the site's reclamation plan or other written authorization. In addition, each claim shall provide a summary of the documentation relied upon by the licensee in support of each cost category for which reimbursement is claimed.
(d) Documentation used to support a reimbursement claim must demonstrate that the costs of remedial action for which reimbursement is claimed were incurred specifically for
(1) Documentation prepared contemporaneous to the time the cost was incurred should be used when available. The documentation should identify the date or time period for which the cost was incurred, the activity for which the cost was incurred, and the reclamation plan provision or other written authorization to which the cost relates. Where available, each claim should be supported by receipts, invoices, pay records, or other documents that substantiate that each specific cost for which reimbursement is claimed was incurred for work that was necessary to comply with UMTRCA or applicable Agreement State requirements.
(2) Documentation not prepared contemporaneous to the time the cost was incurred, or not directly related to activities specified in the reclamation plan or other written authorization, may be used in support of a claim for reimbursement provided that the licensee determines the documentation is the only means available to document costs for which reimbursement is sought.
(e) The Department may audit, or require the licensee to audit, any documentation used to support a claim on a case-by-case basis and may approve, approve in part, or deny reimbursement of any claim in accordance with the requirements of this part. Documentation relied upon by a licensee in support of a claim for reimbursement shall be made available to the Department and retained by the licensee until 4 years after final payment of a claim is made by the Department.
(f) Each licensee should utilize generally accepted accounting principles consistently throughout the claim. These accounting principles, underlying assumptions, and any other information necessary for the Department to evaluate the claim shall be set forth in each claim.
(g) Following each annual appropriation by Congress, the Department will issue a Federal Register Notice announcing:
(1) A claim submission deadline for that fiscal year;
(2) Availability of funds for reimbursement of costs of remedial action;
(3) Whether the Department anticipates that approved claims for that fiscal year may be subject to prorated payment;
(4) Any changes in the Federal reimbursement ratio or maximum reimbursement ceiling for any active uranium or thorium processing site;
(5) Any revision in the per dry short ton limit on reimbursement for all active uranium processing sites; and
(6) Any other relevant information.
(h) A licensee shall certify, with respect to any claim submitted by it for reimbursement, that the work was completed as described in an approved reclamation plan or other authorization. In addition, the licensee shall certify that all costs for which reimbursement is claimed, all documentation relied upon in support of its costs, and all statements or representations made in the claim are complete, accurate, and true. The certification shall be signed by an officer or other official of the licensee with knowledge of the contents of the claim and authority to represent the licensee in making the certification. Any knowingly false or frivolous statements or representations may subject the individual to penalties under the False Claims Act, sections 3729 through 3731 of title 31 United States Code, or any other applicable statutory authority; and criminal penalties under sections 286, 287, 1001 and 1002 of title 18, United States Code, or any other applicable statutory authority.
(i) All claims for reimbursement submitted to the Department shall be sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested. The Department reserves all rights under applicable law to recover any funds paid to licensees which an audit finds to not meet the requirements of this part.
(a) The Department will conduct a preliminary review of each claim within 60 days after the claim submission deadline announced in the
(b) After completing the preliminary review specified in paragraph (a) of this section, the Department may audit, or require the licensee to audit, any documentation used in support of such claim, request the licensee to provide additional information, or request the licensee to provide other clarification determined by the Department to be necessary to complete its evaluation of the claim. In addition, the Department reserves the right to conduct an inspection of the site to verify any information provided by the licensee in a claim for reimbursement, or in support thereof. Any information requested by the Department, if provided, must be submitted by the claimant within 60 days of receipt of the request unless the Department specifies in writing that additional time is provided.
(c) At any time during the review of a claim, the Department may request an informal conference with a licensee to obtain further information or clarification on any unresolved issue pertaining to the claim. While the licensee is not required to provide additional clarification requested by the Department, a failure to do so may result in the denial of that portion of the claim for which information is requested.
(d) Based upon the claim submitted and any additional information received by the Department, including any audit or site inspection if conducted, the Department shall complete a final review of all relevant information prior to making a reimbursement decision. When the Department determines it is not clear that an activity for which reimbursement is claimed was necessary to comply with UMTRCA or where appropriate, with applicable Agreement State requirements, the Department may consult with the appropriate regulatory authorities.
(e) A written decision regarding the Department's determination to approve, approve in part, or deny a claim will be provided to the licensee within 10 days of completion of the claim review. Within 45 days after the Department's issuance of a written decision to deny the claim due to inadequate documentation, the licensee may request the Department to reconsider its decision if the licensee provides reasonable documentation in accordance with § 765.20. If a licensee chooses not to submit the documentation, the licensee has the right to file a formal appeal to a claim denial in accordance with § 765.22. If a licensee chooses to submit the documentation, the Department will consider whether the documentation results in the Department's reversal of the initial decision to deny the claim and will inform the licensee of the Department's subsequent decision. The licensee may appeal that decision in accordance with § 765.22.
(f) If the Department determines that insufficient funds are available at any time to provide for complete payment of all outstanding approved claims, reimbursements of approved claims will be made on a prorated basis. A prorated payment of all outstanding approved claims for reimbursement, or any unpaid portion thereof, shall be made on the basis of the total amount of all outstanding approved claims, regardless of when the claims were submitted or approved.
(g) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (f) of this section, or any other provisions of this part, any requirement for the payment or obligation of funds by the Department established by this part shall be subject to the availability of appropriated funds, and no provision herein shall be interpreted to require obligation or payment of funds in violation of the Anti-Deficiency Act (31 U.S.C. 1341).
(a) Any appeal by a licensee of any Department determination subject to
(b) A licensee shall file an appeal of any Department determination subject to the requirements of this part with the Office of Hearings and Appeals, U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585. Any appeal must be filed within 45 days from the date the licensee received notice, actual or constructive (i.e., publication in the
The Department shall prepare annually a report summarizing pertinent information concerning claims submitted in the previous calendar year, the status of the Department's review of the claims, determinations made regarding the claims, amounts paid for claims approved, and other relevant information concerning this reimbursement program. The report will be available to all interested parties upon written request to the Department's National Nuclear Security Administration Service Center, Office of Technical Services, Environmental Programs Department, P.O. Box 5400, Albuquerque, NM 87185-5400 and will also be available in the Department's Freedom of Information Reading room, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC.
(a) This section establishes procedures governing reimbursements of costs of remedial action incurred in accordance with a plan for subsequent remedial action approved by the Department as provided in this section. Costs otherwise eligible for reimbursement in accordance with the terms of this part and incurred in accordance with the plan shall be reimbursed in accordance with the provisions of subpart D and subpart C. In the event there is an inconsistency between the requirements of subpart D and subpart C, the provisions of subpart D shall govern reimbursement of such costs of remedial action.
(b) A licensee who anticipates incurring costs of remedial action after December 31, 2007 may submit a plan for subsequent remedial action. This plan may be submitted at any time after January 1, 2005, but no later than December 31, 2006. Reimbursement of costs of remedial action incurred after December 31, 2007 shall be subject to the approval of this plan by the Department. This plan shall describe:
(1) All applicable requirements established by NRC pursuant to UMTRCA, or where appropriate, by the requirements of an Agreement State, included in a reclamation plan approved by NRC or an Agreement State which have not yet been satisfied in full by the licensee, and
(2) The total cost of remedial action required at the site, together with all necessary supporting documentation, segregated into actual costs incurred to date, costs incurred or expected to be incurred prior to December 31, 2007 but not yet approved for reimbursement, and anticipated future costs.
(c) The Department shall review the plan for subsequent remedial action to verify conformance with the NRC- or Agreement State-approved reclamation plan or other written authorization, and to determine the reasonableness of anticipated future costs, and shall approve, approve with suggested modifications, or reject the plan. During its
(d) If the Department rejects a plan for subsequent remedial action submitted by a licensee, the licensee may appeal the Department's rejection or prepare and submit a revised plan. The licensee may continue to submit revised plans for subsequent remedial action until the Department approves a plan, or September 30, 2007, whichever occurs first. A failure by a licensee to receive approval from the Department of a plan prior to December 31, 2007 will preclude that licensee from receiving any reimbursement for costs of remedial action incurred after that date.
(e) The Department shall determine, in approving a plan for subsequent remedial action, the maximum reimbursement amount for which the licensee may be eligible. This maximum reimbursement amount shall be the smaller of the following two quantities:
(1) The amount obtained by multiplying the total cost of remedial action at the site, as determined in the approved plan for subsequent remedial action, by the Federal reimbursement ratio established for such site; or
(2) For the uranium site licensees only, $6.25, as adjusted for inflation, multiplied by the number of Federal-related dry short tons of byproduct material. For all licensees, the Department shall subtract from the maximum reimbursement amount any reimbursement already approved to be paid to the licensee. The resulting sum shall be the potential additional reimbursement to which the licensee may be entitled. This resulting sum will be adjusted after the approval of claims for work performed through December 31, 2007, to reflect the actual approved costs of work performed through that date.
(a) The Department shall authorize reimbursement of costs of remedial action, incurred in accordance with an approved plan for subsequent remedial action and approved by the Department as specified in subpart C to this part, to be made from the Fund. These costs are reimbursable until:
(1) This remedial action has been completed, or
(2) The licensee has been reimbursed its maximum reimbursement amount as determined by the Department pursuant to paragraph (e) of § 765.30.
(b) A licensee shall submit any claim for reimbursement of costs of remedial action incurred pursuant to an approved plan for subsequent remedial action in accordance with the requirements of subpart C of this part. The Department shall approve, approve in part, or deny any claims in accordance with the procedures specified in subpart C of this part. The Department shall authorize the disbursement of funds upon approval of a claim for reimbursement.
(c) After all remedial actions have been completed by affected Agreement State or NRC licensees, the Department will issue a Federal Register notice announcing a termination date beyond which claims for reimbursement will no longer be accepted.
(a) No later than December 31, 2008, the Department shall determine if the aggregate amount authorized for appropriation pursuant to section 1003 of the Act (42 U.S.C. 2296a-2), as adjusted for inflation pursuant to § 765.12, exceed as of that date the combined total of all reimbursements which have been paid to licensees under this part, any amounts approved for reimbursement and owed to any licensee, and any anticipated additional reimbursements to be made in accordance with approved plans for subsequent remedial action.
(b) If the Department determines that the amount authorized pursuant to section 1003 of the Act (42 U.S.C.
(c) Each eligible uranium licensee's prorated share will be determined by dividing the total excess funds available by the total number of Federal-related dry short tons of byproduct material present at the site where costs of remedial action exceed $6.25 per dry short ton, as adjusted for inflation pursuant to § 765.12. The resulting number will be the maximum cost per dry short ton, over $6.25, that may be reimbursed. Total reimbursement for each licensee that has incurred approved costs of remedial action in excess of $6.25 per dry short ton will be the product of the excess cost per dry short ton multiplied by the number of Federal-related dry short tons of byproduct material at the site or the actual costs incurred and approved by the Department, whichever is less.
(d) Any costs of remedial action for which reimbursement is sought from excess funds determined by the Department to be available is subject to all requirements of this part except the per dry short ton limit on reimbursement established by paragraph (d) of § 765.11.
42 U.S.C. 2201, 2297g, 2297g-1, 2297g-2, 7254.
The provisions of this part establish procedures for the Special Assessment of domestic utilities for the Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and Decommissioning Fund pursuant to sections 1801, 1802 and 1803 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (42 U.S.C. § 2011
This part applies to all domestic utilities in the United States that purchased separative work units from the DOE between 1945 and October 23, 1992.
For the purposes of this part, the following terms shall be defined as follows:
This subpart sets forth the procedures for the Special Assessment of domestic utilities for funds to be deposited in the Fund.
DOE shall use the records from the Toll Enrichment Services System (TESS) and other records maintained by the Oak Ridge Operations Office in order to determine the total SWUs purchased from DOE for all purposes. DOE shall use records from TESS, relevant records of domestic utilities, and such other information as DOE deems to be reliable and probative in determining the number of SWUs that were purchased by each domestic utility prior to October 24, 1992. A domestic utility shall be considered to have purchased a SWU from DOE if the SWU was produced by DOE but purchased by the domestic utility from another source. DOE shall consider a purchase to have occurred upon the delivery of a SWU to the domestic utility purchasing the SWU. A domestic utility shall not be considered to have purchased a SWU from DOE if the SWU was purchased by the domestic utility but subsequently sold to another source.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a) DOE shall issue annually a Special Assessment invoice to each domestic utility. This invoice will specify itemized quantities of enrichment services by reactor. In each Special Assessment invoice, DOE shall require payment, on or before 30 days from the date of each invoice, of that utility's prorated share of the Baseline Total Annual Special Assessment, as adjusted for inflation using the most recently published monthly CPI-U data.
(b) DOE shall enclose with the Fiscal Year 1993 Special Assessment invoice a sealed, business confidential, summary SWU transaction statement including:
(1) TESS information which documents, by reactor, the basis of the utility's assessment;
(2) A list of domestic utilities subject to the Special Assessment;
(3) The total number of SWUs purchased from DOE by all domestic utilities for all purposes prior to October 24, 1992.
(4) The total number of SWUs purchased from DOE for all purposes prior to October 24, 1992, including SWUs purchased or produced for defense purposes; and
(5) Such other information as may be appropriate.
(c) With regard to any fiscal year after Fiscal Year 1993, DOE shall enclose a summary SWU transaction statement with Special Assessment invoices that will include updated information regarding adjustments to Special Assessments resulting from the reconciliation and appeals process under Section 766.104.
(d) The date of each Annual Special Assessment invoicing will be set on or about October 1 with payment due 30 calendar days from the date of invoice starting with the Fiscal Year 1995 Special Assessment.
(a) A domestic utility requesting an adjustment shall, within 30 days from the date of a Special Assessment invoice, file a notice requesting an adjustment. Such notice shall include an explanation of the basis for the adjustment and any supporting documents, and may include a request for a meeting with DOE to discuss its invoice. If more time is needed to gather probative information, DOE will consider utility requests for up to 90 daysadditional time, providing that the initial notice requesting an adjustment was timely filed. The notice shall be filed at the address set forth in the Special Assessment invoice, and filing of this notice is complete only upon receipt by DOE. Domestic utilities are considered to have met the filing requirements upon DOE's receipt of the notice requesting an adjustment without regard to DOE's acceptance of supporting documentation. The filing of a notice for an adjustment shall not stay the obligation to pay.
(b) DOE may request additional information from domestic utilities and may acquire data from other sources.
(c) After reviewing a notice submitted under paragraph (a) of this section and other relevant information, and after making any necessary adjustment to its records in light of reliable and adequately probative records submitted in connection with the request for adjustment or otherwise obtained by DOE, DOE shall make a written determination granting or denying the requested adjustment. As appropriate, DOE shall modify the application of TESS data for any discrepancies or further transactions raised during the reconciliation process.
(d) Any domestic utility that wishes to dispute a written determination under paragraph (c) of this section shall have the right to file an appeal with the Office of Hearings and Appeals, U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue S.W., Washington, DC 20585. Except for the Fiscal Year 1993 Special Assessment, any appeal must be filed on or before 30 days from the date of the written determination and should contain information of the type described in 10 CFR part 1003, subpart C. With regard to a written determination under paragraph (c) of this section concerning a Fiscal Year 1993 Special Assessment, a domestic utility must file an appeal on or before 30 days from the effective date of this paragraph or from the date of such written determination, whichever is later. The decision of the Office of Hearings and Appeals shall be the final decision of DOE. Upon completion of the reconciliation process, all records of SWU transactions shall be finalized and shall become the basis of subsequent Special Assessment invoices. These records shall be revised to reflect any decisions from the Office of Hearings and Appeals and any applicable court rulings.
(e) Refunds of Special Assessments shall be provided in cases where DOE has determined, as a result of reconciliation, that an overpayment has been made by a domestic utility, and that the domestic utility has no further current obligation to DOE.
DOE shall specify payment details and instructions in all Special Assessment invoices. Each domestic utility shall make payments to the Fund by wire transfer to the Department of Treasury.
In the case of a late payment by a domestic utility of its Special Assessment, the domestic utility shall pay interest at the per annum rate (365-day basis) established by DOE for general application to monies due DOE and not received by DOE on or before a designated due date. Interest shall accrue beginning the date of the designated payment except that, whenever the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or a United States legal holiday, interest shall commence on the next day immediately following which is not a Saturday, Sunday, or United States legal holiday. Late payment provisions for the Special Assessment to the Fund shall be based on the Treasury Current Value of Funds Rate (which is published annually by the Treasury and used in assessing interest charges for outstanding debts on claims owed to the United States Government), plus six (6) percent pro rata on a daily basis. Theadditional six (6) percent charge shall not go into effect until five (5) business days after payment was originally due. Late payment fees shall be invoiced within two days of receipt of utility payment of the special assessment when delinquency is less than 30 days. For longer periods of delinquency, DOE will submit additional invoices, as appropriate. Late payment fees will be due 30 days from the date of invoice.
DOE shall accept prepayment of future Special Assessments upon request by a domestic utility. A domestic utility's liability for the future assessments shall be satisfied to the extent of the prepayments. DOE shall use the pro rata share of prepayments attributable to a given fiscal year plus the Special Assessments collected from utilities who did not prepay for that fiscal year, in order to determine that
42 U.S.C. 7274q.
(a) This part establishes how DOE will transfer by sale or lease real property at defense nuclear facilities for economic development.
(b) This part also contains the procedures for a person or entity to request indemnification for any claim that results from the release or threatened release of a hazardous substance or pollutant or contaminant as a result of DOE activities at the defense nuclear facility.
(a) DOE may transfer DOE-owned real property by sale or lease at defense nuclear facilities, for the purpose of permitting economic development.
(b) DOE may transfer, by lease only, improvements at defense nuclear facilities on land withdrawn from the public domain, that are excess, temporarily underutilized, or underutilized, for the purpose of permitting economic development.
(a) Nothing in this part affects or modifies in any way section 120(h) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9620(h)).
(b) Individual proposals for transfers of property are subject to NEPA review as implemented by 10 CFR Part 1021.
(c) Any indemnification agreed to by the DOE is subject to the availability of funds.
(a) Field Office Managers annually make available to Community Reuse Organizations and other persons and entities a list of real property at defense nuclear facilities that DOE has identified as appropriate for transfer for economic development. Field Office Managers may use any effective means of publicity to notify potentially-interested persons or entities of the availability of the list.
(b) Upon request, Field Office Managers provide to interested persons and entities relevant information about listed real property, including information about a property's physical condition, environmental, safety and health matters, and any restrictions or terms of transfer.
Any person or entity may request that specific real property be made available for transfer for economic development pursuant to procedures in § 770.7. A person or entity must submit such a request in writing to the Field Office Manager who is responsible for the real property.
(a)
(1) A proposal must include (but is not limited to):
(i) A description of the real property proposed to be transferred;
(ii) The intended use and duration of use of the real property;
(iii) A description of the economic development that would be furthered by the transfer (
(iv) Information supporting the economic viability of the proposed development; and
(v) The consideration offered and any financial requirements.
(2) The person or entity should state in the proposal whether it is or is not requesting indemnification against claims based on the release or threatened release of a hazardous substance or pollutant or contaminant resulting from DOE activities.
(3) If a proposal for transfer does not contain a statement regarding indemnification, the Field Office Manager will notify the person or entity by letter of the potential availability of indemnification under this part, and will request that the person or entity either modify the proposal to include a request for indemnification or submit a statement that it is not seeking indemnification.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(1) Finalizes negotiations of a transfer agreement, which must include a provision stating whether indemnification is or is not provided;
(2) Ensures that any required environmental reviews have been completed; and
(3) Executes the documents required for the transfer of property to the buyer or lessee.
DOE generally attempts to obtain fair market value for real property transferred for economic development, but DOE may agree to sell or lease such property for less than fair market value if the statutory transfer authority used imposes no market value restriction, and:
(a) The real property requires considerable infrastructure improvements to make it economically viable, or
(b) A conveyance at less than market value would, in the DOE's judgment, further the public policy objectives of the laws governing the downsizing of defense nuclear facilities.
(a) If an agreement for the transfer of real property for economic development contains an indemnification provision, the person or entity requesting indemnification for a particular claim must:
(1) Notify the Field Office Manager in writing within two years after such claim accrues under § 770.11 of this part;
(2) Furnish the Field Office Manager, or such other DOE official as the Field Office Manager designates, with evidence or proof of the claim;
(3) Furnish the Field Office Manager, or such other DOE official as the Field Office Manager designates, with copies of pertinent papers (
(4) If requested by DOE, provide access to records and personnel of the person or entity for purposes of defending or settling the claim; and
(5) Provide certification that the person or entity making the claim did not
(b) DOE will enter into an indemnification agreement if DOE determines that indemnification is essential for the purpose of facilitating reuse or redevelopment.
(c) DOE may not indemnify any person or entity for a claim if the person or entity contributed to the release or threatened release of a hazardous substance or pollutant or contaminant that is the basis of the claim.
(d) DOE may not indemnify a person or entity for a claim made under an indemnification agreement if the person or entity refuses to allow DOE to settle or defend the claim.
If DOE denies the claim, DOE must provide the person or entity with a notice of final denial of the claim by DOE by certified or registered mail. The person or entity must begin legal action within six months after the date of mailing.
For purposes of § 770.9(a) of this part, a claim “accrues” on the date on which the person asserting the claim knew, or reasonably should have known, that the injury to person or property was caused or contributed to by the release or threatened release of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant as a result of DOE activities at the defense nuclear facility on which the real property is located.
42 U.S.C. 7151, 7254; 42 U.S.C. 5814, 5815; 42 U.S.C. 2183, 2187, 2223; 35 U.S.C. 183; North American Free Trade Agreement, Article 1709(10), as implemented by the North American Free Trade Agreement Implementing Act, Pub. L. 103-182.
The regulations in this part establish the procedures, terms, and conditions for Patent Compensation Board:
(a) Proceedings to declare a patent affected with the public interest pursuant to section 153a of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (Pub. L. 83-703; 42 U.S.C. 2183);
(b) Proceedings to determine a reasonable royalty fee pursuant to section 157 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954;
(c) Proceedings for the grant of an award pursuant to section 157 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954;
(d) Proceedings to obtain compensation pursuant to section 173 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 and the Invention Secrecy Act (35 U.S.C. 183);
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
The Patent Compensation Board was established by section 157 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. It was transferred to the Energy Research and Development Administration pursuant to section 104(d) of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5814) and subsequently to the Department of Energy by section 301 of the Department of Energy Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7151). Under section 157, the Board is given authority to determine reasonable royalty fees or resolve issues involving the grant of awards. In addition, the Board has authority:
(a) To hear and make decisions as to compensation under section 173 of the Act (42 U.S.C. 2223) and the Invention Secrecy Act (35 U.S.C. 183);
(b) To hear and make decisions as to whether a specific patent is affected with the public interest pursuant to section 153a of the Act;
(c) To hear and make decisions as to whether a specific patent license should be granted under sections 153b(2) and 153e of the Act;
(d) To give notices, hold hearings and take such other actions as may be necessary under section 153; and
(e) To exercise all powers available under the Act and necessary for the performance of these duties, including the issuance of such rules of procedure as may be necessary.
(a) All communications regarding proceedings subject to this part should be addressed to: Chairman, Patent Compensation Board, U.S. Department of Energy, Webb Building, Room 1006, 4040 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia 22203. All documents offered for filing shall be accompanied by proof of service upon all parties to the proceeding or their attorneys of record as required by law, rule, or order of the Department. Service on the Department shall be by mail, telegram, or delivery to: Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Patents, U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, DC 20585.
(b) Filing by mail or telegram will be deemed to be complete as of the time
(a) Each application shall be signed by the applicant and shall state the applicant's name and address. If the applicant is a corporation, the application shall be signed by an authorized officer of the corporation, and the application shall indicate the state of incorporation. Where the applicant elects to be represented by counsel, a signed notice to that effect shall be filed with the Board.
(b) Each application must contain a concise statement of all of the essential facts upon which it is based. No particular form of statement is required. Each application shall be verified by the applicant or by the person having the best knowledge of such facts. In the case of facts stated on information and belief, the source of such information and grounds of belief shall be given.
(c) Each application must identify any person whose interest the applicant believes may be affected by the proceeding before the Board.
(d) Three copies of each application shall be filed with the Board. However, only one copy of the accompanying exhibits need be filed.
(e) The Board will acknowledge the receipt of the application in writing and advise the applicant of the docket number assigned to the application.
The Department shall be a party to all proceedings under this part, and the Office of the General Counsel will represent the Department's interests before the Board.
In any proceeding under this part, the Board shall admit as a party any person, upon application of such person or on the Board's own initiative, whose interest may be affected by the proceeding.
In any proceeding under this part, the Board shall take such steps as necessary pursuant to chapter 12 of the Act and section 181 of the Act to assure compliance with Department security regulations and the common defense.
Except as set forth in this part, all Board proceedings, including the hearing and decision, shall be conducted pursuant to the rules of practice of the Department of Energy Board of Contract Appeals, 10 CFR part 1023, modified as the Board may determine to be necessary and appropriate.
The decision of the Board in any proceeding under this part shall constitute the final action of the Department on the matter.
The records of the Board in cases filed before it, including the pleadings, the transcript, and the final decision, shall be open to public inspection, except to the extent that such records or portions thereof are withheld from disclosure by the Board pursuant to 10 CFR part 1004.
When any person in the Department believes that the Department should declare a patent affected with the public interest pursuant to section 153a of the Act, that person shall make such a recommendation to the Under Secretary. If, after consultation with the General Counsel, the Under Secretary agrees with the recommendation, the Under Secretary shall initiate in writing a proceeding under section 153a before the Board. The communication of the Under Secretary to the Board shall identify the patent and state the basis for the proposed declaration.
The Board will serve upon the patent owner and all other parties a written notice of the Department's proposed
(a) Any party may, within thirty (30) days after service of the notice or such other time as may be provided by the terms of the notice, file with the Board a written statement in opposition to or in support of the Department's proposed action. Such statement may also include a request for hearing. The statement shall contain a concise description of the facts, law, or any other relevant matter which the party believes should be reviewed by the Board during its consideration of the proposed declaration. If the request for a hearing is timely received, the Board shall call a hearing and provide notice of the time and place to all parties.
(b) Failure of all parties to oppose the proposed action or to request a hearing within the time specified in the notice shall be deemed an acquiescence to that action and may result in a declaration by the Board that the patent is affected with the public interest.
If a timely request for a hearing is made by any party, the Board will proceed with a hearing and decision. If a hearing is not requested, the Board shall prepare and issue its decision on the record.
A patent shall be declared to be affected with the public interest pursuant to section 153a of the Act upon the Board's final decision that:
(a) The invention or discovery covered by the patent is of primary importance in the production or utilization of special nuclear material or atomic energy; and
(b) The licensing of such invention or discovery under section 153 of the Act is of primary importance to effectuate the policies and purposes of the Act.
An applicant for a license pursuant to section 153b(2) of the Act, under a patent which the Department has declared to be affected with the public interest, shall file an application with the Board in accordance with § 780.5. The Board will docket the application and serve notice of the docketing upon all parties.
Each application shall contain, in addition to the requirements specified in § 780.5, the following information:
(a) The activities in the production or utilization of special nuclear material or atomic energy to which applicant proposes to apply the patent license;
(b) The nature and purpose of the applicant's intended use of the patent license;
(c) The relationship of the invention or discovery to the authorized activities to which it is to be applied, including an estimate of the effect on such activities stemming from the grant or denial of the license;
(d) Efforts made by the applicant to obtain a patent license from the owner of the patent;
(e) Terms, if any, on which the owner of the patent proposes to grant the applicant a patent license;
(f) The terms the applicant proposes for the patent license; and
(g) A request for either a hearing or a decision on the record.
Any party within thirty (30) days after service of the notice of docketing of the application:
(a) May file with the Board a response containing a concise statement of the facts or law or any other relevant information which that party believes should be considered by the Board in opposition to or in support of the proposed application; and
(b) May file a request for a hearing or for a decision on the record.
If any party requests a hearing, the Board will proceed with a hearing and decision. If a hearing is not requested, the Board shall on the basis of the record prepare and issue its decision.
A license shall issue to the applicant to use the invention covered by the patent declared to be affected with the public interest pursuant to subsection 153b(2) of the Act upon a final decision that:
(a) The activities to which the patent license is proposed to be applied are of primary importance to the applicant's conduct of an activity authorized under the Act; and
(b) The applicant has made efforts to obtain reasonable commercial terms and conditions and such efforts have not been successful within a reasonable period of time. The requirement to make such efforts may be waived by the Board in the case of a national emergency or other circumstances of extreme urgency or in cases of public non-commercial use. Where this requirement is waived due to national emergency or other circumstances of extreme urgency, the owner of the patent shall be notified as soon as reasonably practicable. Where this requirement is waived for a public non-commercial use, the owner of the patent shall be notified promptly.
Following a determination to issue a patent license under section 153b(2) of the Act, the Board shall send the decision to the General Counsel and instruct the General Counsel to issue the license on terms deemed equitable by the Department and generally not less fair than those granted by the patentee or by the Department to similar licensees for comparable use.
(a) Upon receipt of the Board's decision and instruction to issue a patent license, the General Counsel shall issue a license which complies with the following:
(1) The scope and durations of such use shall be limited to the purpose for which it was authorized;
(2) Such use shall be non-exclusive;
(3) Such use shall be non-assignable, except with that part of the enterprise or goodwill that enjoys such use;
(4) Any such use shall be authorized predominantly for the supply of the U.S. market; and,
(5) Authorization for such use shall be liable, subject to adequate protection of the legitimate interests of the persons so authorized, to be terminated if and when the circumstances that led to it cease to exist and are unlikely to recur.
(b) The Board shall have the authority to review, on motivated request, the continued existence of these circumstances. The parties will propose and agree on a reasonable royalty fee within a reasonable time as determined by the General Counsel. A reasonable royalty shall provide adequate remuneration for the circumstances of each case, taking into account the economic value of the authorization. If a party does not agree with the terms and conditions of the license as determined by the General Counsel or if aroyalty fee cannot be agreed upon within the reasonable time period established by the General Counsel, any party may, within 30 days after the expiration of such time period, initiate a proceeding before the Board, in accordance with subpart E of this part, for a reconsideration of the General Counsel's determination. After the proceeding under subpart E of this part is completed, the General Counsel shall modify the patent license in accordance with the Board's determination.
An application to the Department, pursuant to section 153c of the Act, for
In addition to the information specified in § 780.5, each application shall contain the following:
(a) The applicant's contention, with supporting data, that the invention or discovery covered by the patent is of primary importance in the production or utilization of special nuclear material or atomic energy;
(b) The applicant's contention, with supporting data, that the licensing of such invention or discovery is of primary importance to the conduct of the activities of the applicant, including information concerning:
(1) The activities in the production or utilization of special nuclear material or atomic energy to which applicant proposes to apply the license;
(2) The nature and purpose of the applicant's intended use of the patent license; and
(3) The relationship of the invention or discovery to the activities to which it is to be applied, including an estimate of the effect of such activities stemming from the grant or denial of the license.
(c) The applicant's contention, with supporting data, that the activities to which the patent license are proposed to be applied are of primary importance to the furtherance of policies and purposes of the Act;
(d) The applicant's contention, with supporting data, that such applicant cannot otherwise obtain a patent license from the owner of the patent on terms which are reasonable for the applicant's intended use of the patent, including information concerning:
(1) Efforts made by applicant to obtain a patent license from the owner of the patent; and
(2) Terms, if any, on which the owner of the patent proposed to grant applicant a patent license.
(e) The terms the applicant proposes as reasonable for the patent license; and
(f) A copy of any license, permit, or lease obtained by the applicant under the procedures outlined in section 153(c) of the Act.
Within thirty (30) days after the filing of the application, the Board will serve on all parties a notice of hearing to be held not later than sixty (60) days after the filing of the application.
Any party may file a response with the Board containing a concise statement of the facts or law or any other relevant information in opposition to or in support of the application which that party believes should be considered by the Board. Such response must be filed by a party within twenty (20) days after being served a copy of the application.
In accordance with section 153d of the Act, the Board shall hold a hearing and issue a final decision on the application.
A license shall issue to the applicant to use the invention covered by the patent for the purposes stated in the application upon a final decision that:
(a) The invention or discovery covered by the patent is of primary importance in the production or utilization of special nuclear material or atomic energy;
(b) The licensing of such invention or discovery is of primary importance to the conduct of the activities of the applicant;
(c) The activities to which the patent license is proposed to be applied by such applicant are of primary importance to the furtherance of policies and purposes of the Act; and
(d) The applicant has made efforts to obtain reasonable commercial terms and conditions and such efforts have not been successful within a reasonable period of time. The requirement to make such efforts may be waived by the Board in the case of a national emergency or other circumstances of extreme urgency or in cases of public
When the Board decides to issue a patent license under section 153c of the Act, the Board shall send the decision to the General Counsel and instruct the General Counsel to issue the license on terms deemed equitable by the Department and generally not less fair than those granted by the patentee or by the Department to similar licensees for comparable use.
(a) Upon receipt of the Board's decision and instruction to issue a patent license, the General Counsel shall issue a license which complies with the following:
(1) The scope and durations of such use shall be limited to the purpose for which it was authorized;
(2) Such use shall be non-exclusive;
(3) Such use shall be non-assignable, except with that part of the enterprise or goodwill that enjoys such use;
(4) Any such use shall be authorized predominantly for the supply of the U.S. market; and,
(5) Authorization for such use shall be liable, subject to adequate protection of the legitimate interests of the persons so authorized, to be terminated if and when the circumstances that led to it cease to exist and are unlikely to recur.
(b) The Board shall have the authority to review, on motivated request, the continued existence of these circumstances. The parties will propose and agree on a reasonable royalty fee within a reasonable time as determined by the General Counsel. A reasonable royalty shall provide adequate remuneration for the circumstances of each case, taking into account the economic value of theauthorization. If a party does not agree with the terms and conditions of the license as determined by the General Counsel or if a royalty fee cannot be agreed upon within the reasonable time period established by the General Counsel, any party may, within 30 days after the expiration of such time period, initiate a proceeding before the Board, in accordance with subpart E of this part, for a reconsideration of the General Counsel's determination. After the proceeding under subpart E of this part is completed, the General Counsel shall modify the patent license in accordance with the Board's determination.
(a) Any owner or licensee of a patent licensed under section 158 or subsections b or e of section 153 of the Act may file an application with the Board for the determination of a reasonable royalty fee.
(b) Any owner or licensee of a patent licensed under subsections b or e of section 153 of the Act may file an application with the Board for the modification of any terms and conditions of the license.
(c) Any person who has made an invention or discovery useful in the production or utilization of special nuclear material or atomic energy, has complied with the provisions of section 151c, but, under the Act, is not entitled to a royalty for such invention or discovery, may file an application for an award.
(d) Any owner of a patent application that contains restricted data not belonging to the United States which the Department has communicated to any foreign nation may make application for just compensation pursuant to section 173 of the Act.
(e) Any patent applicant, whose patent is withheld because of a secrecy order issued at the request of the Department may, beginning at the date the patent applicant is notified that, except for such order, the application is otherwise in condition for allowance, apply for compensation for the damage caused by the secrecy order and/or for the use of the invention by the Government, resulting from any disclosure to the Department required by the Invention Secrecy Act.
(a) Each application shall contain a statement of the applicant's interest in the patent, patent application, invention or discovery and identify any other claimants of whom the applicant has knowledge.
(b) Each application must contain a concise statement of all of the essential facts upon which it is based. No particular form of statement is required, but it will facilitate consideration of the application if the following specific data accompany the application:
(1) In the case of an issued patent, a copy of the patent.
(2) In the case of a patent application, a copy of the application and of all Patent and Trademark Office actions and responses thereto.
(3) In the case of an invention or discovery as to which a report has been filed with the Department pursuant to subsection c of section 151 of the Act, a copy of such report.
(4) In the case of an award, the date relied upon as the date of invention.
(5) In all cases, a statement of the extent to which the invention or discovery was developed through federally financed research or with other Federal support.
(6) In all cases, the degree of the utility, novelty, and importance of the invention or discovery.
(7) In all cases, a statement of the actual use by the Federal Government or others of such invention or discovery, to the extent known to the applicant.
(8) In all cases, the cost of developing the invention or discovery and acquiring the patent or patent application.
(9) The royalty fee proposed, the proposed terms and conditions of a license agreement, or the amount sought as compensation or award, as well as the basis used in calculating such fee, compensation or award and whether a lump sum or periodic payments are sought.
(10) In an application for just compensation pursuant to section 173 of the Act, the ownership of the invention that is the subject matter of the patent application at the time the Department communicated the restricted data shall be set forth, and any restricted data contained in the application shall be specifically identified.
(11) In an application for compensation under the authority provided in the Invention Secrecy Act (35 U.S.C. 183), for the damage caused by imposition of a secrecy order on a patent application and/or for the use of the invention by the Government, the date of the secrecy order, the date of the notice that the patent application is in condition for allowance, and, if known to the applicant, the date of the first use of the invention by the Government.
The Board shall, in its discretion, afford the applicable party an opportunity for a hearing for the presentation of relevant evidence. Thirty (30) days notice shall be given of the time and place of such hearing. After expiration of the notice period, the Board shall proceed with a hearing and render its decision.
(a) In deciding a reasonable royalty fee for a patent licensed under section 158 or sections 153b or 153e of the Act, the Board shall consider:
(1) The economic value of the compulsory license and the Board shall strive to provide adequate remuneration for the circumstances of each case.
(2) Any defense, general or special, that a defendant could plead in an action for infringement;
(3) The extent to which such patent was developed through federally financed research or with other Federal support;
(4) The degree of utility, novelty, and importance of the invention or discovery; and
(5) The cost to the owner of the patent of developing such invention or discovery or of acquiring such patent.
(b) In deciding whether or not to grant an award, under section 157 of the Act, for the making of an invention or discovery useful in the production or utilization of special nuclear material or atomic energy, the Board shall take into account the considerations set forth in § 780.53(a) of this part and the actual use of such invention or discovery.
(c) In deciding whether or not to provide compensation, pursuant to section 173 of the Act, to a person who owns a patent application that contains restricted data not belonging to the United States which the Department has communicated to a foreign nation, the Board shall take into account the considerations set forth in § 780.53(b) of this part and the damage to the applicant resulting from such communication.
(d) In the course of its review of an application to provide compensation, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 183, to an applicant whose patent was withheld because of a secrecy order issued at the request of the Department, the Board shall take into account the considerations set forth in § 780.53(b) of this part and:
(1) The damage sustained by the applicant as a result of the secrecy order; and
(2) The use of the invention by the Government resulting from the disclosure of such invention to the Department.
Dept. of Energy Organization Act, sec. 301, Pub. L. 95-91 (42 U.S.C. 7301); Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974, sec. 9(g), Pub. L. 93-577 (42 U.S.C. 5908(g)); Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, secs. 156, 161g, Pub. L. 83-703 (42 U.S.C. 2186, 2201g); Presidential Statement, 36 FR 16887, Aug. 26, 1971.
The regulations of this part establish the procedures, terms, and conditions upon which licenses may be granted in inventions covered by patents or patent applications, both domestic and foreign, vested in the United States of America, as represented by or in the custody of the Department of Energy.
(a) The inventions covered by the patents and patent applications, both foreign and domestic, vested in the Government of the United States of America, as represented by or in the custody of the Department, normally will best serve the public interest when they are developed to the point of practical or commercial application and made available to the public in theshortest possible time. This may be accomplished by the granting of express nonexclusive, exclusive, or partially exclusive licenses for the practice of these inventions. However, it is recognized that there may be inventions as to which the Department deems dedication to the public by publication the preferable method of accomplishing these objectives.
(b) Although DOE encourages the nonexclusive licensing of its inventions to promote competition and to achieve
(c) Decisions as to grants or denials of any license application will, in the discretion of the Secretary, be based on the Department's view of what is in the best interests of the United States and the general public under the provisions of these regulations. Decisions of the Department under these regulations may be made on the Secretary's behalf by the General Counsel or the General Counsel's delegate, except where otherwise delegated to the Invention Licensing Appeal Board. When the Department determines that it is appropriate to grant a license, the license will be negotiated on terms and conditions most favorable to the interests of the United States and the general public.
(d) No license shall be granted or implied under a DOE invention except as provided for in these regulations, in patent rights articles under Department procurement regulations (41 CFR part 9-9), in agreements between DOE and other Government bodies, or in any existing or future treaty or agreement between the United States and any foreign government or intergovernmental organization.
(e) No grant of a license under this part shall be construed to confer upon any licensee any immunity from the antitrust laws or from liability for patent misuse, and the acquisition and use of rights pursuant to this part shall not be immunized from the operation of State or Federal law by reason of the source of the grant.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
All communications concerning the regulations in this part, including applications for licenses, should be addressed or delivered to the General Counsel, Attention: Assistant General Counsel for Patents, U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, DC 20545.
(a)
(1) The nature of the invention;
(2) The effect of the license upon the policies of the United States Government;
(3) The effect of the license upon domestic and international commerce and competition;
(4) The effect of the license upon the balance of payments of the United States; and
(5) The effect of the license upon the overall posture of the United States in world markets.
(b)
(1) The duration of the license will be negotiated and may be extended upon application therefor, provided the licensee complies with all the terms of the license and shows that substantial utilization has been, or within a reasonable time will be, achieved.
(2) The license shall require the licensee to bring the invention to the point of practical or commercial application in the geographic area of the license, within a period of time specified in the license or such period as may be extended by the Department, upon request in writing to the General Counsel, for good cause shown. The license shall further require the licensee to continue to make the benefits of the invention reasonable accessible in the geographic area of the license.
(3) The license may be granted for all or less than all fields of use of the invention and in any one or all of the countries, or any lesser geographic area thereof, in which the invention is covered by a patent or a patent application.
(4) Reasonable royalties may be charged for nonexclusive licenses on DOE inventions. Factors to be considered in determining whether to charge royalties, or the amount thereof, include but are not limited to, the following:
(i) The nature of the invention;
(ii) Applicant's status as a small business, minority business, or business in an economically depressed, low-income or labor surplus area;
(iii) The extent of U.S. Government contribution to the development of the invention;
(iv) The degree of development of the invention;
(v) The extent of effort necessary for the licensee to bring the invention to the point of practical or commercial application;
(vi) The extent of effort necessary to create or penetrate the market for the invention;
(vii) Whether the licensee is a U.S. citizen or U.S. organization; and
(viii) Whether the invention is to be licensed in the U.S. or in a foreign country.
(5) In the jurisdiction of the license, the license may extend to the licensee's subsidiaries and to affiliates within the corporate structure of which licensee is a part, if any. However, the license shall not be assignable or include the right to grant sublicenses without the approval of the Department in writing.
(6) The licensee shall be required to submit written reports annually, and when specifically requested by the Department, on its efforts to bring the invention to a point of practical or commercial application and the extent to which the licensee continues to make the benefits of the invention reasonably accessible to the public. The reports shall contain information within the licensee's knowledge, or which the licensee may acquire under normal business practices, pertaining to the commercial use being made of the invention.
(7) The Department may restrict the license to the fields of use or geographic areas in which the licensee has brought the invention to the point of practical or commercial application and continues to make the benefits of the invention reasonably accessible to the public.
(a)
(1) The invention has been published as available for licensing pursuant to § 781.61 for a period of at least six (6) months;
(2) It does not appear that the desired practical or commercial application has been or will be achieved on a nonexclusive basis, and that exclusive or partially exclusive licensing is a reasonable and necessary incentive to call forth the risk capital and expenses necessary to bring the invention to the point of practical or commercial application;
(3) A sixty (60) day notice of a proposed exclusive or partially exclusive licensee has been provided, pursuant to § 781.63(a), advising of an opportunity for a hearing; and
(4) After termination of the sixty (60) day notice period, the Secretary has determined that:
(i) The interests of the United States and the general public will best be served by the proposed license, in view of the license applicant's intention, plans, and ability to bring the invention to the point of practical or commercial application;
(ii) The desired practical or commercial application has not been achieved, or is not likely expeditiously to be achieved, under any nonexclusive license which has been granted, or which may be granted, on the invention;
(iii) Exclusive or partially exclusive licensing is a reasonable and necessary incentive to call forth the risk capital and expenses necessary to bring the invention to the point of practical or commercial application; and
(iv) The proposed terms and scope of exclusivity are not substantially greater than necessary to provide the incentive for bringing the invention to the point of practical or commercial application and to permit the licensee to recoup its costs and a reasonable profit thereon;
(5) Any determination pursuant to paragraph (a)(4) of this section regarding the practical or commercial application of an invention may be limited to the making, using or selling of an invention, a specific field of use, or a geographic location, provided that the grant of such license will not tend substantially to lessen competition or result in undue concentration in any section of the United States in any line of commerce to which the technology to be licensed relates.
(b)
(c)
(1) The relative intentions, plans, and abilities of the applicants to further the technical and market development of the invention and to bring the invention to the point of practical or commercial application;
(2) The projected impact on competition in the U.S.;
(3) Projected market size;
(4) The benefit to the U.S. Government, U.S. organizations, and the U.S. public;
(5) Assistance to small business and minority business enterprises and economically depressed, low-income, and labor-surplus areas; and
(6) Whether the applicant is a U.S. citizen or U.S. organization.
(d)
(1) The duration of the license will be negotiated, and the terms and scope of exclusivity shall not be substantially greater than necessary to provide the incentive for bringing the invention to the point of practical or commercial application and to permit the licensee to recoup its costs and a reasonable profit thereon. Extensions are permissible only through reapplication for an exclusive or partially exclusive license under procedures established in these regulations. The license shall be subject to any compulsory license provision required by law in a particular jurisdiction.
(2) The license shall require the licensee to bring the invention to the point of practical or commercial application in the geographic area of the license, within a period of time specified in the license or such period as may be extended by the Department, upon request in writing to the General Counsel, for good cause shown. The license shall further require the licensee to continue to make the benefits of the invention reasonably accessible in the geographic area of the license. In specifying the period for bringing the invention to the point of practical or commercial application, the license shall specify the minimum sum to be expended by the licensee and/or other specific actions to be taken by it within the time periods indicated in the license.
(3) The license may be granted for all or less than all fields of use of the invention and in any one or all of the countries, or any lesser geographic area thereof, in which the invention is covered by a patent or a patent application.
(4) Reasonable royalties shall be charged by the Department unless the Department determines that charging
(5) In the jurisdiction of the license, the license may extend to the licensee's subsidiaries and to affiliates within the corporate structure of which the licensee is a part, if any. However, the license shall not be assignable or include the right to grant sublicenses without the approval of the Department in writing.
(6) The licensee shall be required to submit written reports annually, and when specifically requested by the Department, on its efforts to bring the invention to the point of practical or commercial application and the extent to which the licensee continues to make the benefits of the invention reasonably accessible to the public. The reports shall contain information within the licensee's knowledge, or which the licensee may acquire under normal business practices, pertaining to the commercial use being made of the invention.
(7) The license shall reserve at least an irrevocable, nonexclusive, paid-up license to make, use and sell the invention throughout the world by or on behalf of the United States (including any Government agency), the States, and domestic municipal governments, unless the Secretary determines that it would not be in the public interest to reserve such a license for the States and domestic municipal governments.
(8) The license shall reserve in the United States the right to sublicense the licensed invention to any foreign government pursuant to any existing or future treaty or agreement, if the Secretary determines it would be in the national interest to acquire this right.
(9) The license shall reserve in the Secretary the right to require the granting of a nonexclusive or partially exclusive sublicense to a responsible applicant or applicants, upon terms reasonable under the circumstances, (i) to the extent that the invention is required for public use by governmental regulations, (ii) as may be necessary to fulfill health, safety, or energy needs, or (iii) for such other purposes as may be stipulated in the license.
(10) The license shall reserve in the Secretary the right to terminate such license, in whole or in part, subject to the notice and appeal provisions of §§ 781.64 and 781.65, unless the licensee demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that he has taken effective steps, or within a reasonable time thereafter is expected to take such steps, necessary to accomplish substantial utilization of the invention.
(11) The license shall reserve in the Secretary the right, commencing three years after the grant of the license, to terminate the license, in whole or in part, subject to the provisions of § 781.66 and following a publicly-noticed hearing, initiated pursuant to a petition by an interested person justifying such hearing—
(i) If the Secretary determines, upon review of such material as he deems relevant and after the licensee or other interested person has had the opportunity to provide such relevant and material information as the Secretary may require, that such license has tended substantially to lessen competition or to result in undue concentration in any section of the United States in any line of commerce to which the technology relates; or
(ii) If the licensee fails to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Secretary at such hearing that he has taken effective steps, or within a reasonable time thereafter is expected to take such steps, necessary to accomplish substantial utilization of the invention.
Subject to any outstanding licenses, nothing in this part shall preclude the Department from granting additional nonexclusive, or exclusive, or partially exclusive licenses for inventions covered by this part when the Department determines that to do so would provide for an equitable exchange of patent rights. The following circumstances are examples in which such licenses may be granted:
(a) In consideration of the settlement of interferences;
(b) In consideration of a release of any claims;
(c) In exchange for or as a part of the consideration for a license under adversely held patents; or
(d) In consideration for the settlement or resolution of any proceeding under the Department of Energy Organization Act or other law.
(a) The Department will publish periodically in the
(b) Interested persons may obtain copies of such lists by contacting the General Counsel, Attention: Assistant General Counsel for Patents, U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, DC 20545. Copies of U.S. patents may be obtained from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Washington, DC 20231. Copies of U.S. patent applications, specifications, or microfiche reproductions thereof may be secured at reasonable cost from the National Technical Information Service (NTIS), Springfield, Virginia 22151.
An application for a license under a DOE invention must be accompanied by a processing fee of $25 for each patent or patent application under which a license is desired, which shall be credited towards royalty if royalties are charged, and must include the following information:
(a) Identification of the invention for which the license is desired, including the title of the invention and the patent application serial number or the patent number of the invention;
(b) Name and address of the person applying for a license and whether the applicant is a U.S. citizen or U.S. organization;
(c) Name and address of a representative of the applicant to whom correspondence should be sent and any notices served;
(d) Nature and type of the applicant's business;
(e) Applicant's status, if any, as a small business firm, minority business firm, or business firm located in a labor surplus area, low-income area, or economically depressed area.
(f) Identification of the source of the applicant's information concerning the availability of a license on the invention;
(g) A statement of the field or fields of use in which the applicant intends to practice the invention;
(h) A statement of the geographic area or areas in which the applicant proposes to practice the invention, including a statement of any foreign countries in which the applicant proposes to practice the invention;
(i) A description of the applicant's technical and financial capability and plan for bringing the invention to a point of practical or commercial application, and the applicant's offer to implement that plan, if the license is granted.
(j) The amount of royalty fees or other consideration, if any, that the applicant would be willing to pay the Government for the license;
(k) Applicant's knowledge of the extent to which the invention is being practiced by private industry and the Government; and
(l) In the case of an exclusive or partially exclusive license application, any facts which the applicant believes will show that it is in the public interest for the Department to grant such a license rather than a nonexclusive license and that such exclusive or partially exclusive license should be granted to the applicant.
* Editorial Note: The section amended at 46 FR 63209, Dec. 31, 1981, appears as § 781.52.
(a) A notice of a proposed exclusive license or partially exclusive licenses shall be published in the
(1) Identification of the invention;
(2) Identification of the proposed exclusive licensee or partially exclusive licensees;
(3) Duration and scope of the proposed license;
(4) A statement that the license will be granted unless:
(i) An application for a nonexclusive license, submitted by a responsible applicant pursuant to § 781.62, is received by the Department within sixty (60) days from the publication of the notice in the
(ii) The Department determines, based upon evidence and argument submitted in writing by a third party, that it would not be in the interest of the United States and the general public to grant the exclusive or partially exclusive licenses; and
(5) A statement advising that applicants or third parties participating in response to the
(b) In situations where the Department intends to limit the number of partially exclusive licenses under a particular invention pursuant to § 781.52(b), the notice in paragraph (a) of this section will be modified to reflect that intent and to invite applicants to apply for such partially exclusive licenses by a date specified in the notice.
(c) If an exclusive or partially exclusive license has been granted or, in whole or in part, terminated pursuant to this regulation, notice thereof shall be published in the
(1) Identification of the invention;
(2) Identification of the licensee; and
(3) If a license grant, the duration and scope of the license; or
(4) If a termination in whole or in part, the effective date of the termination and whether it is in whole or in part.
(a) The Department may terminate, in whole or in part, a license:
(1) For failure, within the time specified in the license, to take steps necessary to accomplish substantial utilization of the invention;
(2) For failure of the licensee, upon bringing the invention to the point of practical or commercial application, to continue to make the benefits of the invention reasonably accessible to the public;
(3) If an exclusive or partially exclusive license, for failure of the licensee to expend the minimum sum or to take any other action specified in the license agreement;
(4) For failure of the licensee to make any payments or periodic reports required by the license;
(5) For a false statement or omission of a material fact in the license application submitted pursuant to § 781.62 or in any required report;
(6) For failure to grant a nonexclusive or partially exclusive license when required by the Secretary in accordance with this regulation; or
(7) For breach of any other term or condition on which the license was issued.
(b) Before terminating, in whole or in part, any license granted pursuant to this part, the Department shall mail to the licensee and any sublicensee of record, at the last address filed with the Department, a written notice of the Department's intention to terminate, in whole or in part, the license, with reasons therefor, and the licensee and any sublicensee shall be allowed thirty (30) days from the date of the mailing of such notice, or within such further period as may be granted by the Department for good cause shown in writing, to remedy any breach of any term or condition referred to in the notice or to show cause why the license should not be terminated in whole or in part.
(c) Termination shall be effective upon final written notice thereof to the licensee, after consideration of the response, if any, to the notice of intent to terminate, unless an appeal is taken in accordance with § 781.65, in which
(a) The following parties have the right to appeal under this part:
(1) A person whose application for a license has been denied;
(2) A licensee or sublicensee whose license has been terminated, in whole or in part, pursuant to § 781.64; and
(3) A third party who has participated under § 781.63 of this regulation.
(b) Appeal under paragraph (a) of this section shall be initiated by filing a Notice of Appeal with the Secretary, ATTN: Invention Licensing Appeal Board, with a copy to the General Counsel ATTN: Assistant General Counsel for Patents, within thirty (30) days from the date of receipt of a written notice by the Department. The Notice of Appeal shall specify the portion of the decision from which the appeal is taken. A statement of fact and argument in the form of a brief in support of the appeal shall be submitted with the notice of appeal or within thirty (30) days thereafter. Upon receipt of a Notice of Appeal, the General Counsel shall have thirty (30) days to transmit a copy of the administrative record of the decision to the Board with a copy to appellant. The General Counsel shall respond to appellant within 30 days from receipt of appellant's brief.
(c) The appellant shall have the burden of proving by a preponderance of evidence, based upon the administrative record as supplemented by evidence and argument submitted by the parties to the appeal, that the decision appealed from should be reversed or modified.
(d) The Board shall offer to the applicant, or to any other party who has participated under § 781.63, an opportunity to join as a party to the appeal.
(e) A hearing may be requested by any party to the appeal within a time period set by the Board.
(f) Except as set forth in this part, all Board proceedings shall be conducted pursuant to the Rules of Practice of the Department of Energy Board of Contract Appeals, 10 CFR part 1023, modified as the Board may determine to be necessary or appropriate.
(g) The decision of the Board shall constitute the final action of the Department on the matter.
(a) Any interested person may petition the Secretary to terminate, in whole or in part, an exclusive or partially exclusive license three years after such license was granted.
(1) The license has tended substantially to lessen competition or to result in undue concentration; or
(2) The licensee has not taken effective steps, or within a reasonable time thereafter is not expected to take such steps, necessary to accomplish substantial utilization of the invention.
(b) Upon receipt of such a petition, the Board shall forward a copy of the petition and supporting documents to the General Counsel, ATTN: Assistant General Counsel for Patents. The General Counsel shall then forward a copy of the petition and supporting documents to the licensee, who shall have thirty (30) days from receipt of the petition to submit a response thereto together with any supporting documents and affidavits. The General Counsel shall then make a preliminary review of the petition, response, and any supporting documents or affidavits to determine whether a hearing on the matter is justified. If the General Counsel finds that a hearing on the matter has been justified, he shall so advise the Board in writing.
(c) If the General Counsel finds that a hearing has not been justified by petitioner, he shall so find in writing. The General Counsel shall promptly notify the Board and the petitioner of the finding. The petitioner may appeal this finding by filing a Notice of Appeal with the Board within thirty (30) days of the date of the mailing of the finding by the General Counsel. The Board shall review the finding concerning petitioner's justification for a hearing, and shall uphold the finding of the General Counsel unless petitioner can
(d) When it has been determined, in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section, that a hearing is justified, the Board shall so notify the petitioner and the licensee, and the Board shall publish a Notice in the
(e) Any party shall have the right to request a full evidentiary hearing on the matter. In lieu thereof, if the parties agree, the matter may be decided at an “informal” hearing in which no party has the right to call and cross-examine witnesses, but in which the parties have the right to present oral argument to the Board to supplement briefs, affidavits, and other documentary evidence that may have been submitted. Any hearing and related procedures shall be conducted pursuant to the Rules of Practice of the Department of Energy Board of Contract Appeals, 10 CFR part 1023, modified as the Board may determine to be necessary or appropriate.
(f) If petitioner alleges that the exclusive or partially exclusive license has tended substantially to lessen competition or to result in undue concentration in any section of the country in any line of commerce to which the technology relates, the petitioner shall have the burden to prove the allegation by a preponderance of evidence.
(g) If petitioner alleges that licensee has failed to accomplish substantial utilization of the invention and has presented sufficent proof, in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section, to justify a hearing on the matter, the licensee shall have the burden to prove, by a preponderance of evidence, that he has taken effective steps, or within a reasonable time thereafter is expected to take such steps, necessary to accomplish substantial utilization of the invention.
(h) The Board shall make findings of fact and render a conclusion of law with respect to the challenged license. The conclusion of the Board shall constitute the final action of the Department on the matter.
(a) An exclusive or partially exclusive licensee may be granted the right to sue at his own expense any party who infringes the rights set forth in his license and covered by the licensed patent. Upon a determination that the Government is a necessary party, the licensee may join the Government of the United States, upon consent of the Attorney General, as a party complainant in such suit. The licensee shall pay costs and any final judgment or decree that may be rendered against the Government in such suit. The Government shall have the absolute right to intervene in any such suit at its own expense.
(b) The licensee shall be obligated to furnish promptly to the Government, upon request, copies of all pleadings and other papers filed in any such suit and of evidence adduced in proceedings relating to the licensed patent, including but not limited to, negotiations, agreements settling claims by a licensee based on a licensed patent, and all other books, documents, papers and records pertaining to such suit. If, as a result of any such litigation, the patent shall be declared invalid, the licensee shall have the right to surrender his license and be relieved from any further obligation thereunder.
The Department may enter into an agreement to transfer custody of any patent to another Government agency for purposes of administration, including the granting of licenses pursuant to this part.
Dept. of Energy Organization Act; sec. 651, 91 Stat. 601, 42 U.S.C. 7261; Atomic Energy Act of 1954; sec. 107(d), 88 Stat. 1241, 42 U.S.C. 5817(d); sec. 161(g), 80 Stat. 443, 42 U.S.C. 2201(g); sec. 172, 62 Stat. 933, 42 U.S.C. 2223; Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, sec. 2356, 75 Stat. 440, 22 U.S.C. 2356; Patents, Invention Secrecy Act; sec. 183, 66 Stat. 4, 35 U.S.C. 183; Judiciary and Judical Procedure Act, sec. 1498, 62 Stat. 601, 28 U.S.C. 1498.
The purpose of this regulation is to set forth policies and procedures for the filing and disposition of claims asserted against the Department of Energy of infringement of privately owned rights in patented inventions or copyrighted works.
Whenever a claim of infringement of privately owned rights in patented inventions or copyrighted works is asserted against the Department of Energy, all necessary steps shall be taken to investigate and to settle administratively, to deny, or otherwise to dispose of such claim prior to suit against the United States.
The General Counsel or the General Counsel's delegate is authorized to investigate, settle, deny, or otherwise dispose of all claims of patent and copyright infringement pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 2201(g), 2223, 5817(d) and 7261; the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, 22 U.S.C. 2356 (formerly the Mutual Security Acts of 1951 and 1954); the Invention Secrecy Act, 35 U.S.C. 183; and 28 U.S.C. 1498.
(a)
(1) An allegation of infringement;
(2) A request, either expressed or implied, for compensation;
(3) A citation of the patents or copyrighted items alleged to be infringed;
(4) In the case of a patent infringement claim, a sufficiently specific designation to permit identification of the items or processes alleged to infringe the patents, giving the commercial designation if known to the claimant, or, in the case of a copyright infringement claim, the acts alleged to infringe the copyright;
(5) In the case of a patent infringement claim, a designation of at least one claim of each patent alleged to be infringed or, in the case of a copyright infringement claim, a copy of each work alleged to be infringed;
(6) As an alternative to paragraphs (a) (4) and (5) of this section, certification that the claimant has made a bona fide attempt to determine the items or processes which are alleged to infringe the patents, or the acts alleged to infringe the copyrights, but was unable to do so, giving reasons, and stating a reasonable basis for the claimant's belief that the patents or copyrighted items are being infringed.
(b)
(1) A copy of the asserted patents and identification of all claims of the patents alleged to be infringed.
(2) Identification of all procurements known to claimant that involve the accused items or processes, including the identity of the vendors or contractors and the Government acquisition activity or activities.
(3) A detailed identification and description of the accused articles or processes, particularly where the articles or processes relate to components or subcomponents of the item acquired, and an element-by-element comparison of representative claims with the accused articles or processes. If available, the identification and description should include documentation and drawings to illustrate the accused articles or processes in sufficient detail to enable verification that the claims of the asserted patents read on the accused articles or processes.
(4) Names and addresses of all past and present licensees under the patents and copies of all license agreements and releases involving the patents.
(5) A brief description of all litigation in which the patents have been or are now involved, and their present status.
(6) A list of all persons to whom notices of infringement have been sent, including all departments and agencies of the Government, and a statement of the status or ultimate disposition of each.
(7) A description of Government employment or military service, if any, by the inventors or patent owner.
(8) A list of all contracts between the Government and inventors, patent owner, or anyone in privity with them that were in effect at the time of conception or actual reduction to practice of the inventions covered by the patents.
(9) Evidence of title to the asserted patents or other right to make the claim.
(10) If it is available to claimant, a copy of the Patent Office file of each patent.
(11) Pertinent prior art of which the claimant has become aware after issuance of the asserted patents.
In addition to the foregoing, if claimant can provide a statement that the investigation may be limited to the specifically identified accused articles or processes, or to a specific acquisition (e.g. identified contracts), it may speed disposition of the claim.
(c)
(a)
(b)
(a) If a communication alleging patent or copyright infringement is received that does not meet the requirements set forth above in § 782.5, the sender shall be advised in writing by the General Counsel:
(1) That the claim for infringement has not been satisfactorily presented; and
(2) Of the elements considered necessary to establish a claim.
(b) A communication, such as a mere offer of a license, in which an infringement is not alleged in accordance with § 782.5(a) of this part shall not be considered a claim for infringement.
If a patent or copyright owner communicates an allegation of infringement in the performance of a Government contract, grant, or other arrangement to addressees other than those specified in § 782.5(a), such as Department of Energy contractors including contractors operating government-owned facilities, the communication shall not be considered a claim within the meaning of § 782.5 until it meets the requirements of that section.
Secs. 152, 161, 68 Stat. 944, 948, as amended; (42 U.S.C. 2182, 2201).
The Department of Energy, hereinafter “DOE”, waives its rights under section 152 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (66 Stat. 944) with respect to inventions and discoveries resulting from the use of the following materials and services:
(a) Source materials, special nuclear materials, and heavy water distributed by DOE in accordance with the “Schedules of Base Charges for Materials Sold of Leased by DOE for Use in Private Atomic Energy Development and Base Prices Which DOE Will Pay for Certain Products From Private Reactors.”
(b) Radioactive and stable isotopes, irradiation services (this waiver does not include inventions or discoveries made by DOE or DOE contractor personnel in the course of or in connection with the performance of an irradiation service), and radioactive material resulting from the performance of an irradiation service sold or distributed by DOE in accordance with the prices and charges established by:
(1) Oak Ridge National Laboratory Inventory and Price List of electromagnetically enriched and other stable isotopes.
(2) Oak Ridge National Laboratory Catalog and Price List of radioisotopes, special materials, and services.
(3) Idaho National Engineering Laboratory Catalog of Price and charges on irradiation services at the materials testing reactor. The waiver does include inventions or discoveries made by sponsor personnel in the course of their use of the Gamma Irradiation Facility at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory.
(4) Argonne National Laboratory schedule of charges for irradiation services at its irradiation facilities.
(5) Brookhaven National Laboratory schedule of prices and charges for irradiation services and radioisotopes.
(a) Except with regard to the use of the Gamma facility at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, nothing contained in this part shall be deemed to waive any rights in inventions or discoveries where a person or a group of persons acting on behalf of the person requesting the irradiation service works at the DOE facility in connection with the irradiation service. In such event, special arrangements are made.
(b) Nothing contained in this part shall be construed to affect the provisions of any written agreement to which DOE has or may become a party.
42 U.S.C. 7151; 42 U.S.C. 5908; 42 U.S.C. 2182; 35 U.S.C. 202 and 210; 42 U.S.C. 7261a.
(a) This part states the policy and establishes the procedures, terms and conditions governing waiver of the Government's rights in inventions made under contracts, grants, agreements, understandings or other arrangements with the Department of Energy (DOE).
(b) This part applies to all inventions conceived or first actually reduced to practice in the course of or under any contract, grant, agreement, understanding, or other arrangement with or for the benefit of DOE (including any subcontract, subgrant, or subagreement), the patent rights disposition of which is governed by section 152 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, 42 U.S.C. 2182, or section 9 of the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974, 42 U.S.C. 5908. In funding agreements with nonprofit organizations or small business firms, when title or other rights are reserved to the Government under the authority of 35 U.S.C. 202(a), this part will apply to any waiver of such rights. The patent waiver provisions in this part supersede the patent waiver regulations previously included with patent regulations at 41 CFR part 9-9.100.
As used in this part:
(a) Section 6 of Public Law 96-517 (the Bayh-Dole patent and trademark amendments of 1980), as amended, as codified at 35 U.S.C. 200—212, provides that title to inventions conceived or first actually reduced to practice in the course of or under any contract, grant, agreement, understanding, or other arrangement entered into with or for the benefit of the Department of Energy (DOE) vests in the United States, except where 35 U.S.C. 202 provides otherwise for nonprofit organizations or small business firms. However, where title to such inventions vests in the United States, the Secretary of Energy (hereinafter Secretary) or designee may waive all or any part of the rights of the United States, subject to required terms and conditions, with respect to any invention or class of inventions made or which may be made by any person or class of persons in the course of or under any contract of DOE if it is determined that the interests of the United States and the general public will best be served by such waiver. In making such determinations, the Secretary or designee shall have the following objectives:
(1) Making the benefits of the energy research, development, and demonstration program widely available to the public in the shortest practicable time;
(2) Promoting the commercial utilization of such inventions;
(3) Encouraging participation by private persons in DOE's energy research, development, and demonstration programs; and
(4) Fostering competition and preventing undue market concentration or the creation or maintenance of other situations inconsistent with the antitrust laws.
(b) If it is not possible to attain the objectives in paragraphs (a)(1) through (4) immediately and simultaneously for any specific waiver determination, the Secretary or designee will seek to reconcile these objectives in light of the overall purposes of the DOE patent waiver policy, as set forth in section 152 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, 42 U.S.C. 2182, section 9 of the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974, 42 U.S.C. 5908, Public Law 99-661, 42 U.S.C. 7261a, and, where not inconsistent therewith, the Presidential Memorandum to the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies on Government Patent Policy issued February 18, 1983 and Executive Order No. 12591 issued April 10, 1987.
(c) The policy set forth in this section is applicable to all types of contracts as defined in § 784.2 of this part.
This section covers inventions that may be conceived or first actually reduced to practice in the course of or under a particular contract. In determining whether an advance waiver will best serve the interests of the United States and the general public, the Secretary or designee (currently the Assistant General Counsel for Technology Transfer and Intellectual Property) shall, at a minimum, specifically include as considerations the following:
(a) The extent to which the participation of the contractor will expedite the attainment of the purposes of the program;
(b) The extent to which a waiver of all or any part of such rights in any or all fields of technology is needed to secure the participation of the particular contractor;
(c) The extent to which the work to be performed under the contract is useful in the production or utilization of special nuclear material or atomic energy;
(d) The extent to which the contractor's commercial position may expedite utilization of the research, development, and demonstration results;
(e) The extent to which the Government has contributed to the field of technology to be funded under the contract;
(f) The purpose and nature of the contract, including the intended use of the results developed thereunder;
(g) The extent to which the contractor has made or will make substantial investment of financial resources or technology developed at the contractor's private expense which will directly benefit the work to be performed under the contract;
(h) The extent to which the field of technology to be funded under the contract has been developed at the contractor's private expense;
(i) The extent to which the Government intends to further develop to the point of commercial utilization the results of the contract effort;
(j) The extent to which the contract objectives are concerned with the public health, public safety, or public welfare;
(k) The likely effect of the waiver on competition and market concentration;
(l) In the case of a domestic nonprofit educational institution under an agreement not governed by Chapter 18 of Title 35, United States Code, the extent to which such institution has a technology transfer capability and program approved by the Secretary or designee as being consistent with the applicable policies of this section;
(m) The small business status of the contractor under an agreement not governed by Chapter 18 of Title 35, United States Code, and
(n) Such other considerations, such as benefit to the U.S. economy, that the Secretary or designee may deem appropriate.
This section covers the relinquishing by the Government to the contractor or inventor of title rights in a particular identified subject invention. In determining whether such a waiver of an identified invention will best serve the interests of the United States and the general public, the Secretary or designee shall, at a minimum, specifically include as considerations the following:
(a) The extent to which such waiver is a reasonable and necessary incentive to call forth private risk capital for the development and commercialization of the invention;
(b) The extent to which the plans, intentions, and ability of the contractor or inventor will obtain expeditious commercialization of such invention;
(c) The extent to which the invention is useful in the production or utilization of special nuclear material or atomic energy;
(d) The extent to which the Government has contributed to the field of technology of the invention;
(e) The purpose and nature of the invention, including the anticipated use thereof;
(f) The extent to which the contractor has made or will make substantial investment of financial resources or technology developed at the contractor's private expense which will directly benefit the commercialization of the invention;
(g) The extent to which the field of technology of the invention has been developed at the contractor's expense;
(h) The extent to which the Government intends to further develop the invention to the point of commercial utilization;
(i) The extent to which the invention is concerned with the public health, public safety, or public welfare;
(j) The likely effect of the waiver on competition and market concentration;
(k) In the case of a domestic nonprofit educational institution under an agreement not governed by Chapter 18, Title 35, United States Code, the extent to which such institution has a technology transfer capability and program approved by the Secretary or designee as being consistent with the applicable policies of this section;
(l) The small business status of the contractor, under an agreement not governed by Chapter 18 of Title 35, United States Code; and,
(m) Such other considerations, such as benefit to the U.S. economy that the Secretary or designee may deem appropriate.
(a) Whenever, in the course of or under any Government contract or subcontract of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program or the nuclear weapons programs or other atomic energy defense activities of the Department of Energy, a contractor makes an invention or discovery to which title vests in the Department of Energy pursuant to statute, the contractor may request waiver of any or all of the Government's property rights. The Secretary of Energy or designee may decide to waive the Government's rights.
(b) In making a decision under this section, the Secretary or designee shall consider, in addition to the objectives of DOE waiver policy as specified in § 784.3(a)(1) through (4), and the considerations specified in § 784.4 for advance waivers, and § 784.5 for waiver of identified inventions, the following:
(1) Whether national security will be compromised;
(2) Whether sensitive technical information (whether classified or unclassified) under the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program or the nuclear weapons programs or other atomic energy defense activities of the Department of Energy for which dissemination is controlled under Federal statutes and regulations will be released to unauthorized persons;
(3) Whether an organizational conflict of interest contemplated by Federal statutes and regulations will result, and
(4) Whether waiving such rights will adversely affect the operation of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program or the nuclear weapons programs or other atomic energy defense activities of the Department of Energy.
(c) A decision under this § 784.6 shall be made within 150 days after the date on which a complete request for waiver, as described by paragraph (d) of this section, has been submitted to the Patent Counsel by the contractor.
(d) In addition to the requirements for content which apply generally to all waiver requests under paragraph (a) of this section, a requestor must include a full and detailed statement of
(1) An identification of all of the requestor's contractual arrangements involving the Government (including contracts, subcontracts, grants, or other arrangements) in which the technology involved in the contract was developed or used and any other funding of the technology by the Government, whether direct or indirect, involving any other party, of which the requestor is aware;
(2) A description of the requestor's past, current, and future private investment in and development of the technology which is the subject of the contract. This includes expenditures not reimbursed by the Government on research and development which will directly benefit the work to be performed under the instant contract, the amount and percentage of contract costs to be shared by the requestor, the out-of-pocket costs of facilities or equipment to be made available by the requestor for performance of the contract work which are not charged directly or indirectly to the Government under contract, and the contractor's plans and intentions to further develop and commercialize the technology at private expense;
(3) A description of competitive technologies or other factors which would ameliorate any anticompetitive effect of granting the waiver.
(4) Identification of whether the contract pertains to work that is classified, or sensitive, i.e., unclassified but controlled pursuant to section 148 of the Atomic Energy Action of 1954, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2168), or subject to export control under Chapter 17 of the Military Critical Technology List (MCTL) contained in Department of Defense Directive 5230.25 including identification of all principal uses of the subject matter of the contract, whether inside or outside the contractor program, and an indication of whether any such uses involve classified or sensitive technologies.
(5) Identification of all DOE and DOD programs and projects in the same general technology as the contract for which the requestor intends to be providing program planning advice or has provided program planning advice within the last three years.
(e) For identified invention requests under this section, such requests shall include at a minimum:
(1) A brief description of the intentions of the requestor (or its present or intended licensee) to commercialize the invention. This description should include:
(i) Estimated expenditures,
(ii) Anticipated steps,
(iii) The associated time periods to bring the invention to commercialization, and
(iv) A statement that requestor (or its present or intended licensee) has the capability to carry out its stated intentions.
(2) A description of any continuing Government funding of the development of the invention (including investigation of materials or processes for use therewith), from whatever Government source, whether direct or indirect, and, to the extent known by the requestor, any anticipated future Government funding to further develop the invention.
(3) A description of competitive technologies or other factors which would ameliorate any anticompetitive effects of granting the waiver.
(4) A statement as to whether or not the requestor would be willing to reimburse the Department of Energy for any and all costs and fees incurred by the Department in the preparation and prosecution of the patent applications covering the invention that is the subject of the waiver request.
(5) Where applicable, a statement of reasons why the request was not timely filed in accordance with the applicable patent rights clause of the contract, or why a request for an extension of time to file the request was not filed in a timely manner.
(6) Identification of whether the invention pertains to work that is classified, or sensitive, i.e., unclassified but controlled pursuant to section 148 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2168), or subject to export control under Chapter 17 of the Military Critical Technology List (MCTL) contained in Department of Defense Directive 5230.25, including identification of all principal uses of the invention inside or outside the contractor program, and an indication of whether any such uses involve classified or sensitive technologies.
(7) Identification of all DOE and DOD programs and projects in the same general technology as the invention for which the requestor intends to be providing program planning advice or has provided program planning advice within the last three years.
(8) A statement of whether a classification review of the invention disclosure, any resulting patent application(s), and/or any reports and other documents disclosing a substantial portion of the invention, has been made, together with any determinations on the existence of classified or sensitive information in either the invention disclosure, the patent application(s), or reports or other documents disclosing a substantial portion of the invention; and
(9) Identification of any and all proposals, work for other activities, or other arrangements submitted by the requestor, DOE, or a third party, of which requestor is aware, which may involve further funding of the work on the invention at either the contractor facility where the invention arose or another facility owned by the Government.
(f) Patent Counsel will notify the requestor promptly if the waiver request is found not to be a complete request and, in that event, will provide the requestor with a reasonable period, not to exceed 60 days, to correct any such incompleteness. If requestor does not respond within the allotted time period, the waiver request will be considered to be withdrawn. If requestor responds within the allotted time period, but the submittal is still deemed incomplete or insufficient, the waiver request may be denied.
(g) As set forth in paragraph (c) of this section, waiver decisions shall be made within 150 days after the date on which a complete request for waiver of such rights, as specified in this section, has been submitted by the requestor to the DOE Patent Counsel. If the original waiver request does not result in a communication from DOE Patent Counsel indicating that the request is incomplete, the 150-day period for decision commences on the date of receipt of the waiver request. If the original waiver request results in a communication from DOE Patent Counsel indicating that the request is incomplete, the 150-day period for decision commences on the date on which supplementary information is received by Patent Counsel sufficient to make the waiver request complete. For advance waiver requests, if requestor is not notified that the request is incomplete, the 150-day period for decision commences on the date of receipt of the request, or on the date on which negotiation of contract terms is completed, whichever is later.
(h) Failure of DOE to make a patent waiver decision within the prescribed 150-day period shall in no way be construed as a grant of the waiver.
This section covers relinquishing of patent title rights by the Government to a class of persons or to a class of inventions. The authorization for class waivers is to be found at 42 U.S.C. 5908(c). Class waivers may be appropriate in situations where all members of a particular class would likely qualify for an advance or identified invention waiver. Normally, class waivers are originated by the Department. However, any person with a direct and substantial interest in a DOE program may request a class waiver by forwarding a written request therefor to the Patent Counsel. While no particular format for requesting a class waiver is prescribed, any request for a class waiver and any resulting determination by the Secretary or designee must address the pertinent objectives and considerations set forth in §§ 784.3(a), 784.4, 784.5, and 784.6.
(a) All requests for waivers shall be in writing. Each request for a waiver other than a class waiver shall include the information set forth in § 784.9. Such requests may be submitted by existing or prospective contractors in the case of requests for an advance waiver and by contractors, including successor contractors at a facility, or employee-inventors in the case of requests for waiver of identified inventions.
(b) A request for an advance waiver should be submitted to the Contracting Officer (subcontractors may submit through their prime contractors) at any time prior to execution of the contract or subcontract, or within thirty days thereafter, or within such longer period as may be authorized by Patent Counsel for good cause shown in writing. If the purpose, scope, or cost of the contract is substantially altered by modification or extension after the waiver is granted, a new waiver request will be required. When advance waivers are granted, the provisions of the “Patent Rights—Waiver” clause set forth in § 784.12 shall be used in contracts which are the subject of the waivers, unless modified with the approval of the Patent Counsel to conform to the scope of the waiver granted. (See § 784.12.) Advance waivers may be requested for all inventions which may be conceived or first actually reduced to practice under a DOE contract. An advance waiver may also be requested for an identified invention conceived by the contractor before the contract but which may be first actually reduced to practice under the contract. Such waiver request must include a copy of any patent or patent application covering the identified invention, or if no patent application has been filed, a complete description of the invention.
(c) A request for waiver (other than an advance or class waiver) for an identified invention must be submitted to the Patent Counsel at the time the invention is to be reported to DOE or not later than eight months after conception and/or first actual reduction to practice, whichever occurs first in the course of or under the contract, or such longer period as may be authorized by Patent Counsel for good cause shown in writing by the requestor. The time for submitting a waiver request will not normally be extended past the time the invention has been advertised for licensing by DOE. If the Government has already filed a patent application on the invention, the requestor should indicate whether or not it is willing to reimburse the Government for the costs of searching, prosecution, filing and maintenance fees, in the event the waiver is granted.
(d) If the request for waiver contains insufficient information, the Patent Counsel may seek additional information from the requestor and from other sources. The Patent Counsel will thoroughly analyze the request in view of each of the objectives and considerations and shall also consider the overall rights obtained by the Government in the patent, copyright, and data clauses of the contract. Where it appears that a waiver of a lesser part of the rights of the United States than requested would be more appropriate in view of the policies set forth, the Patent Counsel should attempt to negotiate a compromise acceptable to both the requestor and DOE. If approval of a waiver is recommended, Patent Counsel shall obtain an indication of agreement by the requestor to the proposed waiver scope, terms and conditions.
(e) The Patent Counsel will prepare a Statement of Considerations setting forth the rationale for either approving or denying the waiver request and will forward the Statement to the General Counsel or designee for review thereof. While the Statement need not provide specific findings as to each and every consideration of § 784.4 or § 784.5 of this part, it will cover those that are decisive, and it will explain the basis for the recommended determination. There may be occasions when the application of the various individual considerations of § 784.4 or § 784.5 of this part to a particular case could conflict, and in those instances the conflict will be reconciled giving due regard to the overall policies set forth in 784.3(a) (1) through (4).
(f) The Patent Counsel will also obtain comments from the appropriate DOE program organization to assist the Patent Counsel in the waiver determination. Additionally, if any other
(g) In the event that a request for advance waiver is approved after the effective date of the contract, the Patent Counsel shall promptly notify the requestor by letter of the determination and the basis therefor. The letter shall state the scope, terms and conditions of such waiver. If the terms and conditions of an approved advance waiver were not incorporated in the contract when executed, the letter shall inform the requestor that the advance waiver shall be effective as of the effective date of the contract for an advance waiver of inventions identified, i.e., conceived prior to the effective date of the contract, or as of the date the invention is reported with an election by the contractor to retain rights therein, i.e., for an invention conceived or first actually reduced to practice after the effective date of the contract; provided a copy of the letter is signed and returned to the Contracting Officer by the requestor acknowledging the acceptance of the scope, terms and conditions of the advance waiver. After acceptance by the contractor of an advance waiver, the Contracting Officer shall cause a unilateral no-cost modification to be made to the contract incorporating the terms and conditions of the waiver in lieu of previous patent rights provisions.
(h) In the event that a waiver request is denied, the requestor may, within thirty days after notification of the denial, request reconsideration. Such a request shall include any additional facts and rationale not previously submitted which support the request. Request for reconsideration shall be submitted and processed in accordance with the procedures for submitting waiver requests set forth in this section.
(a) Forms (OMB No. 1901-0800) for submitting requests for advance and identified invention waivers, indicating the necessary information, may be obtained from the Contracting Officer or Patent Counsel. All requests for advance and identified invention waivers shall include the following information:
(1) The requestor's identification, business address, and, if represented by Counsel, the Counsel's name and address;
(2) An identification of the pertinent contract or proposed contract and a copy of the contract Statement of Work or a nonproprietary statement which fully describes the proposed work to be performed;
(3) The nature and extent of waiver requested;
(4) A full and detailed statement of facts, to the extent known by or available to the requestor, directed to each of the considerations set forth in §§ 784.4 or 784.5 of this part, as applicable, and a statement applying such facts and considerations to the policies set forth in § 784.3 of this part. It is important that this submission be tailored to the unique aspects of each request for waiver, and be as complete as feasible; and
(5) The signature of the requestor or authorized representative with the following statement: “The facts set forth in this request for waiver are within the knowledge of the requestor and are
(b) In addition to the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section, requests for waiver of identified inventions shall include:
(1) The full names of all inventors;
(2) A statement of whether a patent application has been filed on the invention, together with a copy of such application if filed or, if not filed, a complete description of the invention;
(3) If a patent application has not been filed, any information which may indicate a potential statutory bar to the patenting of the invention under 35 U.S.C. 102 or a statement that no such bar is known to exist; and
(4) Where the requestor is the inventor, written authorization from the applicable contractor or subcontractor permitting the inventor to request a waiver.
(c) Subject to statutes, DOE regulations, requirements, and restrictions on the treatment of proprietary and classified information; all material submitted in requests for waiver or in support thereof will be made available to the public after a determination on the waiver request has been made, regardless of whether a waiver is granted. Accordingly, requests for waiver should not normally contain information or data that the requestor is not willing to have made public. If proprietary or classified information is needed to make the waiver determination, such information shall be submitted only at the request of Patent Counsel.
The Assistant General Counsel for Technology Transfer and Intellectual Property shall maintain and periodically update a publicly available record of waiver determinations.
(a) The various factual situations which are appropriate for waivers cannot be categorized precisely because the appropriateness of a waiver will depend upon the manner in which the considerations set forth in §§ 784.4 or 784.5, and 784.6 if applicable, of this part relate to the facts and circumstances surrounding the particular contracting situation or the particular invention, in order to best achieve the objectives set forth in § 784.3 of this part. However, some examples where advance waivers might be appropriate are:
(1) Cost-shared contracts;
(2) Situations in which DOE is providing increased funding to a specific ongoing privately-sponsored research, development, or demonstration project;
(3) Situations such as Work for Others Agreements, User Facility Agreements or CRADAs, involving DOE-approved private use of Government facilities where the waiver requestor is funding a substantial part of the costs; and
(4) Situations in which the equities of the contractor are so substantial in relation to that of the Government that the waiver is necessary to obtain the participation of the contractor.
(b) Waivers may be granted as to all or any part of the rights of the United States to an invention subject to certain rights retained by the United States as set forth in § 784.12 of this part. The scope of the waiver will depend upon the relationship of the contractual situation or identified invention to considerations set forth in §§ 784.4 or 784.5, and 784.6, if applicable, in order to best achieve the objectives set forth in § 784.3. For example, waivers may be restricted to a particular field of use in which the contractor has substantial equities or a commercial position, or restricted to those uses that are not the primary object of the contract effort. Waivers may also be made effective for a specified duration of time, may be limited to particular geographic locations, may require the contractor to license others at reduced royalties in consideration of the Government's contribution to the research, development, or demonstration effort, or may require return of a portion of the royalties or revenue to the Government.
(c) Contractors shall not use their ability to award subcontracts as economic leverage to acquire rights for themselves in the subcontractor inventions, where the subcontractor(s) would prefer to petition for title. A
(d) In advance waivers of identified inventions, the invention will be deemed to be a subject invention and the waiver will be considered as being effective as of the effective date of the contract (see § 784.13(a)). This will be true regardless of whether the identified invention had been first actually reduced to practice prior to the time of contracting or would be reduced to practice under the contract or after expiration of the contract. One purpose of advance waivers of identified inventions is to establish the rights of the parties to such inventions when the facts surrounding the first actual reduction to practice prior to or during the contract are or will be difficult to establish.
The terms and conditions for waivers are set forth in the “Patent Rights—Waiver” clause in this section. A waiver of all foreign and domestic patent rights under a contract authorizes the use of this clause with any additions prescribed by the DOE Acquisition Regulations (48 CFR Chapter 9) or the terms of the waiver. This clause shall not be used in contracts with small business firms or nonprofit organizations subject to 35 U.S.C. 200
Use the clause at 48 CFR 52.227-12 with the following changes:
(1) In paragraph (a) “Definitions” add the following definitions:
(i) Which the Contractor, but not the Government, has the right to license to others without obligation to pay royalties thereon, and
(ii) Infringement of which cannot reasonably be avoided upon the practice of any specific process, method, machine, manufacture or composition of matter (including relatively minor modifications thereof) which is a subject of the research, development, or demonstration work performed under this contract.
(2) In paragraph (a) in the definition of “Subject invention” substitute: “course of or” for: “performance of work”.
(3) In paragraph (b) “Allocation of principal rights,” add at the beginning of first sentence:
“Whereas DOE has granted a waiver of rights to subject inventions to the Contractor,”.
(4) In paragraph (c)(1), substitute:
“Patent Counsel within six months after conception or first actual reduction to practice, whichever occurs first in the course of or under this contract, but in any event, prior to any sale, public use, or public disclosure of such invention known to the Contractor.” for.
“Contractor officer within 2 months after the inventor discloses it in writing to Contractor Personnel responsible for Patent matters * * * earlier.”
(5) In paragraph (c)(2) add at the end: “The Contractor shall notify the Patent Counsel as to those countries (including the United States) in which the Contractor will retain title not later than 60 days prior to the end of the statutory period.”
(6) In paragraph (c)(3) substitute: “but not later than at least 60 days” for “or, if earlier,”
(7) In paragraph (d) add (d)(5):
“(5) If the waiver authorizing the use of this clause is terminated as provided in paragraph (p) of this clause.”
(8) In paragraph (e)(1) add: “under paragraph (d) of this clause” after “Government obtains title.”
(9) In paragraph (e)(2) substitute “37 CFR part 404 and DOE licensing regulations.” for “the Federal Property Management regulations and agency licensing regulations (if any)”
(10) In paragraph (f)(5) substitute “the course of or” for “performance of work”.
(11) In paragraph (g) substitute paragraphs (1), (2) and (3) as follows:
(1) Unless otherwise directed by the Contracting Officer, the Contractor shall include the clause at 48 CFR 952.227-11, suitably modified to identify the parties, in all subcontracts, regardless of tier, for experimental, developmental, or research work to be performed by a small business firm or nonprofit organization, except where the work of the subcontract is subject to an Exceptional Circumstances Determination by DOE. In all other subcontracts, regardless of tier, for experimental, developmental, demonstration, or research work, the Contractor shall include the patent rights clause at 48 CFR 952.227-13 (suitably modified to identify the parties).
(2) The Contractor shall not, as part of the consideration for awarding the subcontract, obtain rights in the subcontractor's subject inventions.
(3) In the case of subcontractors at any tier, Department, the subcontractor, and Contractor agree that the mutual obligations of the parties created by this clause constitute a contract between the subcontractor and the Department with respect to those matters covered by this clause.
(12) Substitute the following for paragraph (k):
(k) Background Patents
(1) The Contractor agrees:
(i) to grant to the Government a royalty-free, nonexclusive license under any Background Patent for purposes of practicing a subject of this contract by or for the Government in research, development, and demonstration work only.
(ii) that, upon written application by DOE, it will grant to responsible parties for purposes of practicing a subject of this contract, nonexclusive licenses under any Background Patent on terms that are reasonable under the circumstances. If, however, the Contractor believes that exclusive or partially exclusive rights are necessary to achieve expeditious commercial development or utilization, then a request may be made to DOE for DOE approval of such licensing by the Contractor.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (k)(1)(ii), the Contractor shall not be obligated to license any Background Patent if the Contractor demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary or his designee that:
(i) a competitive alternative to the subject matter covered by said Background Patent is commercially available from one or more other sources; or
(ii) the Contractor or its licensees are supplying the subject matter covered by said Background Patent in sufficient quantity and at reasonable prices to satisfy market needs, or have taken effective steps or within a reasonable time are expected to take effective steps to so supply the subject matter.
(13) Add new paragraph (l) Communications as follows:
All reports and notifications required by this clause shall be submitted to the Patent Counsel unless otherwise instructed.
(14) In paragraph (m) add to end of sentence: “, except with respect to Background Patents, above.”
(15) In paragraph (n)(4) substitute “conducted in such a manner as” for “subject to appropriate conditions.”
(16) In paragraph (o) add at the end of the parenthetical phrase in the heading to the paragraph: “or grants”.
(17) In paragraph (o) add paragraph (o)(1)(v) as follows:
(v) Convey to the Government, using a DOE-approved form, the title and/or rights of the Government in each subject invention as required by this clause.
(18) In paragraph (o), substitute the following for (o)(3):
(3) Final payment under this contract shall not be made before the Contractor delivers to the Patent Counsel all disclosures of subject inventions required by paragraph (c)(1) of this clause, an acceptable final report pursuant to paragraph (f)(7)(ii) of this clause, and all past due confirmatory instruments, and the Patent Counsel has issued a patent clearance certification to the Contracting Officer.
(19) Add paragraphs (p), (q), (r), and (s) as follows:
(p) Waiver Terminations.
Any waiver granted to the Contractor authorizing the use of this clause (including any retention of rights pursuant thereto by the Contractor under paragraph (b) of this clause) may be terminated at the discretion of the Secretary or his designee in whole or in part, if the request for waiver by the Contractor is found to contain false material statements or nondisclosure of material facts, and such were specifically relied upon by DOE in reaching the waiver determination. Prior to any such termination, the Contractor will be given written notice stating the extent of such proposed termination and the reasons therefor, and a period of 30 days, or such longer period as the Secretary or his designee shall determine for good cause shown in writing, to show cause why the waiver of rights should not be so terminated. Any waiver termination shall be subject to the Contractor's minimum license as provided in paragraph (e) of this clause.
(q) Atomic Energy.
No claim for pecuniary award or compensation under the provisions of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, shall be asserted by the Contractor or its employees with respect to any invention or discovery made or conceived in the course of or under this contract.
(r) Publication.
It is recognized that during the course of work under this contract, the Contractor or its employees may from time to time desire to release or publish information regarding scientific or technical developments conceived or first actually reduced to practice in the course of or under this contract. In order that public disclosure of such information will not adversely affect the patent interests of DOE or the Contractor, approval for release of publication shall be secured from Patent Counsel prior to any such release or publication. In appropriate circumstances, and after consultation with the Contractor, Patent Counsel may waive the right of prepublication review.
(s) Forfeiture of rights in unreported subject inventions.
(1) The Contractor shall forfeit and assign to the Government, at the request of the Secretary of Energy or designee, all rights in any subject invention which the Contractor fails to report to Patent Counsel within six months after the time the Contractor:
(i) Files or causes to be filed a United States or foreign patent application thereon; or
(ii) Submits the final report required by paragraph (e)(2)(ii) of this clause, whichever is later.
(2) However, the Contractor shall not forfeit rights in a subject invention if, within the time specified in paragraph (m)(1) of this clause, the Contractor:
(i) Prepares a written decision based upon a review of the record that the invention was neither conceived nor first actually reduced to practice in the course of or under the contract and delivers the decision to Patent Counsel, with a copy to the Contracting Officer; or
(ii) Contending that the subject invention is not a subject invention, the Contractor nevertheless discloses the subject invention and all facts pertinent to this contention to the Patent Counsel, with a copy to the Contracting Officer, or
(iii) Establishes that the failure to disclose did not result from the Contractor's fault or negligence.
(3) Pending written assignment of the patent application and patents on a subject invention determined by the Contracting Officer to be forfeited (such determination to be a Final Decision under the Disputes clause of this contract), the Contractor shall be deemed to hold the invention and the patent applications and patents pertaining thereto in trust for the Government. The forfeiture provision of this paragraph shall be in addition to and shall not supersede any other rights and remedies which the Government may have with respect to subject inventions.
Waivers shall be effective on the following dates:
(a) For advance waivers of identified inventions, i.e., inventions conceived prior to the effective date of the contract, on the effective date of the contract, even though the advance waiver may have been requested after that date;
(b) For identified inventions under advance waivers, i.e., inventions conceived or first actually reduced to practice after the effective date of the contract, on the date the invention is reported with the election to retain rights as to that invention; and
(c) For waivers of identified inventions (other than under an advance waiver), on the date of the letter from Patent Counsel notifying the requestor that the waiver has been granted.
Sec. 211(e) of the Department of Energy (DOE) Organization Act, Pub. L. 95-91, Title II, as amended by Pub. L. 95-619, Title VI, sec. 641, Nov. 9, 1978, 92 Stat. 3284 (42 U.S.C. 7141).
The purpose of this regulation is to set forth policies and procedures for the award and administration of loans to minority business enterprises. The loans are to assist such enterprises in participating fully in research, development, demonstration and contract activities of the Department of Energy. The loans are to defray a percentage of the cost of obtaining DOE contracts and other agreements, including procurements, cooperative agreements, grants, loans and loan guarantees; of obtaining subcontracts with DOE operating contractors; and of obtaining contracts with first-tier subcontractors of DOE operating contractors in furtherance of the research, development, demonstration or other contract activities of DOE. Issuance of loans under this regulation is limited to the extent funds are provided in advance in appropriation acts. This regulation implements the authority for such loans in section 211(e) of the Department of Energy (DOE) Organization Act, Public Law 95-619, title VI, section 641, November 9, 1978, 92 Stat. 3284 (42 U.S.C.A. 7141).
Program management responsibility for financial assistance awarded under this regulation has been assigned to the Office of Minority Economic Impact.
For the purpose of this regulation:
(a) DOE prime contracts for the management of Federal Government-owned laboratories, production plants, and research facilities located on Federal Government-owned or Federal Government-leased sites, where the programs being conducted are considered of a long-term, continuing nature; or
(b) DOE prime contracts for the operation of Federal Government-owned facilities located on contractor-owned or leased sites where the programs being conducted are of a long-term, continuing nature. An example of this category would be those contracts with universities for the operation of Federal Government-owned facilities, for the purpose of conducting long-term basic research programs.
(c) Other contracts performed on sites owned by the Federal Government when so designated by the appropriate procurement official.
In order to be eligible for a loan, an applicant must be a minority business enterprise as defined in § 800.003.
The Secretary will periodically issue an announcement soliciting applications under this regulation. The announcement will be published in the
(a) Applications for loans shall be filed, one original and three copies with: Department of Energy, Washington, DC 20585, Attention: Announcement No. DE-PS60-MI.
(b) An application for a loan under this regulation must include the following information. Items described in paragraphs (b)(1) through (7) of this section may be submitted for preliminary review in advance of a specific loan request but must be updated at time of loan request to reflect substantial changes.
(1) Applicant's name and address, with a description of the kind and size of its business, its business experience and its history as a minority business enterprise.
(2) Financial statements of applicant and its principals, including source of revenue and balance sheets for the current year and, as to applicant, for the two preceding years of applicant's existence as a business entity. The Secretary may require applicant to provide certification by a public accountant, or other certification acceptable to the Secretary.
(3) A description of any other Federal financial backing (direct loans, guaranteed loans, grants, etc.) applied for or obtained by the applicant within the previous five years, or expected to be applied for.
(4) A description of applicant's management structure, with list of applicant's key persons with their responsibilities and qualifications.
(i) In the case of a specific loan request this list should include any contractor or consultant whose services are proposed in connection with the bid or proposal for which the loan is sought.
(5) Affidavit(s) of eligibility (see § 800.004).
(6) Documentation as to applicant's authority to undertake the activities contemplated by the application. Such documentation shall take substantially the following form:
(i) If the applicant is a corporation, a copy of the charter or certificate and articles of incorporation, with any amendments, duly certified by the Secretary of State of the State where organized, and a copy of the by-laws. There shall also be included a copy of all minutes, resolutions of stockholders or directors or other representatives of the applicant, properly attested, authorizing the filing of the application.
(ii) If the applicant is an association, a verified copy of its articles of association, if any, with an attested copy of the resolution of its governing board, if any, authorizing the filing of the application.
(iii) If the applicant is a business trust, a verified copy of the trust instrument and an attested copy of the resolution or other authority under which the application is made.
(iv) If the applicant is a joint stock company, a verified copy of the articles of association and of the authorizing resolution.
(v) If the application is made on behalf of a partnership, a copy of the partnership agreement, if any; if on behalf of a limited partnership, a duly certified copy, also, of the certificate of limited partnership, if such certificate is required to be obtained under state law governing such limited partnership.
(7) Credit references.
(8) Information on the award to be sought through the bid or proposal, as follows:
(i) Title, and whether in response to a solicitation or unsolicited.
(ii) Brief description of work to be performed.
(iii) Sponsoring DOE office, including solicitation number, if any.
(iv) If an unsolicited proposal is planned, the loan application shall indicate the appropriate DOE program personnel to be consulted as to whether there is potential for the proposal to be supported.
(v) Schedule for preparation and submission of the bid or proposal.
(9) Itemized cost estimates (and whether yet incurred).
(10) The required loan amount, not to exceed 75 percent of total bid or proposal costs, in accordance with § 800.200 on allowable costs.
(11) Requested loan maturity, in accordance with § 800.202(a)(3).
(12) How applicant will finance performance of work under a successful bid or proposal.
(13) Such other information as the Application Approving Official may deem necessary for evaluation in accordance with § 800.103 and for compliance with the provisions of this regulation.
(14) The application shall be signed by the applicant or on behalf of the applicant by an authorized representative. Verification may be by affidavit of an authorized representative of an applicant; attestation shall be by the authorized officer of an applicant.
Title 18 United States Code, section 1001 provides criminal penalties for fraud and intentional false statements in information submitted in such an application.
(a) Applications for loans under this regulation shall be reviewed by an Application Evaluation Panel, which shall be appointed by the Application Approving Official. The Panel shall include, at a minimum, a representative of the Office of Minority Economic Impact, the contracting officer and a representative of the Office of the Controller.
(b) Panel review shall be conducted pursuant to paragraph (c) or (d) of this section, as applicable, to evaluate, to clarify and to develop information contained in the application and such other information as the Application Approving Official or the Panel may request.
(1) The Panel shall give priority to applications relating to a competitive solicitation, because of time limits on such solicitations. The Panel may defer action a maximum of five days after a solicitation has been announced in the
(2) Initial screening will be in the order applications are received, but time required to process an application may vary from case to case.
(c) Panel review of specific loan requests.
(1) If an application contains a specific loan request, and complies with § 800.101, the Panel shall arrange for risk analysis, independent of any such analysis submitted by or on behalf of the applicant. Risk analysis shall be directed both to the loan request and to applicant's prospective performance of work pursuant to the bid or proposal.
(2) The Panel shall evaluate the loan request in light of the risk analysis, and shall give its conclusions in writing to the Application Approving Official, with respect to the following and to such other considerations as that official may direct:
(i) Applicant's eligibility as a minority business enterprise.
(ii) Compliance with the application requirements of § 800.101.
(iii) Compliance with § 800.200 on allowable costs.
(iv) Applicant's financial ability to make the bid or proposal without the loan.
(v) Applicant's contribution of, or ability to contribute, the 25% minimum share of allowable costs, or more.
(vi) Applicant's ability to prepare an adequate bid or proposal, if the loan is made.
(vii) Possibility of award to applicant pursuant to its bid or proposal.
Normally, not more than three loans will be approved for the same competitive award.
(viii) Applicant's ability to perform pursuant to the bid or proposal.
(ix) Likelihood that applicant will repay the requested loan, regardless of success of applicant's bid or proposal.
(x) Optimal use of available program funds.
(xi) The Panel's recommendation.
(d) Panel review of other applications. If the application was submitted without a specific loan request, the Panel shall review the application in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section with the limited purpose of determining whether the applicant has complied with § 800.101, except as to matters determinable only with respect to a future specific loan request, and shall inform the Application Approving Official in writing as to its determinations.
(a) The Application Approving Official shall consider the results of the Panel's review under section 102 (c) or (d), and such other information as the Application Approving Official determines to be relevant pursuant to the provisions of this regulation, and shall either approve or disapprove the application, giving it priority in accordance with the provisions of § 800.102(b).
(b) The Application Approving Official shall authorize a contracting officer to notify the applicant of approval or disapproval.
(c) An applicant whose application has been rejected will be informed, on request, of the reason for rejection. Rejection is not a bar to submission of an appropriately revised application.
(a) A loan under this regulation shall not exceed 75 percent of allowable costs of a bid or proposal to obtain a DOE contract or other agreement (such as a procurement contract, cooperative agreement, grant, loan or loan guarantee), or a subcontract with a DOE operating contractor, or a contract with a first-tier subcontractor of a DOE operating contractor in furtherance of the research, development, demonstration or other contract activities of DOE.
(b) To be allowable, costs must, in DOE's judgment:
(1) Be consistent with the bidding cost principles of the Federal Procurement Regulation (41 CFR Ch. 1, 1-15.205-3) and DOE Procurement Regulation (41 CFR Ch. 9, 9-15.205-3); and;
(2) Be necessary, reasonable and customary for the bid or proposal contemplated by the application; and
(3) Be incurred, or expected to be incurred, by the applicant.
(c) Costs which are, in general, allowable, if consistent with paragraph (b) of this section include, but are not limited to:
(1) Bid bond premiums.
(2) Financial, accounting, legal, engineering and other professional, consulting or similar fees and service charges.
(3) Printing and reproduction costs.
(4) Travel and transportation costs.
(5) Costs of the loan application under this rule.
(d) Costs that are not considered as allowable costs include the following:
(1) Fees and commissions charged to the applicant, including finder's fees, for obtaining Federal funds.
(2) Expenses, which, in DOE's judgment, have primarily an application broader than the specific loan request.
(3) Costs which, in DOE's judgment, fail to conform to paragraph (b) of this section.
A loan shall issue under this regulation only if the Secretary, having reviewed the action of the Application Approving Official, and having considered such other information as the Secretary may deem pertinent, has made all the findings that follow:
(a) That the applicant is a minority business enterprise.
(b) That the loan will assist the enterprise to participate in the research, development, demonstration or contract activities of the Department of Energy by providing funds needed by applicant for bid or proposal purposes.
(c) That, by terms of the loan, applicant's use of the funds will be limited to bidding for and obtaining a contract or other agreement with the Department of Energy, a subcontract with a DOE operating contractor, or a contract with a first-tier subcontractor of a DOE operating contractor in furtherance of the research, development,
(d) That the funds to be loaned will not exceed 75% of applicant's costs in bidding for and obtaining the contract or agreement.
(e) That the rate of interest on the loan has been determined in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury.
(f) That there is a reasonable prospect that the applicant will make the bid or proposal which is the purpose of the loan, will perform according to its bid or proposal, and will repay the loan according to the terms thereof, regardless of the success of its bid or proposal.
(g) That the terms and conditions of the loan are acceptable to the Secretary and comply with this regulation and with section 211(e) of the Department of Energy Organization Act.
(a) The loan shall be based upon a loan agreement and the borrower's separate promissory note for the proceeds of the loan, including interest. The agreement and note shall be executed in writing between the borrower and the Secretary. The contracting officer shall execute the loan agreement on behalf of the Secretary. The loan agreement and the promissory note shall provide as follows, either at full length or by incorporation by reference to terms of the other of the two documents.
(1) The borrower agrees to repay the loan of funds provided by the Secretary.
(2) The interest rate on the loan is as established in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, taking into consideration the current average market yields of outstanding marketable obligations of the United States having maturities comparable to the loan.
(3) The loan shall be repaid over a maximum period as follows, in equal monthly installments of principal and interest, unless a different frequency of installments is specified by the Secretary:
(4) The borrower shall have appropriate opportunities, as specified in the loan agreement, to cure any default, failure, or breach of any of the covenants, conditions and obligations undertaken by the borrower pursuant to the provisions of the loan agreement.
(5) Loans of $10,000 or less will be disbursed in a single disbursement. Disbursement of loans larger than $10,000 shall be per schedule and documentation specified by the Secretary.
(6) The loan may be used by the borrower to defray as much as, but no more than, 75 percent of the cost of the bid or proposal within the limitations specified in § 800.200, on allowable costs. Costs incurred by the borrower prior to the effective date of the loan agreement, and allowable under § 800.200, may be credited toward the borrower's share of costs if, in DOE's judgment, they were primarily related to the bid or proposal, but shall not be reimbursed from the loan.
(7) The borrower shall make periodic reports regarding the bid or proposal.
(8) The borrower shall maintain good standing under Federal, State and local laws and regulations applicable to the conduct of its business, including current payment of all taxes, fees and other charges and all requisite licenses and other governmental authorization necessary for the continued operation of the business throughout the term of the loan.
(9) The borrower shall remain a minority business enterprise throughout the term of the loan.
(10) The borrower shall return funds disbursed, but not required together with accrued interest thereon, to DOE, or to the servicing agent, if applicable, when its bid or proposal is ready for submission. The return of unrequired funds shall be by check separate from any payment of interest or principal, shall be identified by the borrower as a return of unrequired funds, and shall be accompanied by the borrower's certification that so much of the loan as has been disbursed to the borrower and not returned has been, or will be, expended by the borrower for costs allowable under § 800.200.
(11) Such other provisions as the Secretary deems appropriate.
(b) The loan agreement shall also provide for loan servicing and monitoring in accordance with § 800.300 and § 800.301, loan limitation in accordance with § 800.302, assignment and transfer in accordance with § 800.303, default in accordance with § 800.304 and appeals in accordance with § 800.307.
(c) The Secretary may require, as preconditions to disbursement, that the borrower have specified amounts of working capital (including amounts derived from Federal financial assistance) and maintain specified financial ratios, where in the Secretary's judgment satisfaction of such preconditions is necessary to assure the borrower's ability to make and perform the contract, agreement or subcontract according to the bid or proposal, or is otherwise necessary to protect the interests of the United States.
(d) The Secretary may require pledges, personal guarantees and other collateral security, and the maintenance of insurance on the borrower's assets and principals, in amounts and on terms appropriate in the Secretary's judgment, to protect the interests of the United States.
The Secretary shall not make a loan in excess of $50,000, or make aggregate loans to the same minority business enterprise, including its affiliates, in any Federal fiscal year in excess of $100,000. In addition, the Secretary shall not increase a loan to an amount which would cause the limits set forth in the previous sentence to be exceeded. Nothing in this regulation shall be interpreted to restrict the Secretary, in making the various determinations provided for in this regulation, from taking into account considerations relating to the Office of Minority Economic Impact loan program as a whole.
(a) To the extent consistent with the Act, relevant appropriations acts, and other applicable statutes, DOE may deviate on an individual application basis from the requirements of this regulation upon a finding by the Secretary that such deviation is necessary or appropriate in the individual case for the accomplishment of program objectives.
(b) The contracting officer may, subject to written agreement by other necessary parties, modify or amend the terms and conditions of a loan provided that such modification or amendment shall be consistent with this regulation.
(a) Servicing of a loan under this regulation may be performed by DOE, by another Federal agency, or by a servicing agent (commercial bank, broker, or other financial institution or entity) having the capability, and legally qualified, to service the loan consistently with the requirements of this regulation, which contracts with DOE to act as servicing agent. In determining the capability of a prospective servicing agent, DOE shall give due consideration to the experience of the agent in providing financial services to minority business enterprises.
(b) If the servicing of the loan is by contract or other agreement, such contract or other agreement shall provide that the loan shall be serviced in accordance with this regulation and with the terms and conditions of the loan, under a standard of performance that a reasonable and prudent lender would require as to its own similar loan. Servicing responsibilities shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following:
(1) Loan disbursements as set forth in the loan agreement.
(2) Collection of principal and interest payments on a monthly basis.
(3) Maintenance of records on loan accounts.
(4) Notification of the Secretary, without delay, as to the following:
(i) That the initial disbursement or loan drawdown is ready to be made, together with evidence from the borrower that the bid or proposal preparation has begun or is about to begin.
(ii) The date and amount of each subsequent disbursement under the loan.
(iii) Any nonreceipt of payment within 10 days after the date specified for payment, together with evidence of appropriate notification to the borrower.
(iv) Any known failure by the borrower to comply with the terms and conditions of the loan agreement.
(v) Evidence, if any, that the borrower is likely to default on any condition set forth in the loan agreement or may be unable to make the next scheduled payment of principal or interest.
(5) Submittal to DOE of periodic (semi-annual or annual) reports on the status and conditions of the loan and of the borrower.
The Secretary shall have the right to audit any and all costs of the bid or proposal for which the loan is sought or made and to exclude or reduce the includible amount of any cost in accordance with § 800.200. Auditors who are employees of the United States Government, who are designated by the Secretary of Energy or by the Comptroller General of the United States, shall have access to, and the right to examine, any directly pertinentdocuments and records of an applicant or borrower at reasonable times under reasonable circumstances. The servicing agent, if any, shall make information regarding the loan available to the Secretary of Energy and Comptroller General to the extent lawful and within its ability. The Secretary may direct the applicant or borrower to submit to an audit by public accountant or equivalent acceptable to the Secretary.
The Secretary may limit the loan by written notice to the borrower to those amounts, if any, already disbursed under the loan, if the Secretary has determined that the borower has failed to comply with a material term or condition set forth in the loan agreement.
Assignment or transfer of the loan and obligations thereunder may be made only with the prior written consent of the Secretary.
(a) In the event that the borrower fails to perform the terms and conditions of the loan, the borrower shall be in default and the Secretary shall have the right, at the Secretary's option, to accelerate the indebtedness and demand full payment of all principal and interest amounts outstanding under the loan.
(b) No failure on the part of the Secretary to make demand at any time shall constitute a waiver of the rights held by the Secretary.
(c) Upon demand by the Secretary, the borrower shall have a period of not more than 30 days from the date of receipt of the Secretary's demand to make payment in full.
(d) In the event that the failure on the part of the borrower to perform the terms and conditions of the loan does not constitute an intentional act, but is brought about as a result of circumstances largely beyond the control of the borrower, or is deemed by, the Secretary to be insubstantial, the Secretary may elect, at the Secretary's option, to defer such performance and/or restructure the repayment required by the loan agreement in any mutually acceptable manner.
(e) Should the borrower fail to pay after demand as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, and no deferral or restructuring is agreed to by the Secretary as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, the Secretary shall undertake collection in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement and the applicable law.
Information received from an applicant by DOE may be available to the public subject to the provision of 5
(a) Subject to the requirements of law, information such as trade secrets, commercial and financial information, and other information concerning the minority business enterprise that the enterprise submits to DOE in writing, in an application, or at other times throughout the duration of the loan on a privileged or confidential basis, will not be disclosed without prior notice to submitter in accordance with DOE regulations concerning public disclosure of information. Any submitter asserting that the information is privileged or confidential should appropriately identify and mark such information.
(b) Upon a showing satisfactory to the Secretary that any information or portion thereof obtained under this regulation would, if made public, divulge trade secrets or other proprietary information of the minority business enterprise, the Secretary may not disclose such information.
(c) This section shall not be construed as authority to withhold information from Congress or from any committee of Congress upon request of the Chairman.
Nothing in this regulation shall be construed to modify requirements imposed on the borrower by Federal, State and local government agencies in connection with permits, licenses, or other authorizations to conduct or finance its business.
Any dispute concerning questions of fact arising under the loan agreement shall be decided in writing by the contracting officer. The borrower may request the contracting officer to reconsider any such decision, which reconsideration shall be promptly undertaken. If not satisfied with the contracting officer's final decision, the borrower, upon receipt of such written decision, may appeal the decision within 60 days in writing to the Chairman, Financial Assistance Appeals Board (FAAB), Department of Energy, Washington, DC 20585. The Board shall proceed in accordance with the Department of Energy's rules and regulations for such purpose. The decision of the Board with respect to such appeals shall be the final decision of the Secretary.
Secs. 57, 127, 128, 129, 161, and 223, Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended by the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978, Pub. L. 95-242, 68 Stat. 932, 948, 950, 958, 92 Stat. 126, 136, 137, 138 (42 U.S.C. 2077, 2156, 2157, 2158, 2201, 2273); Sec. 104 of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, Pub. L. 93-438; Sec. 301, Department of Energy Organization Act, Pub. L. 95-91.
These regulations implement section 57b of the Atomic Energy Act which empowers the Secretary of Energy to authorize U.S. persons to engage directly or indirectly in the production of special nuclear material outside the United States. Their purpose is to:
(a) Indicate activities which have been generally authorized by the Secretary of Energy and thus require no further authorization;
(b) Indicate activities which require specific authorization by the Secretary and explain how to request authorization; and
(c) Explain reporting requirements for various activities.
10 CFR part 810:
(a) Applies to all persons subject to the jurisdiction of the United States who engage directly or indirectly in the production of special nuclear material outside the United States.
(b) Applies to activities conducted either in the United States or abroad by such persons or by licensees, contractors or subsidiaries under their direction, supervision, responsibility or control.
(c) Applies, but is not limited to, activities involving nuclear reactors and other nuclear fuel cycle facilities for the following: fluoride or nitrate conversion; isotope separation (enrichment); the chemical, physical or metallurgical processing, fabricating, or alloying of special nuclear material; production of heavy water, zirconium (hafnium-free or low-hafnium), nuclear-grade graphite, or reactor-grade beryllium; production of reactor-grade uranium dioxide from yellowcake; and certain uranium milling activities.
(d) Does not apply to exports licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
As used in part 810:
(a) All communications concerning the regulations in this part should be addressed to: U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, DC 20585. Attention:
(b) Communications also may be delivered to the Department's headquarters at 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC. All clearly marked proprietary information will be given the maximum protection allowed by law.
A person may request the advice of the Director, Nuclear Transfer and Supplier Policy Division (NN-43), on whether a proposed activity falls outside the scope of this part, is generally authorized under § 810.7, or requires specific authorization under § 810.8; however, unless authorized by the Secretary of Energy, in writing, no interpretation of the regulations in this part other than a written interpretation by the General Counsel is binding upon the Department. When advice is requested from the Director, Nuclear Transfer and Supplier Policy Division, or a binding, written determination is requested from the General Counsel, a response normally will be made within 30 days and, if this is not feasible, an interim response will explain the delay.
Section 57b of the Atomic Energy Act in pertinent part provides that:
It shall be unlawful for any person to directly or indirectly engage in the production of any special nuclear material outside of the United States except (1) as specifically authorized under an agreement for cooperation made pursuant to section 123, including a specific authorization in a subsequent arrangement under section 131 of this Act, or (2) upon authorization by the Secretary of Energy after a determination that such activity will not be inimical to the interest of the United States:
In accordance with section 57b(2) of the Atomic Energy Act, the Secretary of Energy has determined that the following activities are generally authorized, provided no sensitive nuclear technology is transferred:
(a) Furnishing public information as defined in § 810.3;
(b) Furnishing information or assistance to prevent or correct a current or imminent radiological emergency posing a significant danger to the health and safety of the off-site population, provided the Department of Energy is notified in advance and does not object;
(c) Furnishing information or assistance, including through continuing programs, to enhance the operational safety of an existing civilian nuclear power plant in a country listed in § 810.8(a) or to prevent, reduce, or correct a danger to the health and safety of the off-site population posed by a civilian nuclear power plant in such a country; provided the Department of Energy is notified in advance by certified mail, return receipt requested, and approves the use of the authorization in writing; the Department will notify the applicant of the status of the request within 30 days from the date of receipt of the notification.
(d) Implementing the Agreement between the United States of America and the International Atomic Energy Agency for the Application of Safeguards in the United States;
(e) Participation in exchange programs approved by the Department of State in consultation with the Department of Energy;
(f) Participation approved by a U.S. Government agency in IAEA programs, and activities of IAEA employees whose employment was approved by the U.S. Government;
(g) Participation in open meetings as defined in § 810.3 that are sponsored by educational, scientific, or technical organizations or institutions;
(h) Otherwise engaging directly or indirectly in the production of SNM outside the United States in ways that:
(1) Do not involve any of the countries listed in § 810.8(a); and
(2) Do not involve production reactors, accelerator-driven subcritical assembly systems, enrichment, reprocessing, fabrication of nuclear fuel containing plutonium, production of heavy water, or research reactors, or test reactors, as described in § 810.8 (c)(1) through (6).
Unless generally authorized by § 810.7, a person requires specific authorization by the Secretary of Energy before:
(a) Engaging directly or indirectly in the production of special nuclear material in any of the following countries. Countries marked with an asterisk (*) are non-nuclear-weapon states that do not have full-scope IAEA safeguards agreements in force.
(b) Providing sensitive nuclear technology for an activity in any foreign country.
(c) Engaging in or providing assistance or training in any of the following activities with respect to any foreign country.
(1) Designing production reactors, accelerator-driven subcritical assembly systems, or facilities for the separation of isotopes of source or SNM (enrichment), chemical processing of irradiated SNM (reprocessing), fabrication of nuclear fuel containing plutonium, or the production of heavy water;
(2) Constructing, fabricating, operating, or maintaining such reactors, accelerator-driven subcritical assembly systems, or facilities;
(3) Designing, constructing, fabricating, operating or maintaining components especially designed, modified or adapted for use in such reactors, accelerator-driven subcritical assembly systems, or facilities;
(4) Designing, constructing, fabricating, operating or maintaining major critical components for use in such reactors, accelerator-driven subcritical assembly systems, or production-scale facilities; or
(5) Designing, constructing, fabricating, operating, or maintaining research reactors, test reactors or subcritical assemblies capable of continuous operation above five megawatts thermal.
(6) Training in the activities of paragraphs (c)(1) through (5) of this section.
A general or specific authorization granted by the Secretary of Energy under these regulations:
(a) Is limited to activities involving only unclassified information and does not permit furnishing Restricted Data or other classified information.
(b) Does not relieve a person from complying with relevant laws or the regulations of other Government agencies applicable to exports;
(c) Does not authorize a person to engage in any activity when the person knows or has reason to know that the activity is intended to provide assistance in designing, developing, fabricating or testing a nuclear explosive device.
(a) Any person proposing to provide assistance for which § 810.8 indicates specific authorization is required may apply for the authorization to the U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration, Washington, DC 20585, Attention: Director, Nuclear Transfer and Supplier Policy Division, NN-43, Office of Arms Control and Nonproliferation.
(b) The Secretary of Energy will approve an application for specific authorization if he determines, with the concurrence of the Department of State and after consultation with the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Department of Commerce, and the Department of Defense, that the activity will not be inimical to the interest of the United States. In making this determination, the Secretary will take into account:
(1) Whether the United States has an agreement for nuclear cooperation with the nation or group of nations involved;
(2) Whether the country involved is a party to the NPT, or a country for which the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America (Treaty of Tlatelolco) is in force;
(3) Whether the country involved has entered into an agreement with the IAEA for the application of safeguards on all its peaceful nuclear activities;
(4) Whether the country involved, if it has not entered into such an agreement, has agreed to accept IAEA safeguards when applicable to the proposed activity;
(5) Other nonproliferation controls or conditions applicable to the proposed activity;
(6) The relative significance of the proposed activity;
(7) The availability of comparable assistance from other sources;
(8) Any other factors that may bear upon the political, economic, or security interests of the United States, including U.S. obligations under international agreements or treaties.
(c) If the proposed assistance involves the export of “sensitive nuclear technology” as defined in § 810.3, the requirements of sections 127 and 128 of the Atomic Energy Act and of any applicable U.S. international commitments must also be met.
(d) Approximately 30 days after the Secretary's grant of a specific authorization, a copy of the Secretary's determination may be provided to any person requesting it at the Department's Public Reading Room, unless the applicant submits information showing that public disclosure will cause substantial harm to its competitive position. This provision does not affect any other authority provided by law for the Department not to disclose information.
The Secretary may revoke, suspend, or modify a general or specific authorization:
(a) For any material false statement in an application for specific authorization or in any additional information submitted in its support;
(b) For failing to provide a report or for any material false statement in a report submitted pursuant to § 810.13;
(c) If any authorized assistance is subsequently determined to be inimical to the interest of the United States or otherwise no longer meets the legal criteria for approval; or
(d) Pursuant to section 129 of the Atomic Energy Act.
Each application shall contain:
(a) The name, address, and citizenship of the applicant, and complete disclosure of all real parties in interest; if the applicant is a corporation or other legal entity, where it is incorporated or organized, the location of its principal office, and the degree of any control or ownership by any foreign person or entity;
(b) A complete description of the proposed activity, including its approximate monetary value, the name and location of any facility or project involved, the name and address of the person or legal entity for which the activity is to be performed, and a detailed description of any specific project to which the activity relates;
(c) Any information the applicant may wish to provide concerning the factors listed in § 810.10(b); and
(d) Designation of any information considered proprietary whose public disclosure would cause substantial harm to the competitive position of the applicant.
(a) Any person who has received a specific authorization shall within 30 days after beginning the authorized activity provide to the Department of Energy a report containing the following information:
(1) The name, address, and citizenship of the person submitting the report;
(2) The name, address, and citizenship of the person or entity for which the activity is being performed;
(3) A description of the activity, the date it began, its location, status, and anticipated date of completion; and
(4) A copy of the Department of Energy's letter authorizing the activity.
(b) Any person carrying out a specifically authorized activity shall inform DOE when the activity is completed or if it is terminated before completion.
(c) Any person granted a specific authorization shall inform DOE when it is known that the proposed activity will not be undertaken and the granted authorization will not be used.
(d) Any person, within 30 days after beginning any generally authorized activity under § 810.7(b), (c), or (h), shall provide to the Department of Energy:
(1) The name, address, and citizenship of the person submitting the report;
(2) The name, address, and citizenship of the person or entity for which the activity is being performed; and
(3) A description of the activity, the date it began, its location, status, and anticipated date of completion.
(4) An assurance that the U.S. vendor has an agreement with the recipient ensuring that any subsequent transfer of materials, equipment, or technology transferred under general authorization to a country listed in § 810.8(a) will only take place if the vendor obtains DOE approval.
(e) Persons engaging in generally authorized activities as employees of persons required to report are not themselves required to report.
(f) Persons engaging in activities generally authorized under § 810.7(a), (d), (e), (f), and (g) are not subject to reporting requirements under this section.
(g) All reports should be sent to: U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration, Washington, DC 20585, Attention: Director, Nuclear Transfer and Supplier Policy
The Department of Energy may at any time require a person engaging in any generally or specifically authorized activity to submit additional information.
(a) The Atomic Energy Act provides that:
(1) Permanent or temporary injunctions or restraining orders may be granted to prevent any person from violating any provision of the Atomic Energy Act or its implementing regulations.
(2) Any person convicted of violating or conspiring or attempting to violate any provision of section 57 of the Atomic Energy Act may be fined up to $10,000 or imprisoned up to 10 years, or both. If the offense is committed with intent to injure the United States or to aid any foreign nation, the penalty could be up to life imprisonment and a $20,000 fine.
(b) Title 18 of the United States Code, section 1001, provides that persons convicted of willfully falsifying, concealing, or covering up a material fact or making false, fictitious or fraudulent statements or representations may be fined up to $10,000 or imprisoned up to five years, or both.
Except for actions that may be taken by DOE pursuant to § 810.11, the regulations in this part do not affect the validity or terms of any specific authorizations granted under regulations in effect before April 26, 2000 (and contained in the 10 CFR, part 500 to end, edition revised as of January 1, 2000) or generally authorized activities under those regulations for which the contracts, purchase orders, or licensing arrangements were already in effect. Persons engaging in activities that were generally authorized under regulations in effect before April 26, 2000, but that require specific authorization under the regulations in this part, must request specific authorization by July 25, 2000 but may continue their activities until DOE acts on the request.
42 U.S.C. 2201, 2282(a), 7191; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a) The following definitions apply to this part:
(i) A statement specifying the DOE Nuclear Safety Requirement to which the violation relates;
(ii) A concise statement of the basis for the determination;
(iii) Any remedy, including the amount of any civil penalty;
(iv) A statement explaining the reasoning behind any remedy; and
(v) If the Notice assesses a civil penalty, notice of respondent's right:
(A) To waive further proceedings and pay the civil penalty;
(B) To request an on-the-record adjudication of the assessment of the civil penalty; or
(C) To seek judicial review of the assessment of the civil penalty.
(i) A statement specifying the DOE Nuclear Safety Requirement to which the violation relates;
(ii) A concise statement of the basis for alleging the violation;
(iii) Any proposed remedy, including the amount of any proposed civil penalty; and
(iv) A statement explaining the reasoning behind any proposed remedy.
(i) Conduct an adjudicatory hearing under this part;
(ii) Rule upon motions, requests, and offers of proof, dispose of procedural requests, and issue all necessary orders;
(iii) Exercise the authority set forth in § 820.8;
(iv) Admit or exclude evidence;
(v) Hear and decide questions of fact, law, or discretion, except for the validity of regulations and interpretations issued by DOE;
(vi) Require parties to attend conferences for the settlement or simplification of the issues, or the expedition of the proceedings;
(vii) Draw adverse inferences against a party that fails to comply with his orders;
(viii) Do all other acts and take all measures necessary for the maintenance of order and for the efficient, fair and impartial adjudication of issues arising in proceedings governed by these rules.
(b) Terms defined in the Act and not defined in these rules are used consistent with the meanings given in the Act.
(c) As used in this part, words in the singular also include the plural and words in the masculine gender also include the feminine and vice versa, as the case may require.
(a)
(b)
(c)
A DOE Official may not perform functions provided for in this part regarding any matter in which he has a financial interest or has any relationship that would make it inappropriate for him to act. A DOE Official shall withdraw at any time from any action in which he deems himself disqualified
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(1) By personal delivery, on handing the paper to the individual, or leaving it at his office with his clerk or other person in charge or, if there is no one in charge, leaving it in a conspicuous place therein or, if the office is closed or the person to be served has no office, leaving it at his usual place of residence with some person of suitable age and discretion then residing there;
(2) By mail, on deposit in the United States mail, properly stamped and addressed; or
(3) By any other means authorized or required by the DOE Official.
(f)
(1) Written acknowledgement of the person served or his counsel;
(2) The certificate of counsel if he has made the service;
(3) The affidavit of the person making the service; or
(4) Any other means authorized or required by the DOE Official.
(g)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(2) If a subpoena is issued at the request of a person other than an officer or agency of the United States, the witness fees and mileage shall be paid by the person who requested the subpoena. However, at the request of the person, the witness fees and mileage shall be paid by the DOE if the person shows:
(i) The presence of the subpoenaed witness will materially advance the proceeding; and
(ii) The person who requested that the subpoena be issued would suffer a serious hardship if required to pay the witness fees and mileage. The DOE Official issuing the subpoena shall make the determination required by this subsection.
(g)
(h)
(2) Any information furnished in response to an SRO shall be accompanied by the sworn certification under penalty of perjury of the person to whom it was directed or his authorized agent who actually provides the information that to the best of his knowledge, information and belief a diligent effort has been made to provide all information required by the SRO, and all information furnished is true, complete, and correct unless withheld on grounds of privilege pursuant to paragraph (i) of this section.
(3) If any document responsive to a subpoena is not produced or any information required by an SRO is not furnished, the certification shall include a statement setting forth every reason for failing to comply with the subpoena or SRO.
(i)
(j)
(1) If a person's statement/testimony is taken pursuant to a subpoena, the DOE Official shall determine whether the statement/testimony shall be recorded and the means by which it is recorded.
(2) A person whose statement/testimony is recorded may procure a copy of the transcript by making a written request for a copy and paying the appropriate fees. Upon proper identification, any potential witness or his attorney has the right to inspect the official transcript of the witness' own statement or testimony.
(k)
(l)
(2) The DOE Official shall take all necessary action to regulate the course of testimony and to avoid delay and prevent or restrain contemptuous or obstructionist conduct or contemptuous language. The DOE Official may take actions as the circumstances may warrant in regard to any instances where any attorney refuses to comply with directions or provisions of this section.
A DOE Official may appoint a person to serve as a special assistant to assist the DOE Official in the conduct of any proceeding under this part. Such appointment may occur at any appropriate time. A special assistant shall be subject to the disqualification provisions in § 820.5. A special assistant may perform those duties assigned by the DOE Official, including but not limited to, serving as technical interrogators, technical advisors and special master.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a) Any information pertaining to a nuclear activity provided to DOE by any person or maintained by any person for inspection by DOE shall be complete and accurate in all material respects.
(b) No person involved in a DOE nuclear activity shall conceal or destroy any information concerning a violation of a DOE Nuclear Safety Requirement, a Nuclear Statute, or the Act.
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(1) Any DOE Nuclear Safety Requirement set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations;
(2) Any Compliance Order issued pursuant to subpart C of this part; or
(3) Any program, plan or other provision required to implement any requirement or order identified in paragraphs (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this section.
(c)
(1) The University of Chicago for activities associated with Argonne National Laboratory;
(2) The University of California for activities associated with Los Alamos
(3) American Telephone and Telegraph Company and its subsidiaries for activities associated with Sandia National Laboratory;
(4) University Research Association, Inc. for activities associated with FERMI National Laboratory;
(5) Princeton University for activities associated with Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory;
(6) The Associated Universities, Inc. for activities associated with the Brookhaven National Laboratory; and
(7) Battelle Memorial Institute for activities associated with Pacific Northwest Laboratory.
(d)
(a) The Director may initiate and conduct investigations and inspections relating to the scope, nature and extent of compliance by a person with the Act and the DOE Nuclear Safety Requirements and take such action as he deems necessary and appropriate to the conduct of the investigation or inspection, including any action pursuant to § 820.8.
(b) Any person may request the Director to initiate an investigation or inspection pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section. A request for an investigation or inspection shall set forth the subject matter or activity to be investigated or inspected as fully as possible and include supporting documentation and information. No particular forms or procedures are required.
(c) Any person who is requested to furnish documentary evidence, information or testimony in an investigation or during an inspection shall be informed, upon written request, of the general purpose of the investigation or inspection.
(d) Information or documents that are obtained during any investigation or inspection shall not be disclosed unless the Director directs or authorizes the public disclosure of the investigation. Upon such authorization, the information or documents are a matter of public record and disclosure is not precluded by the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552 and 10 CFR part 1004. A request for confidential treatment of information for purposes of the Freedom of Information Act shall not prevent disclosure by the Director if disclosure is determined to be in the public interest and otherwise permitted or required by law.
(e) During the course of an investigation or inspection any person may submit at any time any document, statement of facts or memorandum of law for the purpose of explaining the person's position or furnish information which the person considers relevant to a matter or activity under investigation or inspection.
(f) If facts disclosed by an investigation or inspection indicate that further action is unnecessary or unwarranted, the investigation may be closed without prejudice to further investigation or inspection by the Director at any time that circumstances so warrant.
The Director may convene an informal conference to discuss any situation that might be a violation of the Act or a DOE Nuclear Safety Requirement, its significance and cause, any correction taken or not taken by the person, any mitigating or aggravating circumstances, and any other useful information. The Director may compel a person to attend the conference. This conference will not normally be open to the public and there shall be no transcript.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a) If the Director has reason to believe a person has violated or is continuing to violate a provision of the Act or a DOE Nuclear Safety Requirement, he may file a Preliminary Notice of Violation. The Notice and any transmittal documents shall contain sufficient information to fairly apprise the respondent of the facts and circumstances of the alleged violations and the basis of any proposed remedy, and to properly indicate what further actions are necessary by or available to respondent.
(b) Within 30 days after the filing of a Preliminary Notice of Violation, the respondent shall file a reply.
(c) The reply shall be in writing and signed by the person filing it. The reply shall contain a statement of all relevant facts pertaining to the situation that is the subject of the Notice. The reply shall state any facts, explanations and arguments which support a denial that a violation has occurred as alleged; demonstrate any extenuating circumstances or other reason why the proposed remedy should not be imposed or should be mitigated; and furnish full and complete answers to the questions set forth in the Notice. Copies of all relevant documents shall be submitted with the reply. The reply shall include a discussion of the relevant authorities which support the position asserted, including rulings, regulations, interpretations, and previous decisions issued by DOE.
(d) The respondent may terminate an enforcement action if the reply agrees to comply with the proposed remedy and waives any right to contest the Notice or the remedy. If a respondent elects this option, the Preliminary Notice of Violation shall be deemed a Final Order upon the filing of the reply.
(a)
(b)
(2) If a Final Notice of Violation contains a civil penalty, the respondent must file within 30 days after the filing of the Final Notice:
(i) A waiver of further proceedings;
(ii) A request for an on-the-record adjudication; or
(iii) A notice of intent to seek judicial review.
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
If a respondent files a request for an on-the-record adjudication, an enforcement adjudication is initiated and the Docketing Clerk shall notify the Secretary who shall appoint an Administrative Law Judge to be the Presiding Officer.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a)
(b)
(1) The settlement of the case;
(2) The simplification of issues and stipulation of facts not in dispute;
(3) The necessity or desirability of amendments to pleadings;
(4) The exchange of exhibits;
(5) The limitation of the number of expert or other witnesses;
(6) Setting a time and place for the hearing; and
(7) Any other matters that may expedite the disposition of the proceeding.
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(i) That such discovery will not in any way unreasonably delay the proceeding;
(ii) That the information to be obtained is not otherwise obtainable; and
(iii) That such information has significant probative value.
(2) The Presiding Officer shall order depositions upon oral questions only upon a showing of good cause and upon a finding that:
(i) The information sought cannot be obtained by alternative methods; or
(ii) There is substantial reason to believe that relevant and probative evidence may otherwise not be preserved for presentation by a witness at the hearing.
(3) Any party to the proceeding desiring an order to take further discovery shall make a motion therefor. Such a motion shall set forth:
(i) The circumstances warranting the taking of the discovery;
(ii) The nature of the information expected to be discovered; and
(iii) The proposed time and place where it will be taken. If the Presiding Officer determines that the motion should be granted, he shall issue an order for the taking of such discovery together with the conditions and terms thereof.
(4) When the information sought to be obtained is within the control of one of the parties, failure to comply with an order issued pursuant to this paragraph may lead to the inference that the information to be discovered would be adverse to the party from whom the information was sought, or the issuance of a default order under 820.38.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Within fifteen days after the filing of the transcript of the hearing, or within such longer time as may be fixed by the Presiding Officer, any party may file for the consideration of the Presiding Officer, proposed findings of fact, conclusions of law, and a proposed order, together with briefs in support thereof. Reply briefs may be filed within ten days of the filing of briefs. All filings shall be in writing, shall be served upon all parties, and shall contain adequate references to the record and authorities relied on.
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(b)
(2) If an Accelerated Decision is rendered on less than all issues or claims in the adjudication, the Presiding Officer shall determine what material facts exist without substantial controversy and what material facts remain controverted in good faith. He shall thereupon file an interlocutory order specifying the facts that appear substantially uncontroverted, and the issues and claims upon which the adjudication will proceed.
At no time after a respondent has requested an on-the-record adjudication of the assessment of a civil penalty shall a DOE Official, or any person who is likely to advise a DOE Official in the decision on the case, discuss
(a)
(b)
(2) The first page of every document shall contain a caption identifying the respondent and the docket number.
(3) The original of any document (other than exhibits) shall be signed by the person filing it or by his counsel or other representative. The signature constitutes a representation by the signer that he has read the pleading, letter or other document, that to the best of his knowledge, information and belief, the statements made therein are true, and that it is not interposed for delay.
(4) The initial document filed by any person shall contain his name, address and telephone number. Any changes in
(5) The Docketing Clerk may refuse to file any document that does not comply with this section. Written notice of such refusal, stating the reasons therefor, shall be promptly given to the person submitting the document. Such person may amend and resubmit any document refused for filing.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(c)
This subpart provides for the issuance of Compliance Orders to prevent, rectify or penalize violations of the Act, a Nuclear Statute, or a DOE Nuclear Safety Requirement and to require action consistent with the Act, a Nuclear Statute, or a DOE Nuclear Safety Requirement.
The Secretary may issue to any person involved in a DOE nuclear activity a Compliance Order that:
(a) Identifies a situation that violates, potentially violates, or otherwise is inconsistent with the Act, a Nuclear Statute, or a DOE Nuclear Safety Requirement;
(b) Mandates a remedy or other action; and,
(c) States the reasons for the remedy or other action.
A Compliance Order is a Final Order that constitutes a DOE Nuclear Safety Requirement that is effective immediately unless the Order specifies a different effective date.
Within fifteen days of the issuance of a Compliance Order, the recipient of the Order may request the Secretary to rescind or modify the Order. A request shall not stay the effectiveness of a Compliance Order unless the Secretary issues an order to that effect.
This subpart provides for interpretations of the Act, Nuclear Statutes, and DOE Nuclear Safety Requirements. Any written or oral response to any written or oral question which is not provided pursuant to this subpart does not constitute an interpretation and does not provide any basis for action inconsistent with the Act, a Nuclear Statute, or a DOE Nuclear Safety Requirement.
The General Counsel shall be the DOE Official responsible for formulating and issuing any interpretation concerning the Act, a Nuclear Statute or a DOE Nuclear Safety Requirement.
The General Counsel may utilize any procedure which he deems appropriate to comply with his responsibilities under this subpart. All interpretations issued under this subpart must be filed with the Office of the Docketing Clerk which shall maintain a docket for interpretations.
This subpart provides for exemption relief from provisions of DOE Nuclear Safety Requirements at nuclear facilities.
The Secretarial Officer who is primarily responsible for the activity to which a DOE Nuclear Safety Requirement relates may grant a temporary or permanent exemption from that requirement as requested by any person subject to its provisions; provided that, the Secretarial Officer responsible for environment, safety and health matters shall exercise this authority with respect to provisions relating to radiological protection of workers, the public and the environment. This authority may not be further delegated.
The criteria for granting an exemption to a DOE Nuclear Safety Requirement are determinations that the exemption:
(a) Would be authorized by law;
(b) Would not present an undue risk to public health and safety, the environment, or facility workers;
(c) Would be consistent with the safe operation of a DOE nuclear facility; and
(d) Involves special circumstances, including the following:
(1) Application of the requirement in the particular circumstances conflicts with other requirements; or
(2) Application of the requirement in the particular circumstances would not serve or is not necessary to achieve its underlying purpose, or would result in resource impacts which are not justified by the safety improvements; or
(3) Application of the requirement would result in a situation significantly different than that contemplated when the requirement was adopted, or that is significantly different from that encountered by others similarly situated; or
(4) The exemption would result in benefit to human health and safety that compensates for any detriment that may result from the grant of the exemption; or
(5) Circumstances exist which would justify temporary relief from application of the requirement while taking good faith action to achieve compliance; or
(6) There is present any other material circumstance not considered when the requirement was adopted for which it would be in the public interest to grant an exemption.
The Secretarial Officer shall utilize any procedures deemed necessary and appropriate to comply with his responsibilities under this subpart. All exemption decisions must set forth in writing the reasons for granting or denying the exemption, and if granted, the basis for the determination that the criteria in § 820.62 have been met and the terms of the exemption. All exemption decisions must be filed with the Office of the Docketing Clerk which shall maintain a docket for exemption decisions issued pursuant to this subpart.
An exemption may contain appropriate terms and conditions including, but not limited to, provisions that :
(a) Limit its duration;
(b) Require alternative action;
(c) Require partial compliance; or
(d) Establish a schedule for full or partial compliance.
With respect to a DOE Nuclear Safety Requirement for which there is no regulatory provision for an implementation plan or schedule, an exemption may be granted to establish an implementation plan which reasonably demonstrates that full compliance with the requirement will be achieved within two years of the effective date of the requirement without a determination of special circumstances under § 820.62(d).
Within fifteen (15) days of the filing of an exemption decision by a Secretarial Officer, the person requesting the exemption may file a Request to Review with the Secretary, or the Secretary may file,
If no filing is made under § 820.66, an exemption decision becomes a Final Order fifteen (15) days after it is filed by a Secretarial Officer. If filing is made under § 820.66, an exemption decision becomes a Final Order 45 days after it is filed by a Secretarial Officer, unless the Secretary stays the effective date or issues a Final Order that modifies the decision.
This subpart provides for the identification of criminal violations of the Act or DOE Nuclear Safety Requirements and the referral of such violations to the Department of Justice.
If a person subject to the Act or the DOE Nuclear Safety Requirements has, by act or omission, knowingly and willfully violated, caused to be violated, attempted to violate, or conspired to violate any section of the Act or any applicable DOE Nuclear Safety Requirement, the person shall be subject to criminal sanctions under the Act.
If there is reason to believe a criminal violation of the Act or the DOE Nuclear Safety Requirements has occurred, DOE may refer the matter to the Attorney General of the United States for investigation or prosecution.
This subpart implements the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990 (the Act) (Pub. L. 101-410), as amended by the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-134, section 31001). 28 U.S.C. 2461 note. As amended, the Act requires each agency head to adjust by regulation each civil monetary penalty provided by law within the jurisdiction of the Federal agency by the inflation adjustment specified in 28 U.S.C. 2461 note. This subpart increases the civil penalty amount specified in 42 U.S.C. 2282a.
Any person subject to a penalty under 42 U.S.C. 2282a shall be subject to a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed $110,000 for each such violation. If any violation under 42 U.S.C. 2282a is a continuing one, each day of such violation shall constitute a separate violation for the purpose of computing the applicable civil penalty.
(a) This policy statement sets forth the general framework through which the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will seek to ensure compliance with its enforceable nuclear safety regulations and orders (hereafter collectively referred to as DOE Nuclear Safety Requirements) and, in particular, exercise the civil penalty authority provided to DOE in the Price Anderson Amendments Act of 1988, 42 U.S.C. 2282a (PAAA). The policy set forth herein is applicable to violations of DOE Nuclear Safety Requirements by DOE contractors who are indemnified under the Price Anderson Act, 42 U.S.C. 2210(d), and theirsubcontractors and suppliers (hereafter collectively referred to as DOE contractors). This policy statement is not a regulation and is intended only to provide general guidance to those persons subject to DOE's Nuclear Safety Requirements as specified in the PAAA. It is not intended to establish a “cookbook” approach to the initiation and resolution of situations involving noncompliance with DOE Nuclear Safety Requirements. Rather, DOE intends to consider the particular facts of each noncompliance situation in determining whether enforcement sanctions are appropriate and, if so, the appropriate magnitude of those sanctions. DOE may well deviate from this policy statement when appropriate in the circumstances of particular cases. This policy statement is not applicable to activities and facilities covered under E.O. 12344, 42 U.S.C. 7158 note, pertaining to Naval nuclear propulsion.
(b) Both the Department of Energy Organization Act, 42 U.S.C. 7101, and the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2011, require DOE to protect the public health and safety, as well as the safety of workers at DOE facilities, in conducting its nuclear activities, and grant DOE broad authority to achieve this goal.
(c) The DOE goal in the compliance arena is to enhance and protect the radiological health and safety of the public and worker at DOE facilities by fostering a culture among both the DOE line organizations and the contractors that activity seeks to attain and sustain compliance with DOE Nuclear Safety Requirements. The enforcement program and policy have been developed with the express purpose of achieving safety inquisitiveness and voluntary compliance. DOE will establish effective administrative processes and positive incentives to the contractors for the open and prompt identification and reporting of noncompliances, and the initiation of comprehensive corrective actions to resolve both the noncompliance conditions and the program or process deficiencies that led to noncompliance.
(d) In the development of the DOE enforcement policy, DOE recognizes that the reasonable exercise of its enforcement authority can help to reduce the likelihood of serious incidents. This can be accomplished by providing greater emphasis on a culture of safety in existing DOE operations, and strong incentives for contractors to identify and correct noncompliance conditions and processes in order to protect human health and the environment. DOE wants to facilitate, encourage, and support contractor initiatives for the prompt identification and correction of problems. These initiatives and activities will be duly considered in exercising enforcement discretion.
(e) The PAAA provides DOE with the authority to compromise, modify, or remit civil penalties with or without conditions. In implementing the PAAA, DOE will carefully consider the facts of each case of noncompliance and will exercise appropriate discretion in taking any enforcement action. Part of the function of a sound enforcement program is to assure a proper and continuing level of safety vigilance. The reasonable exercise of enforcement authority will be facilitated by the appropriate application of safety requirements to nuclear facilities and by promoting and coordinating the proper contractor and DOE safety compliance attitude toward those requirements.
The purpose of the DOE enforcement program is to promote and protect the radiological health and safety of the public and workers at DOE facilities by:
a. Ensuring compliance by DOE contractors with applicable DOE Nuclear Safety Requirements.
b. Providing positive incentives for a DOE contractor's:
(1) Timely self-identification of nuclear safety deficiencies,
(2) Prompt and complete reporting of such deficiencies to DOE,
(3) Root cause analyses of nuclear safety deficiencies,
(4) Prompt correction of nuclear safety deficiencies in a manner which precludes recurrence, and
(5) Identification of modifications in practices or facilities that can improve public or worker radiological health and safety.
c. Deterring future violations of DOE requirements by a DOE contractor.
d. Encouraging the continuous overall improvement of operations at DOE nuclear facilities.
Section 17 of the PAAA makes most DOE contractors covered by the DOE Price-Anderson indemnification system, and their subcontractors and suppliers, subject to civil penalties for violations of applicable DOE nuclear safety rules, regulations and orders. 42 U.S.C. 2282a. Furthermore, section 18 of the PAAA makes all employees of DOE contractors, and their subcontractors and suppliers, subject to criminal penalties, including monetary penalties and imprisonment, for knowing and willful violations of applicable DOE nuclear safety rules, regulations and orders. 42 U.S.C. 2273(c). Suspected, or alleged, criminal violations are referred to the Department of Justice for appropriate action. 42 U.S.C. 2271. Therefore, DOE's enforcement authority and policy will apply only to civil penalties since decisions on criminal violations are the responsibility of the Department of Justice. However, referral of a case to the Department of Justice does not preclude DOE from taking civil enforcement action in accordance with this policy statement. Such actions will be coordinated with the Department of Justice to the extent practicable.
The Director, as the principal enforcement officer of the DOE, has been delegated the authority to conduct enforcement investigations and conferences, issue Notices of Violations and proposed civil penalties, and represent DOE in an enforcement adjudication.
(a) 10 CFR part 820 sets forth the procedures DOE will use in exercising its enforcement authority, including the issuance of Notices of Violation and the resolution of contested enforcement actions in the event a DOE contractor elects to litigate contested issues before an Administrative Law Judge.
(b) Pursuant to 10 CFR 820.22, the Director initiates the civil penalty process by issuing a Preliminary Notice of Violation and Proposed Civil Penalty (PNOV). The DOE contractor is required to respond in writing to the PNOV, either admitting the violation and waiving its right to contest the proposed civil penalty and paying it, admitting the violation but asserting the existence of mitigating circumstances that warrant either the total or partial remission of the civil penalty, or denying that the violation has occurred and providing the basis for its belief that the PNOV is incorrect. After evaluation of the DOE contractor's response, the Director of Enforcement may determine that no violation has occurred, that the violation occurred as alleged in the PNOV but that the proposed civil penalty should be remitted in whole or in part, or that the violation occurred as alleged in the PNOV and that the proposed civil penalty is appropriate notwithstanding the asserted mitigating circumstances. In the latter two instances, the Director will issue a Final Notice of Violation (FNOV) or an FNOV and Proposed Civil Penalty.
(c) An opportunity to challenge a proposed civil penalty either before an Administrative Law Judge or in a United States District Court is provided in the PAAA, 42 U.S.C. 2282a(c), and 10 CFR part 820 sets forth the procedures associated with an administrative hearing, should the contractor opt for that method of challenging the proposed civil penalty. A formal administrative enforcement proceeding pursuant to section 554 of the Administrative Procedures Act is not initiated until the DOE contractor against which a civil penalty has been proposed requests an administrative hearing rather than waiving its right to contest the civil penalty and paying it. However, it should be emphasized that DOE encourages the voluntary resolution of a noncompliance situation at any time, either informally prior to the initiation of an administrative proceeding or by consent order after a formal proceeding has begun.
(a) Violations of DOE Nuclear Safety Requirements have varying degrees of safety significance. Therefore, the relative importance of each violation must be identified as the first step in the enforcement process.
(b) Severity Level I has been assigned to violations that are the most significant and Severity Level III violations are the least significant. Severity Level I is reserved for violations of DOE Nuclear Safety Requirements which involve actual or high potential for adverse impact on the safety of the public or workers at DOE facilities. Severity level II violations represent a significant lack of attention or carelessness toward responsibilities of DOE contractors for the protection of public or worker safety which could, if uncorrected, potentially lead to an adverse impact on public or worker safety at DOE facilities. Severity Level III violations are less serious but are of more than minor concern: i.e., if left uncorrected, they could lead to a more serious concern. In some cases, violations may be evaluated in the aggregate and a single severity level assigned for a group of violations.
(c) Isolated minor violations of DOE Nuclear Safety Requirements will not be the subject of formal enforcement action through the issuance of a Notice of Violation. However, these minor violations will be identified as noncompliances and tracked to assure that appropriate corrective/remedial action is taken to prevent their recurrence, and evaluated to determine if generic or specific problems exist. If circumstances demonstrate that a number of related minor noncompliances have occurred in the same time frame (e.g. allidentified during the same assessment), or that related minor noncompliances have recurred despite prior notice to the DOE contractor and sufficient opportunity to correct the problem, DOE may choose in its discretion to consider the noncompliances in the aggregate as a more serious violation warranting a Severity Level III designation, a Notice of Violation and a possible civil penalty.
(d) The severity level of a violation will be dependent, in part, on the degree of culpability of the DOE contractor with regard to the violation. Thus, inadvertent or negligent violations will be viewed differently than those in which there is gross negligence, deception or wilfulness. In addition to the significance of the underlying violation and level of culpability involved, DOE will also consider the position, training and experience of the person involved in the violation. Thus, for example, a violation may be deemed to be more significant if a senior manager of an organization is involved rather than a foreman or non-supervisory employee. In this regard, while management involvement, direct or indirect, in a violation may lead to an increase in the severity level of a violation and proposed civil penalty, the lack of such involvement will not constitute grounds to reduce the severity level of a violation or mitigate a civil penalty. Allowance of mitigation in such circumstances could encourage lack of management involvement in DOE contractor activities and a decrease in protection of public and worker health and safety.
(e) Other factors which will be considered by DOE in determining the appropriate severity level of a violation are the duration of the violation, the past performance of the DOE contractor in the particular activity area involved, whether the DOE contractor had prior notice of a potential problem, and whether there are multiple examples of the violation in the same time frame rather than an isolated occurrence. The relative weight given to each of these factors in arriving at the appropriate severity level will be dependent on the circumstances of each case.
(f) DOE expects contractors to provide full, complete, timely, and accurate information and reports. Accordingly, the severity level of a violation involving either failure to make a required report or notification to the DOE or an untimely report or notification, will be based upon the significance of, and the circumstances surrounding, the matter that should have been reported. A contractor will not normally be cited for a failure to report a condition or event unless the contractor was actually aware, or should have been aware of the condition or event which it failed to report.
(a) Should DOE determine, after completion of all assessment and investigation activities associated with a potential or alleged violation of DOE Nuclear Safety Requirements, that there is a reasonable basis to believe that a violation has actually occurred, and the violation may warrant a civil penalty or issuance of an enforcement order, DOE will normally hold an enforcement conference with the DOE contractor involved prior to taking enforcement action. DOE may also elect to hold an enforcement conference for potential violations which would not ordinarily warrant a civil penalty or enforcement order but which could, if repeated, lead to such action. The purpose of the enforcement conference is to assure the accuracy of the facts upon which the preliminary determination to consider enforcement action is based, discuss the potential or alleged violations, their significance and causes, and the nature of and schedule for the DOE contractor's corrective actions, determine
(b) DOE contractors will be informed prior to a meeting when that meeting is considered to be an enforcement conference. Such conferences are informal mechanisms for candid pre-decisional discussions regarding potential or alleged violations and will not normally be open to the public. In circumstances for which immediate enforcement action is necessary in the interest of public or worker health and safety, such action will be taken prior to the enforcement conference, which may still be held after the necessary DOE action has been taken.
a. In cases where DOE has decided not to issue a Preliminary Notice of Violation, DOE may send an Enforcement Letter to the contractor signed by the Director. The Enforcement Letter is intended to communicate the basis of the decision not to pursue further enforcement action for a noncompliance. The Enforcement Letter is intended to direct contractors to the desired level of nuclear safety performance. It may be used when DOE concludes the specific noncompliance at issue is not of the level of significance warranted for issuance of a Preliminary Notice of Violation (PNOV). Even where a noncompliance may be significant, the Enforcement Letter recognizes that the contractor's actions may have attenuated the need for further enforcement action. The Letter will typically recognize how the contractor handled the circumstances surrounding the noncompliance and address additional areas requiring the contractor's attention and DOE's expectations for corrective action. The Enforcement Letter notifies the contractor that, when verification is received that corrective actions have been implemented, DOE will close the enforcement action.
b. In many investigations, an Enforcement Letter may not be required. When DOE decides that a contractor has appropriately corrected a noncompliance or that the significance of the noncompliance is sufficiently low, it may close out an investigation simply through an annotation in the DOE Noncompliance Tracking System (NTS).
a. This section describes the enforcement sanctions available to DOE and specifies the conditions under which each may be used. The basic sanctions are Notices of Violation and civil penalties. In determining whether to impose enforcement sanctions, DOE will consider enforcement actions taken by other Federal or State regulatory bodies having concurrent jurisdiction, e.g., instances which involve NRC licensed entities which are also DOE contractors, and in which the NRC exercises its own enforcement authority.
b. The nature and extent of the enforcement action is intended to reflect the seriousness of the violation involved. For the vast majority of violations for which DOE assigns severity levels as described previously, a Notice of Violation will be issued, requiring a formal response from the recipient describing the nature of and schedule for corrective actions it intends to take regarding the violation. Administrative actions, such as determination of award fees where DOE contracts provide for such determinations, will be considered separately from any civil penalties that may be imposed under this Enforcement Policy. Likewise, imposition of a civil penalty will be based on the circumstances of each case, unaffected by any award fee determination.
a. A Notice of Violation (either a Preliminary or Final Notice) is a document setting forth the conclusion of the DOE Office of Nuclear Safety that one or more violations of DOE Nuclear Safety Requirements has occurred. Such a notice normally requires the recipient to provide a written response which may take one of several positions described in Section V of this policy statement. In the event that the recipient concedes the occurrence of the violation, it is required to describe corrective steps which have been taken and the results achieved; remedial actions which will be taken to prevent recurrence; and the date by which full compliance will be achieved.
b. DOE will use the Notice of Violation as the standard method for formalizing the existence of a violation and, in appropriate cases as described in this section, the notice of violation will be issued in conjunction with the proposed imposition of a civil penalty. In certain limited instances, as described in this section, DOE may refrain from the issuance of an otherwise appropriate Notice of Violation. However, a Notice of Violation will virtually always be issued for willful violations, if past corrective actions for similar violations have not been sufficient to prevent recurrence and there are no other mitigating circumstances, or if the circumstances otherwise warrant increasing Severity Level III violations to a higher severity level.
c. DOE contractors are not ordinarily cited for violations resulting from matters not
d. DOE expects the contractors which operate its facilities to have the proper management and supervisory systems in place to assure that all activities at DOE facilities, regardless of who performs them, are carried out in compliance with all DOE Nuclear Safety Requirements. Therefore, contractors are normally held responsible for the acts of their employees and subcontractor employees in the conduct of activities at DOE facilities. Accordingly, this policy should not be construed to excuse personnel errors.
e. Finally, certain contractors are explicitly exempted from the imposition of civil penalties pursuant to the provisions of the PAAA, 42 U.S.C. 2282a(d), for activities conducted at specified facilities. See 10 CFR 820.20(c). In addition, in fairness to non-profit educational institutions, the Department has determined that they should be likewise exempted. See 10 CFR 820.20(d). However, compliance with DOE Nuclear Safety Requirements is no less important for these facilities than for other facilities in the DOE complex which work with, store or dispose of radioactive materials. Indeed, the exempted contractors conduct some of the most important nuclear-related research and development activities performed for the Department. Therefore, in order to serve the purposes of this enforcement policy and to emphasize the importance the Department places on compliance with all of its nuclear safety requirements, DOE intends to issue Notices of Violation to the exempted contractors and non-profit educational institutions when appropriate under this policy statement, notwithstanding the statutory and regulatory exemptions from the imposition of civil penalties.
a. A civil penalty is a monetary penalty that may be imposed for violations of applicable DOE Nuclear Safety Requirements, including Compliance Orders. See 10 CFR 820.20(b). Civil penalties are designed to emphasize the need for lasting remedial action, deter future violations, and underscore the importance of DOE contractor self-identification, reporting and correction of violations of DOE Nuclear Safety Requirements.
b. Absent mitigating circumstances as described below, or circumstances otherwise warranting the exercise of enforcement discretion by DOE as described in this section, civil penalties will be proposed for Severity Level I and II violations. Civil penalties will be proposed for Severity Level III violations which are similar to previous violations for which the contractor did not take effective corrective action. “Similar” violations are those which could reasonably have been expected to have been prevented by corrective action for the previous violation. DOE normally considers civil penalties only for similar Severity Level III violations that occur over a reasonable period of time to be determined at the discretion of DOE.
c. DOE will impose different base level civil penalties considering the severity level of the violation(s) by Price-Anderson indemnified contractors. Table 1 shows the daily base civil penalties for the various categories of severity levels. However, as described above in Section IV, the imposition of civil penalties will also take into account the gravity, circumstances, and extent of the violation or violations and, with respect to the violator, any history of prior similar violations and the degree of culpability and knowledge.
d. Regarding the factor of ability of DOE contractors to pay the civil penalties, it is not DOE's intention that the economic impact of a civil penalty be such that it puts a DOE contractor out of business. Contract termination, rather than civil penalties, is used when the intent is to terminate these activities. The deterrent effect of civil penalties is best served when the amount of such penalties takes this factor into account. However, DOE will evaluate the relationship of affiliated entities to the contractor (such as parent corporations) when it asserts that it cannot pay the proposed penalty.
e. DOE will review each case involving a proposed civil penalty on its own merits and adjust the base civil penalty values upward or downward appropriately. As indicated above, Table 1 identifies the daily base civil penalty values for different severity levels. After considering all relevant circumstances, civil penalties may be escalated or mitigated
a. DOE's enforcement program is not an end in itself, but a means to achieve compliance with DOE Nuclear Safety Requirements, and civil penalties are not collected to swell the coffers of the United States Treasury, but to emphasize the importance of compliance and to deter future violations. The single most important goal of the DOE enforcement program is to encourage early identification and reporting of nuclear safety deficiencies and violations of DOE Nuclear Safety Requirements by the DOE contractors themselves rather than by DOE, and the prompt correction of any deficiencies and violations so identified. DOE believes that DOE contractors are in the best position to identify and promptly correct noncompliance with DOE Nuclear Safety Requirements. DOE expects that these contractors should have in place internal compliance programs which will ensure the detection, reporting and prompt correction of nuclear safety-related problems that may constitute, or lead to, violations of DOE Nuclear Safety Requirements before, rather than after, DOE has identified such violations. Thus, DOE contractors will almost always be aware of nuclear safety problems before they are discovered by DOE. Obviously, public and worker health and safety is enhanced if deficiencies are discovered (and promptly corrected) by the DOE contractor, rather than by DOE, which may not otherwise become aware of a deficiency until later on, during the course of an inspection, performance assessment, or following an incident at the facility. Early identification of nuclear safety-related problems by DOE contractors has the added benefit of allowing information which could prevent such problems at other facilities in the DOE complex to be shared with all appropriate DOE contractors.
b. Pursuant to this enforcement philosophy, DOE will provide substantial incentive for the early self-identification, reporting and prompt correction of problems which constitute, or could lead to, violations of DOE Nuclear Safety Requirements. Thus, application of the adjustment factors set forth below may result in no civil penalty being assessed for violations that are identified, reported, and promptly and effectively corrected by the DOE contractor.
c. On the other hand, ineffective programs for problem identification and correction are unacceptable. Thus, for example, where a contractor fails to disclose and promptly correct violations of which it was aware or should have been aware, substantial civil penalties are warranted and may be sought, including the assessment of civil penalties for continuing violations on a per day basis.
d. Further, in cases involving willfulness, flagrant DOE-identified violations, repeated poor performance in an area of concern, or serious breakdown in management controls, DOE intends to apply its full statutory enforcement authority where such action is warranted.
Reduction of up to 50% of the base civil penalty shown in Table 1 may be given when a DOE contractor identifies the violation and promptly reports the violation to the DOE. In weighing this factor, consideration will be given to, among other things, the opportunity available to discover the violation, the ease of discovery and the promptness and completeness of any required report. No consideration will be given to a reduction in penalty if the DOE contractor does not take prompt action to report the problem to DOE upon discovery, or if the immediate actions necessary to restore compliance with DOE Nuclear Safety Requirements or place the facility or operation in a safe configuration are not taken.
a. DOE strongly encourages contractors to self-identify noncompliances with DOE Nuclear Safety Requirements before the noncompliances lead to a string of similar and potentially more significant events or consequences. When a contractor identifies a noncompliance through its own self-monitoring activity, DOE will normally allow a reduction in the amount of civil penalties,
b. Self-identification of a noncompliance is possibly the single most important factor in considering a reduction in the civil penalty amount. Consideration of self-identification is linked to, among other things, whether prior opportunities existed to discover the violation, and if so, the age and number of such opportunities; the extent to which proper contractor controls should have identified or prevented the violation; whether discovery of the violation resulted from a contractor's self-monitoring activity; the extent of DOE involvement in discovering the violation or in prompting the contractor to identify the violation; and the promptness and completeness of any required report. Self-identification is also considered by DOE in deciding whether to pursue an investigation.
c. DOE has established a voluntary Noncompliance Tracking System (NTS) which allows contractors to elect to report noncompliances. In the guidance document supporting the NTS (DOE-HDBK-1089-95), DOE has established reporting thresholds for reporting items of noncompliance of potentially greater safety significance into the NTS. Contractors may, however, use their own self-tracking systems to track noncompliances below the reporting threshold. This self-tracking is considered to be acceptable self-reporting as long as DOE has access to the contractor's system and the contractor's system notes the item as a noncompliance with a DOE Nuclear Safety Requirement. For noncompliances that are below the reportability thresholds, DOE will credit contractor self-tracking as representing self-reporting. If an item is not reported in NTS but only tracked in the contractor's system and DOE subsequently finds the facts and their safety significance have been significantly mischaracterized, DOE will not credit the internal tracking as representing appropriate self-reporting.
a. DOE expects contractors to demonstrate acceptance of responsibility for safety of the public, workers, and the environment and to proactively identify noncompliance conditions in their programs and processes. In deciding whether to reduce any civil penalty proposed for violations revealed by the occurrence of a self-disclosing event, DOE will consider the ease with which a contractor could have discovered the noncompliance and the prior opportunities that existed to discover the noncompliance. When the occurrence of an event discloses noncompliances that the contractor could have or should have identified before the event, DOE will not generally allow a reduction in civil penalties for self-identification, even if the underlying noncompliances were reported to DOE. If a contractor simply reacts to events that disclose potentially significant consequences or downplays noncompliances which did not result in significant consequences to workers, the public, and the environment, such contractor actions do not lead to the improvement in nuclear safety contemplated by the Act.
b. The key test is whether the contractor reasonably could have detected any of the underlying noncompliances that contributed to the event. Examples of events that provide opportunities to identify noncompliances include, but are not limited to:
(1) prior notifications of potential problems such as those from DOE operational experience publications or vendor equipment deficiency reports;
(2) normal surveillance, quality assurance assessments, and post-maintenance testing;
(3) readily observable parameter trends; and
(4) contractor employee or DOE observations of potential safety problems. Failure to utilize these types of events and activities to address noncompliances may result in higher civil penalty assessments or a DOE decision not to reduce civil penalty amounts.
c. For example, a critique of the event might find that one of the root causes was a lack of clarity in a Radiation Work Permit (RWP) which led to improper use of anti-contamination clothing and resulting uptake of contamination by the individual. DOE could subsequently conclude that no reduction in civil penalties for self-identification should be allowed since the event itself disclosed the inadequate RWP and the contractor could have, through proper independent assessment or by fostering a questioning attitude by its workers and supervisors, identified the inadequate RWP before the event.
d. Alternatively, if, following a self-disclosing event, DOE found that the contractor's processes and procedures were adequate and the contractor's personnel generally behaved in a manner consistent with the contractor's processes and procedures, DOE could conclude that the contractor could not have been reasonably expected to find the single procedural noncompliance that led to the event and thus, might allow a reduction in civil penalties.
The promptness (or lack thereof) and extent to which the DOE contractor takes corrective action, including actions to identify root cause and prevent recurrence, may result in up to a 50% increase or decrease in the base civil penalty shown in Table 1. For example, very extensive corrective action
There may be circumstances in which a violation of a DOE Nuclear Safety Requirement results, in part or entirely, from a direction given by DOE personnel to a DOE contractor to either take, or forbear from taking an action at a DOE facility. In such cases, DOE may refrain from issuing an NOV, and may mitigate, either partially or entirely, any proposed civil penalty, provided that the direction upon which the DOE contractor relied is documented in writing, contemporaneously with the direction. It should be emphasized, however, that pursuant to 10 CFR 820.50, no interpretation of a DOE Nuclear Safety Requirement is binding upon DOE unless issued in writing by the General Counsel. Further, as discussed in this section of this policy statement, lack of funding by itself will not be considered as a mitigating factor in enforcement actions.
Because DOE wants to encourage and support DOE contractor initiative for prompt self-identification, reporting and correction of problems, DOE may exercise discretion as follows:
a. In accordance with the previous discussion, DOE may refrain from issuing a civil penalty for a violation which meets all of the following criteria:
(1) The violation is promptly identified and reported to DOE before DOE learns of it.
(2) The violation is not willful or a violation that could reasonably be expected to have been prevented by the DOE contractor's corrective action for a previous violation.
(3) The DOE contractor, upon discovery of the violation, has taken or begun to take prompt and appropriate action to correct the violation.
(4) The DOE contractor has taken, or has agreed to take, remedial action satisfactory to DOE to preclude recurrence of the violation and the underlying conditions which caused it.
b. DOE may refrain from proposing a civil penalty for a violation involving a past problem, such as in engineering design or installation, that meets all of the following criteria:
(1) It was identified by a DOE contractor as a result of a formal effort such as a Safety System Functional Inspection, Design Reconstitution program, or other program that has a defined scope and timetable which is being aggressively implemented and reported;
(2) Comprehensive corrective action has been taken or is well underway within a reasonable time following identification; and
(3) It was not likely to be identified by routine contractor efforts such as normal surveillance or quality assurance activities.
c. DOE will not issue a Notice of Violation for cases in which the violation discovered by the DOE contractor cannot reasonably be linked to the conduct of that contractor in the design, construction or operation of the DOE facility involved, provided that prompt and appropriate action is taken by the DOE contractor upon identification of the past violation to report to DOE and remedy the problem.
d. DOE may refrain from issuing a Notice of Violation for an item of noncompliance that meets all of the following criteria:
(1) It was promptly identified by the DOE nuclear entity;
(2) It is normally classified at a Severity Level III;
(3) It was promptly reported to DOE;
(4) Prompt and appropriate corrective action will be taken, including measures to prevent recurrence; and
(5) It was not a willful violation or a violation that could reasonably be expected to have been prevented by the DOE contractor's corrective action for a previous violation.
e. DOE may refrain from issuing a Notice of Violation for an item of noncompliance that meets all of the following criteria:
(1) It was an isolated Severity Level III violation identified during a Tiger Team inspection conducted by the Office of Environment, Safety and Health, during an inspection or integrated performance assessment conducted by the Office of Nuclear Safety, or during some other DOE assessment activity.
(2) The identified noncompliance was properly reported by the contractor upon discovery.
(3) The contractor initiated or completed appropriate assessment and corrective actions within a reasonable period, usually before the termination of the onsite inspection or integrated performance assessment.
(4) The violation is not willful or one which could reasonably be expected to have been prevented by the DOE contractor's corrective action for a previous violation.
f. In situations where corrective actions have been completed before termination of an inspection or assessment, a formal response from the contractor is not required
g. If DOE initiates an enforcement action for a violation at a Severity Level II or III and, as part of the corrective action for that violation, the DOE contractor identifies other examples of the violation with the same root cause, DOE may refrain from initiating an additional enforcement action. In determining whether to exercise this discretion, DOE will consider whether the DOE contractor acted reasonably and in a timely manner appropriate to the safety significance of the initial violation, the comprehensiveness of the corrective action, whether the matter was reported, and whether the additional violation(s) substantially change the safety significance or character of the concern arising out of the initial violation.
h. It should be emphasized that the preceding paragraphs are solely intended to be examples indicating when enforcement discretion may be exercised to forego the issuance of a civil penalty or, in some cases, the initiation of any enforcement action at all. However, notwithstanding these examples, a civil penalty may be proposed or Notice of Violation issued when, in DOE's judgment, such action is warranted on the basis of the circumstances of an individual case.
(a) DOE's enforcement policy is also applicable to subcontractors and suppliers to DOE Price-Anderson indemnified contractors. Through procurement contracts with these DOE contractors, subcontractors and suppliers are generally required to have quality assurance programs that meet applicable DOE Nuclear Safety Requirements. Suppliers of products or services provided in support of or for use in DOE facilities operated by Price-Anderson indemnified contractors are subject to certain requirements designed to ensure the high quality of the products or services supplied to DOE facilities that could, if deficient, adversely affect public or worker safety. DOE regulations require that DOE be notified whenever a DOE contractor obtains information reasonably indicating that a DOE facility (including its structures, systems and components) which conducts activities subject to the provisions of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended or DOE Nuclear Safety Requirements either fails to comply with any provision of the Atomic Energy Act or any applicable DOE Nuclear Safety Requirement, or contains a defect or has been supplied with a product or service which could create or result in a substantial safety hazard.
(b) DOE will conduct audits and assessments of its contractors to determine whether they are ensuring that subcontractors and suppliers are meeting their contractual obligations with regard to quality of products or services that could have an adverse effect on public or worker radiological safety, and ensure that DOE contractors have in place adequate programs to determine whether products or services supplied to them for DOE facilities meet applicable DOE requirements and that substandard products or services are not used by Price-Anderson indemnified contractors at the facilities they operate for DOE. As part of the effort of ensuring that contractual and regulatory requirements are met, DOE may also audit or assess subcontractors and suppliers. These assessments could include examination of the quality assurance programs and their implementation by the subcontractors and suppliers through examination of product quality.
(c) When audits or assessments determine that subcontractors or suppliers have failed to comply with applicable DOE Nuclear Safety Requirements or to fulfill contractual commitments designed to ensure the quality of a safety significant product or service, enforcement action will be taken. Notices of Violations and civil penalties will be issued, as appropriate, for DOE contractor failures to ensure that their subcontractors and suppliers provide products and services that meet applicable DOE requirements. Notices of Violations and civil penalties will also be issued to subcontractors and suppliers of DOE contractors which fail to comply with the reporting requirements set forth in any other applicable DOE Nuclear Safety Requirements.
(a) A violation of DOE Nuclear Safety Requirements for failure to provide complete and accurate information to DOE, 10 CFR 820.11, can result in the full range of enforcement sanctions, depending upon the circumstances of the particular case and consideration of the factors discussed in this section. Violations involving inaccurate or incomplete information or the failure to provide significant information identified by a DOE contractor normally will be categorized based on the guidance in section VI, “Severity of Violations”.
(b) DOE recognizes that oral information may in some situations be inherently less reliable than written submittals because of the absence of an opportunity for reflection and management review. However, DOE must be able to rely on oral communications from officials of DOE contractors concerning significant information. In determining whether to take enforcement action for an oral
(b)(1) The degree of knowledge that the communicator should have had regarding the matter in view of his or her position, training, and experience;
(b)(2) The opportunity and time available prior to the communication to assure the accuracy or completeness of the information;
(b)(3) The degree of intent or negligence, if any, involved;
(b)(4) The formality of the communication;
(b)(5) The reasonableness of DOE reliance on the information;
(b)(6) The importance of the information that was wrong or not provided; and
(b)(7) The reasonableness of the explanation for not providing complete and accurate information.
(c) Absent gross negligence or willfulness, an incomplete or inaccurate oral statement normally will not be subject to enforcement action unless it involves significant information provided by an official of a DOE contractor. However, enforcement action may be taken for an unintentionally incomplete or inaccurate oral statement provided to DOE by an official of a DOE contractor or others on behalf of the DOE contractor, if a record was made of the oral information and provided to the DOE contractor thereby permitting an opportunity to correct the oral information, such as if a transcript of the communication or meeting summary containing the error was made available to the DOE contractor and was not subsequently corrected in a timely manner.
(d) When a DOE contractor has corrected inaccurate or incomplete information, the decision to issue a citation for the initial inaccurate or incomplete information normally will be dependent on the circumstances, including the ease of detection of the error, the timeliness of the correction, whether DOE or the DOE contractor identified the problem with the communication, and whether DOE relied on the information prior to the correction. Generally, ifthe matter was promptly identified and corrected by the DOE contractor prior to reliance by DOE, or before DOE raised a question about the information, no enforcement action will be taken for the initial inaccurate or incomplete information. On the other hand, if the misinformation is identified after DOE relies on it, or after some question is raised regarding the accuracy of the information, then some enforcement action normally will be taken even if it is in fact corrected.
(e) If the initial submission was accurate when made but later turns out to be erroneous because of newly discovered information or advance in technology, a citation normally would not be appropriate if, when the new information became available, the initial submission was corrected.
(f) The failure to correct inaccurate or incomplete information that the DOE contractor does not identify as significant normally will not constitute a separate violation. However, the circumstances surrounding the failure to correct may be considered relevant to the determination of enforcement action for the initial inaccurate or incomplete statement. For example, an unintentionally inaccurate or incomplete submission may be treated as a more severe matter if a DOE contractor later determines that the initial submission was in error and does not correct it or if there were clear opportunities to identify the error.
The Secretary will be provided written notification of all enforcement actions involving proposed civil penalties. The Secretary will be consulted prior to taking action in the following situations:
a. Proposals to impose civil penalties in an amount equal to or greater than the statutory limit;
b. Any proposed enforcement action that involves a Severity Level I violation;
c. Any action the Director believes warrants the Secretary's involvement; or
d. Any proposed enforcement action on which the Secretary asks to be consulted.
a. DOE contractors may not retaliate against any employee because the employee has disclosed information, participated in activities or refused to participate in activities listed in 10 CFR 708.5 (a)-(c) as provided by 10 CFR 708.43. DOE contractor employees may seek remedial relief for allegations of retaliation from the DOE Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA) under 10 CFR part 708 (Part 708) or from the Department of Labor (DOL) under sec. 211 of the Energy Reorganization Act (sec. 211), implemented in 29 CFR part 24.
b. An act of retaliation by a DOE contractor, proscribed under 10 CFR 708.43, that results from a DOE contractor employee's involvement in an activity listed in 10 CFR 708.5(a)-(c) concerning nuclear safety in connection with a DOE nuclear activity, may constitute a violation of a DOE Nuclear Safety Requirement under 10 CFR part 820 (Part 820). The retaliation may be subject to the investigatory and adjudicatory procedures of both Part 820 and Part 708. The same facts that support remedial relief to employees under Part 708 may be used by the Director of the Office of Investigation and Enforcement (Director) to support issuance of a Preliminary Notice of Violation (PNOV), a Final Notice of Violation (FNOV), and assessment of civil penalties. 10 CFR 820.24-820.25.
c. When an employee files a complaint with DOL under sec. 211 and DOL collects information relating to allegations of DOE contractor retaliation against a contractor employee for actions taken concerning nuclear safety, the Director may use this information as a basis for initiating enforcement action by issuing a PNOV. 10 CFR 820.24. DOE may consider information collected in the DOL proceedings to determine whether the retaliation may be related to a contractor employee's action concerning a DOE nuclear activity.
d. The Director may also use DOL information to support the determination that a contractor has violated or is continuing to violate the nuclear safety requirements against contractor retaliation and to issue civil penalties or other appropriate remedy in a FNOV. 10 CFR 820.25.
e. The Director will have discretion to give appropriate weight to information collected in DOL and OHA investigations and proceedings. In deciding whether additional investigation or information is needed, the Director will consider the extent to which the facts in the proceedings have been adjudicated as well as any information presented by the contractor. In general, the Director may initiate an enforcement action without additional investigation or information.
f. Normally, the Director will await the completion of a Part 708 proceeding before OHA or a sec. 211 proceeding at DOL before deciding whether to take any action, including an investigation under Part 820 with respect to alleged retaliation. A Part 708 or sec. 211 proceeding would be considered completed when there is either a final decision or a settlement of the retaliation complaint, or no additional administrative action is available.
g. DOE encourages its contractors to cooperate in resolving whistleblower complaints raised by contractor employees in a prompt and equitable manner. Accordingly, in deciding whether to initiate an enforcement action, the Director will take into account the extent to which a contractor cooperated in a Part 708 or sec. 211 proceeding, and, in particular, whether the contractor resolved the matter promptly without the need for an adjudication hearing.
h. In considering whether to initiate an enforcement action and, if so, what remedy is appropriate, the Director will also consider the egregiousness of the particular case including the level of management involved in the alleged retaliation and the specificity of the acts of retaliation.
i. In egregious cases, the Director has the discretion to proceed with an enforcement action, including an investigation with respect to alleged retaliation irrespective of the completion status of the Part 708 or sec. 211 proceeding. Egregious cases would include: (1) Cases involving credible allegations for willful or intentional violations of DOE rules, regulations, orders or Federal statutes which, if proven, would warrant criminal referrals to the U.S. Department of Justice for prosecutorial review; and (2) cases where an alleged retaliation suggests widespread, high-level managerial involvement and raises significant public health and safety concerns.
j. When the Director undertakes an investigation of an allegation of DOE contractor retaliation against an employee under Part 820, the Director will apprise persons interviewed and interested parties that the investigative activity is being taken pursuant to the nuclear safety procedures of Part 820 and not pursuant to the procedures of Part 708.
k. At any time, the Director may begin an investigation of a noncompliance of the substantive nuclear safety rules based on the underlying nuclear safety concerns raised by the employee regardless of the status of completion of any related whistleblower retaliation proceedings. The nuclear safety rules include: 10 CFR part 830 (nuclear safety management); 10 CFR part 835 (occupational radiation protection); and 10 CFR part 820.11 (information accuracy requirements).
42 U.S.C. 2201; 42 U.S.C. 7101
This part governs the conduct of DOE contractors, DOE personnel, and other persons conducting activities (including providing items and services) that affect, or may affect, the safety of DOE nuclear facilities.
This part does not apply to:
(a) Activities that are regulated through a license by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) or a State under an Agreement with the NRC, including activities certified by the NRC under section 1701 of the Atomic Energy Act (Act);
(b) Activities conducted under the authority of the Director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion, pursuant to Executive Order 12344, as set forth in Public Law 106-65;
(c) Transportation activities which are regulated by the Department of Transportation;
(d) Activities conducted under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, as amended, and any facility identified under section 202(5) of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, as amended; and
(e) Activities related to the launch approval and actual launch of nuclear energy systems into space.
(a) The following definitions apply to this part:
(1) The relative importance to safety, safeguards, and security;
(2) The magnitude of any hazard involved;
(3) The life cycle stage of a facility;
(4) The programmatic mission of a facility;
(5) The particular characteristics of a facility;
(6) The relative importance of radiological and nonradiological hazards; and
(7) Any other relevant factor.
(1) Physical, design, structural, and engineering features;
(2) Safety structures, systems, and components;
(3) Safety management programs;
(4) Technical safety requirements; and
(5) Other controls necessary to provide adequate protection from hazards.
(1) The nuclear safety design criteria to be satisfied;
(2) A safety analysis that derives aspects of design that are necessary to satisfy the nuclear safety design criteria; and
(3) An initial listing of the safety management programs that must be
(1) The sufficiency of the documented safety analysis for a hazard category 1, 2, or 3 DOE nuclear facility;
(2) The extent to which a contractor has satisfied the requirements of Subpart B of this part; and
(3) The basis for approval by DOE of the safety basis for the facility, including any conditions for approval.
(1) The probability of the occurrence or the consequences of an accident or the malfunction of equipment important to safety previously evaluated in the documented safety analysis could be increased;
(2) The possibility of an accident or malfunction of a different type than any evaluated previously in the documented safety analysis could be created;
(3) A margin of safety could be reduced; or
(4) The documented safety analysis may not be bounding or may be otherwise inadequate.
(b) Terms defined in the Act or in 10 CFR Part 820 and not defined in this section of the rule are to be used consistent with the meanings given in the Act or in 10 CFR Part 820.
(a) No person may take or cause to be taken any action inconsistent with the requirements of this part.
(b) A contractor responsible for a nuclear facility must ensure implementation of, and compliance with, the requirements of this part.
(c) The requirements of this part must be implemented in a manner that provides reasonable assurance of adequate protection of workers, the public, and the environment from adverse consequences, taking into account the work to be performed and the associated hazards.
(d) If there is no contractor for a DOE nuclear facility, DOE must ensure implementation of, and compliance with, the requirements of this part.
The requirements in this part are DOE Nuclear Safety Requirements and are subject to enforcement by all appropriate means, including the imposition of civil and criminal penalties in accordance with the provisions of 10 CFR Part 820.
A contractor must maintain complete and accurate records as necessary to substantiate compliance with the requirements of this part.
Where appropriate, a contractor must use a graded approach to implement the requirements of this part, document the basis of the graded approach used, and submit that documentation to DOE. The graded approach may not be used in implementing the unreviewed safety question (USQ) process or in implementing technical safety requirements.
This subpart establishes quality assurance requirements for contractors conducting activities, including providing items or services, that affect, or may affect, nuclear safety of DOE nuclear facilities.
(a) Contractors conducting activities, including providing items or services, that affect, or may affect, the nuclear safety of DOE nuclear facilities must conduct work in accordance with the Quality Assurance criteria in § 830.122.
(b) The contractor responsible for a DOE nuclear facility must:
(1) Submit a QAP to DOE for approval and regard the QAP as approved 90 days after submittal, unless it is approved or rejected by DOE at an earlier date.
(2) Modify the QAP as directed by DOE.
(3) Annually submit any changes to the DOE-approved QAP to DOE for approval. Justify in the submittal why the changes continue to satisfy the quality assurance requirements.
(4) Conduct work in accordance with the QAP.
(c) The QAP must:
(1) Describe how the quality assurance criteria of § 830.122 are satisfied.
(2) Integrate the quality assurance criteria with the Safety Management System, or describe how the quality assurance criteria apply to the Safety Management System.
(3) Use voluntary consensus standards in its development and implementation, where practicable and consistent with contractual and regulatory requirements, and identify the standards used.
(4) Describe how the contractor responsible for the nuclear facility ensures that subcontractors and suppliers satisfy the criteria of § 830.122.
The QAP must address the following management, performance, and assessment criteria:
(a) Criterion 1—Management/Program.
(1) Establish an organizational structure, functional responsibilities, levels of authority, and interfaces for those managing, performing, and assessing the work.
(2) Establish management processes, including planning, scheduling, and providing resources for the work.
(b) Criterion 2—Management/Personnel Training and Qualification.
(1) Train and qualify personnel to be capable of performing their assigned work.
(2) Provide continuing training to personnel to maintain their job proficiency.
(c) Criterion 3—Management/Quality Improvement.
(1) Establish and implement processes to detect and prevent quality problems.
(2) Identify, control, and correct items, services, and processes that do not meet established requirements.
(3) Identify the causes of problems and work to prevent recurrence as a part of correcting the problem.
(4) Review item characteristics, process implementation, and other quality-related information to identify items, services, and processes needing improvement.
(d) Criterion 4—Management/Documents and Records.
(1) Prepare, review, approve, issue, use, and revise documents to prescribe processes, specify requirements, or establish design.
(2) Specify, prepare, review, approve, and maintain records.
(e) Criterion 5—Performance/Work Processes.
(1) Perform work consistent with technical standards, administrative controls, and other hazard controls adopted to meet regulatory or contract requirements, using approved instructions, procedures, or other appropriate means.
(2) Identify and control items to ensure their proper use.
(3) Maintain items to prevent their damage, loss, or deterioration.
(4) Calibrate and maintain equipment used for process monitoring or data collection.
(f) Criterion 6—Performance/Design.
(1) Design items and processes using sound engineering/scientific principles and appropriate standards.
(2) Incorporate applicable requirements and design bases in design work and design changes.
(3) Identify and control design interfaces.
(4) Verify or validate the adequacy of design products using individuals or groups other than those who performed the work.
(5) Verify or validate work before approval and implementation of the design.
(g) Criterion 7—Performance/Procurement.
(1) Procure items and services that meet established requirements and perform as specified.
(2) Evaluate and select prospective suppliers on the basis of specified criteria.
(3) Establish and implement processes to ensure that approved suppliers continue to provide acceptable items and services.
(h) Criterion 8—Performance/Inspection and Acceptance Testing.
(1) Inspect and test specified items, services, and processes using established acceptance and performance criteria.
(2) Calibrate and maintain equipment used for inspections and tests.
(i) Criterion 9—Assessment/Management Assessment. Ensure managers assess their management processes and identify and correct problems that hinder the organization from achieving its objectives.
(j) Criterion 10—Assessment/Independent Assessment.
(1) Plan and conduct independent assessments to measure item and service quality, to measure the adequacy of work performance, and to promote improvement.
(2) Establish sufficient authority, and freedom from line management, for the group performing independent assessments.
(3) Ensure persons who perform independent assessments are technically qualified and knowledgeable in the areas to be assessed.
This Subpart establishes safety basis requirements for hazard category 1, 2, and 3 DOE nuclear facilities.
A contractor must perform work in accordance with the safety basis for a hazard category 1, 2, or 3 DOE nuclear facility and, in particular, with the hazard controls that ensure adequate protection of workers, the public, and the environment.
(a) The contractor responsible for a hazard category 1, 2, or 3 DOE nuclear facility must establish and maintain the safety basis for the facility.
(b) In establishing the safety basis for a hazard category 1, 2, or 3 DOE nuclear facility, the contractor responsible for the facility must:
(1) Define the scope of the work to be performed;
(2) Identify and analyze the hazards associated with the work;
(3) Categorize the facility consistent with DOE-STD-1027-92 (“Hazard Categorization and Accident Analysis Techniques for compliance with DOE Order 5480.23, Nuclear Safety Analysis Reports,” Change Notice 1, September 1997);
(4) Prepare a documented safety analysis for the facility; and (5) Establish the hazard controls upon which the contractor will rely to ensure adequate protection of workers, the public, and the environment.
(c) In maintaining the safety basis for a hazard category 1, 2, or 3 DOE nuclear facility, the contractor responsible for the facility must:
(1) Update the safety basis to keep it current and to reflect changes in the facility, the work and the hazards as they are analyzed in the documented safety analysis;
(2) Annually submit to DOE either the updated documented safety analysis for approval or a letter stating that there have been no changes in the documented safety analysis since the prior submission; and
(3) Incorporate in the safety basis any changes, conditions, or hazard controls directed by DOE.
(a) The contractor responsible for a hazard category 1, 2, or 3 DOE nuclear facility must establish, implement, and take actions consistent with a USQ process that meets the requirements of this section.
(b) The contractor responsible for a hazard category 1, 2, or 3 DOE existing nuclear facility must submit for DOE
(c) The contractor responsible for a hazard category 1, 2, or 3 DOE new nuclear facility must submit for DOE approval a procedure for its USQ process on a schedule that allows DOE approval in a safety evaluation report issued pursuant to section 207(d) of this Part.
(d) The contractor responsible for a hazard category 1, 2, or 3 DOE nuclear facility must implement the DOE-approved USQ procedure in situations where there is a:
(1) Temporary or permanent change in the facility as described in the existing documented safety analysis;
(2) Temporary or permanent change in the procedures as described in the existing documented safety analysis;
(3) Test or experiment not described in the existing documented safety analysis; or (4) Potential inadequacy of the documented safety analysis because the analysis potentially may not be bounding or may be otherwise inadequate.
(e) A contractor responsible for a hazard category 1, 2, or 3 DOE nuclear facility must obtain DOE approval prior to taking any action determined to involve a USQ.
(f) The contractor responsible for a hazard category 1, 2, or 3 DOE nuclear facility must annually submit to DOE a summary of the USQ determinations performed since the prior submission.
(g) If a contractor responsible for a hazard category 1, 2, or 3 DOE nuclear facility discovers or is made aware of a potential inadequacy of the documented safety analysis, it must:
(1) Take action, as appropriate, to place or maintain the facility in a safe condition until an evaluation of the safety of the situation is completed;
(2) Notify DOE of the situation;
(3) Perform a USQ determination and notify DOE promptly of the results; and (4) Submit the evaluation of the safety of the situation to DOE prior to removing any operational restrictions initiated to meet paragraph (g)(1) of this section.
(a) The contractor responsible for a hazard category 1, 2, or 3 DOE nuclear facility must obtain approval from DOE for the methodology used to prepare the documented safety analysis for the facility unless the contractor uses a methodology set forth in Table 2 of Appendix A to this Part.
(b) The documented safety analysis for a hazard category 1, 2, or 3 DOE nuclear facility must, as appropriate for the complexities and hazards associated with the facility:
(1) Describe the facility (including the design of safety structures, systems and components) and the work to be performed;
(2) Provide a systematic identification of both natural and man-made hazards associated with the facility;
(3) Evaluate normal, abnormal, and accident conditions, including consideration of natural and man-made external events, identification of energy sources or processes that might contribute to the generation or uncontrolled release of radioactive and other hazardous materials, and consideration of the need for analysis of accidents which may be beyond the design basis of the facility;
(4) Derive the hazard controls necessary to ensure adequate protection of workers, the public, and the environment, demonstrate the adequacy of these controls to eliminate, limit, or mitigate identified hazards, and define the process for maintaining the hazard controls current at all times and controlling their use;
(5) Define the characteristics of the safety management programs necessary to ensure the safe operation of the facility, including (where applicable) quality assurance, procedures, maintenance, personnel training, conduct of operations, emergency preparedness, fire protection, waste management, and radiation protection; and
(6) With respect to a nonreactor nuclear facility with fissionable material in a form and amount sufficient to pose
(i) Ensures that operations with fissionable material remain subcritical under all normal and credible abnormal conditions,
(ii) Identifies applicable nuclear criticality safety standards, and
(iii) Describes how the program meets applicable nuclear criticality safety standards.
(a) A contractor responsible for a hazard category 1, 2, or 3 DOE nuclear facility must:
(1) Develop technical safety requirements that are derived from the documented safety analysis;
(2) Prior to use, obtain DOE approval of technical safety requirements and any change to technical safety requirements; and
(3) Notify DOE of any violation of a technical safety requirement.
(b) A contractor may take emergency actions that depart from an approved technical safety requirement when no actions consistent with the technical safety requirement are immediately apparent, and when these actions are needed to protect workers, the public or the environment from imminent and significant harm. Such actions must be approved by a certified operator for a reactor or by a person in authority as designated in the technical safety requirements for nonreactor nuclear facilities. The contractor must report the emergency actions to DOE as soon as practicable.
(c) A contractor for an environmental restoration activity may follow the provisions of 29 CFR 1910.120 or 1926.65 to develop the appropriate hazard controls (rather than the provisions for technical safety requirements in paragraph (a) of this section), provided the activity involves either:
(1) Work not done within a permanent structure, or
(2) The decommissioning of a facility with only low-level residual fixed radioactivity.
If construction begins after December 11, 2000, the contractor responsible for a hazard category 1, 2, or 3 new DOE nuclear facility or a major modification to a hazard category 1, 2, or 3 DOE nuclear facility must:
(a) Prepare a preliminary documented safety analysis for the facility, and
(b) Obtain DOE approval of:
(1) The nuclear safety design criteria to be used in preparing the preliminary documented safety analysis unless the contractor uses the design criteria in DOE Order 420.1, Facility Safety; and
(2) The preliminary documented safety analysis before the contractor can procure materials or components or begin construction; provided that DOE may authorize the contractor to perform limited procurement and construction activities without approval of a preliminary documented safety analysis if DOE determines that the activities are not detrimental to public health and safety and are in the best interests of DOE.
(a) By April 10, 2003, a contractor responsible for a hazard category 1, 2, or 3 existing DOE nuclear facility must submit for DOE approval a safety basis that meets the requirements of this Subpart.
(b) Pending issuance of a safety evaluation report in which DOE approves a safety basis for a hazard category 1, 2, or 3 existing DOE nuclear facility, the contractor responsible for the facility must continue to perform work in accordance with the safety basis for the facility in effect on October 10, 2000, or as approved by DOE at a later date, and maintain the existing safety basis consistent with the requirements of this Subpart.
(c) If the safety basis for a hazard category 1, 2, or 3 existing DOE nuclear facility already meets the requirements of this Subpart and reflects the current work and hazards associated with the facility, the contractor responsible for the facility must, by April 9, 2001, notify DOE, document the adequacy of the existing safety basis
(d) With respect to a hazard category 1, 2, or 3 new DOE nuclear facility or a major modification to a hazard category 1, 2, or 3 DOE nuclear facility, a contractor may not begin operation of the facility or modification prior to the issuance of a safety evaluation report in which DOE approves the safety basis for the facility or modification.
This appendix describes DOE's expectations for the safety basis requirements of 10 CFR Part 830, acceptable methods for implementing these requirements, and criteria DOE will use to evaluate compliance with these requirements. This Appendix does not create any new requirements and should be used consistently with DOE Policy 450.2A, “Identifying, Implementing and Complying with Environment, Safety and Health Requirements” (May 15, 1996).
1. The safety basis requirements of Part 830 require the contractor responsible for a DOE nuclear facility to analyze the facility, the work to be performed, and the associated hazards and to identify the conditions, safe boundaries, and hazard controls necessary to protect workers, the public and the environment from adverse consequences. These analyses and hazard controls constitute the safety basis upon which the contractor and DOE rely to conclude that the facility can be operated safely. Performing work consistent with the safety basis provides reasonable assurance of adequate protection of workers, the public, and the environment.
2. The safety basis requirements are intended to further the objective of making safety an integral part of how work is performed throughout the DOE complex. Developing a thorough understanding of a nuclear facility, the work to be performed, the associated hazards and the needed hazard controls is essential to integrating safety into management and work at all levels. Performing work in accordance with the safety basis for a nuclear facility is the realization of that objective.
1. A contractor must establish and maintain a safety basis for a hazard category 1, 2, or 3 DOE nuclear facility because these facilities have the potential for significant radiological consequences. DOE-STD-1027-92 (“Hazard Categorization and Accident Analysis Techniques for compliance with DOE Order 5480.23, Nuclear Safety Analysis Reports,” Change Notice 1, September 1997) sets forth the methodology for categorizing a DOE nuclear facility (see Table 1). The hazard categorization must be based on an inventory of all radioactive materials within a nuclear facility.
2. Unlike the quality assurance requirements of Part 830 that apply to all DOE nuclear facilities (including radiological facilities), the safety basis requirements only apply to hazard category 1, 2, and 3 nuclear facilities and do not apply to nuclear facilities below hazard category 3.
1. The safety basis requirements are consistent with integrated safety management. DOE expects that, if a contractor complies with the Department of Energy Acquisition Regulation (DEAR) clause on integration of environment, safety, and health into work planning and execution (48 CFR 970.5223-1, Integration of Environment, Safety and Health into Work Planning and Execution) and the DEAR clause on laws, regulations, and DOE directives (48 CFR 970.5204-2, Laws, Regulations and DOE Directives), the contractor will have established the foundation to meet the safety basis requirements.
2. The processes embedded in a safety management system should lead to a contractor
3. DOE does not expect there to be any conflict between contractual requirements and regulatory requirements. In fact, DOE expects that contract provisions will be used to provide more detail on implementation of safety basis requirements such as preparing a documented safety analysis, developing technical safety requirements, and implementing a USQ process.
1. Enforcement of the safety basis requirements will be performance oriented. That is, DOE will focus its enforcement efforts on whether a contractor operates a nuclear facility consistent with the safety basis for the facility and, in particular, whether work is performed in accordance with the safety basis.
2. As part of the approval process, DOE will review the content and quality of the safety basis documentation. DOE intends to use the approval process to assess the adequacy of a safety basis developed by a contractor to ensure that workers, the public, and the environment are provided reasonable assurance of adequate protection from identified hazards. Once approved by DOE, the safety basis documentation will not be subject to regulatory enforcement actions unless DOE determines that the information which supports the documentation is not complete and accurate in all material respects, as required by 10 CFR 820.11. This is consistent with the DOE enforcement provisions and policy in 10 CFR Part 820.
3. DOE does not intend the adoption of the safety basis requirements to affect the existing quality assurance requirements or the existing obligation of contractors to comply with the quality assurance requirements. In particular, in conjunction with the adoption of the safety basis requirements, DOE revised the language in 10 CFR 830.122(e)(1) to make clear that hazard controls are part of the work processes to which a contractor and other persons must adhere when performing work. This obligation to perform work consistent with hazard controls adopted to meet regulatory or contract requirements existed prior to the adoption of the safety basis requirements and is both consistent with and independent of the safety basis requirements.
4. A documented safety analysis must address all hazards (that is, both radiological and nonradiological hazards) and the controls necessary to provide adequate protection to the public, workers, and the environment from these hazards. Section 234A of the Atomic Energy Act, however, only authorizes DOE to issue civil penalties for violations of requirements related to nuclear safety. Therefore, DOE will impose civil penalties for violations of the safety basis requirements (including hazard controls) only if they are related to nuclear safety.
1. A documented safety analysis must demonstrate the extent to which a nuclear facility can be operated safely with respect to workers, the public, and the environment.
2. DOE expects a contractor to use a graded approach to develop a documented safety analysis and describe how the graded approach was applied. The level of detail, analysis, and documentation will reflect the complexity and hazard associated with a particular facility. Thus, the documented safety analysis for a simple, low hazard facility may be relatively short and qualitative in nature, while the documented safety analysis for a complex, high hazard facility may be quite elaborate and more quantitative. DOE will work with its contractors to ensure a documented safety analysis is appropriate for the facility for which it is being developed.
3. Because DOE has ultimate responsibility for the safety of its facilities, DOE will review each documented safety analysis to determine whether the rigor and detail of the documented safety analysis are appropriate for the complexity and hazards expected at the nuclear facility. In particular, DOE will evaluate the documented safety analysis by considering the extent to which the documented safety analysis (1) satisfies the provisions of the methodology used to prepare the documented safety analysis and (2) adequately addresses the criteria set forth in 10 CFR 830.204(b). DOE will prepare a Safety Evaluation Report to document the results of its review of the documented safety analysis. A documented safety analysis must contain any conditions or changes required by DOE.
4. In most cases, the contract will provide the framework for specifying the methodology and schedule for developing a documented safety analysis. Table 2 sets forth acceptable methodologies for preparing a documented safety analysis.
5. Table 2 refers to specific types of nuclear facilities. These references are not intended to constitute an exhaustive list of the specific types of nuclear facilities. Part 830 defines nuclear facility broadly to include all those facilities, activities, or operations that involve, or will involve, radioactive and/or fissionable materials in such form and quantity that a nuclear or a nuclear explosive hazard potentially exists to the employees or the general public, and to include any related area, structure, facility, or activity to the extent necessary to ensure proper implementation of the requirements established by Part 830. The only exceptions are those facilities specifically excluded such as accelerators. Table 3 defines the specific nuclear facilities referenced in Table 2 that are not defined in 10 CFR 830.3
6. If construction begins after December 11, 2000, the contractor responsible for the design and construction of a new DOE nuclear facility or a major modification to an existing DOE nuclear facility must prepare a preliminary documented safety analysis. A preliminary documented safety analysis can ensure that substantial costs and time are not wasted in constructing a nuclear facility that will not be acceptable to DOE. If a contractor is required to prepare a preliminary documented safety analysis, the contractor must obtain DOE approval of the preliminary documented safety analysis prior to procuring materials or components or beginning construction. DOE, however, may authorize the contractor to perform limited procurement and construction activities without approval of a preliminary documented safety analysis if DOE determines that the activities are not detrimental to public health and safety and are in the best interests of DOE. DOE Order 420.1, Facility Safety, sets forth acceptable nuclear safety design criteria for use in preparing a preliminary documented safety analysis. As a general matter, DOE does not expect preliminary documented safety analyses to be needed for activities that do not involve significant construction such as environmental restoration activities, decontamination and decommissioning activities, specific nuclear
1. Hazard controls are measures to eliminate, limit, or mitigate hazards to workers, the public, or the environment. They include (1) physical, design, structural, and engineering features; (2) safety structures, systems, and components; (3) safety management programs; (4) technical safety requirements; and (5) other controls necessary to provide adequate protection from hazards.
2. The types and specific characteristics of the safety management programs necessary for a DOE nuclear facility will be dependent on the complexity and hazards associated with the nuclear facility and the work being performed. In most cases, however, a contractor should consider safety management programs covering topics such as quality assurance, procedures, maintenance, personnel training, conduct of operations, criticality safety, emergency preparedness, fire protection, waste management, and radiation protection. In general, DOE Orders set forth DOE's expectations concerning specific topics. For example, DOE Order 420.1 provides DOE's expectations with respect to fire protection and criticality safety.
3. Safety structures, systems, and components require formal definition of minimum acceptable performance in the documented safety analysis. This is accomplished by first defining a safety function, then describing the structure, systems, and components, placing functional requirements on those portions of the structures, systems, and components required for the safety function, and identifying performance criteria that will ensure functional requirements are met. Technical safety requirements are developed to ensure the operability of the safety structures, systems, and components and define actions to be taken if a safety structure, system, or component is not operable.
4. Technical safety requirements establish limits, controls, and related actions necessary for the safe operation of a nuclear facility. The exact form and contents of technical safety requirements will depend on the circumstances of a particular nuclear facility as defined in the documented safety analysis for the nuclear facility. As appropriate, technical safety requirements may have sections on (1) safety limits, (2) operating limits, (3) surveillance requirements, (4) administrative controls, (5) use and application, and (6) design features. It may also have an appendix on the bases for the limits and requirements. DOE Guide 423.X, Implementation Guide for Use in Developing Technical Safety Requirements (TSRs) provides a complete description of what technical safety requirements should contain and how they should be developed and maintained.
5. DOE will examine and approve the technical safety requirements as part of preparing the safety evaluation report and reviewing updates to the safety basis. As with all hazard controls, technical safety requirements must be kept current and reflect changes in the facility, the work and the hazards as they are analyzed in the documented safety analysis. In addition, DOE expects a contractor to maintain technical safety requirements, and other hazard controls as appropriate, as controlled documents with an authorized users list.
6. Table 4 sets forth DOE's expectations concerning acceptable technical safety requirements.
1. The USQ process is an important tool to evaluate whether changes affect the safety basis. A contractor must use the USQ process to ensure that the safety basis for a DOE nuclear facility is not undermined by changes in the facility, the work performed, the associated hazards, or other factors that support the adequacy of the safety basis.
2. The USQ process permits a contractor to make physical and procedural changes to a nuclear facility and to conduct tests and experiments without prior approval, provided these changes do not cause a USQ. The USQ process provides a contractor with the flexibility needed to conduct day-to-day operations by requiring only those changes and tests with a potential to impact the safety basis (and therefore the safety of the nuclear facility) be approved by DOE. This allows DOE to focus its review on those changes significant to safety. The USQ process helps keep the safety basis current by ensuring appropriate review of and response to situations that might adversely affect the safety basis.
3. DOE Guide 424.X, Implementation Guide for Addressing Unreviewed Safety Question (USQ) Requirements, provides DOE's expectations for a USQ process. The contractor must obtain DOE approval of its procedure used to implement the USQ process.
1. The DOE Management Official for a DOE nuclear facility (that is, the Assistant Secretary, the Assistant Administrator, or the Office Director who is primarily responsible for the management of the facility) has primary responsibility within DOE for ensuring that the safety basis for the facility is adequate and complies with the safety basis requirements of Part 830. The DOE Management Official is responsible for ensuring the timely and proper (1) review of all safety basis documents submitted to DOE and (2) preparation of a safety evaluation report concerning the safety basis for a facility.
2. DOE will maintain a public list on the internet that provides the status of the safety basis for each hazard category 1, 2, or 3 DOE nuclear facility and, to the extent practicable, provides information on how to obtain a copy of the safety basis and related documents for a facility.
42 U.S.C. 2201; 7191.
(a)
(b)
(1) Activities that are regulated through a license by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission or a State under an Agreement with the Nuclear Regulatory commission, including activities certified by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission under section 1701 of the Atomic Energy Act;
(2) Activities conducted under the authority of the Director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, as described in Pub. L. 98-525;
(3) Activities conducted under the Nuclear Explosives and Weapons Surety Program relating to the prevention of accidental or unauthorized nuclear detonations;
(4) Radioactive material transportation as defined in this part;
(5) DOE activities conducted outside the United States on territory under the jurisdiction of a foreign government to the extent governed by occupational radiation protection requirements agreed to between the United States and the cognizant government; or
(6) Background radiation, radiation doses received as a patient for the purposes of medical diagnosis or therapy, or radiation doses received from participation as a subject in medical research programs.
(c) Occupational doses received as a result of excluded activities and radioactive material transportation, as listed in paragraphs (b)(1) through (b)(5) of this section, shall be considered when determining compliance with the occupational dose limits at §§ 835.202 and 835.207, and with the limits for the embryo/fetus at § 835.206. Occupational doses resulting from authorized emergency exposures and planned special exposures shall not be considered when determining compliance with the dose limits at §§ 835.202 and 835.207.
(a) As used in this part:
(1) The concentration of airborne radioactivity, above natural background, exceeds or is likely to exceed the derived air concentration (DAC) values listed in appendix A or appendix C of this part; or
(2) An individual present in the area without respiratory protection could receive an intake exceeding 12 DAC-hours in a week.
(i) Naturally occurring radioactive materials which have not been technologically enhanced;
(ii) Cosmic sources;
(iii) Global fallout as it exists in the environment (such as from the testing of nuclear explosive devices);
(iv) Radon and its progeny in concentrations or levels existing in buildings or the environment which have not been elevated as a result of current or prior activities; and
(v) Consumer products containing nominal amounts of radioactive material or producing nominal amounts of radiation.
(i) The response or reading of an instrument relative to a standard (e.g., primary, secondary, or tertiary) or to a series of conventionally true values; or
(ii) The strength of a radiation source relative to a standard (e.g., primary, secondary, or tertiary) or conventionally true value.
(b) As used in this part to describe various aspects of radiation dose:
(i) The quality factors to be used for determining dose equivalent in rem are as follow:
When spectral data are insufficient to identify the energy of the neutrons, a quality factor of 10 shall be used.
(ii) When spectral data are sufficient to identify the energy of the neutrons, the following mean quality factor values may be used:
(c) Terms defined in the Atomic Energy Act and not defined in this part are used consistent with the meanings given in the Act.
(a) No person or DOE personnel shall take or cause to be taken any action inconsistent with the requirements of:
(1) This part; or
(2) Any program, plan, schedule, or other process established by this part.
(b) With respect to a particular DOE activity, contractor management shall be responsible for compliance with the requirements of this part.
(c) Where there is no contractor for a DOE activity, DOE shall ensure implementation of and compliance with the requirements of this part.
(d) Nothing in this part shall be construed as limiting actions that may be necessary to protect health and safety.
(e) For those activities that are required by §§ 835.102, 835.901(e), 835.1202 (a), and 835.1202(b), the time interval to conduct these activities may be extended by a period not to exceed 30 days to accommodate scheduling needs.
Unless otherwise specified, the quantities used in the records required by this part shall be clearly indicated in special units of curie, rad, roentgen, or rem, including multiples and subdivisions of these units. The SI units, becquerel (Bq), gray (Gy), and sievert (Sv), are only provided parenthetically in this part for reference with scientific standards.
(a) A DOE activity shall be conducted in compliance with a documented radiation protection program (RPP) as approved by the DOE.
(b) The DOE may direct or make modifications to a RPP.
(c) The content of each RPP shall be commensurate with the nature of the activities performed and shall include formal plans and measures for applying the as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) process to occupational exposure.
(d) The RPP shall specify the existing and/or anticipated operational tasks that are intended to be within the scope of the RPP. Except as provided in § 835.101(h), any task outside the scope of a RPP shall not be initiated until an update of the RPP is approved by DOE.
(e) The content of the RPP shall address, but shall not necessarily be limited to, each requirement in this part.
(f) The RPP shall include plans, schedules, and other measures for achieving compliance with regulations of this part. Unless otherwise specified in this part, compliance with amendments to this part shall be achieved no later than 180 days following approval of the revised RPP by DOE. Compliance with the requirements of § 835.402(d) for radiobioassay program
(g) An update of the RPP shall be submitted to DOE:
(1) Whenever a change or an addition to the RPP is made;
(2) Prior to the initiation of a task not within the scope of the RPP; or
(3) Within 180 days of the effective date of any modifications to this part.
(h) Changes, additions, or updates to the RPP may become effective without prior Department approval only if the changes do not decrease the effectiveness of the RPP and the RPP, as changed, continues to meet the requirements of this part. Proposed changes that decrease the effectiveness of the RPP shall not be implemented without submittal to and approval by the Department.
(i) An initial RPP or an update shall be considered approved 180 days after its submission unless rejected by DOE at an earlier date.
Internal audits of the radiation protection program, including examination of program content and implementation, shall be conducted through a process that ensures that all functional elements are reviewed no less frequently than every 36 months.
Individuals responsible for developing and implementing measures necessary for ensuring compliance with the requirements of this part shall have the appropriate education, training, and skills to discharge these responsibilities.
Written procedures shall be developed and implemented as necessary to ensure compliance with this part, commensurate with the radiological hazards created by the activity and consistent with the education, training, and skills of the individuals exposed to those hazards.
(a) Except for planned special exposures conducted consistent with § 835.204 and emergency exposures authorized in accordance with § 835.1302, the occupational dose received by general employees shall be controlled such that the following limits are not exceeded in a year:
(1) A total effective dose equivalent of 5 rems (0.05 sievert);
(2) The sum of the deep dose equivalent for external exposures and the committed dose equivalent to any organ or tissue other than the lens of the eye of 50 rems (0.5 sievert);
(3) A lens of the eye dose equivalent of 15 rems (0.15 sievert); and
(4) A shallow dose equivalent of 50 rems (0.5 sievert) to the skin or to any extremity.
(b) All occupational doses received during the current year, except doses resulting from planned special exposures conducted in compliance with § 835.204 and emergency exposures authorized in accordance with § 835.1302, shall be included when demonstrating compliance with §§ 835.202(a) and 835.207.
(c) Doses from background, therapeutic and diagnostic medical radiation, and participation as a subject in medical research programs shall not be included in dose records or in the assessment of compliance with the occupational dose limits.
(a) The total effective dose equivalent during a year shall be determined by summing the effective dose equivalent from external exposures and the committed effective dose equivalent from intakes during the year.
(b) Determinations of the effective dose equivalent shall be made using the weighting factor values provided in § 835.2.
(a) A planned special exposure may be authorized for a radiological worker to receive doses in addition to and accounted for separately from the doses received under the limits specified in § 835.202(a), provided that each of the following conditions is satisfied:
(1) The planned special exposure is considered only in an exceptional situation when alternatives that might prevent a radiological worker from exceeding the limits in § 835.202(a) are unavailable or impractical;
(2) The contractor management (and employer, if the employer is not the contractor) specifically requests the planned special exposure, in writing; and
(3) Joint written approval is received from the appropriate DOE Headquarters program office and the Secretarial Officer responsible for environment, safety and health matters.
(b) Prior to requesting an individual to participate in an authorized planned special exposure, the individual's dose from all previous planned special exposures and all doses in excess of the occupational dose limits shall be determined.
(c) An individual shall not receive a planned special exposure that, in addition to the doses determined in § 835.204(b), would result in a dose exceeding the following:
(1) In a year, the numerical values of the dose limits established at § 835.202(a); and
(2) Over the individual's lifetime, five times the numerical values of the dose limits established at § 835.202(a).
(d) Prior to a planned special exposure, written consent shall be obtained from each individual involved. Each such written consent shall include:
(1) The purpose of the planned operations and procedures to be used;
(2) The estimated doses and associated potential risks and specific radiological conditions and other hazards which might be involved in performing the task; and
(3) Instructions on the measures to be taken to keep the dose ALARA considering other risks that may be present.
(e) Records of the conduct of a planned special exposure shall be maintained and a written report submitted within 30 days after the planned special exposure to the approving organizations identified in § 835.204(a)(3).
(f) The dose from planned special exposures is not to be considered in controlling future occupational dose of the individual under § 835.202(a), but is to be included in records and reports required under this part.
(a) Non-uniform exposures of the skin from X-rays, beta radiation, and/or radioactive material on the skin are to be assessed as specified in this section.
(b) For purposes of demonstrating compliance with § 835.202(a)(4), assessments shall be conducted as follows:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(i) Be recorded in the individual's occupational exposure history as a special entry; and
(ii) Not be added to any other shallow dose equivalent to any extremity or skin recorded as the dose equivalent for the year.
(a) The dose equivalent limit for the embryo/fetus from the period of conception to birth, as a result of occupational exposure of a declared pregnant worker, is 0.5 rem (0.005 sievert).
(b) Substantial variation above a uniform exposure rate that would satisfy the limits provided in § 835.206(a) shall be avoided.
(c) If the dose equivalent to the embryo/fetus is determined to have already exceeded 0.5 rem (0.005 sievert) by the time a worker declares her pregnancy, the declared pregnant worker shall not be assigned to tasks where additional occupational exposure is likely during the remaining gestation period.
The dose equivalent limits for minors occupationally exposed to radiation and/or radioactive materials at a DOE activity are 0.1 rem (0.001 sievert) total effective dose equivalent in a year and 10% of the occupational dose limits specified at § 835.202(a)(3) and (a)(4).
The total effective dose equivalent limit for members of the public exposed to radiation and/or radioactive material during access to a controlled area is 0.1 rem (0.001 sievert) in a year.
(a) The derived air concentration (DAC) values given in appendices A and C of this part shall be used in the control of occupational exposures to airborne radioactive material.
(b) The estimation of internal dose shall be based on bioassay data rather than air concentration values unless bioassay data are:
(1) Unavailable;
(2) Inadequate; or
(3) Internal dose estimates based on air concentration values are demonstrated to be as or more accurate.
(a) Monitoring of individuals and areas shall be performed to:
(1) Demonstrate compliance with the regulations in this part;
(2) Document radiological conditions;
(3) Detect changes in radiological conditions;
(4) Detect the gradual buildup of radioactive material;
(5) Verify the effectiveness of engineering and process controls in containing radioactive material and reducing radiation exposure; and
(6) Identify and control potential sources of individual exposure to radiation and/or radioactive material.
(b) Instruments and equipment used for monitoring shall be:
(1) Periodically maintained and calibrated on an established frequency;
(2) Appropriate for the type(s), levels, and energies of the radiation(s) encountered;
(3) Appropriate for existing environmental conditions; and
(4) Routinely tested for operability.
(a) For the purpose of monitoring individual exposures to external radiation, personnel dosimeters shall be provided to and used by:
(1) Radiological workers who, under typical conditions, are likely to receive one or more of the following:
(i) An effective dose equivalent to the whole body of 0.1 rem (0.001 sievert) or more in a year;
(ii) A shallow dose equivalent to the skin or to any extremity of 5 rems (0.05 sievert) or more in a year;
(iii) A lens of the eye dose equivalent of 1.5 rems (0.015 sievert) or more in a year;
(2) Declared pregnant workers who are likely to receive from external sources a dose equivalent to the embryo/fetus in excess of 10 percent of the limit at § 835.206(a);
(3) Occupationally exposed minors likely to receive a dose in excess of 50 percent of the applicable limits at § 835.207 in a year from external sources;
(4) Members of the public entering a controlled area likely to receive a dose in excess of 50 percent of the limit at § 835.208 in a year from external sources; and
(5) Individuals entering a high or very high radiation area.
(b) External dose monitoring programs implemented to demonstrate compliance with § 835.402(a) shall be adequate to demonstrate compliance with the dose limits established in subpart C of this part and shall be:
(1) Accredited, or excepted from accreditation, in accordance with the DOE Laboratory Accreditation Program for Personnel Dosimetry; or
(2) Determined by the Secretarial Officer responsible for environment, safety and health matters to have performance substantially equivalent to that of programs accredited under the DOE Laboratory Accreditation Program for Personnel Dosimetry.
(c) For the purpose of monitoring individual exposures to internal radiation, internal dosimetry programs (including routine bioassay programs) shall be conducted for:
(1) Radiological workers who, under typical conditions, are likely to receive a committed effective dose equivalent of 0.1 rem (0.001 sievert) or more from all occupational radionuclide intakes in a year;
(2) Declared pregnant workers likely to receive an intake or intakes resulting in a dose equivalent to the embryo/fetus in excess of 10 percent of the limit stated at § 835.206(a);
(3) Occupationally exposed minors who are likely to receive a dose in excess of 50 percent of the applicable limit stated at § 835.207 from all radionuclide intakes in a year; or
(4) Members of the public entering a controlled area likely to receive a dose in excess of 50 percent of the limit stated at § 835.208 from all radionuclide intakes in a year.
(d) Internal dose monitoring programs implemented to demonstrate compliance with § 835.402(c) shall be adequate to demonstrate compliance with the dose limits established in subpart C of this part and shall be:
(1) Accredited, or excepted from accreditation, in accordance with the DOE Laboratory Accreditation Program for Radiobioassay; or,
(2) Determined by the Secretarial Officer responsible for environment, safety and health matters to have performance substantially equivalent to that of programs accredited under the DOE Laboratory Accreditation Program for Radiobioassy.
(a) Monitoring of airborne radioactivity shall be performed:
(1) Where an individual is likely to receive an exposure of 40 or more DAC-hours in a year; or
(2) As necessary to characterize the airborne radioactivity hazard where respiratory protective devices for protection against airborne radionuclides have been prescribed.
(b) Real-time air monitoring shall be performed as necessary to detect and provide warning of airborne radioactivity concentrations that warrant immediate action to terminate inhalation of airborne radioactive material.
(a) If packages containing quantities of radioactive material in excess of a Type A quantity (as defined at 10 CFR 71.4) are expected to be received from radioactive material transportation, arrangements shall be made to either:
(1) Take possession of the package when the carrier offers it for delivery; or
(2) Receive notification as soon as practicable after arrival of the package at the carrier's terminal and to take possession of the package expeditiously after receiving such notification.
(b) Upon receipt from radioactive material transportation, external surfaces of packages known to contain radioactive material shall be monitored if the package:
(1) Is labeled with a Radioactive White I, Yellow II, or Yellow III label (as specified at 49 CFR 172.403 and 172.436-440); or
(2) Has been transported as low specific activity material (as defined at 10 CFR 71.4) on an exclusive use vehicle (as defined at 10 CFR 71.4); or
(3) Has evidence of degradation, such as packages that are crushed, wet, or damaged.
(c) The monitoring required by paragraph (b) of this section shall include:
(1) Measurements of removable contamination levels, unless the package contains only special form (as defined at 10 CFR 71.4) or gaseous radioactive material; and
(2) Measurements of the radiation levels, unless the package contains less than a Type A quantity (as defined at 10 CFR 71.4) of radioactive material.
(d) The monitoring required by paragraph (b) of this section shall be completed as soon as practicable following receipt of the package, but not later than 8 hours after the beginning of the working day following receipt of the package.
(a) Personnel entry control shall be maintained for each radiological area.
(b) The degree of control shall be commensurate with existing and potential radiological hazards within the area.
(c) One or more of the following methods shall be used to ensure control:
(1) Signs and barricades;
(2) Control devices on entrances;
(3) Conspicuous visual and/or audible alarms;
(4) Locked entrance ways; or
(5) Administrative controls.
(d) Written authorizations shall be required to control entry into and perform work within radiological areas. These authorizations shall specify radiation protection measures commensurate with the existing and potential hazards.
(e) No control(s) shall be installed at any radiological area exit that would prevent rapid evacuation of personnel under emergency conditions.
(a) The following measures shall be implemented for each entry into a high radiation area:
(1) The area shall be monitored as necessary during access to determine the exposure rates to which the individuals are exposed; and
(2) Each individual shall be monitored by a supplemental dosimetry device or other means capable of providing an immediate estimate of the individual's integrated deep dose equivalent during the entry.
(b)
(1) A control device that prevents entry to the area when high radiation levels exist or upon entry causes the radiation level to be reduced below that level defining a high radiation area;
(2) A device that functions automatically to prevent use or operation of the radiation source or field while individuals are in the area;
(3) A control device that energizes a conspicuous visible or audible alarm signal so that the individual entering the high radiation area and the supervisor of the activity are made aware of the entry;
(4) Entryways that are locked. During periods when access to the area is required, positive control over each entry is maintained;
(5) Continuous direct or electronic surveillance that is capable of preventing unauthorized entry;
(6) A control device that will automatically generate audible and visual alarm signals to alert personnel in the area before use or operation of the radiation source and in sufficient time to permit evacuation of the area or activation of a secondary control device that will prevent use or operation of the source.
(c)
(d) No control(s) shall be established in a high or very high radiation area that would prevent rapid evacuation of personnel.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this subpart, postings and labels required by this subpart shall include the standard radiation warning trefoil in black or magenta imposed upon a yellow background.
(b) Signs required by this subpart shall be clearly and conspicuously posted and may include radiological protection instructions.
(c) The posting and labeling requirements in this subpart may be modified to reflect the special considerations of DOE activities conducted at private residences or businesses. Such modifications shall provide the same level of protection to individuals as the existing provisions in this subpart.
(a) Each access point to a controlled area (as defined at § 835.2) shall be posted whenever radiological areas or radioactive material areas exist in the area. Individuals who enter only controlled areas without entering radiological areas or radioactive material areas are not expected to receive a total effective dose equivalent of more than 0.1 rem (0.001 sievert) in a year.
(b) Signs used for this purpose may be selected by the contractor to avoid conflict with local security requirements.
Each access point to radiological areas and radioactive material areas (as defined at § 835.2) shall be posted with conspicuous signs bearing the wording provided in this section.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(a) Areas may be excepted from the posting requirements of § 835.603 for periods of less than 8 continuous hours when placed under continuous observation and control of an individual knowledgeable of, and empowered to implement, required access and exposure control measures.
(b) Areas may be excepted from the radioactive material area posting requirements of § 835.603(g) when:
(1) Posted in accordance with §§ 835.603(a) through (f); or
(2) Each item or container of radioactive material is labeled in accordance with this subpart such that individuals entering the area are made aware of the hazard; or
(3) The radioactive material of concern consists solely of structures or installed components which have been activated (i.e., such as by being exposed to neutron radiation or particles produced by an accelerator).
(c) Areas containing only packages received from radioactive material transportation labeled and in non-degraded condition need not be posted in accordance with § 835.603 until the packages are monitored in accordance with § 835.405.
Except as provided at § 835.606, each item or container of radioactive material shall bear a durable, clearly visible label bearing the standard radiation warning trefoil and the words “Caution, Radioactive Material” or “Danger, Radioactive Material.” The label shall also provide sufficient information to permit individuals handling, using, or working in the vicinity of the items or containers to take precautions to avoid or control exposures.
(a) Items and containers may be excepted from the radioactive material labeling requirements of § 835.605 when:
(1) Used, handled, or stored in areas posted and controlled in accordance with this subpart and sufficient information is provided to permit individuals to take precautions to avoid or control exposures; or
(2) The quantity of radioactive material is less than one tenth of the values specified in appendix E of this part; or
(3) Packaged, labeled, and marked in accordance with the regulations of the Department of Transportation or DOE Orders governing radioactive material transportation; or
(4) Inaccessible, or accessible only to individuals authorized to handle or use them, or to work in the vicinity; or
(5) Installed in manufacturing, process, or other equipment, such as reactor components, piping, and tanks; or
(6) The radioactive material consists solely of nuclear weapons or their components.
(b) Radioactive material labels applied to sealed radioactive sources may be excepted from the color specifications of § 835.601(a).
(a) Records shall be maintained to document compliance with this part and with radiation protection programs required by § 835.101.
(b) Unless otherwise specified in this subpart, records shall be retained until final disposition is authorized by DOE.
(a) Records shall be maintained to document doses received by all individuals for whom monitoring was required pursuant to § 835.402 and to document doses received during planned special exposures, unplanned doses exceeding the monitoring thresholds of § 835.402, and authorized emergency exposures.
(b) The results of individual external and internal dose monitoring that is performed, but not required by § 835.402, shall be recorded. Recording of non-uniform shallow dose equivalent to the skin is not required if the dose is less than 2 percent of the limit specified for the skin at § 835.202(a)(4).
(c) The records required by this section shall:
(1) Be sufficient to evaluate compliance with subpart C of this part;
(2) Be sufficient to provide dose information necessary to complete reports required by subpart I of this part;
(3) Include the following quantities for external dose received during the year:
(i) The effective dose equivalent from external sources of radiation (deep dose equivalent may be used as effective dose equivalent for external exposure);
(ii) The lens of the eye dose equivalent;
(iii) The shallow dose equivalent to the skin; and
(iv) The shallow dose equivalent to the extremities.
(4) Include the following information for internal dose resulting from intakes received during the year:
(i) Committed effective dose equivalent;
(ii) Committed dose equivalent to any organ or tissue of concern; and
(iii) Identity of radionuclides.
(5) Include the following quantities for the summation of the external and internal dose:
(i) Total effective dose equivalent in a year;
(ii) For any organ or tissue assigned an internal dose during the year, the sum of the deep dose equivalent from external exposures and the committed dose equivalent to that organ or tissue; and
(iii) Cumulative total effective dose equivalent.
(6) Include the dose equivalent to the embryo/fetus of a declared pregnant worker.
(d) Documentation of all occupational doses received during the current year, except for doses resulting from planned special exposures conducted in compliance with § 835.204 and emergency exposures authorized in accordance with § 835.1302(d), shall be obtained to demonstrate compliance with § 835.202(a). If complete records documenting previous occupational dose during the year cannot be obtained, a written estimate signed by the individual may be accepted to demonstrate compliance.
(e) For radiological workers whose occupational dose is monitored in accordance with § 835.402, reasonable efforts shall be made to obtain complete records of prior years occupational internal and external doses.
(f) The records specified in this section that are identified with a specific individual shall be readily available to that individual.
(g) Data necessary to allow future verification or reassessment of the recorded doses shall be recorded.
(h) All records required by this section shall be transferred to the DOE upon cessation of activities at the site that could cause exposure to individuals.
The following information shall be documented and maintained:
(a) Results of monitoring for radiation and radioactive material as required by subparts E and L of this part, except for monitoring required by § 835.1102(d);
(b) Results of monitoring used to determine individual occupational dose from external and internal sources;
(c) Results of monitoring for the release and control of material and equipment as required by § 835.1101; and
(d) Results of maintenance and calibration performed on instruments and equipment as required by § 835.401(b).
(a) Training records shall be maintained, as necessary, to demonstrate compliance with §§ 835.901.
(b) Actions taken to maintain occupational exposures as low as reasonably achievable, including the actions required for this purpose by § 835.101, as well as facility design and control actions required by §§ 835.1001, 835.1002, and 835.1003, shall be documented.
(c) Records shall be maintained to document the results of internal audits and other reviews of program content and implementation.
(d) Written declarations of pregnancy, including the estimated date of conception, and revocations of declarations of pregnancy shall be maintained.
(e) Changes in equipment, techniques, and procedures used for monitoring shall be documented.
(f) Records shall be maintained as necessary to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of §§ 835.1201 and 835.1202 for sealed radioactive source control, inventory, and source leak tests.
(a) Radiation exposure data for individuals monitored in accordance with § 835.402 shall be reported as specified in this section. The information shall include the data required under § 835.702(c). Each notification and report shall be in writing and include: the DOE site or facility name, the name of the individual, and the individual's social security number, employee number, or other unique identification number.
(b) Upon the request from an individual terminating employment, records of exposure shall be provided to that individual as soon as the data are available, but not later than 90 days after termination. A written estimate of the radiation dose received by that employee based on available information shall be provided at the time of termination, if requested.
(c) Each DOE- or DOE-contractor-operated site or facility shall, on an annual basis, provide a radiation dose report to each individual monitored during the year at that site or facility in accordance with § 835.402.
(d) Detailed information concerning any individual's exposure shall be made available to the individual upon request of that individual, consistent with the provisions of the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a).
(e) When a DOE contractor is required to report to the Department, pursuant to Departmental requirements for occurrence reporting and processing, any exposure of an individual to radiation and/or radioactive material, or planned special exposure in accordance with § 835.204(e), the contractor shall also provide that individual with a report on his or her exposure data included therein. Such report shall be transmitted at a time not later than the transmittal to the Department.
(a) Each individual shall complete radiation safety training on the topics established at § 835.901(c) commensurate with the hazards in the area and the required controls:
(1) Before being permitted unescorted access to controlled areas; and
(2) Before receiving occupational dose during access to controlled areas at a DOE site or facility.
(b) Each individual shall demonstrate knowledge of the radiation safety training topics established at § 835.901(c), commensurate with the hazards in the area and required controls, by successful completion of an examination and performance demonstrations:
(1) Before being permitted unescorted access to radiological areas; and
(2) Before performing unescorted assignments as a radiological worker.
(c) Radiation safety training shall include the following topics, to the extent appropriate to each individual's prior training, work assignments, and degree of exposure to potential radiological hazards:
(1) Risks of exposure to radiation and radioactive materials, including prenatal radiation exposure;
(2) Basic radiological fundamentals and radiation protection concepts;
(3) Physical design features, administrative controls, limits, policies, procedures, alarms, and other measures implemented at the facility to manage doses and maintain doses ALARA, including both routine and emergency actions;
(4) Individual rights and responsibilities as related to implementation of the facility radiation protection program;
(5) Individual responsibilities for implementing ALARA measures required by § 835.101; and
(6) Individual exposure reports that may be requested in accordance with § 835.801.
(d) When an escort is used in lieu of training in accordance with paragraph (a) or (b) of this section, the escort shall:
(1) Have completed radiation safety training, examinations, and performance demonstrations required for entry to the area and performance of the work; and
(2) Ensure that all escorted individuals comply with the documented radiation protection program.
(e) Radiation safety training shall be provided to individuals when there is a significant change to radiation protection policies and procedures that may affect the individual and at intervals not to exceed 24 months. Such training provided for individuals subject to the requirements of § 835.901(b)(1) and (b)(2) shall include successful completion of an examination.
(a) Measures shall be taken to maintain radiation exposure in controlled areas ALARA through physical design features and administrative control. The primary methods used shall be physical design features (e.g., confinement, ventilation, remote handling, and shielding). Administrative controls shall be employed only as supplemental methods to control radiation exposure.
(b) For specific activities where use of physical design features is demonstrated to be impractical, administrative controls shall be used to maintain radiation exposures ALARA.
During the design of new facilities or modification of existing facilities, the following objectives shall be adopted:
(a) Optimization methods shall be used to assure that occupational exposure is maintained ALARA in developing and justifying facility design and physical controls.
(b) The design objective for controlling personnel exposure from external sources of radiation in areas of continuous occupational occupancy (2000 hours per year) shall be to maintain exposure levels below an average of 0.5 mrem (5 microsieverts) per hour and as far below this average as is reasonably achievable. The design objectives for exposure rates for potential exposure to a radiological worker where occupancy differs from the above shall be ALARA and shall not exceed 20 percent of the applicable standards in § 835.202.
(c) Regarding the control of airborne radioactive material, the design objective shall be, under normal conditions, to avoid releases to the workplace atmosphere and in any situation, to control the inhalation of such material by workers to levels that are ALARA; confinement and ventilation shall normally be used.
(d) The design or modification of a facility and the selection of materials shall include features that facilitate operations, maintenance, decontamination, and decommissioning.
During routine operations, the combination of physical design features and administrative controls shall provide that:
(a) The anticipated occupational dose to general employees shall not exceed the limits established at § 835.202; and
(b) The ALARA process is utilized for personnel exposures to ionizing radiation.
(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, material and equipment in contamination areas, high contamination areas, and airborne radioactivity areas shall not be released to a controlled area if:
(1) Removable surface contamination levels on accessible surfaces exceed the removable surface contamination values specified in appendix D of this part; or
(2) Prior use suggests that the removable surface contamination levels on inaccessible surfaces are likely to exceed the removable surface contamination values specified in appendix D of this part.
(b) Material and equipment exceeding the removable surface contamination values specified in appendix D of this part may be conditionally released for movement on-site from one radiological area for immediate placement in another radiological area only if appropriate monitoring is performed and appropriate controls for the movement are established and exercised.
(c) Material and equipment with fixed contamination levels that exceed the total contamination values specified in appendix D of this part may be released for use in controlled areas outside of radiological areas only under the following conditions:
(1) Removable surface contamination levels are below the removable surface contamination values specified in appendix D of this part; and
(2) The material or equipment is routinely monitored and clearly marked or labeled to alert personnel of the contaminated status.
(a) Appropriate controls shall be maintained and verified which prevent the inadvertent transfer of removable contamination to locations outside of radiological areas under normal operating conditions.
(b) Any area in which contamination levels exceed the values specified in appendix D of this part shall be controlled in a manner commensurate with the physical and chemical characteristics of the contaminant, the radionuclides present, and the fixed and removable surface contamination levels.
(c) Areas accessible to individuals where the measured total surface contamination levels exceed, but the removable surface contamination levels are less than, corresponding surface contamination values specified in appendix D of this part, shall be controlled as follows when located outside of radiological areas:
(1) The area shall be routinely monitored to ensure the removable surface contamination level remains below the removable surface contamination values specified in appendix D of this part; and
(2) The area shall be conspicuously marked to warn individuals of the contaminated status.
(d) Individuals exiting contamination, high contamination, or airborne radioactivity areas shall be monitored, as appropriate, for the presence of surface contamination.
(e) Protective clothing shall be required for entry to areas in which removable contamination exists at levels exceeding the removable surface contamination values specified in appendix D of this part.
Sealed radioactive sources shall be used, handled, and stored in a manner commensurate with the hazards associated with operations involving the sources.
(a) Each accountable sealed radioactive source shall be inventoried at intervals not to exceed six months. This inventory shall:
(1) Establish the physical location of each accountable sealed radioactive source;
(2) Verify the presence and adequacy of associated postings and labels; and
(3) Establish the adequacy of storage locations, containers, and devices.
(b) Except for sealed radioactive sources consisting solely of gaseous radioactive material or tritium, each accountable sealed radioactive source shall be subject to a source leak test upon receipt, when damage is suspected, and at intervals not to exceed six months. Source leak tests shall be capable of detecting radioactive material leakage equal to or exceeding 0.005 microcurie.
(c) Notwithstanding the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section, an accountable sealed radioactive
(d) Notwithstanding the requirements of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, an accountable sealed radioactive source is not subject to periodic inventory and source leak testing if that source is located in an area that is unsafe for human entry or otherwise inaccessible.
(e) An accountable sealed radioactive source found to be leaking radioactive material shall be controlled in a manner that minimizes the spread of radioactive contamination.
(a) A general employee whose occupational dose has exceeded the numerical value of any of the limits specified in § 835.202 as a result of an authorized emergency exposure may be permitted to return to work in radiological areas during the current year providing that all of the following conditions are met:
(1) Approval is first obtained from the contractor management and the Head of the responsible DOE field organization;
(2) The individual receives counseling from radiological protection and medical personnel regarding the consequences of receiving additional occupational exposure during the year; and
(3) The affected employee agrees to return to radiological work.
(b) All doses exceeding the limits specified in § 835.202 shall be recorded in the affected individual's occupational dose record.
(c) When the conditions under which a dose was received in excess of the limits specified in § 835.202, except those received in accordance with § 835.204, have been eliminated, operating management shall notify the Head of the responsible DOE field organization.
(d) Operations after a dose was received in excess of the limits specified in § 835.202, except those received in accordance with § 835.204, may be resumed only with the approval of DOE.
(a) The risk of injury to those individuals involved in rescue and recovery operations shall be minimized.
(b) Operating management shall weigh actual and potential risks against the benefits to be gained.
(c) No individual shall be required to perform a rescue action that might involve substantial personal risk.
(d) Each individual authorized to perform emergency actions likely to result in occupational doses exceeding the values of the limits provided at § 835.202(a) shall be trained in accordance with § 835.901(b) and briefed beforehand on the known or anticipated hazards to which the individual will be subjected.
(a) Installations possessing sufficient quantities of fissile material to potentially constitute a critical mass, such that the excessive exposure of individuals to radiation from a nuclear accident is possible, shall provide nuclear accident dosimetry for those individuals.
(b) Nuclear accident dosimetry shall include the following:
(1) A method to conduct initial screening of individuals involved in a nuclear accident to determine whether significant exposures to radiation occurred;
(2) Methods and equipment for analysis of biological materials;
(3) A system of fixed nuclear accident dosimeter units; and
(4) Personal nuclear accident dosimeters.
The data presented in appendix A are to be used for controlling individual internal doses in accordance with § 835.209, identifying the need for air monitoring in accordance with § 835.403, and identifying the need for posting of airborne radioactivity areas in accordance with § 835.603(d).
The DAC values are given for individual radionuclides. For known mixtures of radionuclides, determine the sum of the ratio of the observed concentration of a particular radionuclide and its corresponding DAC for all radionuclides in the mixture. If this sum exceeds unity (1), then the DAC has been exceeded. For unknown radionuclides, the most restrictive DAC (lowest value) for those isotopes not known to be absent shall be used.
The derived air concentrations (DAC) for limiting radiation exposures through inhalation of radionuclides by workers are listed in this appendix. The values are based on either a stochastic (committed effective dose equivalent) dose limit of 5 rems (0.05 Sv) or a non-stochastic (organ) dose limit of 50 rems (0.5 Sv) per year, whichever is more limiting.
the 15 rems [0.15 Sv] dose limit for the lens of the eye does not appear as a critical organ dose limit.)
The columns in this appendix contain the following information: (1) Radionuclide; (2) inhaled air DAC for lung retention class D, W, and Y in units of μCi/ml; (3) inhaled air DAC for lung retention class D, W, and Y in units of Bq/m
a. The data presented in appendix C are to be used for controlling occupational exposures in accordance with § 835.209, identifying the need for air monitoring in accordance with § 835.403, and identifying the need for posting of airborne radioactivity areas in accordance with § 835.603(d).
b. The air immersion DAC values shown in this appendix are based on a stochastic dose limit of 5 rems (0.05 Sv) per year or a nonstochastic (organ) dose limit of 50 rems (0.5 Sv) per year. Four columns of information are presented: (1) Radionuclide; (2) half-life in units of seconds (s), minutes (min), hours (h), days (d), or years (yr); (3) air immersion DAC in units of μCi/ml; and (4) air immersion DAC in units of Bq/m
c. The DAC value for air immersion listed for a given radionuclide is determined either by a yearly limit on effective dose equivalent, which provides a limit on stochastic radiation effects, or by a limit on yearly dose equivalent to any organ, which provides a limit on nonstochastic radiation effects. For most of the radionuclides listed, the DAC value is determined by the yearly limit on effective dose equivalent. Thus, the few cases where the DAC value is determined by the yearly limit on shallow dose equivalent to
d. Three classes of radionuclides are included in the air immersion DACs as described below.
(1)
(2)
(3)
e. The DAC values are given for individual radionuclides. For known mixtures of radionuclides, determine the sum of the ratio of the observed concentration of a particular radionuclide and its corresponding DAC for all radionuclides in the mixture. If this sum exceeds unity (1), then the DAC has been exceeded. For unknown radionuclides, the most restrictive DAC (lowest value) for those isotopes not known to be absent shall be used.
The data presented in appendix D are to be used in identifying the need for posting of contamination and high contamination areas in accordance with § 835.603(e) and (f) and identifying the need for surface contamination monitoring and control in accordance with §§ 835.1101 and 835.1102.
The data presented in this appendix E are to be used for identifying accountable sealed radioactive sources as defined at § 835.2(a), establishing the need for radioactive material area posting in accordance with § 835.603(g), and establishing the need for radioactive material labeling in accordance with § 835.605.
The data are listed in alphabetical order by nuclide.
Any alpha emitting radionuclide not listed above and mixtures of alpha emitters of unknown composition have a value of 10 microcuries.
Any radionuclide other than alpha emitting radionuclides not listed above and mixtures of beta emitters of unknown composition have a value of 100 microcuries.
Where there is involved a combination of radionuclides in known amounts, derive the value for the combination as follows: determine, for each radionuclide in the combination, the ratio between the quantity present in the combination and the value otherwise established for the specific radionuclide when not in combination. If the sum of such ratios for all radionuclides in the combination exceeds unity (1), then the accountability criterion has been exceeded.
Sec. 161 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, Pub. L. 83-703, 68 Stat. 919 (42 U.S.C. 2201); sec. 170 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, Pub. L. 85-256, 71 Stat. 576, as amended by Pub. L. 89-645, 80 Stat. 891 (42 U.S.C. 2210); Department of Energy Organization Act, Pub. L. 95-91, 91 Stat. 565-613 (42 U.S.C. 7101-7352).
(a)
(b)
(1) The system is to come into effect only where the discharge or dispersal constitutes a substantial amount of source, special nuclear or byproduct material, or has caused substantial radiation levels offsite. The various limits in present DOE regulations are not appropriate for direct application in the determination of an “extraordinary nuclear occurrence,” for they were arrived at with other purposes in mind, and those limits have been set at a level which is conservatively arrived at by incorporating a significant safety factor. Thus, a discharge or dispersal which exceeds the limits in DOE regulations, or in DOE orders, although possible cause for concern, is not one which would be expected to cause substantial injury or damage unless it exceeds by some significant multiple the appropriate regulatory limit. Accordingly, in arriving at the values in the criteria to be deemed “substantial” it is more appropriate to adopt values separate from DOE health and safety
(2) It is the purpose of the second part of the determination that DOE decide whether there have in fact been or will probably be substantial damages to persons offsite or property offsite. The criteria for substantial damages were formulated, and the numerical values selected, on a wholly different basis from that on which the criteria used for the first part of the determination with respect to substantial discharge were derived. The only interrelation between the values selected for the discharge criteria and the damage criteria is that the discharge values are set so low that it is extremely unlikely the damage criteria could be satisfied unless the discharge values have been exceeded.
(3) The first part of the test is designed so that DOE can assure itself that something exceptional has occurred; that something untoward and unexpected has in fact taken place and that this event is of sufficient significance to raise the possibility that some damage to persons or property offsite has resulted or may result. If there appears to be no damage, the waivers will not apply because DOE will be unable, under the second part of the test, to make a determination that “substantial damages” have resulted or will probably result. If damages have resulted or will probably result, they could vary from de minimis to serious, and the waivers will not apply until the damages, both actual and probable, are determined to be “substantial” within the second part of the test.
(4) The presence or absence of an extraordinary nuclear occurrence determination does not concomitantly determine whether or not a particular claimant will recover on his claim. In effect, it is intended primarily to determine whether certain potential obstacles to recovery are to be removed from the route the claimant would ordinarily follow to seek compensation for his injury or damage. If there has not been an extraordinary nuclear occurrence determination, the claimant must proceed (in the absence of settlement) with a tort action subject to whatever issues must be met, and whatever defenses are available to the defendant, under the law applicable in the relevant jurisdiction. If there has been an extraordinary nuclear occurrence determination, the claimant must still proceed (in the absence of settlement) with a tort action, but the claimant's burden is substantially eased by the elimination of certain issues which may be involved and certain defenses which may be available to the defendant. In either case the defendant may defend with respect to such of the following matters as are in issue in any given claim: the nature of the claimant's alleged damages, the causal relationship between the event and the alleged damages, and the amount of the alleged damages.
(a) DOE may initiate, on its own motion, the making of a determination as to whether or not there has been an extraordinary nuclear occurrence. In the event DOE does not so initiate the making of a determination, any affected person, or any person with
(b) When a procedure is initiated under paragraph (a) of this section, the principal staff which will begin immediately to assemble the relevant information and prepare a report on which the DOE can make its determination will consist of the Directors or their designees of the following Divisions or Offices: Office of Nuclear Safety, Office of Operational Safety, Office of Health and Environmental Research, the General Counsel or his designee, and a representative of the program division whose facility or device may be involved.
If the DOE determines that both of the criteria set forth in § 840.4 and § 840.5 have been met, it will make the determination that there has been an extraordinary nuclear occurrence. If the DOE publishes a notice in the
DOE will determine that there has been a substantial discharge or dispersal of radioactive material offsite, or that there have been substantial levels of radiation offsite, when as a result of an event comprised of one or more related happenings, radioactive material is released from its intended place of confinement or radiation levels occur offsite and either of the following findings are also made:
(a) DOE finds that one or more persons offsite were, could have been, or might be exposed to radiation or to radioactive material, resulting in a dose or in a projected dose in excess of one of the levels in the following table:
Exposures from the following types of sources of radiation shall be included:
(1) Radiation from sources external to the body;
(2) Radioactive material that may be taken into the body from its occurrence in air or water; and
(3) Radioactive material that may be taken into the body from its occurrence in food or on terrestrial surfaces.
(b) DOE finds that—
(1) Surface contamination of at least a total of any 100 square meters of offsite property has occurred as the result of a release of radioactive material from a production or utilization facility or device and such contamination is characterized by levels of radiation in excess of one of the values listed in column 1 or column 2 of the following table, or
(2) Surface contamination of any offsite property has occurred as the result of a release of radioactive material in the course of transportation and such contamination is characterized by levels of radiation in excess of one of the values listed in column 2 of the following table:
(a) After DOE has determined that an event has satisfied Criterion I, DOE will determine that the event has resulted or will probably result in substantial damages to persons offsite or property offsite if any of the following findings are made:
(1) DOE finds that such event has resulted in the death or hospitalization, within 30 days of the event, of five or more people located offsite showing objective clinical evidence of physical injury from exposure to the radioactive, toxic, explosive, or other hazardous properties of source, special nuclear, or byproduct material; or
(2) DOE finds that $2,500,000 or more of damage offsite has been or will probably be sustained by any one person, or $5 million or more of such damage in the aggregate has been or will probably be sustained, as the result of such event; or
(3) DOE finds that $5,000 or more of damage offsite has been or will probably be sustained by each of 50 or more persons, provided that $1 million or more of such damage in the aggregate has been or will probably be sustained, as the result of such event.
(b) As used in paragraphs (a) (2) and (3) of this section “damage” shall be that arising out of or resulting from the radioactive, toxic, explosive, or other hazardous properties of source, special nuclear, or byproduct material, and shall be based upon estimates of one or more of the following:
(1) Total cost necessary to put affected property back into use.
(2) Loss of use of affected property.
(3) Value of affected property where not practical to restore to use.
(4) Financial loss resulting from protective actions appropriate to reduce or avoid exposure to radiation or to radioactive materials.
42 U.S.C. 2201(i)(3), (p); 29 U.S.C. 668; E.O. 12196, 3 CFR 1981 comp., p. 145 as amended.
This part establishes a chronic beryllium disease prevention program (CBDPP) that supplements and is integrated into existing worker protection programs that are established for Department of Energy (DOE) employees and DOE contractor employees.
(a) This part applies to:
(1) DOE offices responsible for operations or activities that involve present or past exposure, or the potential for exposure, to beryllium at DOE facilities;
(2) DOE contractors with operations or activities that involve present or past exposure, or the potential for exposure, to beryllium at DOE facilities; and
(3) Any current DOE employee, DOE contractor employee, or other worker at a DOE facility who is or was exposed or potentially exposed to beryllium at a DOE facility.
(b) This part does not apply to:
(1) Beryllium articles; and
(2) DOE laboratory operations that meet the definition of laboratory use of hazardous chemicals in 29 CFR 1910.1450, Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemical in Laboratories.
(a) As used in this part:
(1) A beryllium worker;
(2) A current worker whose work history shows that the worker may have been exposed to airborne concentrations of beryllium at a DOE facility;
(3) A current worker who exhibits signs or symptoms of beryllium exposure; and
(4) A current worker who is receiving medical removal protection benefits.
(1) For DOE contractor employees, the DOE contractor office that is directly responsible for the safety and health of DOE contractor employees while performing a beryllium activity or other activity at a DOE facility; or
(2) For DOE employees, the DOE office that is directly responsible for the safety and health of DOE Federal employees while performing a beryllium activity or other activity at a DOE facility; and
(3) Any person acting directly or indirectly for such office with respect to terms and conditions of employment of beryllium-associated workers.
(b) Terms undefined in this part that are defined in the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 shall have the same meaning as under that Act.
DOE may take appropriate steps under its contracts with DOE contractors to ensure compliance with this part. These steps include, but are not limited to, contract termination or reduction in fee.
(a) Subject to paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, any worker who is adversely affected by an action taken, or failure to act, under this part may petition the Office of Hearings and Appeals for relief in accordance with 10 CFR part 1003, Subpart G.
(b) The Office of Hearings and Appeals may not accept a petition from a worker unless the worker requested the responsible employer to correct the violation, and the responsible employer refused or failed to take corrective action within a reasonable time.
(c) If the dispute relates to a term or condition of employment that is covered by a grievance-arbitration provision in a collective bargaining agreement, the worker must exhaust all applicable grievance-arbitration procedures before filing a petition for relief with the Office of Hearings and Appeals. A worker is deemed to have exhausted all applicable grievance-arbitration procedures if 150 days have passed since the filing of a grievance
(a)
(2) If the CBDPP has separate sections addressing the activities of multiple contractors at the facility, the Head of DOE Field Element will designate a single DOE contractor to review and approve the sections prepared by other contractors, so that a single consolidated CBDPP for the facility is submitted to the Head of DOE Field Element for review and approval.
(b)
(1) The initial CBDPP and any updates are deemed approved 90 days after submission if they are not specifically approved or rejected by DOE earlier.
(2) The responsible employer must furnish a copy of the approved CBDPP, upon request, to the DOE Assistant Secretary for Environment, Safety and Health or designee, DOE program offices, and affected workers or their designated representatives.
(c)
(d)
(1) Give the labor organization timely notice of the development and implementation of the CBDPP and any updates thereto; and
(2) Upon timely request, bargain concerning implementation of this part, consistent with the Federal labor laws.
(a) The CBDPP must specify the existing and planned operational tasks that are within the scope of the CBDPP. The CBDPP must augment and, to the extent feasible, be integrated into the existing worker protection programs that cover activities at the facility.
(b) The detail, scope, and content of the CBDPP must be commensurate with the hazard of the activities performed, but in all cases the CBDPP must:
(1) Include formal plans and measures for maintaining exposures to beryllium at or below the permissible exposure level prescribed in § 850.22;
(2) Satisfy each requirement in subpart C of this part;
(3) Contain provisions for:
(i) Minimizing the number of workers exposed and potentially exposed to beryllium;
(ii) Minimizing the number of opportunities for workers to be exposed to beryllium;
(iii) Minimizing the disability and lost work time of workers due to chronic beryllium disease, beryllium sensitization and associated medical care; and
(iv) Setting specific exposure reduction and minimization goals that are appropriate for the beryllium activities covered by the CBDPP to further reduce exposure below the permissible exposure limit prescribed in § 850.22.
(a) The responsible employer must manage and control beryllium exposures in all DOE beryllium activities consistent with the approved CBDPP.
(b) No person employed by DOE or a DOE contractor may take or cause any action inconsistent with the requirements of:
(1) This part,
(2) An approved CBDPP, and
(3) Any other Federal statute or regulation concerning the exposure of workers to beryllium at DOE facilities.
(c) No task involving potential exposure to airborne beryllium that is outside the scope of the existing CBDPP may be initiated until an update of the CBDPP is approved by the Head of DOE Field Element, except in an unexpected situation and, then, only upon approval of the Head of DOE Field Element.
(d) Nothing in this part precludes a responsible employer from taking any additional protective action that it determines to be necessary to protect the health and safety of workers.
(e) Nothing in this part affects the responsibilities of DOE officials under the Federal Employee Occupational Safety and Health Program (29 CFR part 1960) and related DOE directives.
(a) The responsible employer must conduct activities in compliance with its CBDPP.
(b) The responsible employer must achieve compliance with all elements of its CBDPP no later than January 7, 2002.
(c) With respect to a particular beryllium activity, the contractor in charge of the activity is responsible for complying with this part. If no contractor is responsible for a beryllium activity, DOE must ensure implementation of, and compliance with, this part.
(a) The responsible employer must develop a baseline inventory of the locations of beryllium operations and other locations of potential beryllium contamination, and identify the workers exposed or potentially exposed to beryllium at those locations.
(b) In conducting the baseline inventory, the responsible employer must:
(1) Review current and historical records;
(2) Interview workers;
(3) Document the characteristics and locations of beryllium at the facility; and
(4) Conduct air, surface, and bulk sampling.
(c) The responsible employer must ensure that:
(1) The baseline beryllium inventory is managed by a qualified individual (e.g., a certified industrial hygienist); and
(2) The individuals assigned to this task have sufficient knowledge and experience to perform such activities properly.
(a) If the baseline inventory establishes the presence of beryllium, the responsible employer must conduct a beryllium hazard assessment that includes an analysis of existing conditions, exposure data, medical surveillance trends, and the exposure potential of planned activities. The exposure determinants, characteristics and exposure potential of activities must be prioritized so that the activities with the greatest risks of exposure are evaluated first.
(b) The responsible employer must ensure that:
(1) The hazard assessment is managed by a qualified individual (e.g., a certified industrial hygienist); and
(2) The individuals assigned to this task have sufficient knowledge and experience to perform such activities properly.
The responsible employer must assure that no worker is exposed to an airborne concentration of beryllium greater than the permissible exposure limit established in 29 CFR 1910.1000, as measured in the worker's breathing zone by personal monitoring, or a more stringent TWA PEL that may be promulgated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration as a health standard.
(a) The responsible employer must include in its CBDPP an action level that is no greater than 0.2 μg/m
(b) If an airborne concentration of beryllium is at or above the action level, the responsible employer must implement §§ 850.24(c) (periodic monitoring),
(a)
(1) Exposure monitoring is managed by a qualified individual (e.g., a certified industrial hygienist); and
(2) The individuals assigned to this task have sufficient industrial hygiene knowledge and experience to perform such activities properly.
(b)
(1) The responsible employer must determine workers' 8-hour TWA exposure levels by conducting personal breathing zone sampling.
(2) Exposure monitoring results obtained within the 12 months preceding the effective date of this part may be used to satisfy this requirement if the measurements were made as provided in paragraph (b)(1) of this section.
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(i) Made personally to the affected worker; or
(ii) Posted in location(s) that is readily accessible to the affected worker, but in a manner that does not identify the individual to other workers.
(2) If the monitoring results indicate that a worker's exposure is at or above the action level, the responsible employer must include in the notice:
(i) A statement that the action level has been met or exceeded; and
(ii) A description of the corrective action being taken by the responsible employer to reduce the worker's exposure to below the action level, if practicable.
(3) If the monitoring results indicate that worker exposure is at or above the action level, the responsible employer must also notify DOE and the SOMD of these results within 10 working days after receipt.
(a) The responsible employer must ensure that no worker is exposed above the exposure limit prescribed in § 850.22.
(b) The responsible employer must, in addition:
(1) Where exposure levels are at or above the action level, establish a formal exposure reduction and minimization program to reduce exposure levels
(i) Annual goals for exposure reduction and minimization;
(ii) A rationale for and a strategy for meeting the goals;
(iii) Actions that will be taken to achieve the goals; and
(iv) A means of tracking progress towards meeting the goals or demonstrating that the goals have been met.
(2) Where exposure levels are below the action level, implement actions for reducing and minimizing exposures, if practicable. The responsible employer must include in the CBDPP a description of the steps to be taken for exposure reduction and minimization and a rationale for those steps.
(c) The responsible employer must implement exposure reduction and minimization actions using the conventional hierarchy of industrial hygiene controls (
(a) If airborne concentrations of beryllium in areas in DOE facilities are measured at or above the action level, the responsible employer must establish regulated areas for those areas.
(b) The responsible employer must demarcate regulated areas from the rest of the workplace in a manner that adequately alerts workers to the boundaries of such areas.
(c) The responsible employer must limit access to regulated areas to authorized persons.
(d) The responsible employer must keep records of all individuals who enter regulated areas. These records must include the name, date, time in and time out, and work activity.
(a)
(1) Food or beverage and tobacco products are not used;
(2) Cosmetics are not applied, except in change rooms or areas and shower facilities required under paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section; and
(3) Beryllium workers are prevented from exiting areas that contain beryllium with contamination on their bodies or their personal clothing.
(b)
(1) Separate facilities free of beryllium must be provided for beryllium workers to change into, and store, personal clothing, and clean protective clothing and equipment to prevent cross-contamination;
(2) The change rooms or areas that are used to remove beryllium-contaminated clothing and protective equipment must be maintained under negative pressure or located so as to minimize dispersion of beryllium into clean areas; and
(c)
(2) The responsible employer must assure that beryllium workers who work in regulated areas shower at the end of the work shift.
(d)
(2) The responsible employer must assure that beryllium workers do not enter lunchroom facilities with protective work clothing or equipment unless the surface beryllium has been removed from clothing and equipment by HEPA vacuuming or other method that removes beryllium without dispersing it.
(e) The change rooms or areas, shower and handwashing facilities, and lunchroom facilities must comply with 29 CFR 1910.141, Sanitation.
(a) The responsible employer must establish a respiratory protection program that complies with the respiratory protection program requirements of 29 CFR 1910.134, Respiratory Protection.
(b) The responsible employer must provide respirators to, and ensure that they are used by, all workers who:
(1) Are exposed to an airborne concentration of beryllium at or above the action level, or
(2) Are performing tasks for which analyses indicate the potential for exposures at or above the action level.
(c) The responsible employer must include in the respiratory protection program any beryllium-associated worker who requests to use a respirator for protection against airborne beryllium, regardless of measured exposure levels.
(d) The responsible employer must select for use by workers:
(1) Respirators approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) if NIOSH-approved respirators exist for a specific DOE task; or
(2) Respirators that DOE has accepted under the DOE Respiratory Protection Acceptance Program if NIOSH-approved respirators do not exist for specific DOE tasks.
(a) The responsible employer must provide protective clothing and equipment to beryllium workers and ensure its appropriate use and maintenance, where dispersible forms of beryllium may contact worker's skin, enter openings in workers' skin, or contact workers' eyes, including where:
(1) Exposure monitoring has established that airborne concentrations of beryllium are at or above the action level;
(2) Surface contamination levels measured or presumed prior to initiating work are above the level prescribed in § 850.30;
(3) Surface contamination levels results obtained to confirm housekeeping efforts are above the level prescribed in § 850.30; and
(4) Any beryllium-associated worker who requests the use of protective clothing and equipment for protection against airborne beryllium, regardless of measured exposure levels.
(b) The responsible employer must comply with 29 CFR 1910.132, Personal Protective Equipment General Requirements, when workers use personal protective clothing and equipment.
(c) The responsible employer must establish procedures for donning, doffing, handling, and storing protective clothing and equipment that:
(1) Prevent beryllium workers from exiting areas that contain beryllium with contamination on their bodies or their personal clothing; and
(2) Include beryllium workers exchanging their personal clothing for full-body protective clothing and footwear before they begin work in regulated areas.
(d) The responsible employer must ensure that no worker removes beryllium-contaminated protective clothing and equipment from areas that contain beryllium, except for workers authorized to launder, clean, maintain, or dispose of the clothing and equipment.
(e) The responsible employer must prohibit the removal of beryllium from protective clothing and equipment by blowing, shaking, or other means that may disperse beryllium into the air.
(f) The responsible employer must ensure that protective clothing and equipment is cleaned, laundered, repaired, or replaced as needed to maintain effectiveness. The responsible employer must:
(1) Ensure that beryllium-contaminated protective clothing and equipment, when removed for laundering, cleaning, maintenance, or disposal, is placed in containers that prevent the dispersion of beryllium dust and that are labeled in accordance with § 850.38 of this part; and
(2) Inform organizations that launder or clean DOE beryllium-contaminated protective clothing or equipment that exposure to beryllium is potentially harmful, and that clothing and equipment should be laundered or cleaned in a manner prescribed by the responsible employer to prevent the release of airborne beryllium.
(a) Where beryllium is present in operational areas of DOE facilities, the responsible employer must conduct routine surface sampling to determine housekeeping conditions. Surfaces contaminated with beryllium dusts and waste must not exceed a removable contamination level of 3 μg/100 cm
(b) When cleaning floors and surfaces in areas where beryllium is present at DOE facilities, the responsible employer must clean beryllium-contaminated floors and surfaces using a wet method, vacuuming or other cleaning methods, such as sticky tack cloths, that avoid the production of airborne dust. Compressed air or dry methods must not be used for such cleaning.
(c) The responsible employer must equip the portable or mobile vacuum units that are used to clean beryllium-contaminated areas with HEPA filters, and change the filters as often as needed to maintain their capture efficiency.
(d) The responsible employer must ensure that the cleaning equipment that is used to clean beryllium-contaminated surfaces is labeled, controlled, and not used for non-hazardous materials.
(a) The responsible employer must clean beryllium-contaminated equipment and other items to the lowest contamination level practicable, but not to exceed the levels established in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, and label the equipment or other items, before releasing them to the general public or a DOE facility for non-beryllium use, or to another facility for work involving beryllium.
(b) Before releasing beryllium-contaminated equipment or other items to the general public or for use in a non-beryllium area of a DOE facility, the responsible employer must ensure that:
(1) The removable contamination level of equipment or item surfaces does not exceed the higher of 0.2 μg/100 cm
(2) The equipment or item is labeled in accordance with § 850.38(b); and
(3) The release is conditioned on the recipient's commitment to implement controls that will prevent foreseeable beryllium exposure, considering the nature of the equipment or item and its future use and the nature of the beryllium contamination.
(c) Before releasing beryllium-contaminated equipment or other items to another facility performing work with beryllium, the responsible employer must ensure that:
(1) The removable contamination level of equipment or item surfaces does not exceed 3 μg/100 cm
(2) The equipment or item is labeled in accordance with § 850.38(b); and
(3) The equipment or item is enclosed or placed in sealed, impermeable bags or containers to prevent the release of beryllium dust during handling and transportation.
(a) The responsible employer must control the generation of beryllium-containing waste, and beryllium-contaminated equipment and other items that are disposed of as waste, through the application of waste minimization principles.
(b) Beryllium-containing waste, and beryllium-contaminated equipment and other items that are disposed of as waste, must be disposed of in sealed, impermeable bags, containers, or enclosures to prevent the release of beryllium dust during handling and transportation. The bags, containers, and enclosures that are used for disposal of beryllium waste must be labeled according to § 850.38.
(a) The responsible employer must comply with 29 CFR 1910.120(l) for handling beryllium emergencies related to decontamination and decommissioning operations.
(b) The responsible employer must comply with 29 CFR 1910.120(q) for handling beryllium emergencies related to all other operations.
(a)
(2) The responsible employer must designate a Site Occupational Medical Director (SOMD) who is responsible for administering the medical surveillance program.
(3) The responsible employer must ensure that the medical evaluations and procedures required by this section are performed by, or under the supervision of, a licensed physician who is familiar with the health effects of beryllium.
(4) The responsible employer must establish, and maintain, a list of beryllium-associated workers who may be eligible for protective measures under this part. The list must be:
(i) Based on the hazard assessment, exposure records, and other information regarding the identity of beryllium-associated workers; and
(ii) Adjusted at regular intervals based on periodic evaluations of beryllium-associated workers performed under paragraph (b)(2) of this section;
(5) The responsible employer must provide the SOMD with the information needed to operate and administer the medical surveillance program, including the:
(i) List of beryllium-associated workers required by paragraph (a)(4) of this section;
(ii) Baseline inventory;
(iii) Hazard assessment and exposure monitoring data;
(iv) Identity and nature of activities or operations on the site that are covered under the CBDPP, related duties of beryllium-associated workers; and
(v) Type of personal protective equipment used.
(6) The responsible employer must provide the following information to the SOMD and the examining physician:
(i) A copy of this rule and its preamble;
(ii) A description of the worker's duties as they pertain to beryllium exposure;
(iii) Records of the worker's beryllium exposure; and
(iv) A description of the personal protective and respiratory protective equipment used by the worker in the past, present, or anticipated future use.
(b)
(1)
(i) A detailed medical and work history with emphasis on past, present, and anticipated future exposure to beryllium;
(ii) A respiratory symptoms questionnaire;
(iii) A physical examination with special emphasis on the respiratory system, skin and eyes;
(iv) A chest radiograph (posterior-anterior, 14 × 17 inches) interpreted by a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) B-reader of pneumoconiosis or a board-certified radiologist (unless a baseline chest radiograph is already on file);
(v) Spirometry consisting of forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume at 1 second (FEV1);
(vi) A Be-LPT; and
(vii) Any other tests deemed appropriate by the examining physician for evaluating beryllium-related health effects.
(2)
(A) A detailed medical and work history with emphasis on past, present, and anticipated future exposure to beryllium;
(B) A respiratory symptoms questionnaire;
(C) A physical examination with emphasis on the respiratory system;
(D) A Be-LPT; and
(E) Any other medical evaluations deemed appropriate by the examining physician for evaluating beryllium-related health effects.
(ii) The responsible employer must provide to beryllium-associated workers a chest radiograph every five years.
(3)
(c)
(1) If the responsible employer selects the initial physician to conduct any medical examination or consultation provided to a beryllium-associated worker, the worker may designate a second physician to:
(i) Review any findings, determinations, or recommendations of the initial physician; and
(ii) Conduct such examinations, consultations and laboratory tests, as the second physician deems necessary to facilitate this review.
(2) The responsible employer must promptly notify a beryllium-associated worker in writing of the right to seek a second medical opinion after the initial physician provided by the responsible employer conducts a medical examination or consultation.
(3) The responsible employer may condition its participation in, and payment for, multiple physician review upon the beryllium-associated worker doing the following within fifteen (15) days after receipt of the notice, or receipt of the initial physician's written opinion, whichever is later:
(i) Informing the responsible employer in writing that he or she intends to seek a second medical opinion; and
(ii) Initiating steps to make an appointment with a second physician.
(4) If the findings, determinations, or recommendations of the second physician differ from those of the initial physician, then the responsible employer and the beryllium-associated worker must make efforts to encourage and assist the two physicians to resolve any disagreement.
(5) If, despite the efforts of the responsible employer and the beryllium-associated worker, the two physicians are unable to resolve their disagreement, then the responsible employer and the worker, through their respective physicians, must designate a third physician to:
(i) Review any findings, determinations, or recommendations of the other two physicians; and
(ii) Conduct such examinations, consultations, laboratory tests, and consultations with the other two physicians, as the third physician deems necessary to resolve the disagreement among them.
(6) The SOMD must act consistently with the findings, determinations, and recommendations of the third physician, unless the SOMD and the beryllium-associated worker reach an agreement that is consistent with the recommendations of at least one of the other two physicians.
(d)
(e)
(i) The diagnosis of the worker's condition relevant to occupational exposure to beryllium, and any other medical condition that would place the
(ii) Any recommendation for removal of the worker from DOE beryllium activities, or limitation on the worker's activities or duties or use of personal protective equipment, such as a respirator; and
(iii) A statement that the SOMD or examining physician has clearly explained to the worker the results of the medical evaluation, including all tests results and any medical condition related to beryllium exposure that requires further evaluation or treatment.
(2) The SOMD's written medical opinion must not reveal specific records, findings, and diagnoses that are not related to medical conditions that may be affected by beryllium exposure.
(f)
(2) The responsible employer must, within 30 days after a request by a beryllium-associated worker, provide the worker with the information the responsible employer is required to provide the examining physician under paragraph (a)(6) of this section.
(g)
(h)
(2) The responsible employer must use the results of these analyses to identify additional workers to whom the responsible employer must provide medical surveillance and to determine the need for additional exposure controls.
(a)
(1)
(i) In this section, “final medical determination” means the outcome of the multiple physician review process or the alternate medical determination process provided for in paragraphs (c) and (d) of § 850.34.
(ii) If a beryllium-associated worker is temporarily removed from beryllium exposure pursuant to this section, the responsible employer must transfer the worker to a comparable job for which the worker is qualified (or for which the worker can be trained in a short period) and where beryllium exposures are as low as possible, but in no event at or above the action level.
(iii) The responsible employer must maintain the beryllium-associated worker's total normal earnings, seniority, and other worker rights and benefits as if the worker had not been removed.
(iv) If there is no such job available, the responsible employer must provide to the beryllium-associated worker the medical removal protection benefits
(2)
(ii) If a beryllium-associated worker is removed permanently from beryllium exposure based on the SOMD's recommendation pursuant to this section, the responsible employer must provide the worker the medical removal protection benefits specified in paragraph (b) of this section.
(3)
(i) Advise the beryllium-associated worker of the determination that medical removal is necessary to protect the worker's health;
(ii) Provide the beryllium-associated worker with a copy of this rule and its preamble, and any other information the SOMD deems necessary on the risks of continued exposure to beryllium and the benefits of removal;
(iii) Provide the beryllium-associated worker the opportunity to have any questions concerning medical removal answered; and
(iv) Obtain the beryllium-associated worker's signature acknowledging that the worker has been advised to accept medical removal from beryllium exposure as provided in this section, and has been provided with the information specified in this paragraph, on the benefits of removal and the risks of continued exposure to beryllium.
(4)
(ii) Not withstanding paragraph (a)(4) (i) of this section, if, in the SOMD's opinion, continued exposure to beryllium will not pose an increased risk to the beryllium-associated worker's health, and medical removal is an inappropriate remedy in the circumstances, the SOMD must fully discuss these matters with the worker and then, in a written determination, may authorize the responsible employer to return the worker to his or her former job status. Thereafter, the returned beryllium-associated worker must continue to be provided with medical surveillance under § 850.34 of this part.
(b)
(i) The opportunity to transfer to another position which is available, or later becomes available, for which the beryllium-associated worker is qualified (or for which the worker can be trained in a short period) and where beryllium exposures are as low as possible, but in no event at or above the action level; or
(ii) If the beryllium-associated worker cannot be transferred to a comparable job where beryllium exposures are below the action level, a maximum of 2 years of permanent medical removal protection benefits (specified in paragraph (b)(2) of this section).
(2) If required by this section to provide medical removal protection benefits, the responsible employer must maintain the removed worker's total normal earnings, seniority and other worker rights and benefits, as though the worker had not been removed.
(3) If a removed beryllium-associated worker files a claim for workers' compensation payments for a beryllium-related disability, then the responsible employer must continue to provide medical removal protection benefits pending disposition of the claim. The responsible employer must receive no credit for the workers' compensation payments received by the worker for treatment related expenses.
(4) The responsible employer's obligation to provide medical removal protection benefits to a removed beryllium-associated worker is reduced to the extent that the worker receives compensation for earnings lost during the period of removal either from a publicly- or employer-funded compensation program, or from employment with another employer made possible by virtue of the worker's removal.
(5) For the purposes of this section, the requirement that a responsible employer provide medical removal protection benefits is not intended to expand upon, restrict, or change any rights to a specific job classification or position under the terms of an applicable collective bargaining agreement.
(6) The responsible employer may condition the provision of medical removal protection benefits upon the beryllium-associated worker's participation in medical surveillance provided in accordance with § 850.34 of this part.
(a) The responsible employer must provide each beryllium-associated worker with a summary of the medical surveillance program established in § 850.34 at least one week before the first medical evaluation or procedure or at any time requested by the worker. This summary must include:
(1) The type of data that will be collected in the medical surveillance program;
(2) How the data will be collected and maintained;
(3) The purpose for which the data will be used; and
(4) A description of how confidential data will be protected.
(b) Responsible employers must also provide each beryllium-associated worker with information on the benefits and risks of the medical tests and examinations available to the worker at least one week prior to any such examination or test, and an opportunity to have the worker's questions answered.
(c) The responsible employer must have the SOMD obtain a beryllium-associated worker's signature on the informed consent form found in Appendix A to this part, before performing medical evaluations or any tests.
(a) The responsible employer must develop and implement a beryllium training program and ensure participation for:
(1) Beryllium-associated workers;
(2) All other individuals who work at a site where beryllium activities are conducted.
(b) The training provided for workers identified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, must:
(1) Be in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1200, Hazard Communication;
(2) Include the contents of the CBDPP; and
(3) Include potential health risks to beryllium worker family members and others who may come in contact with beryllium on beryllium workers or beryllium workers' personal clothing or other personal items as the result of a beryllium control failure at a DOE facility.
(c) The training provided for workers identified in paragraph (a)(2) of this section must consist of general awareness about beryllium hazards and controls.
(d) The responsible employer must provide the training required by this section before or at the time of initial assignment and at least every two years thereafter.
(e) The employer must provide retraining when the employer has reason to believe that a beryllium worker lacks the proficiency, knowledge, or understanding needed to work safely with beryllium, including at least the following situations:
(1) To address any new beryllium hazards resulting from a change to operations, procedures, or beryllium controls about which the beryllium worker was not previously trained; and
(2) If a beryllium worker's performance involving beryllium work indicates that the worker has not retained the requisite proficiency.
(f) The responsible employer must develop and implement a counseling program to assist beryllium-associated workers who are diagnosed by the SOMD to be sensitized to beryllium or to have CBD. This counseling program must include communicating with beryllium-associated workers concerning:
(1) The medical surveillance program provisions and procedures;
(2) Medical treatment options;
(3) Medical, psychological, and career counseling;
(4) Medical benefits;
(5) Administrative procedures and workers rights under applicable Workers' Compensation laws and regulations;
(6) Work practice procedures limiting beryllium-associated worker exposure to beryllium; and
(7) The risk of continued beryllium exposure after sensitization.
(a)
(b)
(2) Warning labels must contain the following information:
(c) Warning signs and labels must be in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1200, Hazard Communication.
(a) The responsible employer must establish and maintain accurate records of all beryllium inventory information, hazard assessments, exposure measurements, exposure controls, and medical surveillance.
(b) Heads of DOE Departmental Elements must:
(1) Designate all record series as required under this rule as agency records and, therefore, subject to all applicable agency records management and access laws; and
(2) Ensure that these record series are retained for a minimum of seventy-five years.
(c) The responsible employer must convey to DOE or its designee all record series required under this rule if the employer ceases to be involved in the CBDPP.
(d) The responsible employer must link data on workplace conditions and health outcomes in order to establish a basis for understanding the beryllium health risk.
(e) The responsible employer must ensure the confidentiality of all work-related records generated under this rule by ensuring that:
(1) All records that are transmitted to other parties do not contain names, social security numbers or any other variables, or combination of variables, that could be used to identify particular individuals; and
(2) Individual medical information generated by the CBDPP is:
(i) Either included as part of the worker's site medical records and maintained by the SOMD, or is maintained by another physician designated by the responsible employer;
(ii) Maintained separately from other records; and
(iii) Used or disclosed by the responsible employer only in conformance with any applicable requirements imposed by the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Privacy Act of 1974, the Freedom of Information Act, and any other applicable law.
(f) The responsible employer must maintain all records required by this part in current and accessible electronic systems, which include the ability readily to retrieve data in a format that maintains confidentiality.
(g) The responsible employer must transmit all records generated as required by this rule, in a format that protects the confidentiality of individuals, to the DOE Assistant Secretary for Environment, Safety and Health on request.
(h) The responsible employer must semi-annually transmit to the DOE Office of Epidemiologic Studies within the Office of Environment, Safety and Health an electronic registry of beryllium-associated workers that protects confidentiality, and the registry must
(a) The responsible employer must conduct periodic analyses and assessments of monitoring activities, hazards, medical surveillance, exposure reduction and minimization, and occurrence reporting data.
(b) To ensure that information is available to maintain and improve all elements of the CBDPP continuously, the responsible employer must give results of periodic analyses and assessments to the line managers, planners, worker protection staff, workers, medical staff, and labor organizations representing beryllium-associated workers who request such information.
I, _______ have carefully read and understand the attached information about the Be-LPT and other medical tests. I have had the opportunity to ask any questions that I may have had concerning these tests.
I understand that this program is voluntary and I am free to withdraw at any time from all or any part of the medical surveillance program. I understand that the tests are confidential, but not anonymous. I understand that if the results of any test suggest a health problem, the examining physician will discuss the matter with me, whether or not the result is related to my work with beryllium. I understand that my employer will be notified of my diagnosis only if I have a beryllium sensitization or chronic beryllium disease. My employer will not receive the results or diagnoses of any health conditions not related to beryllium exposure.
I understand that, if the results of one or more of these tests indicate that I have a health problem that is related to beryllium, additional examinations will be recommended. If additional tests indicate I do have a beryllium sensitization or CBD, the Site Occupational Medical Director may recommend that I be removed from working with beryllium. If I agree to be removed, I understand that I may be transferred to another job for which I am qualified (or can be trained for in a short period) and where my beryllium exposures will be as low as possible, but in no case above the action level. I will maintain my total normal earnings, seniority, and other benefits for up to two years if I agree to be permanently removed.
I understand that if I apply for another job or for insurance, I may be requested to release my medical records to a future employer or an insurance company.
I understand that my employer will maintain all medical information relative to the tests performed on me in segregated medical files separate from my personnel files, treated as confidential medical records, and used or disclosed only as provided by the Americans with Disability Act, the Privacy Act of 1974, or as required by a court order or under other law.
I understand that the results of my medical tests for beryllium will be included in the Beryllium Registry maintained by DOE, and that a unique identifier will be used to maintain the confidentiality of my medical information. Personal identifiers will not be included in any reports generated from the DOE Beryllium Registry. I understand that the results of my tests and examinations may be published in reports or presented at meetings, but that I will not be identified.
I consent to having the following medical evaluations:
I have explained and discussed any questions that the employee expressed concerning the Be-LPT, physical examination, and other medical testing as well as the implications of those tests.
42 U.S.C. 7384,
(a) This part implements Part D of the Act by establishing the procedures under which:
(1) An individual may obtain and submit an application to the Program Office for review and assistance;
(2) The Program Office processes and submits eligible applications to a Physician Panel;
(3) Physician Panels determine whether the illness or death of a DOE contractor employee arose out of and in the course of employment by a DOE contractor and through exposure to a toxic substance at a DOE facility;
(4) The Program Office processes a determination by a Physician Panel; and,
(5) Appeals may be undertaken.
(b) This part covers applications filed by or on behalf of a DOE contractor employee, or a deceased employee's estate or survivor, with respect to an illness or death of a DOE contractor employee that may have been caused by exposure to a toxic substance during the course of employment at a DOE facility.
(c) All actions under this part must be pursuant to the relevant State Agreement and consistent with its terms and conditions.
(a) An individual who is or was in residence at a DOE facility as a researcher for one or more periods aggregating at least 24 months.
(b) An individual who is or was employed at a DOE facility by
(i) An entity that contracted with DOE to provide management and operation, management and integration, or environmental remediation at the facility; or
(ii) A contractor or subcontractor that provided services, including construction and maintenance, at the facility.
(a) In which operations are, or have been, conducted by, or on behalf of DOE (except for buildings, structures, premises, grounds, or operations covered by Executive Order No. 12344, dated February 1, 1982 (42 U.S.C. 7158 note), pertaining to the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program); and
(b) With regard to which DOE has or had
(i) A proprietary interest; or
(ii) Entered into a contract with an entity to provide management and operation, management and integration, environmental remediation services, construction, or maintenance services.
(a) An individual obtains an application for review and assistance:
(1) In person from the Program Office, from any of the Resources Centers listed in Appendix A to this section, or from any DOE-sponsored Former Worker Program project;
(2) Through a written request mailed to Assistant Secretary, Office of Environment, Safety and Health, Office of Worker Advocacy, U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20585. or to any other address that DOE may subsequently publish by notice in the
(3) Through telephone request to 1-877-447-9756 or to any other telephone number that DOE may subsequently publish by notice in the
(4) In printable format, from the Program Office's Web site at
(b) An individual submits an application for review and assistance—
(1) In person to the Program Office, to any Resource Center, or to any DOE-sponsored Former Worker Program project.
(2) By mail to the Program Office at the address identified in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, or to any other address that DOE may subsequently publish by notice in the
(a) As a part of the application for review and assistance, an individual must submit, in writing:
(1) Any application forms required by the Program Office.
(2) The name and address of any licensed physician who is the source of a diagnosis based upon documented medical information that the employee has or had an illness and that the illness may have resulted from exposure to a toxic substance while the employee
(3) A signed medical release, authorizing non-DOE sources of medical information to provide the Program Office with any diagnosis, medical opinion and medical records documenting the diagnosis or opinion that the employee has or had an illness and that the illness may have resulted from exposure to a toxic substance while the employee was employed at a DOE facility.
(4) To the extent practicable and appropriate, an occupational history obtained by a physician, an occupational health professional, or a DOE-sponsored Former Worker Program. (If such an occupational history is not reasonably available and is deemed by the Program Office to be needed for the fair adjudication of the claim, then the Program Office will assist the applicant in obtaining this history.)
(5) Any other information or materials deemed by the Program Office to be necessary to provide reasonable evidence that the employee has or had an illness that may have arisen from exposure to a toxic substance while employed at a DOE facility.
(b) The applicant may also submit directly to the Program Office any other information or materials providing evidence that the employee has or had an illness that may have resulted from exposure to a toxic substance during the course of employment at a DOE facility.
(c) The applicant must sign an affidavit attesting to the authenticity and completeness of any information or materials submitted to the Program Office, or provide the Program Office with other evidence of authenticity of submitted materials, such as certification of submitted copies of originals.
(a) Upon receipt of an application and the Program Office's determination that the application meets the requirements of § 852.4, the Program Office must notify each of the applicant's relevant DOE contractor employers in writing of:
(1) The existence of the application;
(2) The name of the employee;
(3) The diagnosis claimed; and
(4) The likely date of onset or date of diagnosis, if known.
(b) The employer has 15 working days from receipt of this notification to submit to the Program Office any information deemed by the employer to be relevant to either the Program Office's determination of whether to refer an application to a Physician Panel, or to adjudication of the application by a Physician Panel.
(c) The employer must sign an affidavit attesting to the authenticity and completeness of any information provided to the Program Office under this section, or provide the Program Office with other evidence of authenticity of submitted materials, such as certification of submitted copies of originals.
(a) The Program Office must submit an application and any information submitted under § 852.5 of this part to a Physician Panel if there is reasonable evidence to make an initial determination that:
(1) The application was filed by or on behalf of a DOE contractor employee or a deceased DOE contractor employee's estate or survivor;
(2) The illness or death of the DOE contractor employee may have been caused by exposure to a toxic substance; and,
(3) The illness or death of the DOE contractor employee may have been related to employment at a DOE facility.
(b) The Program Office must promptly notify the applicant in writing of an initial determination under this section.
DOE may not execute a State Agreement that does not contain the following provisions:
(a) A statement that an application is submitted to a Physician Panel only if the application satisfies the criteria in § 852.6 of this part:
(1) The application was filed by or on behalf of a DOE contractor employee or a deceased DOE contractor employee's estate or survivor;
(2) The illness or death of the DOE contractor employee may have been caused by exposure to a toxic substance; and
(3) The illness or death of the DOE contractor employee may have been related to employment at a DOE facility.
(b) An agreement that a Physician Panel must apply the standards set forth in § 852.8 of this part when making a determination that an illness or death arose from exposure to a toxic substance during the course of employment at a DOE facility;
(c) An agreement that the Program Office must provide assistance to only those applicants with a positive determination from the Physician Panel; and
(d) An agreement that a positive determination by the Physician Panel has no effect on the scope of State workers' compensation proceedings, the conditions for compensation, or the rights and obligations of the participants in the proceeding; provided that consistent with Part D of the Act such a determination will prevent DOE and may prevent a DOE contractor from contesting an applicant's workers' compensation claim.
A Physician Panel must determine whether the illness or death arose out of and in the course of employment by a DOE contractor and exposure to a toxic substance at a DOE facility on the basis of whether it is at least as likely as not that exposure to a toxic substance at a DOE facility during the course of employment by a DOE contractor was a significant factor in aggravating, contributing to or causing the illness or death of the worker at issue.
The Physician Panel must review all records relating to the application that are provided by the Program Office, including but not limited to:
(a) Medical records;
(b) Employment records;
(c) Exposure records;
(d) Occupational history;
(e) Workers' compensation records;
(f) Medical literature or reports;
(g) Any other records or evidence pertaining to the applicant's request for assistance;
(h) A medical examiner's report, coroner's report, or death certificate for any application submitted by an estate or survivor of a deceased worker; and
(i) Information submitted as a part of such a claim or developed by the Department of Labor (DOL) or by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in the course of processing a claim for the applicant, including, where applicable, estimates of an applicant's cumulative radiation dose and the calculated probability that this dose was responsible for a cancer that is the subject of the claim, for any application submitted by an applicant also applying to DOL for benefits available under the Act.
If, after reviewing all materials provided by the Program Office, a Physician Panel finds that it needs additional information or consultation with a specialist in order to make a determination, it must request this information or consultation through the Program Office. A Physician Panel may request:
(a) A recorded interview under oath with the applicant, by an individual designated by the Program Office, if the Physician Panel believes only the applicant can provide the necessary information.
(b) That the applicant provide additional medical information;
(c) Additional relevant information under the control of DOE or its contractors;
(d) Consultation with designated specialists in fields relevant to its deliberations;
(e) Specific articles or reports, or assistance searching the medical or scientific literature; or
(f) Other needed information or materials.
(a) Each panel member reviews all materials relating to the application.
(b) If a Physician Panel has more than one physician, all panel members meet in conference, in person, or by teleconference in order to discuss the application and arrive at a determination agreed to by a majority of the members of the Physician Panel.
A Physician Panel must submit its determination under § 852.8 and the findings that provide the basis for its determination to the Program Office. The determination and the findings must be in writing and signed by all panel members. The findings must include:
(a) Each illness or cause of death that is the subject of the application.
(b) For each illness or cause of death listed under paragraph (a) of this section:
(1) Diagnosis;
(2) Approximate date of onset;
(3) Date of death, if applicable;
(4) Whether the illness or death arose out of and in the course of employment by a DOE contractor and exposure to a toxic substance at a DOE facility;
(5) The basis for the determination under paragraph (b)(4) of this section;
(6) A determination concerning any other medical issue identified in the relevant State Agreement; and
(7) The basis for the determination under paragraph (b)(6) of this section.
(c) The Physician Panel must provide the Program Office with:
(1) Any evidence to the contrary of the panel's determination, and why the panel finds this evidence is not persuasive.
(2) A listing of information and materials reviewed by the panel in making its determination, including:
(i) Information and materials provided by the Program Office; and,
(ii) Information and materials obtained by the panel, including consultations with specialists, scientific articles, and the record of any interview with an applicant.
(3) Any other information the panel concludes that the Program Office should have in order to understand the panel's deliberations and determination.
(a) A Physician Panel must submit its determination and findings to the Program Office within 20 working days of the time that panel member(s) have received the complete application for review from the Program Office.
(b) The Program Office may extend the deadline for a panel determination under the following circumstances:
(1) The Physician Panel indicates to the Program Office that it needs additional information or a consultation in order to carry out its deliberations, as provided for in § 852.10. In this case, the panel's determination is due 15 working days after receipt of the additional information (or notice from the Program Office that the requested information is unavailable), or 15 working days after receiving the consultant's recommendations, whichever is applicable; or
(2) The Physician Panel has requested and the Program Office has granted an extension.
(c) If an extension is granted pursuant to section 852.13(b)(2), the Program Office will specify the new deadline.
In order to maintain the confidentiality of an applicant's personal and medical information, each Physician Panel member and each specialist consulted at the request of a Physician Panel must take the following precautions:
(a) Maintain the confidentiality of applicant records, keep them in a secure, locked location, and, upon completion of panel deliberations, follow the instructions of the Program Office with regard to the disposal or temporary retention of these records;
(b) Conduct all case reviews and conferences in private, in such a fashion as to prevent the disclosure of personal applicant information to any individual who has not been authorized to access this information;
(c) Release no information to a third party, unless authorized to do so in writing by the applicant; and
(d) Adhere to the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 regarding Worker Advocacy Records.
(a) If a panel member has a past or present relationship with an applicant, an applicant's employer, or an interested third party that may affect the panel member's ability to objectively review the application, or that may create the appearance of a conflict of interest, then that panel member must immediately:
(1) Cease review of the application; and
(2) Notify the Program Office and await further instruction from the Office.
(b) The Program Office must then take such action as is necessary to assure an objective review of the application.
(a) If a panel composed of a single physician issues a negative determination, the negative determination is considered an initial opinion and the Program Office must direct an additional single-physician panel to review the application and issue an independent opinion. If the second single-physician panel issues a negative determination, the Program Offices considers the opinions as a negative determination by the Physician Panel for purposes of § 852.17(a) of this part.
(b) If a second single-physician panel issues a positive opinion, the Program Office must direct an additional single-physician panel to review the application and issue an independent opinion. The Program Office reviews the three opinions and considers the majority of the three opinions as the determination by the Physician Panel for purposes of § 852.17(a) of this part.
(c) The Program Office may direct the original Physician Panel or a different Physician Panel to reexamine an application that has undergone prior Physician Panel review if:
(1) There is significant evidence contrary to the panel determination;
(2) The Program Office obtains new information the consideration of which would be reasonably likely to result in a different determination;
(3) The Program Office becomes aware of a real or potential conflict of interest of a member of the original panel in relation to the application under review; or
(4) Reexamination is necessary to ensure consistency among panels.
(a) Subject to the ability of the Program Office to direct a reexamination pursuant to § 852.16, the Program Office must accept the determination by the Physician Panel unless the Program Office determines there is significant evidence contrary to the panel determination.
(b) The Program Office must promptly notify an applicant and the relevant DOE contractor(s) of its acceptance or rejection of a determination by a Physician Panel.
(a) An applicant may request DOE's Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA) to review:
(1) A decision by the Program Office not to submit an application to a Physician Panel;
(2) A negative determination by a Physician Panel that is accepted by the Program Office; and
(3) A final decision by the Program Office not to accept a determination in the applicant's favor by a Physician Panel.
(b) An applicant must file a notice of appeal with OHA on or before 30 days from the date of a letter from the Program Office notifying the applicant of a determination appealable under this section.
(c) An appeal under this section is subject to the procedures of OHA in 10 CFR Part 1003.
(d) A decision by OHA constitutes DOE's final determination with respect to an application.
In the event the Program Office accepts a determination by a Physician Panel in favor of an applicant:
(a) The Program Office must assist the applicant in filing a claim with the relevant State's workers' compensation system by providing the determination and other information provided to the Program Office by a Physician Panel pursuant to§ 852.12 of this part;
(b) The Program Office may not contest the determination;
(c) The Program Office must advise the cognizant DOE Secretarial Officer to recommend to the Contracting Officer (CO) for a DOE contractor that, to the extent permitted by law, the CO direct the contractor not to contest an applicant's workers' compensation claim or award in any administrative or judicial forum with respect to the same health condition for which the applicant received a favorable final Physician Panel determination;
(d) Any costs of contesting a claim or award identified in paragraph (c) of this section—that is, any costs of supporting arguments or activities with the intent or effect of delaying or defeating such a claim or award—are not allowable costs under a DOE contract; and,
(e) All workers' compensation costs incurred as a result of a workers' compensation award on a claim based on the same health condition that was the subject of a positive Physician Panel determination are allowable, reimbursable contract costs to the full extent permitted under the DOE contractor's contract with DOE.
Sec. 161, 68 Stat. 948, sec. 229, 70 Stat. 1070; (42 U.S.C. 2201; 2278a); sec. 104, 88 Stat. 1237, sec. 105, 88 Stat. 1238 (42 U.S.C. 5814, 5815); sec. 5, Pub. L. 100-185, 101 Stat. 1279 (18 U.S.C. 3559); sec. 6, Pub. L. 100-185, 101 Stat. 1280 (18 U.S.C. 3571); sec. 7041, Pub. L. 100-690, 102 Stat. 4899 (18 U.S.C. 3559).
The regulations in this part are issued for the protection and security of facilities, installations and real property subject to the jurisdiction or administration, or in the custody of, the Department of Energy.
The regulations in this part apply to all facilities, installations and real property subject to the jurisdiction or administration of the Department of Energy or in its custody which have
Unauthorized entry upon any facility, installation or real property subject to this part is prohibited.
Unauthorized carrying, transporting, or otherwise introducing or causing to be introduced any dangerous weapon, explosive, or other dangerous instrument or material likely to produce substantial injury or damage to persons or property, into or upon any facility, installation or real property subject to this part, is prohibited.
(a) Whoever willfully violates either § 860.3 or § 860.4 shall, upon conviction, be guilty of an infraction punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000.
(b) Whoever willfully violates either § 860.3 or § 860.4 with respect to any facility, installation or real property enclosed by a fence, wall, floor, roof, or other structural barrier shall upon conviction, be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $100,000 or imprisonment for not more than one year, or both.
Notices stating the pertinent prohibitions of §§ 860.3 and 860.4 and penalties of § 860.5 will be conspicuously posted at all entrances of each designated facility, installation or parcel of real property and at such intervals along the perimeter as will provide reasonable assurance of notice to persons about to enter.
The prohibitions in §§ 860.3 and 860.4 shall take effect as to any facility, installation or real property on publication in the
Nothing in this part shall be construed to affect the applicability of the provisions of State or other Federal laws.
62 Stat. 281, as amended; sec. 103, 63 Stat. 380, as amended, sec. 205, 63 Stat. 389; sec. 161, 68 Stat. 948, as amended, sec. 1, 81 Stat. 54; 40 U.S.C. 318; 42 U.S.C. 2201; 5 U.S.C. 552; Federal Property Management Regulations T.R. D-11, 34 FR 1997, and Delegation of Authority to Manager, Nevada Operations Office.
The regulations in this part are designed to facilitate the control of traffic at the Nevada Test Site.
This part applies to all persons who use the streets of the Nevada Test Site.
As used in this part:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
All persons using the streets of the Nevada Test Site shall do so in a careful and safe manner.
(a) The Nevada Test Site Traffic Regulations supplement this section by identifying the specific traffic requirements relating to such matters as:
(1) Enforcement and obedience to Traffic Regulations, including the authority of police officers and traffic regulations, and responsibility to report accidents.
(2) Traffic signs, signals, and markings, including required compliance with traffic lanes and traffic control devices, and prohibitions on display of unauthorized traffic signs, signals, or marking or interference with authorized traffic control devices.
(3) Speeding or driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs, including prohibitions on reckless driving, and promulgation of maximum permissible speeds.
(4) Turning movements, including required position and method of turning at intersections, limitations on turning around, and obedience to turning markers and no-turn signs.
(5) Stopping and yielding, including obedience to stop and yield signs, requirements, when entering stop or yield intersections, emerging from alleys, driveways, or buildings, operation of vehicles on approach of authorized emergency vehicles and stops when traffic is obstructed.
(6) Pedestrians' rights and duties, including pedestrian's right-of-way in crosswalks, when a pedestrian must yield, required use or right half of crosswalks and requirements concerning walking along roadways and prohibited pedestrian crossings.
(7) Parking, stopping, and standing, specifying when parking, stopping, and standing are prohibited, including special provisions applicable to buses, requirements that parking not obstruct traffic and be close to curb, and concerning lamps on parked vehicles.
(8) Privileges of drivers of authorized emergency vehicles, including exemptions from parking and standing, stopping, speeding and turning limitations,
(9) Miscellaneous driving rules, including requirements for convoys, and limitations on backing, opening and closing vehicle doors, following fire apparatus, crossing a fire hose, driving through a safety zone, through convoys, on sidewalks or shoulders of roadways, boarding or alighting from vehicles, passing a bus on the right, and unlawful riding.
(b) The Nevada Test Site Traffic Regulations, when posted and distributed as specified in § 861.6, shall have the same force and effect as if made a part hereof.
Any person doing any act forbidden or failing to do any act required by the Nevada Test Site Traffic Regulations shall, upon conviction, be punishable by a fine of not more than $50 or imprisonment for not more than 30 days, or both.
Notices including the provisions of the Nevada Test Site Traffic Regulations will be conspicuously posted at the Nevada Test Site. Such other distribution of the Nevada Test Site Regulations will be made by the Manager as will provide reasonable assurance of notice to persons subject to the regulations.
Nothing in this part shall be construed to affect the applicability of the provisions of State laws or of other Federal laws.
The Nevada Test Site, containing approximately 858,764 acres located in Nye County, Nev., is described as follows:
42 U.S.C. 2201(b), 2201(i) and 2278(a).
The purpose of this part is to set forth Department of Energy, hereinafter “DOE”, security policy regarding aircraft and air delivery on nuclear sites under the jurisdiction of DOE pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2011
(a) This part applies to all persons or aircraft entering or otherwise within or above areas within the boundaries of lands or waters subject to the jursidiction, administration, or in the custody of the DOE at sites designated by DOE.
(b) This part is not applicable to:
(1) Aircraft operating pursuant to official business of the Federal Government;
(2) Aircraft over-flying or in the process of landing pursuant to official business of a state or local law enforcement authority with prior notification to DOE; or
(3) Aircraft in the process of landing on a DOE site due to circumstances beyond the control of the operator and with prior notification to DOE, if possible.
(c) Aircraft in paragraphs (b)(2) and (b)(3) of this section are within the scope of this part upon landing at a DOE designated site.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) Authorized by Congress, or
(2) Published pursuant to law in the
(3) Filed or recorded with a State or political subdivision in accordance with applicable law.
(d)
(e)
(f)
(a) The following activities are prohibited by his part:
(1) Operation or use of aircraft on lands or waters of designated sites.
(2) Air delivery to or from designated sites.
(3) Removal or movement of downed aircraft, or participation in the removal or movement of downed aircraft, from or on a designated site unless prior authorization is obtained pursuant to § 862.5 of this part.
(4) Failure to remove a downed aircraft from a designated site in accordance with an order issued by the cognizant DOE Manager of Operations under § 862.5 of this part.
(5) Violation of Federal Aviation Administration regulations regarding minimum altitudes and prohibited flight maneuvers over a designated site.
(b) A person willfully engaging in activities prohibited by this part may be subject to the imposition of criminal penalties set forth in sections 223 and 229 of the Atomic Energy Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2273 and 2278(a)).
(a) An aircraft on or brought on to a designated site, except as provided in § 862.2 (b)(1), shall not be moved within or removed from such areas except as provided for in this section. All such aircraft are subject to full inspection by DOE security personnel upon landing upon order of the Manager of Operations or his designee. Any attempt to depart or remove the aircraft from a designated site without clearance obtained pursuant to this section, may be assumed to be indicative of hostile intent by security forces at such sites.
(b)(1) The cognizant DOE Manager of Operations for a designated site may, on his own initiative, issue a written order to the owner or operator of a downed aircraft to require the removal of that aircraft from the site within 20 days of this notice. Such an order shall specify:
(i) The date upon which removal operations must be completed;
(ii) The times and means of access to and from the downed aircraft to be removed;
(iii) The manner of removal; and
(iv) An estimate of the cost of removal to DOE for which the owner or operator will be held liable if removal is accomplished by DOE.
(2) The owner or operator of the downed aircraft may file a written petition, supported by affidavits, to the cognizant Manager of Operations requesting that the order be modified or set aside. The petition may be granted by the Manager of Operations for good cause shown, upon a finding that it is clearly consistent with the national security, public safety, and federal property interests. Such petition must be filed at least 10 days prior to the date upon which removal is to be initiated, as specified in the order. The written decision of the Manager of Operations shall be a final agency action.
(c)(1) The owner of a downed aircraft may petition the cognizant Manager of
(2) The Manager of Operations may deny such petition in whole or part and prohibit removal of a downed aircraft upon finding that:
(i) The removal of a downed aircraft would create an unacceptable safety or security risk;
(ii) The removal of a downed aircraft would result in excessive resource loss of property damage or an unacceptable disruption of federal activities;
(iii) The removal of downed aircraft is impracticable or impossible;
(iv) The owner has failed to provide adequate assurances that all costs incurred or damages experienced by DOE due to landing or removal of aircraft will be fully paid immediately upon removal by the owner under a contract for services;
(v) An inspection of the aircraft has not been conducted by DOE security personnel.
(3) In the event that such petition is granted in whole or part, the cognizant Manager of Operations may issue an order, as set forth in (b)(1) (i) through (iv) of this section. In the event that a petition is denied in whole or part, the Manager of Operations shall issue a written decision which shall set forth the reasons for such denial.
(d) Failure to comply with an order issued by the Manager of Operations pursuant to this section is basis for DOE to consider the downed aircraft to be abandoned property. DOE may take whatever measures it deems necessary when it determines that downed aircraft is abandoned property.
(e) Notwithstanding paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, the Manager of Operations may move or remove a downed aircraft from such an area upon oral or written notification to the owner or operator of such aircraft upon a finding that national security or operational requirements necessitate expedited movement or removal. The owner or operator may be held jointly and separately liable for all expenses incurred by DOE in the movement or removal of such aircraft. Such expenses shall be deemed to be incurred through an implied contract at law for services.
In addition to complying with all applicable FAA prohibitions or restrictions, aircraft are requested to maintain a minimum altitude of 2,000 feet above the terrain of a designated site. Applicable FAA prohibitions or restrictions take precedence over this voluntary minimum altitude.
(a) DOE shall designate sites covered by this part as deemed necessary, consistent with the national security and public safety, through notice in the
(b) This part shall be effective as to any facility, installation, or real property on publication in the
(c) Upon designation of a site, the cognizant Manager of Operations may inform the public of such designation through press release or posting of notice at airfields in the vicinity of the designated site.
Pub. L. 94-187, 88 Stat. 1077, 1078 (42 U.S.C. 2391 et seq.); Energy Reorganization Act, Pub. L. 93-438, 88 Stat. 1233 (42 U.S.C. 5801 et seq.); secs. 2, 3, 91, 123, and 161 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended.
(a) The following DOE air shipments of plutonium are considered as being
(1) Shipments made in support of the development, production, testing, sampling, maintenance, repair, modification, or retirement of atomic weapons or devices;
(2) Shipments made pursuant to international agreements for cooperation for mutual defense purposes; and
(3) Shipments necessary to respond to an emergency situation involving a possible threat to the national security.
(b) The Managers of DOE's Albuquerque, San Francisco, Oak Ridge, Savannah River, and Nevada Operations Offices may authorize air shipments falling within paragraph (a)(1) of this section, on a case-by-case basis:
(1) The delay resulting from using ground transportation methods would have serious adverse impact upon a national security requirement;
(2) Safeguards or safety considerations dictate the use of air transportation;
(3) The nature of the item to be shipped necessitates the use of air transportation in order to avoid possible damage which may be expected from other available transportation environments; or
(4) The nature of the item being shipped necessitates rapid shipment by air in order to preserve the chemical, physical, or isotopic properties of the item.
The Managers of DOE's Albuquerque, San Francisco, Oak Ridge, Savannah River, Nevada, Chicago, Idaho, and Richland Operations Offices may authorize, on a case-by-case basis, DOE air shipments of plutonium where they determine that rapid shipment by air is required to respond to an emergency situation involving possible loss of life, serious personal injuries, considerable property damage, or other significant threat to the public health and safety.
Determinations made by the authorizing officials pursuant to these rules shall be matters of record. Such authorizations shall be reported to the Assistant Administrator for National Security within twenty-four hours after authorization is granted.
The authority delegated in this part may not be redelegated without the prior approval of the Assistant Administrator for National Security.
Secs. 301(b), 302(a), and 644 of Department of Energy Organization Act, Pub. L. 95-91 (42 U.S.C. 7101
(a) Except as otherwise provided herein, these regulations establish procedures for the development of power and transmission rates by the Administrators of the Alaska, Southeastern, Southwestern, and Western Area Power Administrations; for the providing of opportunities for interested members of the public to participate in the development of such rates; for the confirmation, approval, and placement in effect on an interim basis by the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Energy of such rates; and for the submission of such rates to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission with or without prior interim approval. These regulations supplement Delegation Order No. 0204-108 of the Secretary of Energy, which was published in the
(b) These procedures shall apply to all power and transmission rate adjustment proceedings for the Power Marketing Administrations (PMAs) which are commenced after these regulations become effective or were in process on the effective date of these regulations, but for which the FERC had not issued any substantive orders on or before December 14, 1983. These procedures supersede “Procedures for Public Participation in Power and Transmission Rate Adjustments and Extensions for the Alaska, Southeastern, Southwestern, and Western Area Power Administrations” published in 45 FR 86983 (December 31, 1980) and amended at 46 FR 6864 (January 22, 1981) and 46 FR 25427 (May 7, 1981).
(c) Except to the extent deemed appropriate by the Administrator in accordance with applicable law, these procedures do not apply to rates for short term sales of capacity, energy, or transmission service.
As used herein—
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
(m)
(n)
(o)
(p)
The Administrator may announce that the development of rates for a new service or revised rates for an existing service is under consideration. The announcement shall contain pertinent information relevant to the rate adjustment. The announcement may be through direct contact with customers, at public meetings, by press release, by newspaper advertisement, and/or by
(a) The Administrator shall give Notice tht Proposed Rates have been prepared and are under consideration. The Notice shall include:
(1) The Proposed Rates;
(2) An explanation of the need for and derivation of the Proposed Rates;
(3) The locations at which data, studies, reports, or other documents used in developing the Proposed Rates are available for inspection and/or copying;
(4) The dates, times, and locations of any initially scheduled public forums; and
(5) Address to which written comments relative to the Proposed Rates and requests to be informed of FERC actions concerning the rates may be submitted.
(b) Upon request, customers of the power system and other interested persons will be provided with copies of the principal documents used in developing the Proposed Rates.
All interested persons will have the opportunity to consult with and obtain information from the PMA, to examine backup data, and to make suggestions for modification of the Proposed Rates for a period ending (a) 90 days in the case of major rate adjustments, or 30 days in the case of minor rate adjustments, after the Notice of Proposed
(a) One or more public information forums shall be held for major rate adjustments, except as otherwise provided in paragraph (c) of this section, and may be held for minor adjustments, to explain, and to answer questions concerning, the Proposed Rates and the basis of and justification for proposing such rates. The number, dates, and locations of such forums will be determined by the Administrator in accordance with the anticipated or demonstrated interest in the Proposed Rates. Notice shall be given in advance of such forums. A public information forum may be combined with a public comment forum held in accordance with § 903.16.
(b) The Administrator shall appoint a forum chairperson. Questions raised at the forum concerning the Proposed Rates and the studies shall be answered by PMA representatives at the forum, at a subsequent forum, or in writing at least 15 days before the end of the consultation and comment period. However, questions that involve voluminous data contained in the PMA records may be answered by providing an opportunity for consultation and for a review of the records at the PMA offices. As a minimum, the proceedings of the forum held at the principal location shall be transcribed. Copies of all documents introduced, and of questions and written answers shall be available at a designated location for inspection and copies will be furnished by the Administrator on request, for which a fee may be assessed. Copies of the transcript may be obtained from the transcribing service.
(c) No public information forum need be held for major rate adjustments if, after the Administrator has given Notice of a scheduled forum, no person indicates in writing by a prescribed date an intent to appear at such public forum.
(a) One or more public comment forums shall be held for major rate adjustments, except as otherwise provided in paragraph (c) of this section, and may be held for minor rate adjustments, to provide interested persons an opportunity for oral presentation of views, data, and arguments regarding the Proposed Rates. The number, dates, and locations of such forums will be determined by the Administrator in accordance with the anticipated or demonstrated interest in the Proposed Rates. Notice shall be given at least 30 days in advance of the first public comment forum at each location and shall include the purpose, date, time, place, and other information relative to the forum, as well as the locations where pertinent documents are available for examination and/or copying.
(b) The Administrator shall designate a forum chairperson. At the forum, PMA representatives may question those persons making oral statements and comments. The chairperson shall have discretion to establish the sequence of, and the time limits for, oral presentations and to determine if the comments are relevant and noncumulative. Forum proceedings shall be transcribed. Copies of all documents introduced shall be available at a designated location for inspection, and copies shall be furnished on request for which the Administrator may assess a
(c) No public comment forum need be held for major rate adjustments if, after the Administrator has given notice of a scheduled forum, no person indicates in writing by a prescribed date an intent to appear at such public forum.
In lieu of public information or comment forums in conjunction with a minor rate adjustment, informal public meetings may be held if deemed appropriate by the Administrator. Such informal meetings will not require a Notice or a transcription.
During or after the consultation and comment period and review of the oral and written comments on the Proposed Rates, the Administrator may revise the Proposed Rates. If the Administrator determines that further public comment should be invited, the Administrator shall afford interested persons an appropriate period to submit further written comments to the PMA regarding the revised Proposed Rates. The Administrator may convene one or more additional public information and/or public comment forums. The Administrator shall give Notice of any such additional forums.
(a) Following completion of the consultation and comment period and review of any oral and written comments on the Proposed Rates, the Administrator may: (1) Withdraw the proposal; (2) develop rates which in the Administrator's and the Deputy Secretary's judgment should be confirmed, approved, and placed into effect on an interim basis (Provisional Rates); or (3) develop rates which in the Administrator's judgment should be confirmed, approved, and placed into effect by the FERC on a final basis without being placed into effect on an interim basis. A statement shall be prepared and made available to the public setting forth the principal factors on which the Deputy Secretary's or the Administrator's decision was based. The statement shall include an explanation responding to the major comments, criticisms, and alternatives offered during the comment period. The Administrator shall certify that the rates are consistent with applicable law and that they are the lowest possible rates to customers consistent with sound business principles. The rates shall be submitted promptly to the FERC for confirmation and approval on a final basis.
(b) The Deputy Secretary shall set the effective date for Provisional Rates. The effective date shall be at least 30 days after the Deputy Secretary's decision except that the effective date may be sooner when appropriate to meet a contract deadline, to avoid financial difficulties, to provide a rate for a new service, or to make a minor rate adjustment.
(c) The effective date may be adjusted by the Administrator to coincide with the beginning of the next billing period following the effective date set by the Deputy Secretary for the Provisional Rates.
(d) Provisional Rates shall remain in effect on an interim basis until: (1) They are confirmed and approved on a final basis by the FERC; (2) they are disapproved and the rates last previously confirmed and approved on a final basis become effective; (3) they are disapproved and higher Substitute Rates are confirmed and approved on a final basis and placed in effect by the FERC; (4) they are disapproved and lower Substitute Rates are confirmed and approved on a final basis by the FERC; or (5) they are superseded by other Provisional Rates placed in effect by the Deputy Secretary, whichever occurs first.
(a) Any rate submitted to the FERC for confirmation and approval on a final basis shall be accompanied with such supporting data, studies, and documents as the FERC may require, and also with the transcripts of forums, written answers to questions, written comments, the Administrator's certification, and the statement of principal factors leading to the decision. The FERC shall also be furnished a listing
(b) If the FERC confirms and approves Provisional Rates on a final basis, such confirmation and approval shall be effective as of the date such rates were placed in effect by the Deputy Secretary, as such date may have been adjusted by the Administrator. If the FERC confirms and approves on a final basis rates submitted by the Administrator without interim approval, such confirmation and approval shall be effective on a date set by the FERC.
(c) If the FERC disapproves Provisional Rates or other submitted rates, the Administrator shall develop Substitute Rates which take into consideration the reasons given by the FERC for its disapproval. If, in the Administrator's judgment, public comment should be invited upon proposed Substitute Rates, the Administrator may provide for a public consultation and comment period before submitting the Substitute Rates. Whether or not such public consultation and comment periods are provided, the Administrator will, upon request, provide customers of the power system and other interested persons with copies of the principal documents used in the development of the Substitute Rates. Within 120 days of the date of FERC disapproval of submitted rates, including Substitute Rates, or such additional time periods as the FERC may provide, the Administrator will submit the Substitute Rates to the FERC. A statement explaining the Administrator's decision shall accompany the submission.
(d) A Provisional Rate that is disapproved by the FERC shall remain in effect until higher or lower rates are confirmed and approved by the FERC on a final basis or are superseded by other rates placed into effect by the Deputy Secretary on an interim basis: Provided, That if the Administrator does not file a Substitute Rate within 120 days of the disapproval or such greater time as the FERC may provide, and if the rate has been disapproved because the FERC determined that it would result in total revenues in excess of those required by law, the rate last previously confirmed and approved on a final basis will become effective on a date and for a period determined by the FERC and revenues collected in excess of such rate during such period will be refunded in accordance with paragraph (g) of this section.
(e) If a Substitute Rate confirmed and approved on a final basis by the FERC is higher than the provisional rate which was disapproved, the Substitute Rate shall become effective on a subsequent date set by the FERC, unless a subsequent Provisional Rate even higher than the Substitute Rate has been put into effect. FERC confirmation and approval of the higher Substitute Rate shall constitute final confirmation and approval of the lower disapproved Provisional Rate during the interim period that it was in effect.
(f) If a Substitute Rate confirmed and approved by the FERC on a final basis is lower than the disapproved provisional rate, such lower rate shall be effective as of the date the higher disapproved rate was placed in effect.
(g) Any overpayment shall be refunded with interest unless the FERC determines that the administrative cost of a refund would exceed the amount to be refunded, in which case no refund will be required. The interest rate applicable to any refund will be determined by the FERC.
(h) A rate confirmed and approved by the FERC on a final basis shall remain in effect for such period or periods as the FERC may provide or until a different rate is confirmed, approved and placed in effect on an interim or final basis:
(a) The following regulations shall apply to the extension of rates which were previously confirmed and approved by the FERC or the Federal Power Commission, or established by the Secretary of the Interior, and for which no adjustment is comtemplated:
(1) The Administrator shall give Notice of the proposed extension at least 30 days before the expiration of the
(2) The Administrator may allow for consultation and comment, as provided in these procedures, for such period as the Administrator may provide. One or more public information and comment forums may be held, as provided in these procedures, at such times and locations and with such advance Notice as the Administrator may provide.
(3) Following notice of the proposed extension and the conclusion of any consultation and comment period, the Deputy Secretary may extend the rates on an interim basis.
(b) Provisional Rates and other existing rates may be extended on a temporary basis by the Deputy Secretary without advance notice or comment pending further action pursuant to these regulations or by the FERC. The Deputy Secretary shall publish notice in the
Reclamation Act of 1902 (32 Stat. 388); Boulder Canyon Project Act of 1928 (43 U.S.C. 617
(a) The Secretary of Energy, acting by and through the Administrator of the Western Area Power Administration (Administrator), is authorized and directed to promulgate charges for the sale of power generated at the Boulder Canyon Project powerplant, and also to promulgate such general regulations as the Secretary finds necessary and appropriate in accordance with the power marketing authorities in the Reclamation Act of 1902 (32 Stat. 388) and all acts amendatory thereof and supplementary thereto, and the Department of Energy Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7101
(b) In accordance with the Boulder Canyon Project Act of 1928 (43 U.S.C. 617
These General Regulations are effective June 1, 1987, and shall apply as the basis for computation of all charges applicable to any sale of power from the Boulder Canyon Project after May 31, 1987. “General Regulations for Power Generation, Operation, Maintenance, and Replacement at the Boulder Canyon Project, Arizona/Nevada” are the subject of a separate rulemaking of the Department of the Interior under 43 CFR part 431. The “General Regulations for Generation and Sale of Power in Accordance with the Boulder Canyon Project Adjustment Act” (1941
The following terms wherever used herein shall have the following meanings:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
(m)
(n)
(a) Capacity and energy available from the Project will be marketed by Western under terms of the Conformed General Consolidated Power Marketing Criteria or Regulations for Boulder City Area Projects (Conformed Criteria) published in the
(b) Procedures for the scheduling and delivery of capacity and energy shall be provided for in the Contracts between the Contractors and Western.
(a) Western shall collect all electric service revenues from the Project in accordance with applicable statutes and regulations and deposit such revenues into the Colorado River Dam Fund. All receipts from the Project shall be available for payment of the costs and financial obligations associated with the Project. The Secretary of the Interior is responsible for the administration of the Colorado River Dam Fund.
(b) The electric service revenue of the Project shall be collected through a charge, computed to be sufficient, together with other net revenues from the Project, to recover the following costs and financial obligations associated with the Project over the appropriate repayment periods set out in paragraph (c) of this section:
(1) Annual costs of operation and maintenance;
(2) Annual interest on unpaid investments in accordance with appropriate statutory authorities;
(3) Annual repayment of funds, and all reasonable costs incurred in obtaining such funds, advanced by non-Federal Contractors to the Secretary of the Interior for the Uprating Program;
(4) The annual payment of $300,000 to each of the States of Arizona and Nevada provided for in section 618(c) of the Adjustment Act and section 1543(c)(2) of the Colorado River Basin Project Act (43 U.S.C. 1501
(5) Capital costs of investments and Replacements, including amounts readvanced from the United States Treasury (Treasury);
(6) Repayment to the Treasury of the advances to the Colorado River Dam Fund for the Project made prior to May 31, 1987, for which payment was deferred because of a deficiency in firm energy generation due to a shortage of available water, as provided for in article 14(a) of the 1941 General Regulations and section 8 of the Boulder City Act of 1958 (72 Stat. 1726), as shown on the books of accounts of Reclamation as of May 31, 1987;
(7) Repayment to the Treasury of the first $25,000,000 of advances made to the Colorado River Dam Fund deemed to be allocated to flood control by section 617a(b) of the Project Act as provided by section 618f of the Adjustment Act; and
(8) Any other financial obligations of the Project imposed in accordance with law.
(c) The Project repayment period shall extend to the final year allowed under applicable cost recovery criteria. The revenue for the costs and financial obligations set out in paragraph (b) of this section shall be collected over the following repayment periods:
(1) The repayment period for advances made to the Colorado River Dam Fund from funds advanced to the Secretary of the Interior by non-Federal entities for the Uprating Program and associated work shall be the period commencing with the first day of the month following completion of each segment of the Uprating Program, or June 1, 1987, whichever is later, and ending September 30, 2017;
(2) The repayment period for the payments to the Treasury of the advances to the Colorado River Dam Fund for the Project which were payable prior to May 31, 1987, but which were deferred pursuant to article 14(a) of the 1941 General Regulations and section 8 of the Boulder City Act of 1958, shall be the power contract period beginning June 1, 1987, and ending September 30, 2017. Such repayment period is based on a 50-year repayment period beginning June 1, 1937, adjusted for the periods the initial payments were deferred;
(3) The repayment period for the payment to the Treasury of the first $25,000,000 of advances made to the Colorado River Dam Fund deemed to be allocated to flood control by section 617a(b) of the Project Act and deferred by section 618(f) of the Adjustment Act shall be the 50-year period beginning June 1, 1987;
(4) The repayment period for advances to the Colorado River Dam Fund for the Project made on or after June 1, 1937, and prior to June 1, 1987, shall be the 50-year period beginning June 1 immediately following the year of operation in which the funds were advanced;
(5) The repayment period for investments, other than for the visitor facilities authorized by section 101(a) of the Hoover Power Plant Act (43 U.S.C. 619(a)), made from Federal appropriations on or after June 1, 1987, shall be a 50-year period beginning with the first day of the fiscal year following the fiscal year the investment is placed in service; and
(6) The repayment period for the visitor facilities authorized by section 101(a) of the Hoover Power Plant Act (43 U.S.C. 619(a)) shall be the 50-year period beginning June 1, 1987, or when substantially completed, as determined by the Secretary of the Interior, if later.
(d) Annual costs for operation and maintenance and payments to States as set out in paragraph (b) of this section shall be collected as long as revenues accrue from the operation of the Project.
(e) Surplus revenues will also be collected for transfer from the Colorado River Dam Fund for contribution to the Lower Colorado River Basin Development Fund pursuant to section 1543(c)(2) of the Basin Act as amended by the Hoover Power Plant Act to provide revenue for the purposes of sections 1543(f) and 1543(g) of the Basin Act.
(f) All annual costs will be calculated based on a Federal fiscal year. To accommodate the transition from the pre-1987 operating year of June 1 to May 31 to a fiscal year, there will be a 4-month transition period beginning June 1, 1987, and ending September 30, 1987.
(g) If integrated operation of the Boulder Canyon Project with other Boulder City Area Projects and other Federal projects on the Colorado River, as provided in § 904.9 of these General Regulations, confers a direct power benefit upon such other Boulder City Area Projects and such other Federal projects, or if a direct power benefit is conferred by other Boulder City Area Projects or other Federal projects on the Colorado River upon the Boulder Canyon Project, Western shall equitably apportion such benefits and appropriate charges among the Boulder Canyon Project, other Boulder City Area Projects, and other Federal projects on the Colorado River.
The charge for Capacity and Firm Energy from the Project shall be composed of two separate charges; a charge to provide for the basic revenue requirements, as identified in paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of § 904.5 of these General Regulations (Base Charge), and a charge to provide the surplus revenue for the Lower Colorado River Basin Development Fund contribution, as identified in paragraph (e) of § 904.5 of these General Regulations (Lower Basin Development Fund Contribution Charge).
(a) The Base Charge shall be developed by the Administrator and promulgated in accordance with appropriate DOE regulations. The Base Charge shall be composed of a capacity component and an energy component.
(b) The capacity component of the Base Charge shall be a dollar per kilowattmonth amount determined by (1) multiplying the estimated average annual revenue requirement developed pursuant to paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of § 904.5 of these General Regulations by 50 percent, and (2) dividing the results of that multiplication by the estimated average annual kW rating of the Project, and (3) dividing the quotient by 12. The totalestimated kW rating will be based on the powerplant output capability with all units in service at 498 feet of net effective head or 1,951,000 kW, whichever is less. The capacity component of the Base Charge shall be applied each billing period to each kW of rated output to which each Contractor is entitled by Contract. Adjustments to the application of the capacity component shall be made during outages which cause significant reductions in capacity as provided by the Contract.
(c) The energy component of the Base Charge shall be a mills per kWh amount determined by (1) multiplying the estimated average annual revenue requirements developed pursuant to paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of § 904.5 of these General Regulations by 50 percent and (2) dividing the results of that multiplication by the average annual kWh estimated to be available from the Project. The energy component of the Base Charge shall be applied to each kWh made available to each Contractor, as provided for by Contract, except for the energy purchased by Western, at the request of a Contractor, to meet that Contractor's deficiency in Firm Energy pursuant to section 105(a)(2) of the Hoover Power Plant Act (43 U.S.C. 619(a)(2)) and section F of the Conformed Criteria, and that Contractor's Uprating Program credit carry forward, as provided by Contract.
(d) Application of the Base Charge to capacity and energy overruns will be provided for by Contract. The capacity component and the energy component of the Base Charge shall be applied each billing period for each Contractor.
(e) The Base Charge shall be reviewed annually. The Base Charge shall be adjusted either upward or downward, when necessary and administratively feasible, to assure sufficient revenues to effect payment of all costs and financial obligations associated with the Project pursuant to paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of § 904.5 of these General Regulations. The Administrator shall provide all Contractors an opportunity to comment on any proposed adjustment to the Base Charge pursuant to the DOE's power rate adjustment procedures then in effect.
(a) The Lower Basin Development Fund Contribution Charge will be developed by the Administrator of Western on the basis that the equivalent of 4
(b) The Lower Basin Development Fund Contribution Charge shall be applied to each kWh made available to each Contractor, as provided for by Contract, except for the energy purchased by Western at the request of a Contractor to meet:
(1) That Contractor's deficiency in Firm Energy, pursuant to section 105(a)(2) of the Hoover Power Plant Act (43 U.S.C. 619(a)(2)) and section F of the Conformed Criteria; and
(2) That Contractor's Uprating Program credit carry forward as provided by Contract. A 4
(a) If the Uprating Program results in Excess Capacity, Western shall be entitled to such Excess Capacity to integrate the operation of the Boulder City Area Projects and other Federal Projects on the Colorado River. Specific criteria for the use of Excess Capacity by Western will be provided by Contract. All Excess Capacity not required by Western for the purposes specified by Contract will be available to all Contractors at no additional cost on a pro rata basis based on the ratio of each Contractor's Capacity allocation to the total Capacity allocation.
(b) Credits for benefits resulting from project integration shall be determined by Western and such benefits shall be apportioned in accordance with paragraph (9) of § 904.5 of these General Regulations.
(a) If excess Energy is determined by the United States to be available, it
(b) Western will make available third-priority excess energy to the California Contractors based on the following formula:
(c) The charge for all Excess Energy shall be the charge for Boulder Canyon Project Firm Energy existing at the time the Excess Energy is made available to the Contractor, including the appropriate Lower Basin Development Fund Contribution Charge.
(a) If any Contractor determines that it is temporarily unable to utilize Firm Energy or Excess Energy, Western will, at the Contractor's request, attempt to lay off the Firm Energy or Excess Energy the Contractor declares to be available for lay off, pursuant to the provisions for lay off of energy specified in the Contract.
(b) If Western is unable to lay off such energy, or if the Contractor fails to request Western to attempt to lay off the energy, the Contractor will be billed for the Firm Energy or Excess Energy that was available to the Contractor but could not be delivered to the Contractor or sold to another customer.
(c) In the event that Western must lay off the Firm Energy or Excess Energy at a rate lower than the effective Firm Energy rate, the Contractor will be billed for the difference between the amount that Western would have received at the then existing Firm Energy rate, including the appropriate Lower Basin Development Fund Contribution Charge, and the amount actually received.
(a) Funds advanced to the Secretary of the Interior for the Uprating Program and costs reasonably incurred by the Contractor in advancing such funds, as approved by Western, shall be returned to the Contractor advancing the funds during the Contract period through credits on that Contractor's power bills. Appropriate credits will be developed and applied pursuant to terms and conditions agreed to by contract or agreement.
(b) All other obligations of the United States to return funds to a Contractor shall be repaid to such Contractor through credits on power bills, with or without interest, pursuant to terms and conditions agreed to by contract or agreement.
(a) All actions by the Secretary of Energy, acting by and through the Administrator of Western, shall be binding unless or until reversed or modified in accordance with provisions contained herein.
(b) Any disputes or disagreements as to interpretation or performance of the provisions of these General Regulations under the responsibility of Western shall first be presented to and decided by the Administrator. The Administrator shall be deemed to have denied the Contractor's contention or claim if it is not acted upon within ninety (90) days of its having been presented.
(c) The decision of the Administrator shall be final unless, within thirty (30) days from the date of such decision, a written request for arbitration is received by the Administrator. The Administrator shall have ninety (90) days from the date of receipt of a request for arbitration either to concur in or deny in writing the request for such arbitration. Failure by the Administrator to take any action within the ninety (90) day period shall be deemed a denial of the request for arbitration. In the
(d) When a timely request for arbitration is received by the Administrator and the Administrator concurs in writing, the disputing Contractor and the Administrator shall, within thirty (30) days after receipt of notice of such concurrence, each name one arbitrator to the panel of arbitrators which will decide the dispute. All arbitrators shall be skilled and experienced in the field pertaining to the dispute. In the event there is more than one disputing Contractor, the disputing Contractors shall collectively name one arbitrator to the panel of arbitrators. In the event of their failure collectively to name such an arbitrator within fifteen (15) days after their first meeting, that arbitrator shall be named as provided in the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. The two arbitrators thus selected shall name a third arbitrator within thirty (30) days of their first meeting. In the event of their failure to so name such third arbitrator, that arbitrator shall be named as provided in the Commercial Arbitration Rules ofthe American Arbitration Association. The third arbitrator shall act as chairperson of the panel. The arbitration shall be governed by the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. The arbitration shall be limited to the issue submitted. The panel of arbitrators shall not rewrite, change, or amend these General Regulations or the Contracts of any of the parties to the dispute. The panel of arbitrators shall render a final decision in this dispute within sixty (60) days after the date of the naming of the third arbitrator. A decision of any two of the three arbitrators named to the panel shall be final and binding on all parties involved in the dispute.
(a) Western may from time to time promulgate such additional or amendatory regulations as deemed necessary for the administration of the Project in accordance with applicable law;
(b) Any modification, extension, or waiver of any provision of these General Regulations granted for the benefit of any one or more Contractors shall not be denied to any other Contractor.
(c) Western reserves the right to terminate, modify, or extend these regulations, either partially or in their entirety, to the extent permitted by law or existing contract.
42 U.S.C. §§ 7152 and 7191; 32 Stat. 388, as amended; and 42 U.S.C. §§ 7275-7276c.
The purposes of the Energy Planning and Management Program (EPAMP) are to meet the objectives of Section 114 of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct) and to extend long-term firm power resource commitments while supporting customer integrated resource planning (IRP); demand-side management (DSM), including energy efficiency, conservation, and load management; and the use of renewable energy. Subpart B, Integrated Resource Planning, allows customers of the Western Area Power Administration (Western) to meet the objectives of section 114 of EPAct through integrated resource planning or by other means, such as attaining a minimum level of investment in energy efficiency and/or renewable energy, collecting a charge to support defined public benefits, or complying with a mandated energy efficiency and/or renewable energy reporting requirement.
(1) An entity composed of member utilities or user members, or
(2) An entity that acts as an agent for, or subcontracts with, but does not assume power supply responsibility for its principals or subcontractors, who are its members.
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(1)
(i) Supply-side options include, but are not limited to, purchased power contracts and conventional and renewable generation options.
(ii) Demand-side options alter the customer's use pattern to provide for an improved combination of energy services to the customer and the ultimate consumer.
(iii) Considerations that may be used to develop potential options include cost, market potential, consumer preferences, environmental impacts, demand or energy impacts, implementation issues, revenue impacts, and commercial availability.
(iv) The IRP discussion of resource options must describe the options chosen by the customer, clearly demonstrating that decisions were based on a reasonable analysis of the options. The IRP may strike a balance among the applicable resource evaluation factors.
(2)
(i) The IRP must state the time period that the action plan covers, and the action plan must be updated and resubmitted to Western when this time period expires. The customer may submit a revised action plan with the annual IRP progress report discussed in § 905.14.
(ii) For those customers not experiencing or anticipating load growth, the action plan requirement for the IRP may be satisfied by a discussion of current actions and procedures in place to periodically reevaluate the possible future need for new resources. The action plan must include a summary of:
(A) Actions the customer expects to take in accomplishing the goals identified in the IRP;
(B) Milestones to evaluate accomplishment of those actions during implementation; and
(C) Estimated energy and capacity benefits for each action planned.
(3)
(4)
(i) As part of the public participation process, the governing body of an MBA and each MBA member (such as a board of directors or city council) must approve the IRP, confirming that all requirements have been met. To indicate approval, a responsible official must sign the IRP submitted to Western or the customer must document passage of an approval resolution by the appropriate governing body included or referred to in the IRP.
(ii) For Western customers that do not purchase electricity for resale, such as some State, Tribal, and Federal agencies, the customer can satisfy the public participation requirement by having a top management official with resource acquisition responsibility review and concur on the IRP. The customer must note this concurrence in the IRP.
(5)
(6)
(c)
(1) Each IRP submitted by a customer under paragraph (c) of this section must:
(i) Consider all reasonable opportunities to meet future energy service requirements using DSM techniques, renewable energy resources, and other programs; and
(ii) Minimize, to the extent practical, adverse environmental effects.
(2) Each IRP submitted by a customer under paragraph (c) of this section must include, in summary form:
(i) Customer name, address, phone number, email and Website if applicable, and contact person;
(ii) Customer type;
(iii) Current energy and demand profiles, and data on total annual energy sales and usage for the past 5 years, which Western will use to verify that customers qualify for these criteria;
(iv) Future energy services projections;
(v) How items in paragraphs (c)(1)(i) and (c)(1)(ii) of this section were considered; and
(vi) Actions to be implemented over the customer's planning timeframe.
(a)
(b)
(1) Customers may submit IRPs individually.
(2) MBAs may submit IRPs for each of their members or submit one IRP on behalf of all or some of their members. An IRP submitted by an MBA must specify the responsibilities and participation levels of individual members and the MBA. Any member of an MBA may submit an individual IRP to Western instead of being included in an MBA IRP.
(3) Customers may submit IRPs as IRP cooperatives when previously approved by Western. IRP cooperatives may also submit small customer plans, minimum investment reports and EE/RE reports on behalf of eligible IRP cooperative members.
(c)
(a)
(b)
(c)
Yes, customers must submit IRP progress reports each year within 30 days of the anniversary date of the approval of the currently applicable IRP. The reports must describe the customer's accomplishments achieved under the action plan, including projected goals and implementation schedules, and energy and capacity benefits and renewable energy developments achieved as compared to those anticipated. Western prefers measured values, but will accept reasonable estimates if measurement is infeasible or not cost-effective. Instead of a separate progress report, the customer may use any other annual report that the customer submits to Western or another entity, at the customer's discretion, if that report contains all required data for the previous full year and is submitted within 30 days of the approval anniversary date of the currently applicable IRP. With Western's approval, customers may submit reports outside of the 30-day anniversary date window.
(a)
(b)
(1) Consider all reasonable opportunities to meet future energy service requirements using demand-side management techniques, renewable energy resources, and other programs that provide retail consumers with electricity at reasonable cost;
(2) Minimize, to the extent practical, adverse environmental effects; and
(3) Present in summary form the following information:
(i) Customer name, address, phone number, email and Website if applicable, and contact person;
(ii) Type of customer;
(iii) Current energy and demand profiles and data on total annual energy sales and usage for the previous 5 years for utility customers, or current energy and demand use for end-use customers;
(iv) Future energy services projections;
(v) How items in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this section were considered; and
(vi) Actions to be implemented over the customer's planning timeframe.
(c)
(d)
(2) Western will use the letter for overall program evaluation and comparison with the customer's plan, and for verification of continued small customer status. Customers may submit annual update letters outside of the anniversary date if previously agreed to by Western so long as the letter contains all required data for the previous full year.
(e)
(i) Is a utility customer and exceeds total annual energy sales and usage of 25 GWh, as averaged over the previous 5 years; or
(ii) Is no longer an end-use customer.
(2) Western will work with a customer that loses small customer status to develop an appropriate schedule for submitting an IRP or other report required under this subpart.
(a)
(1) The source of the minimum investment requirement (number, title, date, and jurisdiction of law);
(2) The initial, annual, and other reporting requirement(s) of the mandate, if any; and
(3) The mandated minimum level of investment or public benefits charge for DSM and/or renewable energy.
(b)
(1) A mandatory set percentage of customer gross revenues or other specific minimum investment in DSM and/or renewable energy mandated by a State, Tribal, or Federal Government with jurisdictional authority; or
(2) A required public benefits charge, including charges to be collected for and spent on DSM; renewable energy; efficiency and alternative energy-related research and development; low-income energy assistance; and any other applicable public benefits category, mandated by a State, Tribal, or Federal Government with jurisdictional authority. Participation in a public benefits program requires either a mandatory set percentage of customer gross revenues or other specific charges to be applied toward the programs as determined by the applicable State, Tribal, or Federal authority. The revenues from the public benefits charge may be expended directly by the customer, or by another entity on behalf of the customer as determined by the applicable State, Tribal, or Federal authority.
(c)
(d)
(e)
(1) Customer name, address, phone number, email and Website if applicable, and contact person;
(2) Authority or requirement to undertake a minimum investment, including the source of the minimum investment requirement (number, title, date, and jurisdiction of law or regulation); and
(3) A description of the minimum investment, including:
(i) Minimum percentage or other minimum requirement for DSM and/or renewable energy, including any charges to be collected for and spent on DSM, renewable energy, efficiency or alternative energy-related research and development, low-income energy assistance, and any other applicable public benefits categories;
(ii) Actual or estimated energy and/or capacity savings resulting from minimum investments in DSM, if known;
(iii) Actual or estimated energy and/or capacity resulting from minimum investments in renewable energy, if known; and
(iv) A description of the DSM and/or renewable energy activities to be undertaken over the next 2 years as a result of the requirement for minimum investment, if known.
(f)
(g)
(h)
(2) Western will use the letter for overall program evaluation and to ensure customers remain in compliance. Customers may submit letters outside of the anniversary date if previously agreed to by Western, and if the letter contains all required data for the previous full year. Instead of a separate letter, a customer choosing this option may submit the State, Tribal, or Federal required annual report documenting the minimum investment and associated DSM and/or renewable energy savings and/or use, if known.
(i)
(i) A State, Tribal, or Federal mandate no longer applies to the customer, or
(ii) The customer does not comply with the minimum level of investment in applicable State, Tribal, or Federal law.
(2) Western will work with a customer no longer eligible to submit a minimum investment report to develop an appropriate schedule to submit an IRP or other plan or report required under this subpart.
(a)
(1) The source of the EE/RE reporting requirement (number, title, date, and jurisdiction of law or regulation);
(2) The initial, annual, and other reporting requirement(s) of the report; and
(3) A summary outline of the EE/RE report's required data or components, including any requirements for documenting customer energy efficiency and renewable energy activities.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(1) Customer name, address, phone number, email and Website if applicable, and contact person;
(2) Authority or requirement to complete the EE/RE report, including the source of the requirement (number, title, date, and jurisdiction of law); and
(3) A description of the customer's required energy efficiency and/or renewable energy activities, including:
(i) Level of investment or expenditure in energy efficiency and/or renewable energy, and quantifiable energy savings or use goals, if defined by the EE/RE reporting requirement;
(ii) Annual actual or estimated energy and/or capacity savings, if any, associated with energy efficiency and resulting from the EE/RE reporting requirement;
(iii) Actual or estimated energy and/or capacity, if any, associated with renewable energy and resulting from the EE/RE reporting requirement;
(iv) A description of the energy efficiency and/or renewable energy activities to be undertaken over the next 2 years as a result of the EE/RE reporting requirement.
(e)
(f)
(g)
(2) Customers may submit annual EE/RE letters outside of the anniversary date if previously agreed to by Western if the letter contains all required data for the previous full year.
(h)
(i) The EE/RE reporting requirement no longer applies to the customer, or
(ii) The customer does not comply with the EE/RE reporting requirements in applicable State, Tribal, or Federal law.
(2) Western will work with a customer no longer eligible to submit an EE/RE report to develop an appropriate schedule to submit a small customer plan or other plan or report required under this subpart.
(a)
(1) Whether the plan or report satisfactorily addresses the criteria in the regulations in this subpart; and
(2) The reasonableness of the plan or report given the size, type, resource needs, geographic area, and competitive situation of the customer.
(b)
(c)
(d)
Western will review all plans and reports submitted under this subpart and notify the submitting entity of the plan's or report's acceptability within 120 days after receiving it. If a plan or report submittal is insufficient, Western will provide a notice of deficiencies to the entity that submitted the plan or report. Western, working together with the entity, will determine the time allowable for resubmitting the
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(2) The surcharge increases to 20 percent for the second 12 months and to 30 percent per year thereafter until the deficiency is cured.
(3) After the first 12 months of the surcharge and instead of imposing any further surcharge, Western may impose a penalty that would reduce the resource delivered under a customer's long-term firm power contract(s) by 10 percent. Western may impose this resource reduction either:
(i) When it appears to be more effective to ensure customer compliance, or
(ii) When such reduction may be more cost-effective for Western.
(4) The penalty provisions in existing contracts will continue to be in effect and administered and enforced according to applicable contract provisions.
(e)
(f)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a)
(b)
(c)
IRPs, small customer plans, minimum investment reports and EE/RE reports and associated data submitted to Western are subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and may be made available to the public upon request. Customers may request confidential treatment of all or part of a submitted document under applicable FOIA exemptions. Western will make its own determination whether particular information is exempt from public access. Western will not disclose to the public information it has determined to be exempt, recognizing that certain competition-related customer information may be proprietary.
Yes, Western may periodically initiate a public process to review the regulations in this subpart to determine whether they should be revised to reflect changes in technology, needs, or other developments.
(a) The Power Marketing Initiative (PMI) provides a framework for marketing Western's long-term firm hydroelectric resources. For covered projects, Western will make a major portion of the resources currently under contract available to existing long-term firm power customers for a period of time beyond the expiration date of their current contracts.
(b) The Western projects covered by this subpart are the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program—Eastern Division and the Loveland Area Projects (LAP). The PMI applies to covered projects to the extent it is consistent with other contractual and legal rights, and subject to any applicable project-specific environmental requirements.
Western will extend resource commitments for 20 years from the date existing contracts expire to existing customers with long-term firm power contracts from projects identified in section 905.30(b).
(a) Western will extend a project-specific percentage of the marketable resource, determined to be available at the time future resource extensions begin, to existing customers with long-term firm power contracts. The remaining unextended power will be used to establish project-specific resource pools. An initial level of 96 percent of the marketable resource will be extended for the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program—Eastern Division and the Loveland Area Projects.
(b) At two 5-year intervals after the effective date of the extension to existing customers, Western shall create a project-specific resource pool increment of up to an additional 1 percent of the long-term marketable resource under contract at the time. The size of the additional resource pool increment shall be determined by Western based on consideration of the actual fair-share needs of eligible new customers and other appropriate purposes.
(c) The initial pool percentages shall be applied to the marketable resource determined to be available at the time future resource extensions begin. Subsequent percentages shall be applied to the resource under contract at the time.
(d) The additional resource pool increments shall be established by pro rata withdrawals, on 2 years' notice, from then-existing customers. Withdrawals could be mitigated or delayed if good water conditions exist.
(e) Once the extensions for existing customers and allocations to new customers from the resource pool have been made, additional power resources may become available for various reasons. Any additional available resources will be used as follows:
(1) If power is reserved for new customers but not allocated, or resources are offered but not placed under contract, this power will be offered on a pro rata basis to customers that contributed to the resource pool through application of the extension formula in § 905.33.
(2) If power resources become available as a result of the enhancement of existing generation, project-use load efficiency upgrades, the development of new resources, or resources turned back to Western, Western may elect to use this power to reduce the need to acquire firming resources, retain the power for operational flexibility, sell these resources on a short-term basis, or allocate the power.
(3) If resources become available due to imposition of penalties pursuant to § 905.17, Western may make such resources available within the marketing area to existing customers that are in compliance with subpart B, subject to withdrawal.
(a) The amount of power to be extended to an existing customer shall be determined according to this formula:
Customer Contract Rate of Delivery (CROD) today/total project CROD under contract today × project-specific percentage × marketable resource determined to be available at the time future resource extensions begin = CROD extended.
(b) Where contract rates of delivery vary by season, the formula shall be used on a seasonal basis to determine the extended power resource. A similar pro rata approach shall be used for energy extensions.
(c) Determination of the amount of resource available after existing contracts expire, if significantly different from existing resource commitments, shall take place only after an appropriate public process.
(d) The formula set forth in paragraph (a) of this section also should be
Western reserves the right to adjust marketable resources committed to all customers with long-term firm power contracts only as required to respond to changes in hydrology and river operations, except as otherwise expressly provided in these regulations. Under contracts that extend resources under this PMI, existing customers shall be given at least 5 years' notice before adjustments are made. New customers may receive less notice. The earliest that any notice under this section shall become effective is the date that existing contractual commitments expire. Any adjustment shall only take place after an appropriate public process. Withdrawals to serve project use and other purposes provided for by contract shall continue to take place based on existing contract/marketing criteria principles.
(a) Allocations to new customers from the project-specific resource pools established under § 905.32 shall be determined through separate public processes in each project's marketing area. New customers receiving an allocation must execute a long-term firm power contract to receive the allocated power and are required to comply with the IRP requirements in this part. Contracts with new customers shall expire on the same date as firm power contracts with all other customers of a project.
(b) To be eligible for an allocation, a potential new customer must be a preference entity, as defined in Reclamation law, within the currently established marketing area for a project.
(c) Entities that desire to purchase power from Western for resale to consumers, including municipalities, cooperatives, public utility districts and public power districts, must have utility status. Native American tribes are not subject to this requirement. Utility status means that the entity has responsibility to meet load growth, has a distribution system, and is ready, willing, and able to purchase power from Western on a wholesale basis for resale to retail consumers. To be eligible to apply for power available from a project's initial resource pool, those entities that desire to purchase Western power for resale to consumers must have attained utility status by December 31, 1996, for the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program—Eastern Division, and by September 30, 2000, for the Loveland Area Projects. To be eligible to apply for power from subsequent resource pool increments, these entities must have attained utility status no later than 3 years prior to availability of the incremental addition to the resource pool. Deadlines for attaining utility status for other projects will be established at a later date.
Western shall retain applicable provisions of existing marketing criteria for projects where resource commitments are extended beyond the current expiration date of long-term firm power sales contracts. Western must retain important marketing plan provisions such as classes of service, marketing area, and points of delivery, to the extent that these provisions are consistent with the PMI. The PMI, eligibility and allocation criteria for potential new customers, retained or amended provisions of existing marketing criteria, the project-specific resource definition, and the size of a project-specific resource pool shall constitute the future marketing plan for each project.
Modified contractual language shall be required to place resource extensions under contract. Resource extensions and allocations to new customers from the initial resource pool will take effect when existing contracts expire. These dates are December 31, 2000, for the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program—Eastern Division and September 30, 2004, for the Loveland Area Projects. For the Pick-Sloan Missouri
Western shall establish a program that provides technical assistance to customers to conduct integrated resource planning, implement applicable IRPs and small customer plans, and otherwise comply with the requirements of these regulations.
42 U.S.C. 2011
These guidelines were developed in accordance with the requirements of Section 112(a) of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 for use by the Secretary of Energy in evaluating the suitability of sites. The guidelines will be used for suitability evaluations and determinations made pursuant to Section 112(b). The guidelines set forth in this part are intended to complement the requirements set forth in the Act, 10 CFR part 60, and 40 CFR part 191. The DOE recognizes NRC jurisdiction for the resolution of differences between the guidelines and 10 CFR part 60. The guidelines have received the concurrence of the NRC. The DOE contemplates revising the guidelines from time to time, as permitted by the Act, to take into account revisions made to the above regulations and to otherwise update the guidelines as necessary. The DOE will submit the revisions to the NRC and obtain its concurrence before issuance.
As used in this part:
The guidelines of this subpart establish the procedure and basis for applying the postclosure and the preclosure guidelines of subparts C and D, respectively, to evaluations of the suitability of sites. As may be appropriate during the siting process, this procedure requires consideration of a variety of geohydrologic settings and rock types, regionality, and environmental impacts and consultation with affected States, affected Indian tribes, and Federal agencies.
The siting provisions establish the framework for the implementation of the siting process specified in § 960.3-2. Sections 960.3-1-1 and 960.3-1-2 require that consideration be given to sites situated in different geohydrologic settings and different types of host rock,
Consideration shall be given to a variety of geohydrologic settings in which sites for the development of repositories may be located. To the extent practicable, sites recommended as candidate sites for characterization shall be located in different geohydrologic settings.
Consideration shall be given to a variety of geologic media in which sites for the development of repositories may be located. To the extent practicable, and with due consideration of candidate sites characterized previously or approved for such characterization if the circumstances apply, sites recommended as candidate sites for characterization shall have different types of host rock.
In making site recommendations for repository development after the site for the first repository has been recommended, the Secretary shall give due consideration to the need for, and the advantages of, a regional distribution in the siting of subsequent repositories. Such consideration shall take into account the proximity of sites to locations at which waste is generated or temporarily stored and at which other repositories have been or are being developed.
The siting process involves a sequence of four decisions: The identification of potentially acceptable sites; the nomination of sites as suitable for characterization; the recommendation of sites as candidate sites for site characterization; and after the completion of site characterization and nongeo-logic data gathering, the recommendation of a candidate site for the development of a repository. Each of these decisions will be supported by the evidence specified below.
The evidence for the identification of a potentially acceptable site shall be the types of information specified in appendix IV of this part. Such evidence will be relatively general and less detailed than that required for the nomination of a site as suitable for characterization. Because the gathering of detailed geologic data will not take place until after the recommendation of a site for characterization, the levels of information may be relatively greater for the evaluation of those guidelines in subparts C and D that pertain to surface-identifiable factors for such site. The sources of information shall include the literature in the public domain and the private sector, when available, and will be supplemented in some instances by surface investigations and conceptual engineering design studies conducted by the DOE. Geologic surface investigations may include the mapping of identifiable rock masses, fracture and joint characteristics, and fault zones. Other surface investigations will consider the aquatic and terrestrial ecology; water rights and uses; topography; potential offsite hazards; natural resource concentrations; national or State protected resources; existing transportation systems; meteorology and climatology; population densities, centers, and distributions; and general socioeconomic characteristics.
The evidence required to support the nomination of a site as suitable for
The evidence required to support the recommendation of a site as a candidate site for characterization shall consist of the evaluations and data contained or referenced in the environmental assessment for such site, unless the Secretary certifies that such information, in the absence of additional preliminary borings or excavations, will not be adequate to satisfy applicable requirements of the Act.
(a) Evaluations of individual sites and comparisons between and among sites shall be based on the postclosure and preclosure guidelines specified in subparts C and D of this part, respectively. Except for screening for potentially acceptable sites as specified in § 960.3-2-1, such evaluations shall place primary significance on the postclosure guidelines and secondary significance on the preclosure guidelines, with each set of guidelines considered collectively for such purposes. Both the postclosure and the preclosure guidelines consist of a system guideline or guidelines and corresponding groups of technical guidelines.
(b) The postclosure guidelines of subpart C of this part contain eight technical guidelines in one group. The preclosure guidelines of subpart D of this part contain eleven technical guidelines separated into three groups that represent, in decreasing order of importance, preclosure radiological safety; environment, socioeconomics, and transportation; and ease and cost of siting, construction, operation, and closure.
(c) The relative significance of any technical guideline to its corresponding system guideline is site specific. Therefore, for each technical
(d) For purposes of recommending sites for development as repositories, such evidence shall include analyses of expected repository performance to assess the likelihood of demonstrating compliance with 40 CFR part 191 and 10 CFR part 60, in accordance with § 960.4-1. A site shall be disqualified at any time during the siting process if the evidence supports a finding by the DOE that a disqualifying condition exists or the qualifying condition of any system or technical guideline cannot be met.
(e) Comparisons between and among sites shall be based on the system guidelines, to the extent practicable and in accordance with the levels of relative significance specified above for the postclosure and the preclosure guidelines. Such comparisons are intended to allow comparative evaluations of sites in terms of the capabilities of the natural barriers for waste isolation and to identify innate deficiencies that could jeopardize compliance with such requirements. If the evidence for the sites is not adequate to substantiate such comparisons, then the comparisons shall be based on the groups of technical guidelines under the postclosure and the preclosure guidelines, considering the levels of relative significance appropriate to the postclosure and the preclosure guidelines and the order of importance appropriate to the subordinate groups within the preclosure guidelines. Comparative site evaluations shall place primary importance on the natural barriers of the site. In such evaluations for the postclosure guidelines of subpart C of this part, engineered barriers shall be considered only to the extent necessary to obtain realistic source terms for comparative site evaluations based on the sensitivity of the natural barriers to such realistic engineered barriers. For a better understanding of the potential effects of engineered barriers on the overall performance of the repository system, these comparative evaluations shall consider a range of levels in the performance of the engineered barriers. That range of performance levels shall vary by at least a factor of 10 above and below the engineered-barrier performance requirements set forth in 10 CFR 60.113, and the range considered shall be identical for all sites compared. The comparisons shall assume equivalent engineered barrier performance for all sites compared and shall be structured so that engineered barriers are not relied upon to compensate for deficiencies in the geologic media. Furthermore, engineered barriers shall not be used to compensate for an inadequate site; mask the innate deficiencies of a site; disguise the strengths and weaknesses of a site and the overall system; and mask differences between sites when they are compared. Releases of different radionuclides shall be combined by the methods specified in appendix A of 40 CFR part 191.
(f) The comparisons specified in paragraph (e) of this section shall consist of two comparative evaluations that predict radionuclide releases for 100,000 years after repository closure and shall be conducted as follows. First, the sites shall be compared by means of evaluations that emphasize the performance of the natural barriers at the site. Second, the sites shall be compared by means of evaluations that emphasize the performance of the total repository system. These second evaluations shall consider the expected performance of the repository system; be based on the expected performance of waste packages and waste forms, in compliance with the requirements of 10 CFR 60.113, and on the expected hydrological and geochemical conditions at each site; and take credit for the expected performance of all other engineered components of the repository system. The comparison of isolation capability shall be one of the significant considerations in the recommendation of sites for the development of repositories. The first of the two comparative evaluations specified in the paragraph (e) of this section shall take precedence
The siting process begins with site screening for the identification of potentially acceptable sites. This process was completed for purposes of the first repository before the enactment of the Act, and the identification of such sites was made after enactment in accordance with the provisions of section 116(a) of the Act. The screening process for the identification of potentially acceptable sites for the second and subsequent repositories shall be conducted in accordance with the requirements specified in § 960.3-2-1 of this subpart. The nomination of any site as suitable for characterization shall follow the process specified in § 960.3-2-2, and such nomination shall be accompanied by an environmental assessment as specified in section 112(b)(1)(E) of the Act. The recommendation of sites as candidate sites for characterization shall be accomplished in accordance with the requirements specified in § 960.3-2-3.
To identify potentially acceptable sites for the development of other than the first repository, the process shall begin with site-screening activities that consider large land masses that contain rock formations of suitable depth, thickness, and lateral extent and have structural, hydrologic, and tectonic features favorable for waste containment and isolation. Within those large land masses, subsequent site-screening activities shall focus on successively smaller and increasingly more suitable land units. This process shall be developed in consultation with the States that contain land units under consideration. It shall be implemented in a sequence of steps that first applies the applicable disqualifying conditions to eliminate land units on the basis of the evidence specified in § 960.3-1-4-1 and in accordance with the application requirements set forth in appendix III of this part. After the disqualifying conditions have been applied, the favorable and potentially adverse conditions, as identified for each remaining land unit, shall be evaluated. The presence of favorable conditions shall favor a given land unit, while the presence of potentially adverse conditions shall penalize that land unit. Recognizing that favorable conditions and potentially adverse conditions for different technical guidelines can exist in the same land unit, the DOE shall seek to evaluate the composite favorability of each land unit. Land units that, in the aggregrate, exhibit potentially adverse conditions shall be deferred in favor of land units that exhibit favorable conditions. The siting provisions that require diversity of geohydrologic settings and rock types and consideration of regionality, as specified in §§ 960.3-1-1, 960.3-1-2, and 960.3-1-3, respectively, may be used to discriminate between land units and to establish the range of options in site screening. To identify a site as potentially acceptable, the evidence shall support a finding that the site is not disqualified in accordance with the application requirements set forth in appendix III of this part and shall support thedecision by the DOE to proceed the continued investigation of the site on the basis of the favorable and potentially adverse conditions identified to date. In continuation of the screening process after such identification and before site nomination, the DOE may defer from further consideration land units or potentially acceptable sites or portions thereof on the basis of additional information or by the application of the siting provisions for diversity of geohydrologic settings, diversity of rock types, and regionality (§§ 960.3-1-1, 960.3-1-2, and 960.3-1-3, respectively). The deferral of potentially acceptable sites will be described in the environmental assessments that accompany the nomination of at least five sites as suitable for
From the sites identified as potentially acceptable, the Secretary shall nominate at least five sites determined suitable for site characterization for the selection of each repository site. For the second repository, at least three of the sites shall not have been nominated previously. Any site nominated as suitable for characterization for the first repository, but not recommended as a candidate site for characterization, may not be nominated as suitable for characterization for the second repository. The nomination of a site as suitable for characterization shall be accompanied by an environmental assessment as specified in section 112(b)(1)(E) of the Act. Such nomination shall be based on evaluations in accordance with the guidelines of this part, and the bases and relevant details of those evaluations and of the decision processes involved therein shall be contained in the environmental assessment for the site in the manner specified in this subpart. The evidence required to support such evaluations and siting decisions is specified in § 960.3-1-4-2.
To document the process specified above, and in compliance with section 112(b)(1)(E) of the Act, an environmental assessment shall be prepared for each site proposed for nomination as suitable for characterization. Each such environmental assessment shall describe the decision process by which such site was proposed for nomination as described in the preceding six steps and shall contain or reference the evidence that supports such process according to the requirements of § 960.3-1-4-2 and appendix IV of this part. As specified in the Act, each environmental assessment shall include an evaluation of the effects of the site-characterization activities at the site on public health and safety and the environment; a discussion of alternative activities related to site characterization that may be taken to avoid such
After the final environmental assessments have been prepared, the Secretary shall nominate at least five sites that he determines suitable for site characterization for the selection of a repository site, and, in so doing, he shall cause to have published in the
After the nomination of at least five sites as suitable for site characterization for the selection of the first repository, the Secretary shall recommend in writing to the President not less than three candidate sites for such characterization. The recommendation decision shall be based on the available geophysical, geologic, geochemical, and hydrologic data; other information; associated evaluations and findings reported in the environmental assessments accompanying the nominations; and the considerations specified below, unless the Secretary certifies that such available data will not be adequate to satisfy applicable requirements of the Act in the absence of further preliminary borings or excavations. On the basis of the evidence and in accordance with the siting provision specifying the basis for site evaluations in § 960.3-1-5, the sites nominated assuitable for characterization shall be considered as to their order of preference as candidate sites for characterization. Subsequently, the siting provisions specifying diversity of geohydrologic settings, diversity of rock types, and, after the first repository, consideration of regionality in §§ 960.3-1-1, 960.3-1-2, and 960.3-1-3, respectively, shall be considered to determine a final order of preference for the characterization of such sites. Considering this order of preference together with the available siting alternatives specified in the Act, the sites recommended as candidate sites for characterization shall offer, on balance, the most advantageous combination of characteristics and conditions for the successful development of repositories at such sites. The process for the recommendation of sites as candidate sites for characterization for the selection of any subsequent repository shall be the same as that specified above for the first repository.
The DOE shall provide to designated officials of the affected States and to the governing bodies of any affected Indian tribe timely and complete information regarding determinations or plans made with respect to the siting, site characterization, design, development, construction, operation, closure, decommissioning, licensing, or regulation of a repository. Written responses to written requests for information from the designated officials of affected States or affected Indian tribes will be provided within 30 days after receipt of the written requests. In performing any study of an area for the purpose of determining the suitability of such area for the development of a repository, the DOE shall consult and cooperate with the Governor and the legislature of an affected State and the governing body of an affected Indian tribe in an effort to resolve concerns
Environmental impacts shall be considered by the DOE throughout the site characterization, site selection, and repository development process. The DOE shall mitigate significant adverse environmental impacts, to the extent practicable, during site characterization and repository construction, operation, closure, and decommissioning.
The guidelines in this subpart specify the factors to be considered in evaluating and comparing sites on the basis of expected repository performance after closure. The postclosure guidelines are separated into a system guideline and eight technical guidelines. The system guideline establishes waste containment and isolation requirements that are based on NRC and EPA regulations. These requirements must be met by the repository system, which contains natural barriers and engineered barriers. The engineered barriers will be designed to complement the natural barriers, which provide the primary means for waste isolation.
(a)
The technical guidelines in this subpart set forth qualifying, favorable, potentially adverse, and, in five guidelines, disqualifying conditions on the characteristics, processes, and events that may influence the performance of a repository system after closure. The favorable conditions and the potentially adverse conditions under each guideline are
(a)
(b)
(2) The nature and rates of hydrologic processes operating within the geologic setting during the Quaternary
(3) Sites that have stratigraphic, structural, and hydrologic features such that the geohydrologic system can be readily characterized and modeled with reasonable certainty.
(4) For disposal in the saturated zone, at least one of the following pre-waste-emplacement conditions exists:
(i) A host rock and immediately surrounding geohydrologic units with low hydraulic conductivities.
(ii) A downward or predominantly horizontal hydraulic gradient in the host rock and in the immediately surrounding geohydrologic units.
(iii) A low hydraulic gradient in and between the host rock and the immediately surrounding geohydrologic units.
(iv) High effective porosity together with low hydraulic conductivity in rock units along paths of likely radionuclide travel between the host rock and the accessible environment.
(5) For disposal in the unsaturated zone, at least one of the following pre-waste-emplacement conditions exists:
(i) A low and nearly constant degree of saturation in the host rock and in the immediately surrounding geohydrologic units.
(ii) A water table sufficiently below the underground facility such that the fully saturated voids continuous with the water table do not encounter the host rock.
(iii) A geohydrologic unit above the host rock that would divert the downward infiltration of water beyond the limits of the emplaced waste.
(iv) A host rock that provides for free drainage.
(v) A climatic regime in which the average annual historical precipitation is a small fraction of the average annual potential evapotranspiration.
The DOE will, in accordance with the general principles set forth in § 960.1 of these regulations, revise the guidelines as necessary, to ensure consistency with the final NRC regulations on the unsaturated zone, which were published as a proposed rule on February 16, 1984, in 49 FR 5934.
(c)
(2) The presence of ground-water sources, suitable for crop irrigation or human consumption without treatment, along ground-water flow paths from the host rock to the accessible environment.
(3) The presence in the geologic setting of stratigraphic or structural features—such as dikes, sills, faults, shear zones, folds, dissolution effects, or brine pockets—if their presence could significantly contribute to the difficulty of characterizing or modeling the geohydrologic system.
(d)
(a)
(b)
(2) Geochemical conditions that promote the precipitation, diffusion into the rock matrix, or sorption of radio-nuclides; inhibit the formation of particulates, colloids, inorganic complexes, or organic complexes that increase the mobility of radionuclides; or inhibit the transport of radionuclides by particulates, colloids, or complexes.
(3) Mineral assemblages that, when subjected to expected repository conditions, would remain unaltered or would alter to mineral assemblages with equal or increased capability to retard radionuclide transport.
(4) A combination of expected geochemical conditions and a volumetric flow rate of water in the host rock that would allow less than 0.001 percent per year of the total radionuclide inventory in the repository at 1,000 years to be dissolved.
(5) Any combination of geochemical and physical retardation processes that would decrease the predicted peak cumulative releases of radionuclides to the accessible environment by a factor of 10 as compared to those predicted on the basis of ground-water travel time without such retardation.
(c)
(2) Geochemical processes or conditions that could reduce the sorption of radionuclides or degrade the rock strength.
(3) Pre-waste-emplacement ground-water conditions in the host rock that are chemically oxidizing.
(a)
(b)
(2) A host rock with a high thermal conductivity, a low coefficient of thermal expansion, or sufficient ductility to seal fractures induced by repository construction, operation, or closure or by interactions among the waste, host rock, ground water, and engineered components.
(c)
(2) Potential for such phenomena as thermally induced fractures, the hydration or dehydration of mineral components, brine migration, or other physical, chemical, or radiation-related phenomena that could be expected to affect waste containment or isolation.
(3) A combination of geologic structure, geochemical and thermal properties, and hydrologic conditions in the host rock and surrounding units such that the heat generated by the waste could significantly decrease the isolation provided by the host rock as compared with pre-waste-emplacement conditions.
(a)
(b)
(2) A geologic setting in which climatic changes have had little effect on the hydrologic system throughout the Quaternary Period.
(c)
(2) Evidence that climatic changes over the next 10,000 years could cause perturbations in the hydraulic gradient, the hydraulic conductivity, the effective porosity, or the ground-water flux through the host rock and the surrounding geohydrologic units, sufficient to significantly increase the transport of radionuclides to the accessible environment.
(a)
(b)
(2) A geologic setting where the nature and rates of the erosional processes that have been operating during the Quaternary Period are predicted to have less than one chance in 10,000 over the next 10,000 years of leading to releases of radionuclides to the accessible environment.
(3) Site conditions such that waste exhumation would not be expected to occur during the first one million years after repository closure.
(c)
(2) A geologic setting where the nature and rates of geomorphic processes that have been operating during the Quaternary Period could, during the first 10,000 years after closure, adversely affect the ability of the geologic repository to isolate the waste.
(d)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(2) Historical earthquakes within the geologic setting of such magnitude and intensity that, if they recurred, could affect waste containment or isolation.
(3) Indications, based on correlations of earthquakes with tectonic processes and features, that either the frequency of occurrence or the magnitude of earthquakes within the geologic setting may increase.
(4) More-frequent occurrences of earthquakes or earthquakes of higher magnitude than are representative of the region in which the geologic setting is located.
(5) Potential for natural phenomena such as landslides, subsidence, or volcanic activity of such magnitudes that they could create large-scale surface-water impoundments that could change the regional ground-water flow system.
(6) Potential for tectonic deformations—such as uplift, subsidence, folding, or faulting—that could adversely affect the regional ground-water flow system.
(d)
The site shall be located such that activities by future generations at or near the site will not be likely to affect waste containment and isolation. In assessing the likelihood of such activities, the DOE will consider the estimated effectiveness of the permanent markers and records required by 10 CFR part 60, taking into account site-specific factors, as stated in §§ 960.4-2-8-1 and 960.4-2-8-2, that could compromise their continued effectiveness.
(a)
(b)
(2) Ground water with 10,000 parts per million or more of total dissolved solids along any path of likely radionuclide travel from the host rock to the accessible environment.
(c)
(2) Evidence of subsurface mining or extraction for resources within the site if it could affect waste containment or isolation.
(3) Evidence of drilling within the site for any purpose other than repository-site evaluation to a depth sufficient to affect waste containment and isolation.
(4) Evidence of a significant concentration of any naturally occurring material that is not widely available from other sources.
(5) Potential for foreseeable human activities—such as ground-water withdrawal, extensive irrigation, subsurface injection of fluids, underground pumped storage, military activities, or the construction of large-scale surface-water impoundments—that could adversely change portions of the ground-water flow system important to waste isolation.
(d)
(1) Previous exploration, mining, or extraction activities for resources of commercial importance at the site have created significant pathways between the projected underground facility and the accessible environment; or
(2) Ongoing or likely future activities to recover presently valuable natural mineral resources outside the controlled area would be expected to lead to an inadvertent loss of waste isolation.
(a)
(b)
(c)
The guidelines in this subpart specify the factors to be considered in evaluating and comparing sites on the basis of expected repository performance before closure. The preclosure guidelines are separated into three system guidelines and eleven technical guidelines.
(a)
(2)
(3)
The technical guidelines in this subpart set forth qualifying, favorable, potentially adverse, and, in seven guidelines, disqualifying conditions for the characteristics, processes, and events that influence the suitability of a site relative to the preclosure system guidelines. These conditions are separated into three main groups: Preclosure radiological safety; environment, socioeconomics, and transportation; and ease and cost of siting, construction, operation, and closure. The
(a)
(b)
(2) Remoteness of site from highly populated areas.
(c)
(2) Proximity of the site to highly populated areas, or to areas having at least 1,000 individuals in an area 1 mile by 1 mile as defined by the most recent decennial count of the U.S. census.
(d)
(1) Any surface facility of a repository would be located in a highly populated area; or
(2) Any surface facility of a repository would be located adjacent to an area 1 mile by 1 mile having a population of not less than 1,000 individuals as enumerated by the most recent U.S. census; or
(3) The DOE could not develop an emergency preparedness program which meets the requirements specified in DOE Order 5500.3 (Reactor and Non-Reactor Facility Emergency Planning, Preparedness, and Response Program for Department of Energy Operations) and related guides or, when issued by the NRC, in 10 CFR part 60, subpart I, “Emergency Planning Criteria.”
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(2) History of extreme weather phenomena—such as hurricanes, tornadoes, severe floods, or severe and frequent winter storms—that could significantly affect repository operation or closure.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(2) Presence of other nuclear installations and operations, subject to the requirements of 40 CFR part 190 or 40 CFR part 191, subpart A, with actual or projected releases near the maximum value permissible under those standards.
(d)
(a)
(b)
(2) Potential significant adverse environmental impacts to present and future generations can be mitigated to an insignificant level through the application of reasonable measures, taking into account programmatic, technical, social, economic, and environmental factors.
(c)
(2) Projected significant adverse environmental impacts that cannot be avoided or mitigated.
(3) Proximity to, or projected significant adverse environmental impacts of the repository or its support facilities on, a component of the National Park System, the National Wildlife Refuge System, the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, the National Wilderness Preservation System, or National Forest Land.
(4) Proximity to, and projected significant adverse environmental impacts of the repository or its support facilities on, a significant State or regional protected resource area, such as a State park, a wildlife area, or a historical area.
(5) Proximity to, and projected significant adverse environmental impacts of the repository and its support facilities on, a significant Native American resource, such as a major Indian religious site, or other sites of unique cultural interest.
(6) Presence of critical habitats for threatened or endangered species that may be compromised by the repository or its support facilities.
(d)
(1) During repository siting, construction, operation, closure, or decommissioning the quality of the environment in the affected area could not be adequately protected or projected environmental impacts in the affected area could not be mitigated to an acceptable degree, taking into account programmatic, technical, social, economic, and environmental factors.
(2) Any part of the restricted area or repository support facilities would be located within the boundaries of a component of the National Park System, the National Wildlife Refuge System, the National Wilderness Preservation System, or the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
(3) The presence of the restricted area or the repository support facilities would conflict irreconcilably with the previously designated resource-preservation use of a component of the National Park System, the National Wildlife Refuge System, the National Wilderness Preservation System, the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, or National Forest Lands, or any comparably significant State protected resource that was dedicated to resource preservation at the time of the enactment of the Act.
(a)
(b)
(2) Availability of an adequate labor force in the affected area.
(3) Projected net increases in employment and business sales, improved community services, and increased government revenues in the affected area.
(4) No projected substantial disruption of primary sectors of the economy of the affected area.
(c)
(2) Lack of an adequate labor force in the affected area.
(3) Need for repository-related purchase or acquisition of water rights, if such rights could have significant adverse impacts on the present or future development of the affected area.
(4) Potential for major disruptions of primary sectors of the economy of the affected area.
(d)
(a)
(b)
(i) Such routes are relatively short and economical to construct as compared to access routes for other comparable siting options.
(ii) Federal condemnation is not required to acquire rights-of-way for the access routes.
(iii) Cuts, fills, tunnels, or bridges are not required.
(iv) Such routes are free of sharp curves or steep grades and are not likely to be affected by landslides or rock slides.
(v) Such routes bypass local cities and towns.
(2) Proximity to local highways and railroads that provide access to regional highways and railroads and are adequate to serve the repository without significant upgrading or reconstruction.
(3) Proximity to regional highways, mainline railroads, or inland waterways that provide access to the national transportation system.
(4) Availability of a regional railroad system with a minimum number of interchange points at which train crew and equipment changes would be required.
(5) Total projected life-cycle cost and risk for transportation of all wastes designated for the repository site which are significantly lower than those for comparable siting options, considering locations of present and potential sources of waste, interim storage facilities, and other repositories.
(6) Availability of regional and local carriers—truck, rail, and water—which have the capability and are willing to handle waste shipments to the repository.
(7) Absence of legal impediment with regard to compliance with Federal regulations for the transportation of waste in or through the affected State and adjoining States.
(8) Plans, procedures, and capabilities for response to radioactive waste transportation accidents in the affected State that are completed or being developed.
(9) A regional meteorological history indicating that significant transportation disruptions would not be routine seasonal occurrences.
(c)
(2) Terrain between the site and existing local highways and railroads such that steep grades, sharp switchbacks, rivers, lakes, landslides, rock slides, or potential sources of hazard to incoming waste shipments will be encountered along access routes to the site.
(3) Existing local highways and railroads that could require significant reconstruction or upgrading to provide adequate routes to the regional and national transportation system.
(4) Any local condition that could cause the transportation-related costs, environmental impacts, or risk to public health and safety from waste transportation operations to be significantly greater than those projected for other comparable siting options.
(a)
(b)
(2) Generally well-drained terrain.
(c)
(a)
(b)
(2) A host rock with characteristics that would require minimal or no artificial support for underground openings to ensure safe repository construction, operation, and closure.
(c)
(2) In situ characteristics and conditions that could require engineering measures beyond reasonably available technology in the construction of the shafts and underground facility.
(3) Geomechanical properties that could necessitate extensive maintenance of the underground openings during repository operation and closure.
(4) Potential for such phenomena as thermally induced fracturing, the hydration and dehydration of mineral components, or other physical, chemical, or radiation-related phenomena that could lead to safety hazards or difficulty in retrieval during repository operation.
(5) Existing faults, shear zones, pressurized brine pockets, dissolution effects, or other stratigraphic or structural features that could compromise the safety of repository personnel because of water inflow or construction problems.
(d)
(a)
(b)
(2) Absence of surface-water systems that could potentially cause flooding of the repository.
(3) Availability of the water required for repository construction, operation, and closure.
(c)
(d)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(2) Historical earthquakes or past man-induced seismicity that, if either were to recur, could produce ground motion at the site in excess of reasonable design limits.
(3) Evidence, based on correlations of earthquakes with tectonic processes and features, (e.g., faults) within the geologic setting, that the magnitude of earthquakes at the site during repository construction, operation, and closure may be larger then predicted from historical seismicity.
(d)
Under proposed 40 CFR part 191, subpart B—
The guidelines will be revised as necessary after the adoption of final regulations by the EPA.
The implementation of 40 CFR part 191, subpart B is required by 10 CFR 60.112. 10 CFR 60.113 establishes minimum conditions to be met for engineered components and ground-water flow; specifically: (1) Containment of radioactive waste within the waste packages will be substantially complete for a period to be determined by the NRC taking into account the factors specified in 10 CFR 60.113(b) provided that such period shall be not less than 300 years nor more than 1,000 years after permanent closure of the geologic repository; (2) the release rate of any radionuclide from the engineered barrier system following the containment period shall not exceed one part in 100,000 per year of the inventory of that radionuclide calculated to be present at 1,000 years following permanent closure, or such other fraction of the inventory as may be approved or specified by the NRC, provided that this requirement does not apply to any radionuclide which is released at a rate less than 0.1% of the calculated total release rate limit. The calculated total release rate limit shall be taken to be one part in 100,000 per year of the inventory of radioactive waste originally emplaced in the underground facility that remains after 1,000 years of radioactive decay; and (3) the geologic repository shall be located so that pre-waste-emplacement ground-water travel time along the fastest path of likely radionuclide travel from the disturbed zone to the accessible environment shall be at least 1,000 years or such other travel time as may be approved or specified by the NRC.
The guidelines will be revised as necessary to ensure consistency with 10 CFR part 60.
Under proposed 40 CFR part 191, subpart A—
The guidelines will be revised as necessary after the adoption of final regulations by the EPA.
The implementation of 40 CFR part 191, subpart A and 10 CFR part 20 is required by 10 CFR 60.111. 10 CFR 60.111 also specifies requirements for waste retrieval, if necessary, including considerations of design, backfilling, and schedule. 10 CFR part 20 establishes (a) exposure limits for operating personnel and (b) permissible concentrations of radionuclides in uncontrolled areas for air and water. The latter are generally less restrictive than 40 CFR 191, subpart A, but may be limiting under certain conditions (i.e., if used as a maximum for short durations rather than annual averages).
The guidelines will be revised as necessary to ensure consistency with 10 CFR part 60.
1. This appendix presents a table that specifies how the guidelines of subparts C and D are to be applied at certain decision points of the siting process. The decision points, as referenced in the table, are defined as follows:
“Potentially acceptable” means the decision point at which a site is identified as potentially acceptable.
“Nomination and recommendation” means the decision point at which a site is nominated as suitable for characterization or recommended as a candidate site for characterization.
2. The findings resulting from the application of a disqualifying condition for any particular guideline at a given decision point are denoted in the table by the numeral 1 or 2. The numerals 1 and 2 signify the types of findings that are required and are defined as follows:
“1” means
(a) The evidence does
(b) The evidence supports a finding that the site is disqualified.
“2” means
(a) The evidence supports a finding that the site is
(b) The evidence supports a finding that the site is disqualified or is likely to be disqualified.
3. The findings resulting from the application of a qualifying condition for any particular guideline at a given decision point are denoted in the table by the numeral 3 or 4. The numerals 3 and 4 signify the types of findings that are required and are defined as follows:
“3” means
(a) The evidence does
(b) The evidence supports a finding that the site is
4. If performance assessments are used to substantiate any of the above findings, those assessments shall include estimates of the effects of uncertainties in data and modeling.
5. For both the disqualifying and qualifying conditions of any guideline, a higher finding (e.g., a “2” finding rather than “1”) shall be made if there is sufficient evidence to support such a finding.
The types of information specified below are those that the DOE expects will be included in the evidence used for evaluations and applications of the guidelines of subparts C and D at the time of nomination of a site as suitable for characterization. The types of information listed under each guideline are considered to be the most significant for the evaluation of that guideline. However, the types of information listed under any particular guideline will be used, as necessary, for the evaluation of any other guideline. As stated in § 960.3-1-4-2, the DOE will use technically conservative assumptions or extrapolations of regional data, where necessary, to supplement this information. The information specified below will be supplemented with conceptual models, as appropriate, and analyses of uncertainties in the data.
Before site-characterization studies and related nongeologic data gathering activities, the evidence is not expected to provide precise information, but, rather, to provide a reasonable basis for assessing the merits or shortcomings of the site against the guidelines of subparts C and D. Consequently, the types of information described below should
The specific information required for the guideline applications set forth in appendix III of this part is expected to differ from site to site because of site-specific factors, both with regard to favorable and potentially adverse conditions and with regard to the sources and reliability of the information. The types of information specified in this appendix will be used except where the findings set forth in appendix III of this part can be arrived at by reasonable alternative means or the information is not required for the particular site.
Description of the geohydrologic setting of the site, in context with its geologic setting, in order to estimate the pre-waste-emplacement ground-water flow conditions. The types of information to support this description should include—
• Location and estimated hydraulic properties of aquifers, confining units, and aquitards.
• Potential areas and modes of recharge and discharge for aquifers.
• Regional potentiometric surfaces of aquifers.
• Likely flow paths from the repository to locations in the expected accessible environment, as based on regional data.
• Preliminary estimates of ground-water travel times along the likely flow paths from the repository to locations in the expected accessible environment.
• Current use of principal aquifers and State or local management plans for such use.
Description of the geochemical and hydrochemical conditions of the host rock, of the surrounding geohydrologic units, and along likely ground-water paths to locations in the expected accessible environment, in order to estimate the potential for the migration of radionuclides. The types of information to support this description should include—
• Petrology of the rocks.
• Mineralogy of the rocks and general characteristics of fracture fillings.
• Geochemical and mechanical stability of the minerals under expected repository conditions.
• General characteristics of the ground-water chemistry (e.g., reducing/oxidizing conditions and the principal ions that may affect the waste package or radionuclide behavior).
• Geochemical properties of minerals as related to radionuclide transport.
Description of the geologic and geomechanical characteristics of the site, in context with the geologic setting, in order to estimate the capability of the host rock and surrounding rock units to accommodate the thermal, mechanical, chemical, and radiation stresses expected to be induced by repository construction, operation, and closure and by expected interactions among the waste, host rock, ground-water, and engineered components of the repository system. The types of information to support this description should include—
• Approximate geology and stratigraphy of the site, including the depth, thickness, and lateral extent of the host rock and surrounding rock units.
• Approximate structural framework of the rock units and any major discontinuities identified from core samples.
• Approximate thermal, mechanical, and thermomechanical properties of the rocks, with consideration of the effects of time, stress, temperature, dimensional scale, and any major identified structural discontinuities.
• Estimates of the magnitude and direction of in situ stress and of temperature in the host rock and surrounding rock units.
Description of the climatic conditions of the site region, in context with global and regional patterns of climatic changes during the Quaternary Period, in order to project likely future changes in climate such that potential impacts on the repository can be estimated. The types of information to support this description should include—
• Expected climatic conditions and cycles, based on extrapolation of climates during the Quaternary Period.
• Geomorphology of the site region and evidence of changes due to climatic changes.
• Estimated effects of expected climatic cycles on the surface-water and the ground-water systems.
Description of the structure, stratigraphy, and geomorphology of the site, in context with the geologic setting, in order to estimate the depth of waste emplacement and the likelihood for erosional processes to uncover the waste in less than one million years. The types of information to support this description should include—
• Depth, thickness, and lateral extent of the host rock and the overlying rock units.
• Lithology of the stratigraphic units above the host rock.
• Nature and rates of geomorphic processes during the Quaternary Period.
Description of the stratigraphy, structure, hydrology, and geochemistry of the site, in context with the geologic setting, to delineate the approximate limits of subsurface rock dissolution, if any. This description should include such information as the following:
• The stratigraphy of the site, including rock units largely comprised of water-soluble minerals.
• The approximate extent and configuration of features indicative of dissolution within the geologic setting.
Description of the tectonic setting of the site, in context with its geologic setting, in order to project the tectonic stability of the site over the next 10,000 years and to identify tectonic features and processes that could be reasonably expected to have a potentially adverse effect on the performance of the repository. The types of information to support this description should include—
• The tectonic history and framework of the geologic setting and the site.
• Quaternary faults in the geologic setting, including their length, displacement, and any information regarding the age of latest movement.
• Active tectonic processes, such as uplift, diapirism, tilting, subsidence, faulting, and volcanism.
• Estimate of the geothermal gradient.
• Estimate of the regional in situ stress field.
• The historical seismicity of the geologic setting.
Description of the mineral and energy resources of the site, in order to project whether past or future exploration and recovery could have a potentially adverse effect on the performance of the repository. The types of information to support this description should include—
• Known occurrences of energy and mineral resources, including ground water.
• Estimates of the present and projected value of these resources compared with resources contained in other areas of similar size in the geologic setting.
• Past and present drilling and mining operations in the vicinity of the site.
Description of the ownership of land for the geologic-repository operations area and the controlled area, in order to evaluate whether the DOE can obtain ownership of, and control access to, the site. The types of information to support this description should include—
• Present land ownership.
Description of the population density and distribution of the site region, in order to identify highly populated areas and the nearest 1 mile by 1 mile area having a population greater than 1,000 persons. The types of information to support this description should include—
• The most-recent U.S. census, including population composition, distribution, and density.
Description of current ownership of land, including surface and subsurface mineral and water rights, in order to evaluate whether the DOE can obtain control of land within the projected restricted area. The types of information to support this description should include—
• Present land ownership.
The meteorological setting, as determined from the closest recording station, in order to project meteorological conditions during repository operation and closure and their potential effects on the transport of airborne emissions. The types of information to support this description should include—
• Wind and atmospheric-dispersion characteristics.
• Precipitation characteristics.
• Extreme weather phenomena.
Description of offsite installations and operations in the vicinity of the site in order to estimate their projected effects on repository construction, operation, or closure. The types of information to support this description should include—
• Location and nature of nearby industrial, transportation, and military installations and operations, including atomic energy defense activities.
Description of environmental conditions in order to estimate potential impacts on public health and welfare and on environmental quality. The types of information to support this description should include—
• Applicable Federal, State, and local procedural and substantive environmental requirements.
• Existing air quality and trends.
• Existing surface-water and ground-water quality and quantity.
• Existing land resources and uses.
• Existing terrestrial and aquatic vegetation and wildlife.
• Location of any identified critical habitats for threatened or endangered species.
• Existing aesthetic characteristics.
• Location of components of the National Park System, the National Wildlife Refuge System, the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, the National Wilderness Preservation System, or National Forest Land.
• Location of significant State or regional protected resource areas, such as State parks, wildlife areas, or historical areas.
• Location of significant Native American resources such as major Indian religious sites, or other sites of unique cultural interest.
Description of the socioeconomic conditions of the site, including population density and distribution, economics, community services and facilities, social conditions, and fiscal and government structure, in order to estimate the impacts that might result from site characterization and from the development of a repository at that site. The types of information to support this description should include—
• Population composition, density, and distribution.
• Economic base and economic activity, including major sectors of local economy.
• Employment distribution and trends by economic sector.
• Resource usage.
• Community services and infrastructure, including trends in use and current capacity utilization.
• Housing supply and demand.
• Life style and indicators of the quality of life.
• Existing social problems.
• Sources of, and trends in, local government expenditures and revenues.
Description of the transportation facilities in the vicinity of the site in order to evaluate existing or required access routes or improvements. The types of information to support this description should include—
• Estimates of the overall cost and risk of transporting waste to the site.
• Description of the road and rail network between the site and the nearest Interstate highways and major rail lines; also, description of the waterway system, if any.
• Analyses of the adequacy of the existing regional transportation network to handle waste shipments; the movement of supplies for repository construction, operation, and closure; removal of nonradioactive waste from the site; and the transportation of the labor force.
• Improvements anticipated to be required in the transportation network and their feasibility, cost, and environmental impacts.
• Compatibility of the required transportation network improvements with the local and regional transportation and land-use plans.
• Analysis of weather impacts on transportation.
• Analysis of emergency response requirements and capabilities related to transportation.
Description of the surface characteristics of the site, in order to evaluate whether repository construction, operation, and closure are feasible on the basis of site characteristics that influence those activities. The types of information to support this description should include—
• Topography of the site.
• Existing and planned surface bodies of water.
• Definition of areas of landslides and other potentially unstable slopes, poorly drained material, or materials of low bearing strength or of high liquefaction potential.
Description of the geologic and geomechanical characteristics of the site, in context with the geologic setting, in order to project the capability of the host rock and the surrounding rock units to provide the space required for the underground facility and safe underground openings during repository construction, operation, and closure. The types of information to support this description should include—
• Depth, thickness, and lateral extent of the host rock.
• Stratigraphic and structural features within the host rock and adjacent rock units.
• Thermal, mechanical, and thermomechanical properties and constructibility characteristics of the rocks, with consideration of the effects of time, stress, temperature, dimensional scale, and any major identified structural discontinuities.
• Fluid inclusions and gas content in the host rock.
• Estimates of the magnitude and direction of in situ stress and of temperature in the host rock.
Description of the hydrology of the site, in context with its geologic setting, in order to project compatibility with repository construction, operation, and closure. The types of information to support this description should include—
• Surface-water systems, including recharge and runoff characteristics, and potential for flooding of the repository.
• Nature and location of aquifers, confining units, and aquitards.
• Potentiometric surfaces of aquifers.
• Hydraulic properties of geohydrologic units.
Description of the tectonic setting of the site, in context with the regional setting, in order to estimate any expected effects of tectonic activity on repository construction, operation, or closure. The types of information to support this description should include—
• Quaternary faults.
• Active tectonic processes.
• Preliminary estimates of expected ground motion caused by the maximum potential earthquake within the geologic setting.
Sec. 644, Pub. L. 95-91, 91 Stat. 599 (42 U.S.C. 7254) and sec. 302, Pub. L. 97-425, 96 Stat. 2257 (42 U.S.C. 10222).
This part establishes the contractual terms and conditions under which the Department of Energy (DOE) will make available nuclear waste disposal services to the owners and generators of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) and high-level radioactive waste (HLW) as provided in section 302 of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 (Pub. L. 97-425). Under the contract set forth in § 961.11 of this part, DOE will take title to, transport, and dispose of spent nuclear fuel and/or high-level radioactive waste delivered to DOE by those owners or generators of such fuel or waste who execute the contract. In addition, the contract will specify the fees owners and generators of SNF and/or HLW will pay for these services. All receipts, proceeds, and revenues realized by DOE under the contract will be deposited in the Nuclear Waste Fund, an account established by the Act in the U.S. Treasury. This fund will pay for DOE's radioactive waste disposal activities, the full costs of which will be borne by the owners and generators under contract with DOE for disposal services.
This part applies to the Secretary of Energy or his designee and any person who owns or generates spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste, of domestic origin, generated in a civilian nuclear power reactor. If executed in a timely manner, the contract contained in this part will commit DOE to accept title to, transport, and dispose of such spent fuel and waste. In exchange for these services, the owners or generators of such fuel or waste shall pay fees specified in the contract which are intended to recover fully the costs of the disposal services to be furnished by DOE. The contract must be signed by June 30, 1983, or by the date on which such owner or generator commences generation of, or takes title to, such spent fuel or waste, whichever occurs later.
For purposes of this part—
Requests for authority to deviate from this part shall be submitted in writing to the Contracting Officer, who shall forward the request for approval to the Senior Procurement Official, Headquarters. Each request for deviation shall contain the following information:
(a) A statement of the deviation desired, including identification of the specific paragraph number(s) of the contract;
(b) A description of the intended effect of the deviation;
(c) The reason why the deviation is considered necessary or would be in the best interests of the Government;
(d) The name of the owner or generator seeking the deviation and nuclear power reactor(s) affected;
(e) A statement as to whether the deviation has been requested previously and, if so, circumstances of the previous request;
(f) A statement of the period of time for which the deviation is needed; and
(g) Any pertinent background information will contribute to a full understanding of the desired deviation.
Federal agencies or departments requiring DOE's disposal services for SNF and/or HLW will be accommodated by a suitable interagency agreement reflecting, as appropriate, the terms and conditions set forth in the contract in § 961.11;
The text of the standard contract for disposal of spent nuclear fuel and/or high/level radioactive waste follows:
THIS CONTRACT, entered into this _ day of ___ 19_, by and between the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (hereinafter referred to as the “Government”), represented by the UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY (hereafter referred to as “DOE”) and ______, (hereinafter referred to as the “Purchaser”), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of ______ [add as applicable: “acting on behalf of itself and ___.”].
Witnesseth that:
Whereas, the DOE has the responsibility for the disposal of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste of domestic origin from civilian nuclear power reactors in order to protect the public health and safety, and the environment; and
Whereas, the DOE has the responsibility, following commencement of operation of a repository, to take title to the spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste involved as expeditiously as practicable upon the request of the generator or owner of such waste or spent nuclear fuel; and
Whereas, all costs associated with the preparation, transportation, and the disposal of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste from civilian nuclear power reactors shall be borne by the owners and generators of such fuel and waste; and
Whereas, the DOE is required to collect a full cost recovery fee from owners and generators delivering to the DOE such spent nuclear fuel and/or high level radioactive waste; and
Whereas, the DOE is authorized to enter into contracts for the permanent disposal of spent nuclear fuel and/or high-level radioactive waste of domestic origin in DOE facilities; and
Whereas, the Purchaser desires to obtain disposal services from DOE; and
Whereas, DOE is obligated and willing to provide such disposal services, under the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth; and
Whereas, this contract is made and entered into under the authority of the DOE Organization Act (Pub. L. 95-91, 42 U.S.C. 7101
Now, therefore, the parties hereto do hereby agree as follows:
As used throughout this contract, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
1. The term
2. The term
3. The term
4. The term
5. The term
6. The term
7. The term
8. The term
9. The term
10. The term
11. The term
12. The term
(a) the highly radioactive material resulting from the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel, including liquid waste produced directly in reprocessing and any solid material derived from such liquid waste that contains fission products in sufficient concentrations; and
(b) other highly radioactive material that the Commission, consistent with existing law, determines by rule requires permanent isolation.
13. The term
a. The term
b. The term
c. The term
d. The term
e. The term
f. The term
g. The term
(1) Energy furnished without charge;
(2) Energy used by the company;
(3) Transmission losses;
(4) Distribution losses; and
(5) Other unaccounted losses as reported to the Federal Government “Annual Report of Major Electric Utilities, Licensees and Others,” Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Form No.1; Rural Electrification Administration (REA) Forms 7 and 11 if appropriate; or the “Annual Electric Utility Report,” Energy Information Administration (EIA) Form EIA-861.
h. The term
i. The term
j. The term
k. The term
l. Pumped storage losses. If the proportion of nuclear generated electricity consumed by a pumped-storage hydro facility can be measured or estimated and if the electricity losses associated with pumped storage facilities can be documented (e.g. based on routine and uniform records of district power data on contributions from different electricity sources), a prorated nuclear share shall be allowed as an offset to gross electricity generation reported on the annex A of appendix G, NWPA-830G form. Specific methodologies for calculating these offsets must be approved by the Contracting Officer in advance.
Instructions to annex A of appendix G, NWPA-830G provide the necessary information to calculate the energy adjustment factors.
14. The term
15. The term
16. The term
17. The term
18. The term
19. The term
20. The term
This contract applies to the delivery by Purchaser to DOE of SNF and/or HLW of domestic origin from civilian nuclear power reactors, acceptance of title by DOE to such SNF and/or HLW, subsequent transportation, and disposal of such SNF and/or HLW and, with respect to such material, establishes the fees to be paid by the Purchaser for the services to be rendered hereunder by DOE. The SNF and/or HLW shall be specified in a delivery commitment schedule as provided in Article V below. The services to be provided by DOE under this contract shall begin, after commencement of facility operations, not later than January 31, 1998 and shall continue until such time as all SNF and/or HLW from the civilian nuclear power reactors specified in appendix A, annexed hereto and made a part hereof, has been disposed of.
The term of this contract shall be from the date of execution until such time as DOE has accepted, transported from the Purchaser's site(s) and disposed of all SNF and/or HLW of
1.
(a) On an annual basis, commencing October 1, 1983, the Purchaser shall provide DOE with information on actual discharges to date and projected discharges for the next ten (10) years in the form and content set forth in appendix B, annexed hereto and made a part hereof. The information to be provided will include estimates and projections and will not be Purchaser's firm commitment with respect to discharges or deliveries.
(b) No later than October 1, 1983, the Purchaser shall provide DOE with specific information on:
(1) Total spent nuclear fuel inventory as of April 7, 1983;
(2) Total number of fuel assemblies removed from the particular reactor core prior to 12:00 a.m. April 7, 1983 for which there are plans for reinsertion in the core, indicating the current planned dates for reinsertion in the core. Estimates of the burned and unburned portion of each individual assembly are to be provided.
(c) In the event that the Purchaser fails to provide the annual forecast in the form and content required by DOE, DOE may, in its sole discretion, require a rescheduling of any delivery commitment schedule then in effect.
2.
(a) The Purchaser shall arrange for, and provide, all preparation, packaging, required inspections, and loading activities necessary for the transportation of SNF and/or HLW to the DOE facility. The Purchaser shall notify DOE of such activities sixty (60) days prior to the commencement of such activities. The preparatory activities by the Purchaser shall be made in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations relating to the Purchaser's responsibilities hereunder. DOE may designate a representative to observe the preparatory activities conducted by the Purchaser at the Purchaser's site, and the Purchaser shall afford access to such representative.
(b) Except as otherwise agreed to by DOE, the Purchaser shall advise DOE, in writing as specified in appendix F, annexed hereto and made a part hereof, as to the description of the material in each shipping lot sixty (60) days prior to scheduled DOE transportation of that shipping lot.
(c) The Purchaser shall be responsible for incidental maintenance, protection and preservation of any and all shipping casks furnished to the Purchaser by DOE for the performance of this contract. The Purchaser shall be liable for any loss of or damage to such DOE-furnished property, and for expenses incidental to such loss or damage while such casks are in the possession and control of the Purchaser except as otherwise provided for hereunder. Routine cask maintenance, such as scheduled overhauls, shall not be the responsibility of the Purchaser.
1. DOE shall accept title to all SNF and/or HLW, of domestic origin, generated by the civilian nuclear power reactor(s) specified in appendix A, provide subsequent transportation for such material to the DOE facility, and dispose of such material in accordance with the terms of this contract.
2. DOE shall arrange for, and provide, a cask(s) and all necessary transportation of the SNF and/or HLW from the Purchaser's site to the DOE facility. Such cask(s) shall be furnished sufficiently in advance to accommodate scheduled deliveries. Such cask(s) shall be suitable for use at the Purchaser's site, meet applicable regulatory requirements, and be accompanied by pertinent information including, but not limited to, the following:
(a) Written procedures for cask handling and loading, including specifications on Purchaser-furnished cannisters for containment of failed fuel;
(b) Training for Purchaser's personnel in cask handling and loading, as may be necessary;
(c) Technical information, special tools, equipment, lifting trunnions, spare parts and consumables needed to use and perform incidental maintenance on the cask(s); and
(d) Sufficient documentation on the equipment supplied by DOE.
3. DOE may fulfill any of its obligations, or take any action, under this contract either directly or through contractors.
4. DOE shall annually provide to the Purchaser pertinent information on the waste disposal program including information on cost projections, project plans and progress reports.
5. (a) Beginning on April 1, 1991, DOE shall issue an annual acceptance priority ranking for receipt of SNF and/or HLW at the DOE repository. This priority ranking shall be based on the age of SNF and/or HLW as calculated from the date of discharge of such material from the civilian nuclear power reactor. The oldest fuel or waste will have the highest priority for acceptance, except as provided in paragraphs B and D of Article V and paragraph B.3 of Article VI hereof.
(b) Beginning not later than July 1, 1987, DOE shall issue an annual capacity report for planning purposes. This report shall set forth the projected annual receiving capacity for the DOE facility(ies) and the annual acceptance ranking relating to DOE contracts for the disposal of SNF and/or HLW
The Purchaser shall deliver to DOE and DOE shall, as provided in this contract, accept the SNF and/or HLW which is described in accordance with Article VI.A. of this contract, for disposal thereof.
1. Delivery commitment schedule(s), in the form set forth in appendix C annexed hereto and made a part hereof, for delivery of SNF and/or HLW shall be furnished to DOE by Purchaser. After DOE has issued its proposed acceptance priority ranking, as described in paragraph B.5 of Article IV hereof, beginning January 1, 1992 the Purchaser shall submit to DOE the delivery commitment schedule(s) which shall identify all SNF and/or HLW the Purchaser wishes to deliver to DOE beginning sixty-three (63) months thereafter. DOE shall approve or disapprove such schedules within three (3) months after receipt. In the event of disapproval, DOE shall advise the Purchaser in writing of the reasons for such disapproval and request a revised schedule from the Purchaser, to be submitted to DOE within thirty (30) days after receipt of DOE's notice of disapproval.
2. DOE shall approve or disapprove such revised schedule(s) within sixty (60) days after receipt. In the event of disapproval, DOE shall advise the Purchaser in writing of the reasons for such disapproval and shall submit its proposed schedule(s). If these are not acceptable to the Purchaser, the parties shall promptly seek to negotiate mutually acceptable schedule(s). Purchaser shall have the right to adjust the quantities of SNF and/or HLW plus or minus (
Final delivery schedule(s), in the form set forth in appendix D, annexed hereto and made a part hereof, for delivery of SNF and/or HLW covered by an approved delivery commitment schedule(s) shall be furnished to DOE by Purchaser. The Purchaser shall submit to DOE final delivery schedules not less than twelve (12) months prior to the delivery date specified therein. DOE shall approve or disapprove a final delivery schedule within forty-five (45) days after receipt. In the event of disapproval, DOE shall advise the Purchaser in writing of the reasons for such disapproval and shall request a revised schedule from the Purchaser, to be submitted to DOE within thirty (30) days after receipt of DOE's notice of disapproval. DOE shall approve or disapprove such revised schedule(s) within sixty (60) days after receipt. In the event of disapproval, DOE shall advise the Purchaser in writing of the reasons for such disapproval and shall submit its proposed schedule(s). If these are not acceptable to the Purchaser, the parties shall promptly seek to negotiate mutually acceptable schedule(s).
Emergency deliveries of SNF and/or HLW may be accepted by DOE before the date provided in the delivery commitment schedule upon prior written approval by DOE.
Purchaser shall have the right to determine which SNF and/or HLW is delivered to DOE;
1.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this contract, DOE shall accept hereunder only such SNF and/or HLW which meets the General Specifications for such fuel and waste as set forth in appendix E, annexed hereto and made a part hereof.
(b) Purchaser shall accurately classify SNF and/or HLW prior to delivery in accordance with paragraphs B and D of appendix E.
2.
(a) Purchaser shall provide to DOE a detailed description of the SNF and/or HLW to be delivered hereunder in the form and content as set forth in appendix F, annexed hereto and made a part hereof. Purchaser shall promptly advise DOE of nay changes in said SNF and/or HLW as soon as they become known to the purchaser.
(b) DOE's obligation for disposing of SNF under this contract also extends to other than standard fuel; however, for any SNF which has been designated by the Purchaser as other than standard fuel, as that term is defined in appendix E, the Purchaser shall obtain delivery and procedure confirmation from DOE prior to delivery. DOE shall advise Purchaser within sixty (60) days after receipt of such confirmation request as to the technical feasibility of disposing of such fuel on the currently agreed to schedule and any schedule adjustment for such services.
1.
Delivery commitment schedules for SNF and/or HLW may require the disposal or more material than the annual capacity of the DOE disposal facility (or facilities) can accommodate. The following acceptance priority ranking will be utilized:
(a) Except as may be provided for in subparagraph (b) below and Article V.D. of this contract, acceptance priority shall be based upon the age of the SNF and/or HLW as calculated from the date of discharge of such material from the civilian nuclear power reactor. DOE will first accept from Purchaser the oldest SNF and/or HLW for disposal in the DOE facility, except as otherwise provided for in paragraphs B and D of Article V.
(b) Notwithstanding the age of the SNF and/or HLW, priority may be accorded any SNF and/or HLW removed from a civilian nuclear power reactor that has reached the end of its useful life or has been shut down permanently for whatever reason.
2.
During cask loading and prior to acceptance by DOE for transportation to the DOE facility, the SNF and/or HLW description of the shipping lot shall be subject to verification by DOE. To the extent the SNF and/or HLW is consistent with the description submitted and approved, in accordance with appendices E and F, DOE agrees to accept such SNF and/or HLW for disposal when DOE has verified the SNF and/or HLW description, determined the material is properly loaded, packaged, marked, labeled and ready for transportation, and has taken custody, as evidenced in writing, of the material at the Purchaser's site, f.o.b. carrier. A properly executed off-site radioactive shipment record describing cask contents must be prepared by the Purchaser along with a signed certification which states: “This is to certify that the above-named materials are properly described, classified, packaged, marked and labeled and are in proper condition for transfer according to the applicable regulations of the U. S. Department of Transportation.”
3.
(a)
(b)
Title to all SNF and/or HLW accepted by DOE for disposal shall pass to DOE at the Purchaser's site as provided for in Article VI hereof. DOE shall be solely repsonsible for control of all material upon passage of title. DOE shall have the right to dispose as it sees fit of any SNF and/or HLW to which it has taken title. The Purchaser shall have no claim against DOE or the Government with respect to such SNF or HLW nor shall DOE or the Government be obligated to compensate the Purchaser for such material.
1. Effective April 7, 1983, Purchaser shall be charged a fee in the amount of 1.0 mill per kilowatt hour (1M/kWh) electricity generated and sold.
2. For SNF, or solidified high-level radioactive waste derived from SNF, which fuel was used to generate electricity in a civilian nuclear power reactor prior to April 7, 1983, a one-time fee will be assessed by applying industry-wide average dollar per kilogram charges to four (4) distinct ranges of fuel burnup so that the integrated cost across all discharged (i.e. spent) fuel is equivalent to an industry-wide average charge of 1.0 mill per kilowatt-hour. For purposes of this contract, discharged nuclear fuel is that fuel removed from the reactor core with no plans for reinsertion. In the event that any such fuel withdrawn with plans for reinsertion is not reinserted, then the applicable fee for such fuel shall be calculated as set forth in this paragraph 2. The categories of spent nuclear fuel burnup and the fee schedule are listed below:
This fee shall not be subject to adjustment, and the payment thereof by the Purchaser shall be made to DOE as specified in paragraph B of this Article VIII.
3. For in-core fuel as of April 7, 1983, that portion of the fuel burned through April 6, 1983 shall be subject to the one-time fee as calculated in accordance with the following methodology: [a] determine the total weight in kilograms of unranium loaded initially in the particular core; [b] determine the total megawatt-days (thermal) which have been generated by all of the fuel assemblies in the said core as of 12:00 A.M. April 7, 1983; [c] divide the megawatt-days (thermal) generated in the said core by the total metric tons of initially loaded uranium in that core and multiply the quotient by the conversion factor 0.0078 to obtain a value in dollars per kilogram; and [d] multiply the dollars per kilogram value by the kilograms determined in [a] above to derive the dollar charge for the one-time fee to be paid for the specified in-core fuel as of 12:00 A.M. April 7, 1983. For purposes of this contract, in-core fuel is that fuel in the reactor core as of the date specified, plus any fuel removed from the reactor with plans for reinsertion. That portion of such fuel unburned as of 12:00 A.M. April 7, 1983 shall be subject to the 1.0 mill per kilowatt-hour charge.
4. DOE will annually review the adequacy of the fees and adjust the 1M/KWH fee, if necessary, in order to assure full cost recovery by the Government. Any proposed adjustment to the said fee will be transmitted to Congress and shall be effective after a period of ninety (90) days of continuous session has elapsed following receipt of such transmittal unless either House of Congress adopts a resolution disapproving the proposed adjustment. Any adjustment to the 1M/KWH fee under paragraph A.1. of this Article VIII shall be prospective.
1. For electricity generated and sold by the Purchaser's civilian nuclear power reactor(s) on or after April 7, 1983, fees shall be paid quarterly by the Purchaser and must be received by DOE not later than the close of the last business day of the month following the end of each assigned 3-month period. The first payment shall be due on July 31, 1983, for the period April 7, 1983, to June 30, 1983. (Add as applicable: A one-time adjustment period payment shall be due on _____, for the period _____ to _____.) The assigned 3-month period, for purposes of payment and reporting of electricity generated and sold shall begin _____.
2. For SNF discharged prior to April 7, 1983, and for in-core burned fuel as of 12:00 A.M. April 7, 1983, the Purchaser shall, within two (2) years of contract execution, select one of the following fee payment options:
(a)
(b)
(c)
3.
(a) Payments shall be made by wire transfer, in accordance with instructions specified by DOE in appendix G, annexed hereto and made a part hereof, and must be received within the time periods specified in paragraph B.1. of this Article VIII.
(b) The Purchaser will complete a Standard Remittance Advice, as set forth in appendix G, for each assigned three month period payment, and mail it postmarked no later than the last business day of the month following each assigned three month period to Department of Energy, Office of Controller, Cash Management Division, Box 500, Room D-208, Germantown, Maryland 20874.
4. Any fees not paid on a timely basis or underpaid because of miscalculation will be subject to interest as specified in paragraph C of this Article VIII.
1. DOE will notify the Purchaser of amounts due only when unpaid or underpaid by the dates specified in paragraph B above. Interest will be levied according to the following formula:
2. Interest is payable at any time prior to the due date for the subsequent assigned three month period fee payment. Nonpayment by the end of the subsequent assigned three month period will result in compounding of interest due. Purchaser shall complete a Standard Remittance Advice of interest payments.
3. Following the assessment of a late fee by DOE, payments will be applied against accrued interest first and the principal thereafter.
Upon payment of all applicable fees, interest and penalties on upaid or underpaid amounts, the Purchaser shall have no further financial obligation to DOE for the disposal of the accepted SNF and/or HLW.
1. The DOE or its representative shall have the right to perform any audits or inspections necessary to determine whether Purchaser is paying the correct amount under the fee schedule and interest provisions set forth in paragraphs A, B and C above.
2. Nothing in this contract shall be deemed to preclude an audit by the General Accounting Office of any transaction under this contract.
3. The Purchaser shall furnish DOE with such records, reports and data as may be necessary for the determination of quantities delivered hereunder and for final settlement of amounts due under this contract and shall retain and make available to DOE and its authorized representative examination at all reasonable times such records, reports and data for a period of three (3) years from the completion of delivery of all material under this contract.
Neither the Government nor the Purchaser shall be liable under this contract for damages caused by failure to perform its obligations hereunder, if such failure arises out of causes beyond the control and without the fault or negligence of the party failing to perform. In the event circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the Purchaser or DOE—such as acts of God, or of the public enemy, acts of Government in either its sovereign or contractual capacity, fires, floods, epidemics, quarantine restrictions, strikes, freight embargoes and unusually severe weather—cause delay in scheduled delivery, acceptance or transport of SNF and/or HLW, the party experiencing the delay will notify the other party as soon as possible after such delay is ascertained and the parties will readjust their schedules, as appropriate, to accommodate such delay.
In the event of any delay in the delivery, acceptance or transport of SNF and/or HLW to or by DOE caused by circumstances within the reasonable control of either the Purchaser or DOE or their respective contractors or suppliers, the charges and schedules specified by this contract will be equitably adjusted to reflect any estimated additional costs incurred by the party not responsible for or contributing to the delay.
A. In addition to any other rights DOE may have hereunder, DOE reserves the right, at no cost to the Government, to suspend this contract or any portion thereof upon written notice to the Purchaser within ninety (90) days of the Purchaser's failure to perform its obligations hereunder, and the Purchaser's failure to take corrective action within thirty (30) days after written notice of such failure to perform as provided above, unless such failure shall arise from causes beyond the control and without the fault or negligence of the Purchaser, its contractors or agents. However, the Purchaser's obligation to pay fees required hereunder shall continue unaffected by any suspension. Any such suspension shall be rescinded if and
B. The DOE reserves the right to suspend any scheduled deliveries in the event that a national emergency requires that priority be given to Government programs to the exclusion of the work under this contract. In the event of such a suspension by the Government, the DOE shall refund that portion of payments representing services not delivered as determined by the Contracting Officer to be an equitable adjustment. Any disagreement arising from the refund payment, if any, shall be resolved as provided in the clause of this contract, entitled “DISPUTES.”
Nothing in this contract shall be construed to preclude either party from asserting its rights and remedies under the contract or at law.
All notices and communications between the parties under this contract (except notices published in the
However, the parties may change the addresses or addressees for such notices or communications without formal modification to this contract;
A. DOE represents that it will include in its contract(s) for the operation of any DOE facility an indemnity agreement based upon Section 170(d) of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, a copy of which agreement shall be furnished to the Purchaser; that under said agreement, DOE shall have agreed to indemnify the contractor and other persons indemnified against claims for public liability (as defined in said Act) arising out of or in connection with contractual activities; that the indemnity shall apply to covered nuclear incidents which (1) take place at a contract location; or (2) arise out of or in the course of transportation of source, special nuclear or by-product material to or from a contract location. The obligation of DOE to indemnify shall be subject to the conditions stated in the indemnity agreement.
B. The provisions of this Article XIII shall continue beyond the term of this contract.
The rights and duties of the Purchaser may be assignable with transfer of title to the SNF and/or HLW involved;
The provisions of this contract has been developed in the light of uncertainties necessarily attendant upon long-term contracts. Accordingly, at the request of either DOE or Purchaser, the parties will negotiate and, to the extent mutually agreed, amend this contract as the parties may deem to be necessary or proper to reflect their respective interests;
A. Except as otherwise provided in this contract, any dispute concerning a question of fact arising under this contract which is not disposed of by agreement shall be decided by the Contracting Officer, who shall reduce his decision to writing and mail or otherwise furnish a copy thereof to the Purchaser. The decision of the Contracting Officer shall be final and conclusive unless within ninety (90) days from the date of receipt of such copy, the Purchaser mails or otherwise furnishes to the Contracting Officer a written appeal addressed to the DOE Board of Contract Appeals (Board). The decision of the Board shall be final and conclusive unless determined by a court of competent jursidiction to have been fraudulent, or capricious, or arbitrary, or so grossly erroneous as necessarily to imply bad faith or not supported by substantial evidence. In connection with any appeal proceeding under this clause, the Purchaser shall proceed diligently with the performance of the contract and in accordance with the Contracting Officer's decision.
B. For Purchaser claims of more than $50,000, the Purchaser shall submit with the claim a certification that the claim is made in good faith; the supporting data are accurate and complete to the best of the Purchaser's knowledge and belief; and the amount requested accurately reflects the contract adjustment for which the Purchaser believes the Government is liable. The certification shall be executed by the Purchaser if an individual. When the Purchaser is not an individual, the certification shall be executed by a senior company official in charge at the Purchaser's plant or location involved, or by an officer or general partner of
C. For Purchaser claims of $50,000 or less, the Contracting Officer must render a decision within sixty (60) days. For Purchaser claims in excess of $50,000, the Contracting Officer must decide the claim within sixty (60) days or notify the Purchaser of the date when the decision will be made.
D. This “Disputes” clause does not preclude consideration of law questions in connection with decisions provided for in paragraph A above;
No member of or delegate to Congress or resident commissioner shall be admitted to any share or part of this contract, or to any benefit that may arise therefrom, but this provision shall not be construed to extend to this contract if made with a corporation for its general benefit.
The Purchaser warrants that no person or selling agency has been employed or retained to solicit or secure this contract upon an agreement or understanding for a commission, percentage, brokerage, or contingent fee, excepting bona fide employees or bona fide established commercial or selling agencies maintained by the Purchaser for the purpose of securing business. For breach or violation of this warranty, the Government shall have the right to annul this contract without liability or in its discretion to increase the contract price or consideration, or otherwise recover, the full amount of such commission, brokerage, or contingent fee.
The Purchaser agrees that the Comptroller General of the United States or any of his duly authorized representatives shall have access to and the right to examine any directly pertinent books, documents, papers and records of the Purchaser involving transactions related to this contract until the expiration of three years after final payment under this contract.
The Government and the Purchaser shall procure all necessary permits or licenses (including any special nuclear material licenses) and comply with all applicable laws and regulations of the United States, States and municipalities necessary to execute their respective responsibilities and obligations under this contract.
1.
2.
(a) Are not generally known or available from other sources without obligation concerning their confidentiality;
(b) Have not been made available by the owner to others without obligation concerning its confidentiality; and
(c) Are not already available to the Government without obligation concerning their confidentiality.
3.
4.
1. The Government shall have:
(a) Unlimited rights in contract data except as otherwise provided below with respect to proprietary data properly marked as authorized by this clause;
(b) The right to remove, cancel, correct or ignore any marking not authorized by the terms of this contract on any technical data furnished hereunder, if in response to a written inquiry by DOE concerning the proprietary nature of the markings, the Purchaser
(c) No rights under this contract in any technical data which are not contract data.
2. Subject to the foregoing provisions of this rights in technical data clause, the Purchaser shall have the right to mark proprietary data it furnishes under the contract with the following legend and no other, the terms of which shall be binding on the Government:
This “proprietary data,” furnished under “Contract No. __” with the U.S. Department of Energy may be duplicated and used by the Government with the express limitations that the “proprietary data” may not be disclosed outside the Government or be used for purposes of manufacture without prior permission of the Purchaser, except that further disclosure or use may be made solely for the following purposes:
(a) This “proprietary data” may be disclosed for evaluation purposes under the restriction that the “proprietary data” be retained in confidence and not be further disclosed;
(b) This “proprietary data” may be disclosed to contractors participating in the Government's program of which this contract is a part, for information or use in connection with the work performed under their contracts and under the restriction that the “proprietary data” be retained in confidence and not be further disclosed; or
(c) This “proprietary data” may be used by the Government or others on its behalf for emergency work under the restriction that the “proprietary data” be retained in confidence and not be further disclosed. This legend shall be marked on any reproduction of this data in whole or in part.
3. In the event that proprietary data of a third party, with respect to which the Purchaser is subject to restrictions on use or disclosure, is furnished with the Limited Rights Legend above, Purchaser shall secure the agreement of such third party to the rights of the Government as set forth in the Limited Rights Legend. DOE shall upon request furnish the names of those contractors to which proprietary data has been disclosed.
A. This contract, which consists of Articles I through XXII and appendices A through G, annexed hereto and made a part hereof, contains the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. Any representation, promise, or condition not incorporated in this contract shall not be binding on either party. No course of dealing or usage of trade or course of performance shall be relevant to explain or supplement any provision contained in this contract.
B. Nothing in this contract is intended to affect in any way the contractual obligation of any other persons with whom the Purchaser may have contracted with respect to assuming some or all disposal costs or to accept title to SNF and/or HLW.
In witness whereof, the parties hereto have executed this contract as of the day and year first above written.
I, (
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto affixed my hand and the seal of said corporation this __ day of __, 1983
(Corporate Seal)
BWR
PWR
To be used for DOE planning purposes only and does not represent a firm commitment by Purchaser.
By Purchaser:
BWR □
PWR □
Any false, fictitious or fraudulent statement may be punishable by fine or imprisonment (U.S. Code, Title 18, Section 1001).
This delivery commitment schedule shall be submitted by Purchaser to DOE as specified in Article V.B. of this contract.
Truck □
Rail □
Barge □
Unless otherwise agreed to in writing by DOE, the Purchaser shall furnish herewith to DOE suitable proof of ownership of the SNF and/or HLW to be delivered hereunder. The Purchaser shall notify DOE in writing at the earliest practicable date of any change in said ownership.
Any false, fictitious or fraudulent statement may be punishable by fine or imprisonment (U.S. Code, Title 18, Section 1001).
Unless otherwise agreed to in writing by DOE, the Purchaser shall furnish herewith to DOE suitable proof of ownership of the SNF and/or HLW to be delivered hereunder. The Purchaser shall notify DOE in writing at the earliest practicable date of any change in said ownership.
To confirm acceptability of delivery date(s):
Any false, fictitious or fraudulent statement may be punishable by fine or imprisonment (U.S. Code, Title 18, Section 1001).
1. Categories—Purchaser shall use reasonable efforts, utilizing technology equivalent to and consistent with the commercial practice, to properly classify Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF) prior to delivery to DOE, as follows:
a.
b.
c.
d. Fuel may have “Failed Fuel” and/or several “Nonstandard Fuel” classifications
1.
2.
Fuel that does not meet these specifications shall be classified as Nonstandard Fuel—Class NS-2.
3.
Fuel that does not meet this specification shall be classified as Nonstandard Fuel—Class NS-3.
4.
5.
6.
a. Visual Inspection.
Assemblies shall be visually inspected for evidence of structural deformity or damage to cladding or spacers which may require special handling. Assemblies which [i] are structurally deformed or have damaged cladding to the extent that special handling may be required or [ii] for any reason cannot be handled with normal fuel handling equipment shall be classified as Failed Fuel—Class F-1.
b. Previously Encapsulated Assemblies.
Assemblies encapsulated by Purchaser prior to classification hereunder shall be classified as Failed Fuel—Class F-3. Purchaser shall advise DOE of the reason for the prior encapsulation of assemblies in sufficient detail so that DOE may plan for appropriate subsequent handling.
c. Regulatory Requirements.
Spent fuel assemblies shall be packaged and placed in casks so that all applicable regulatory requirements are met.
1.
a. Class S-1: PWR
b. Class S-2: BWR
2.
a. Class NS-1: Physical Dimensions
b. Class NS-2: Non Fuel Components
c. Class NS-3: Short Cooled
d. Class NS-4: Non-LWR
e. Class NS-5: Consolidated Fuel Rods.
3.
a. Class F-1: Visual Failure or Damage
b. Class F-2: Radioactive “Leakage”
c. Class F-3: Encapsulated
The DOE shall accept high-level radioactive waste. Detailed acceptance criteria and general specifications for such waste will be issued by the DOE no later than the date on which DOE submits its license application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for the first disposal facility.
This information shall be provided by Purchaser for each distinct fuel type within a Shipping Lot not later than sixty (60) days prior to the schedule transportation date.
I. Drawings included in generic dossier: ____
II.
III. Describe any distortions, cladding damage or other damage to the spent fuel, or nonfuel components within this Shipping Lot which will require special handling procedures. (Attach additional pages if needed.)
IV. Assembly Number __
Shipping Lot #__
Any false, fictitious or fradulent statement may be punishable by fine or imprisonment (U.S. Code, Title 18, Section 1001).
By Purchaser:
This Annex should be completed only for SNF burned before midnight between April 6/7, 1983.
I.
A. Purchaser:______
B. Unit identification (Only one unit may be covered in each report.)
II.
A.
B. Nuclear fuel in the reactor core as of midnight of 6/7 April 1983.
C. Total fee.
The Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2011
This part applies only to radioactive waste substances which are owned or produced by the Department of Energy at facilities owned or operated by or for the Department of Energy under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2011
The purpose of this part is to clarify the meaning of the term “byproduct material” under section 11e(1) of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2014(e)(1)) for use only in determining the Department of Energy's obligations under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (42 U.S.C. 6901
(a) For purposes of this part, the term
(b) For purposes of determining the applicability of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (42 U.S.C. 6901
42 U.S.C. 2011
(a) The purpose of this part is to establish DOE methods and criteria for determining the suitability of the Yucca Mountain site for the location of a geologic repository. DOE will use these methods and criteria in analyzing the data from the site characterization activities required under section 113 of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act.
(b) This part does not address other information that must be considered and submitted to the President, and made available to the public, by the Secretary under section 114 of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act if the Yucca Mountain site is recommended for development as a geologic repository.
For purposes of this part:
(2) For the postclosure period, the postclosure numerical radiation dose limits in 10 CFR 63.311 and 63.321 and radionuclide concentration limits in 10 CFR 63.331.
(1) Estimates of severe natural events to be used for deriving design bases that will be based on consideration of historical data on the associated parameters, physical data, or analysis of upper limits of the physical processes involved; and
(2) Estimates of severe external human-induced events to be used for deriving design bases, that will be based on analysis of human activity in the region, taking into account the site characteristics and the risks associated with the event.
(1) The highly radioactive material resulting from the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel, including liquid waste produced directly in reprocessing and any solid material derived from such liquid waste that contains fission products in sufficient concentration; and
(2) Other highly radioactive material that the Commission, consistent with existing law, determines by rule requires permanent isolation.
(1) Identify the features, events and processes (except human intrusion) that might affect the Yucca Mountain disposal system and their probabilities of occurring during 10,000 years after disposal;
(2) Examine the effects of those features, events, processes, and sequences of events and processes (except human intrusion) on the performance of the Yucca Mountain disposal system; and
(3) Estimate the dose incurred by the reasonably maximally exposed individual, including associated uncertainties, as a result of releases caused by all significant features, events, processes, and sequences of events and processes, weighted by their probability of occurrence.
(a) The scope of this subpart includes the following for both the preclosure and postclosure periods:
(1) The bases for the suitability determination for the Yucca Mountain site as a location for a geologic repository;
(2) The suitability evaluation methods for applying the site suitability criteria to a geologic repository at the Yucca Mountain site; and
(3) The site suitability criteria that DOE will apply in accordance with section 113(b)(1)(A)(iv) of the NWPA.
(b) DOE will seek NRC concurrence on any future revisions to this subpart.
DOE will evaluate whether the Yucca Mountain site is suitable for the location of a geologic repository on the basis of the preclosure and postclosure determinations described in §§ 963.12 and 963.15. If DOE's evaluation of the Yucca Mountain site for the location of a geologic repository under §§ 963.12 and 963.15 shows that the geologic repository is likely to meet the applicable radiation protection standards for the preclosure and postclosure periods, then DOE may determine that the site is a suitable location for the development of such a repository.
DOE will apply the method and criteria described in §§ 963.13 and 963.14 to evaluate the suitability of the Yucca Mountain site for the preclosure period. If DOE finds that the results of the preclosure safety evaluation conducted under § 963.13 show that the Yucca Mountain site is likely to meet the applicable radiation protection standard, DOE may determine the site suitable for the preclosure period.
(a) DOE will evaluate preclosure suitability using a preclosure safety evaluation method. DOE will evaluate the performance of the geologic repository at the Yucca Mountain site using the method described in paragraph (b) of this section and the criteria in § 963.14. DOE will consider the performance of the system in terms of the criteria to evaluate whether the geologic repository is likely to comply with the applicable radiation protection standard.
(b) The preclosure safety evaluation method, using preliminary engineering specifications, will assess the adequacy of the repository facilities to perform their intended functions and prevent or mitigate the effects of postulated Category 1 and 2 event sequences. The preclosure safety evaluation will consider:
(1) A preliminary description of the site characteristics, the surface facilities and the underground operating facilities;
(2) A preliminary description of the design bases for the operating facilities and a preliminary description of any associated limits on operation;
(3) A preliminary description of potential hazards, event sequences, and their consequences; and
(4) A preliminary description of the structures, systems, components, equipment, and operator actions intended to mitigate or prevent accidents.
DOE will evaluate preclosure suitability using the following criteria:
(a) Ability to contain radioactive material and to limit releases of radioactive materials;
(b) Ability to implement control and emergency systems to limit exposure to radiation;
(c) Ability to maintain a system and components that perform their intended safety functions; and
(d) Ability to preserve the option to retrieve wastes during the preclosure period.
DOE will apply the method and criteria described in §§ 963.16 and 963.17 to evaluate the suitability of the Yucca Mountain site for the postclosure period. If DOE finds that the results of the total system performance assessments conducted under § 963.16 show that the Yucca Mountain site is likely to meet the applicable radiation protection standard, DOE may determine the site suitable for the postclosure period.
(a) DOE will evaluate postclosure suitability using the total system performance assessment method. DOE will conduct a total system performance assessment to evaluate the ability of the geologic repository to meet the applicable radiation protection standard under the following circumstances:
(1) DOE will conduct a total system performance assessment to evaluate the ability of the Yucca Mountain disposal system to limit radiological doses and radionuclide concentrations in the case where there is no human intrusion into the repository. DOE will model the performance of the Yucca Mountain disposal system using the method described in paragraph (b) of this section and the criteria in § 963.17. DOE will consider the performance of the system in terms of the criteria to evaluate whether the Yucca Mountain disposal system is likely to comply with the applicable radiation protection standard.
(2) DOE will conduct a separate total system performance assessment to evaluate the ability of the Yucca Mountain disposal system to limit radiological doses in the case where there is a human intrusion as specified by 10 CFR 63.322. DOE will model the performance of the Yucca Mountain disposal system using the method described in paragraph (b) of this section and the criteria in § 963.17. If required by applicable NRC regulations regarding a human intrusion standard, § 63.321, DOE will consider the performance of the system in terms of the criteria to evaluate whether the Yucca Mountain disposal system is likely to comply with the applicable radiation protection standard.
(b) In conducting a total system performance assessment under this section, DOE will:
(1) Include data related to the suitability criteria in § 963.17;
(2) Account for uncertainties and variabilities in parameter values and provide the technical basis for parameter ranges, probability distributions, and bounding values;
(3) Consider alternative models of features and processes that are consistent with available data and current scientific understanding, and evaluate the effects that alternative models would have on the estimated performance of the Yucca Mountain disposal system ;
(4) Consider only events that have at least one chance in 10,000 of occurring over 10,000 years;
(5) Provide the technical basis for either inclusion or exclusion of specific features, events, and processes of the geologic setting, including appropriate details as to magnitude and timing regarding any exclusions that would significantly change the dose to the reasonably maximally exposed individual;
(6) Provide the technical basis for either inclusion or exclusion of degradation, deterioration, or alteration processes of engineered barriers, including those processes that would adversely affect natural barriers, (such as degradation of concrete liners affecting the pH of ground water or precipitation
(7) Provide the technical basis for models used in the total system performance assessment such as comparisons made with outputs of detailed process-level models and/or empirical observations (for example, laboratory testing, field investigations, and natural analogs);
(8) Identify natural features of the geologic setting and design features of the engineered barrier system important to isolating radioactive waste;
(9) Describe the capability of the natural and engineered barriers important to isolating radioactive waste, taking into account uncertainties in characterizing and modeling such barriers;
(10) Provide the technical basis for the description of the capability of the natural and engineered barriers important to isolating radioactive waste;
(11) Use the reference biosphere and reasonably maximally exposed individual assumptions specified in applicable NRC regulations; and
(12) Conduct appropriate sensitivity studies.
(a) DOE will evaluate the postclosure suitability of a geologic repository at the Yucca Mountain site through suitability criteria that reflect both the processes and the models used to simulate those processes that are important to the total system performance of the geologic repository. The applicable criteria are:
(1) Site characteristics, which include:
(i) Geologic properties of the site—for example, stratigraphy, rock type and physical properties, and structural characteristics;
(ii) Hydrologic properties of the site—for example, porosity, permeability,moisture content, saturation, and potentiometric characteristics;
(iii) Geophysical properties of the site—for example, densities, velocities and water contents, as measured or deduced from geophysical logs; and
(iv) Geochemical properties of the site—for example, precipitation, dissolution characteristics, and sorption properties of mineral and rock surfaces.
(2) Unsaturated zone flow characteristics, which include:
(i) Climate—for example, precipitation and postulated future climatic conditions;
(ii) Infiltration—for example, precipitation entering the mountain in excess of water returned to the atmosphere by evaporation and plant transpiration;
(iii) Unsaturated zone flux—for example, water movement through the pore spaces, or flowing along fractures or through perched water zones above the repository;
(iv) Seepage—for example, water dripping into the underground repository openings from the surrounding rock.
(3) Near field environment characteristics, which include:
(i) Thermal hydrology—for example, effects of heat from the waste on water flow through the site, and the temperature and humidity at the engineered barriers.
(ii) Near field geochemical environment—for example, the chemical reactions and products resulting from water contacting the waste and the engineered barrier materials.
(4) Engineered barrier system degradation characteristics, which include:
(i) Engineered barrier system component performance—for example, drip shields, backfill, coatings, or chemical modifications, and
(ii) Waste package degradation—for example, the corrosion of the waste package materials within the near-field environment.
(5) Waste form degradation characteristics, which include:
(i) Cladding degradation—for example, corrosion or break-down of the cladding on the spent fuel pellets;
(ii) Waste form dissolution—for example, the ability of individual radionuclides to dissolve in water penetrating breached waste packages.
(6) Engineered barrier system degradation, flow, and transport characteristics, which include:
(i) Colloid formation and stability—for example, the formation of colloidal particles and the ability of radionuclides to adhere to these particles as they may migrate through the remaining barriers; and
(ii) Engineered barrier transport—for example, the movement of radionuclides dissolved in water or adhering to colloidal particles to be transported through the remaining engineered barriers and in the underlying unsaturated zone.
(7) Unsaturated zone flow and transport characteristics, which include:
(i) Unsaturated zone transport—for example, the movement of water with dissolved radionuclides or colloidal particles through the unsaturated zone underlying the repository, including retardation mechanisms such as sorption on rock or mineral surfaces;
(ii) Thermal hydrology—for example, effects of heat from the waste on water flow through the site.
(8) Saturated zone flow and transport characteristics, which include:
(i) Saturated zone transport—for example, the movement of water with dissolved radionuclides or colloidal particles through the saturated zone underlying and beyond the repository, including retardation mechanisms such as sorption on rock or mineral surfaces; and
(ii) Dilution—for example, diffusion of radionuclides into pore spaces, dispersion of radionuclides along flow paths, and mixing with non-contaminated ground water.
(9) Biosphere characteristics, which include:
(i) Reference biosphere and reasonably maximally exposed individual—for example, biosphere water pathways, location and behavior of reasonably maximally exposed individual; and
(ii) Biosphere transport and uptake—for example, the consumption of ground or surface waters through direct extraction or agriculture, including mixing with non-contaminated waters and exposure to contaminated agricultural products.
(b) DOE will evaluate the postclosure suitability of the Yucca Mountain disposal system using criteria that consider disruptive processes and events important to the total system performance of the geologic repository. The applicable criteria related to disruptive processes and events include:
(1) Volcanism—for example, the probability and potential consequences of a volcanic eruption intersecting the repository;
(2) Seismic events—for example, the probability and potential consequences of an earthquake on the underground facilities or hydrologic system; and
(3) Nuclear criticality—for example, the probability and potential consequences of a self-sustaining nuclear reaction as a result of chemical or physical processes affecting the waste either in or after release from breached waste packages.
(a)
(b)
(1) All Notices of Proposed Rulemaking, pending and outstanding, which have been proposed by the Department of Energy and the Department of Energy;
(2) All Notices of Inquiry which have been issued by the Department of Energy;
(3) All Requests for Interpretations which have been filed pursuant to 10 CFR part 205, subpart F, and on which no interpretation has been issued, with the Office of General Counsel of the Department of Energy;
(4) All Applications for Exception Relief which have been filed pursuant to 10 CFR part 205, subpart D, and on which no final decision and order has been issued, with the Office of Exceptions and Appeals of the Department of Energy;
(5) All petitions for special redress, relief or other extraordinary assistance which have been filed pursuant to 10 CFR part 205, subpart R, and on which no order has been issued, with the Office of Private Grievances and Redress of the Department of Energy;
(6) All appeals from Remedial Orders, Exception Decisions and Orders, Interpretations issued by the Office of General Counsel, and other agency orders which have been filed pursuant to 10 CFR part 205, subpart H, and on which no order has been issued prior to October 1, 1977, with the Office of Exceptions and Appeals of the Department of Energy;
(7) All applications for modification or rescission of any DOE order or interpretation which have been filed pursuant to 10 CFR part 205, subpart J, and on which no order has been issued prior to October 1, 1977, with the Office of Exceptions and Appeals of the Federal Energy Administation;
For a document relating to procedures for natural gas import and export proceedings see 42 FR 61856, Dec. 7, 1977.
(8) All applications for temporary stays and stays which have been filed pursuant to 10 CFR part 205, subpart I, and on which no order has been issued, with the Office of Exceptions and Appeals of the Department of Energy;
(9) All applications which have been filed with the Office of Regulatory Programs of the Department of Energy and on which no final order has been issued;
(10) All investigations which have been instituted and have not been resolved by the Office of Compliance of the Department of Energy;
(11) All Notices of Probable Violation which have been issued prior to October 1, 1977, by the Office of Compliance of Department of Energy;
(12) All Notices of Proposed Disallowance which have been issued prior to October 1, 1977, by the Office of Compliance of Department of Energy;
(13) All Prohibition Orders which have been issued pursuant to 10 CFR part 303 and as to which no Notice of Effectiveness has been issued;
(14) From the Department of the Interior:
(i) The tentative power rate adjustments for the Central Valley Project, California, proposed on September 12, 1977 (42 FR 46619, September 16, 1977).
(15) From the Interstate Commerce Commission:
(i) Ex Parte No. 308 (Sub-No. 1)—Investigation of Common Carrier Pipelines.
(16) From the Federal Power Commission:
(i) Cases:
(A) Northwest Pipeline Corporation, Docket No. CP75-340.
(B) Midwestern Gas Transmission Co., Docket No. CP77-458,
(C) St. Lawrence Gas Company, Docket No. G-17500.
(D) U.S.D.I. Bonneville Power Administration, Docket No. E-9563.
(E) U.S.D.I. Southwestern Power Administration, Docket No. E-7201.
(F) U.S.D.I. Southeastern Power Administration, Docket No. E-6957.
(G) Tenneco InterAmerica, Inc., Docket No. CP77-561.
(ii) Applications:
(A) Maine Public Service Co., Docket No. E-6751. (ERA Docket No. IE-78-1).
(B) Northern States Power Co., Docket No. E-9589, (ERA Docket No. IE-78-2).
(C) Arizona Public Service Co., Docket No. IT-5331. (ERA Docket No. IE-78-3).
(D) Niagara Mohawk Power Corp., Docket No, E-7022. (ERA Docket No. IE-77-6).
(E) Maine Public Service Co., Docket No. IT-6027. (ERA Docket No. PP-12).
(F) Boise Cascade, Docket No. E-7765. (ERA Docket No. PP-52).
(G) Bonneville Power Administration, Docket No. IT-5959. (ERA Docket No. PP-10).
(H) EPR—Oregon (Geothermal Steam Leases).
(I) EPR—Utah (Geothermal Steam Leases).
(J) EPR—Idaho (Geothermal Steam Leases).
(K) EPR—Oregon (Geothermal Steam Leases).
(L) EPR—Idaho (Geothermal Steam Leases).
(iii) Rulemakings:
(A) Implementation of sections 382(b) and 382(c) of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975. Docket No. RM77-3.
(B) New Form Nos:
151, Docket No. RM76-19.
153, Docket No. RM76-27.
154, Docket No. RM76-33.
156, Docket No. RM76-32.
157, Docket No. RM76-21.
158, Docket No. RM76-31.
159, Docket No. RM76-23.
160, Docket No. RM76-20.
161, Docket No. RM76-26.
162, Docket No. RM76-34.
155, Docket No. RM76-28.
163, Docket No. RM76-30.
164, Docket No. RM76-25.
(C) Procedures for the Filing of Federal Rate Schedules Docket No. RM77-9.
(iv) Project withdrawals and power site revocations:
(A) Project 1021, 1226, 1606, and 1772—(Wyoming)—U.S. Forest Service (Applicant).
(B) Project Nos. 1021, 1226, 1606, and 1772—(Wyoming)—U.S. Forest Service (Applicant).
(C) Project Nos. 220 and 691—(Wyoming)—Cliff Gold Mining Co. (Applicant for P-691) The Colowyo Gold Mining Co. (Applicant for P-220).
(D) Project No. 1203—(Wyoming)—F. D. Foster (Applicant).
(E) Project No. 1241—(Wyoming)—F. B. Hommel (Applicant).
(F) Project No. 847—(Oregon)—H. L. Vorse (Applicant).
(G) Project No. 907—(Colorado)—S. B. Collins (Applicant).
(H) Project No. 941—(Colorado)—Marian Mining Company (Applicant).
(I) Project Nos. 347 and 418—(Colorado)—Jones Brothers (Applicant for P-347) Frank Gay et al. (Applicant for P-418).
(J) Project Nos. 373, 521, 937, 1024, 1415, 1546, 1547, and 1025—()—U.S. Forest (Applicant).
(K) Project No. 163—(Colorado)—James F. Meyser and Edward E. Drach (Applicants).
(L) Project Nos. 385, 445, 506, 519, 1220, 1296, 1418, 1519, 1576, 1615, 1616, 1618, 1678, 1682, and 1750—(Colorado)—U.S. Forest Service (Applicant).
(M) DA-117—(Alaska)—Bureau of Land Management (Applicant).
(N) Project No. 114—(Alaska)—Elizabeth H. Graff et al. (Applicant).
(O) DA-222—(Washington)—Bureau of Land Management (Applicant).
(P) DA-562—(Oregon)—U.S. Geological Survey (Applicant).
(Q) DA-601—(Idaho)—Bureau of Land Management (Applicant).
(R) DA-509—(Colorado)—Fed. Highway Admin. (Applicant).
(S) DA-616—(Idaho)—U.S. Forest Service (Applicant).
(T) DA-1—(South Carolina)—U.S. Forest Service (Applicant).
(U) DA-1116—(California)—U.S. Geological Survey (Applicant).
(V) DA-154—(Arizona)—U.S. Geological Survey (Applicant).
(W) DA-1098—(California)—Merced Irrigation District (Applicant).
(c)
(1) From the Interstate Commerce Commission:
(i) Ex Parte No. 308—Valuation of Common Carrier Pipelines.
(ii) I&S 9164—Trans Alaska Pipeline System—Rate Filings (including I&S 9164 (Sub-No. 1), NOR 36611, NOR 36611 (Sub-No. 1), NOR 36611 (Sub-No. 2), NOR 36611 (Sub-No. 3), NOR 36611 (Sub-No. 4)).
(iii) I&S 9089—General Increase, December 1975, Williams Pipeline Company.
(iv) I&S 9128—Anhydrous Ammonia, Gulf Central Pipeline Company.
(v) NOR 35533 (Sub-No. 3)—Petroleum Products, Southwest & Midwest Williams Pipeline.
(vi) NOR 35794—Northville Dock Pipeline Corp. et al.
(vii) NOR 35895—Inexco Oil Company v. Belle Fourche Pipeline Co. et al.
(viii) NOR 36217—Department of Defense v. Interstate Storage & Pipeline Corp.
(ix) NOR 36423—Petroleum Products Southwest to Midwest Points.
(x) NOR 36520—Williams Pipeline Company—Petroleum Products Midwest.
(xi) NOR 36553—Kerr-McGee Refining Corporation v. Texoma Pipeline Co.
(xii) Suspension Docket 67124—Williams Pipe Line Co.—General Increase.
(xiii) Valuation Docket 1423—Williams Pipeline Company (1971-1974 inclusive).
(2) To remain with the Commission until forwarding to the Secretary:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(3) The Amendment to Application of Western LNG Terminal Associates, filed on November 11, 1977, in
(d)
42 U.S.C. 7264.
The purpose of this part is to describe the official seal and distinguishing flag of the Department of Energy, and to prescribe rules for their custody and use.
For purposes of this part—
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
The Secretary or his designee shall:
(a) Have custody of:
(1) The official seal and prototypes thereof, and masters, molds, dies, and all other means of producing replicas, reproductions, and embossing seals; and
(2) Production, inventory and loan records relating to items specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section; and
(b) Have custody of distinguishing flags, and be responsible for production, inventory, and loan records thereof.
The Department of Energy hereby prescribes as its official seal, of which judicial notice shall be taken pursuant to section 654 of the Department of Energy Organization Act of 1977, 42 U.S.C. 7264, the imprint illustrated below and described as follows:
(a)(1) The official seal includes a green shield bisected by a gold-colored lightning bolt, on which is emblazoned a gold-colored symbolic sun, atom, oil derrick, windmill, and dynamo. It is
(2) The colors used in the configuration are dark green, dark blue, gold, black, and white.
(3) The eagle represents the care in planning and the purposefulness of efforts required to respond to the Nation's increasing demands for energy. The sun, atom, oil derrick, windmill, and dynamo serve as representative technologies whose enhanced development can help meet these demands. The rope represents the cohesiveness in the development of the technologies and their link to our future capabilities. The lightning bolt represents the power of the natural forces from which energy is derived and the Nation's challenge in harnessing the forces.
(4) The color scheme is derived from nature, symbolizing both the source of energy and the support of man's existence. The blue field represents air and water, green represents mineral resources and the earth itself, and gold represents the creation of energy in the release of natural forces. By invoking this symbolism, the color scheme represents the Nation's commitment to meet its energy needs in a manner consistent with the preservation of the natural environment.
(a) The Secretary and his designees are authorized to affix replicas, reproductions, and embossing seals to appropriate documents, certifications, and other material for all purposes as authorized by this section.
(b) Replicas may be used only for:
(1) Display in or adjacent to DOE facilities, in Department auditoriums, presentation rooms, hearing rooms, lobbies, and public document rooms.
(2) Offices of senior officials.
(3) Official DOE distinguishing flags, adopted and utilized pursuant to subpart C.
(4) Official awards, certificates, medals, and plaques.
(5) Motion picture film, video tape and other audiovisual media prepared by or for DOE and attributed thereto.
(6) Official prestige publications which represent the achievements or mission of DOE.
(7) Non-DOE facilities in connection with events and displays sponsored by DOE, and public appearances of the Secretary or other designated senior DOE Officials.
(8) For other such purposes as determined by the Director of the Office of Administrative Services.
(c) Reproductions may be used only on:
(1) DOE letterhead stationery.
(2) Official DOE identification cards and security credentials.
(3) Business cards for DOE employees.
(4) Official DOE signs.
(5) Official publications or graphics issued by and attributed to DOE, or joint statements of DOE with one or more Federal agencies, State or local governments, or foreign governments.
(6) Official awards, certificates, and medals.
(7) Motion picture film, video tape, and other audiovisual media prepared by or for DOE and attributed thereto.
(8) For other such purposes as determined by the Director of the Office of Administrative Services.
(d) Embossing seals may be used only on:
(1) DOE legal documents, including interagency or intergovernmental agreements, agreements with States, foreign patent applications, and similar documents.
(2) For other such purposes as determined by the General Counsel or the Director of Administration.
(e) Any person who uses the official seal, replicas, reproductions, or embossing seals in a manner inconsistent with this part shall be subject to the provisions of 18 U.S.C. 1017, providing penalties for the wrongful use of an official seal, and to other provisions of law as applicable.
(f) The official seal is being registered with the World Intellectual Property Organization through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
(a) The base or field of the flag shall be white, and a replica of the official seal shall appear on both sides thereof.
(b)(1) The indoor flag shall be of rayon banner, measure 4′4″ on hoist by 5′6″ on the fly, exclusive of heading and hems, and be fringed on three edges with yellow rayon fringe, 2
(2) The outdoor flag shall be of heavy weight nylon, and measure either 3′ on the hoist by 5′ on the fly or 5′ on the hoist by 8′ on the fly, exclusive of heading and hems.
(c) Each flag shall be manufactured in accordance with U.S. Department of Defense Military Specification Mil-F-2692. The official seal shall be screen printed on both sides, and on each side, the lettering shall read from left to right. Headings shall be Type II in accordance with the Institute of Heraldry Drawing No. 5-1-45E.
(a) DOE distinguishing flags may be used only:
(1) In the offices of the Secretarial officers, Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and heads of field locations designated below:
(2) At official DOE ceremonies.
(3) In Department auditoriums, official presentation rooms, hearing rooms, lobbies, public document rooms, and in non-DOE facilities in connection with events or displays sponsored by DOE, and public appearances of DOE officials.
(4) On or in front of DOE installation buildings.
(5) Other such purposes as determined by the Director of Administration.
The official seal and distinguishing flag shall not be used except as authorized by the Director of Administration in connection with:
(a) Contractor-operated facilities.
(b) Souvenir or novelty items.
(c) Toys or commercial gifts or premiums.
(d) Letterhead design, except on official Departmental stationery.
(e) Matchbook covers, calendars, and similar items.
(f) Civilian clothing or equipment.
(g) Any article which may disparage the seal or flag or reflect unfavorably upon DOE.
(h) Any manner which implies Departmental endorsement of commercial products or services, or of the user's policies or activities.
15 U.S.C. 761
This part establishes the procedures to be utilized and identifies the sanctions that are available in most proceedings before the Office of Hearings and Appeals of the Department of Energy. These procedures provide standard rules of practice in a variety of informal adjudications when jurisdiction is vested in the Office of Hearings and Appeals. Any or all of the procedures contained in this part may be incorporated by reference in another DOE rule or regulation which invokes the adjudicatory authority of the Office of Hearings and Appeals. The procedures may also be made applicable at the direction of an appropriate DOE official if incorporated by reference in the delegation. These rules do not apply in instances in which DOE regulations themselves contain procedures governing OHA proceedings conducted under authority of those particular regulations. (E.g., 10 CFR part 708-DOE Contractor Employee Protection Program; 10 CFR part 710-Criteria and Procedures for Determining Eligibility for Access to Classified Matter or Special Nuclear Material.) These rules also do not apply to matters before the DOE Board of Contract Appeals or other procurement and financial assistance appeals boards, which are covered by their own rules.
(a) As used in this part:
(b) Throughout this part the use of a word or term in the singular shall include the plural, and the use of the male gender shall include the female gender.
(a) A person may make an appearance, including personal appearances in the discretion of the OHA, and participate in any proceeding described in this part on his own behalf or by a duly authorized representative. Any application, appeal, petition, or request filed by a duly authorized representative shall contain a statement by such person certifying that he is a duly authorized representative. Falsification of such certification will subject such person to the sanctions stated in 18 U.S.C. 1001.
(b)
(1) To have made false or misleading statements, either verbally or in writing;
(2) To have filed false or materially altered documents, affidavits or other writings;
(3) To lack the specific authority to represent the person seeking an OHA action; or
(4) To have engaged in or to be engaged in contumacious conduct that substantially disrupts a proceeding.
(a) Any document filed with the OHA must be addressed as required by § 1003.11, and should conform to the requirements contained in § 1003.9. All documents and exhibits submitted become part of an OHA file and will not be returned.
(b) A document submitted in connection with any proceeding transmitted by first class United States mail and properly addressed is considered to be filed upon mailing.
(c) Hand-delivered documents to be filed with the OHA shall be submitted to 950 L'Enfant Plaza, SW., Washington, DC, during normal business hours.
(d) Documents hand delivered or received electronically after regular business hours are deemed filed on the next regular business day.
(a)
(2) Saturdays, Sundays and federal legal holidays shall be excluded from the computation of time when the period of time allowed or prescribed is 7 days or less.
(b)
(c)
When a document is required to be filed within a prescribed time, an extension of time to file may be granted by the OHA upon good cause shown.
(a) All documents required to be served under this part shall be served personally or by first class United States mail, except as otherwise provided.
(b) Service upon a person's duly authorized representative shall constitute service upon that person.
(c) Official United States Postal Service receipts from certified mailing shall constitute evidence of service.
(a) In accordance with the provisions of this section and as otherwise authorized by law, the Director may sign, issue and serve subpoenas; administer oaths and affirmations; take sworn testimony; compel attendance of and sequester witnesses; control dissemination of any record of testimony taken pursuant to this section; subpoena and reproduce books, papers, correspondence, memoranda, contracts, agreements, or other relevant records or tangible evidence including, but not limited to, information retained in computerized or other automated systems in possession of the subpoenaed person.
(b) The Director may issue a Special Report Order requiring any person subject to the jurisdiction of the OHA to file a special report providing information relating to the OHA proceeding, including but not limited to written answers to specific questions. The SRO may be in addition to any other reports required.
(c) The Director, for good cause shown, may extend the time prescribed for compliance with the subpoena or SRO and negotiate and approve the terms of satisfactory compliance.
(d) Prior to the time specified for compliance, but in no event more than 10 days after the date of service of the subpoena or SRO, the person upon whom the document was served may file a request for review of the subpoena or SRO with the Director. The Director then shall provide notice of receipt to the person requesting review, may extend the time prescribed for compliance with the subpoena or SRO, and may negotiate and approve the terms of satisfactory compliance.
(e) If the subpoena or SRO is not modified or rescinded within 10 days of the date of the Director's notice of receipt:
(1) The subpoena or SRO shall be effective as issued; and
(2) The person upon whom the document was served shall comply with the subpoena or SRO within 20 days of the date of the Director's notice of receipt, unless otherwise notified in writing by the Director.
(f) There is no administrative appeal of a subpoena or SRO.
(g) A subpoena or SRO shall be served upon a person named in the document by delivering a copy of the document to the person named.
(h) Delivery of a copy of a subpoena or SRO to a natural person may be made by:
(1) Handing it to the person;
(2) Leaving it at the person's office with the person in charge of the office;
(3) Leaving it at the person's dwelling or usual place of abode with a person of suitable age and discretion who resides there;
(4) Mailing it to the person by certified mail, at his last known address; or
(5) Any method that provides the person with actual notice prior to the return date of the document.
(i) Delivery of a copy of a subpoena or SRO to a person who is not a natural person may be made by:
(1) Handing it to a registered agent of the person;
(2) Handing it to any officer, director, or agent in charge of any office of such person;
(3) Mailing it to the last known address of any registered agent, officer, director, or agent in charge of any office of the person by certified mail; or
(4) Any method that provides any registered agent, officer, director, or agent in charge of any office of the person with actual notice of the document prior to the return date of the document.
(j) A witness subpoenaed by the OHA may be paid the same fees and mileage as paid to a witness in the district courts of the United States.
(k) If in the course of a proceeding a subpoena is issued at the request of a person other than an officer or agency of the United States, the witness fees and mileage shall be paid by the person who requested the subpoena. However, at the request of the person, the witness fees and mileage may be paid by the OHA if the person shows:
(1) The presence of the subpoenaed witness will materially advance the proceeding; and
(2) The person who requested that the subpoena be issued would suffer a serious hardship if required to pay the witness fees and mileage.
(l) If any person upon whom a subpoena or SRO is served pursuant to this section refuses or fails to comply with any provision of the subpoena or SRO, an action may be commenced in the appropriate United States District Court to enforce the subpoena or SRO.
(m) Documents produced in response to a subpoena shall be accompanied by the sworn certification, under penalty of perjury, of the person to whom the subpoena was directed or his authorized agent that:
(1) A diligent search has been made for each document responsive to the subpoena; and
(2) To the best of his knowledge, information, and belief each document responsive to the subpoena is being produced.
(n) Any information furnished in response to an SRO shall be accompanied by the sworn certification, under penalty of perjury, of the person to whom it was directed or his authorized agent who actually provides the information that:
(1) A diligent effort has been made to provide all information required by the SRO; and
(2) All information furnished is true, complete, and correct.
(o) If any document responsive to a subpoena is not produced or any information required by an SRO is not furnished, the certification shall include a statement setting forth every reason for failing to comply with the subpoena or SRO. If a person to whom a subpoena or SRO is directed withholds any document or information because of a claim of attorney-client or other privilege, the person submitting the certification required by paragraph (m) or (n) of this section also shall submit a written list of the documents or the information withheld indicating a description of each document or information, the date of the document, each person shown on the document as having received a copy of the document, each person shown on the document as having prepared or been sent the document, the privilege relied upon as the basis for withholding the document or information, and an identification of
(p) If testimony is taken pursuant to a subpoena, the Director shall determine whether the testimony shall be recorded and the means by which the testimony is recorded.
(q) A witness whose testimony is recorded may procure a copy of his testimony by making a written request for a copy and paying the appropriate fees. However, the Director may deny the request for good cause. Upon proper identification, any witness or his attorney has the right to inspect the official transcript of the witness' own testimony.
(r) The Director may sequester any person subpoenaed to furnish documents or give testimony. Unless permitted by the Director, neither a witness nor his attorney shall be present during the examination of any other witnesses.
(s) A witness whose testimony is taken may be accompanied, represented and advised by his attorney as follows:
(1) Upon the initiative of the attorney or witness, the attorney may advise his client, in confidence, with respect to the question asked his client, and if the witness refuses to answer any question, the witness or his attorney is required to briefly state the legal grounds for such refusal; and
(2) If the witness claims a privilege to refuse to answer a question on the grounds of self-incrimination, the witness must assert the privilege personally.
(t) The Director shall take all necessary action to regulate the course of testimony and to avoid delay and prevent or restrain contemptuous or obstructionist conduct or contemptuous language. OHA may take actions as the circumstances may warrant in regard to any instances where any attorney refuses to comply with directions or provisions of this section.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(2) The OHA retains the right to make its own determination with regard to any claim of confidentiality, under criteria specified in 10 CFR 1004.11. Notice of the decision by the OHA to deny such claim, in whole or in part, and an opportunity to respond shall be given to a person claiming confidentiality of information no less than five days prior to its public disclosure.
(g) Each application, petition or request for OHA action shall be submitted as a separate document, even if the applications, petitions, or requests deal with the same or a related issue, act or transaction, or are submitted in connection with the same proceeding.
Any order issued by the OHA under this part is effective as against all persons having actual or constructive notice thereof upon issuance, in accordance with its terms, unless and until it is stayed, modified, suspended, or rescinded. An order is deemed to be issued on the date, as specified in the order, on which it is signed by the Director of the OHA or his designee, unless the order provides otherwise.
All applications, requests, petitions, appeals, written communications and other documents to be submitted to or filed with the OHA, as provided in this part or otherwise, shall be addressed to the Office of Hearings and Appeals, U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585-0107. The OHA has facilities for the receipt of transmissions via FAX, at FAX Number (202) 426-1415.
All orders and other directives issued, all proceedings initiated, and all other actions taken in accordance with 10 CFR part 205 prior to the effective date of this part, are hereby confirmed and ratified, and shall remain in full force and effect as if issued under this part, unless or until they are altered, amended, modified or rescinded in accordance with the provisions of this part.
A public reference room shall be maintained at the OHA, 950 L'Enfant Plaza, S.W., Washington, DC. In this room, the following information shall be made available for public inspection and copying, during normal business hours:
(a) A list of all persons who have applied for an exception, or filed an appeal or petition, and a digest of each application;
(b) Each Decision and Order, with confidential information deleted, issued in response to an application for an exception, petition or other request, or at the conclusion of an appeal; and
(c) Any other information in the possession of OHA which is required by statute to be made available for public inspection and copying, and any other information that the OHA determines should be made available to the public.
At regular intervals, the OHA shall publish on its Internet World Wide Web site, a digest of the applications, appeals, petitions and other requests filed, and a summary of the Decisions and Orders issued by the OHA, pursuant to proceedings conducted under this part. The OHA's web site is located at http://www.oha.doe.gov.
(a) This subpart establishes the procedures for applying for an exception or exemption, as provided for in section 504 (42 U.S.C. 7194) of the Department of Energy Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7101
(b) The filing of an application for an exception shall not constitute grounds for noncompliance with the requirements from which an exception is sought, unless a stay has been issued in accordance with subpart D of this part.
A person seeking relief under this subpart shall file an “Application for Exception,” which should be clearly labeled as such both on the application and on the outside of the envelope in which the application is transmitted, and shall be in writing. The general filing requirements stated in § 1003.9 shall be complied with in addition to the requirements stated in this subpart.
All applications for exception shall be filed with the OHA at the address provided in § 1003.11.
(a) The applicant shall send by United States mail a copy of the application and any subsequent amendments or other documents relating to the application, or a copy from which confidential information has been deleted in accordance with § 1003.9(f), to each person who is reasonably ascertainable by the applicant as a person who would be aggrieved by the OHA action sought. The copy of the application shall be accompanied by a statement that the person may submit comments regarding the application within 10 days. The application filed with the OHA shall include certification to the OHA that the applicant has complied with the requirements of this paragraph and shall include the names and addresses of each person to whom a copy of the application was sent.
(b) Notwithstanding the provision of paragraph (a) of this section, if an applicant determines that compliance with paragraph (a) of this section would be impracticable, the applicant shall:
(1) Comply with the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section with regard to those persons whom it is reasonable and practicable to notify; and
(2) Include with the application a description of the persons or class or classes of persons to whom notice was sent. The OHA may require the applicant to provide additional or alternative notice, may determine that the notice required by paragraph (a) of this section is not impracticable, or may determine that notice should be published in the
(c) The OHA shall serve notice on any other person readily identified by the OHA as one who would be aggrieved by the OHA action sought and may serve notice on any other person that written comments regarding the application will be accepted if filed within 10 days of service of such notice.
(d) Any person submitting written comments to the OHA with respect to an application filed under this subpart shall send a copy of the comments, or a copy from which confidential information has been deleted in accordance with § 1003.9(f), to the applicant. The person shall certify to the OHA that he has complied with the requirements of this paragraph. The OHA may notify other persons participating in the proceeding of such comments and provide an opportunity for such persons to respond.
(a) The application shall contain a full and complete statement of all relevant facts pertaining to the circumstances, act or transaction that is the subject of the application and to the OHA action sought. Such facts shall include the names and addresses of all affected persons (if reasonably ascertainable); a complete statement of the business or other reasons that justify the act or transaction; a description of the acts or transactions that would be affected by the requested OHA action; and a full discussion of the pertinent provisions and relevant facts contained in the documents submitted with the application. Copies of all relevant contracts, agreements, leases, instruments, and other documents shall be submitted with the application.
(b) The applicant shall state whether he requests or intends to request that there be a conference or hearing regarding the application. Any request not made at the time the application is filed shall be made as soon thereafter as possible. The request and the OHA determination on the request shall be made in accordance with subpart F of this part.
(c) The application shall include a discussion of all relevant authorities, including, but not limited to, DOE rules, regulations, and decisions on appeals and exceptions relied upon to support the particular action sought therein.
(d) The application shall specify the exact nature and extent of the relief requested.
(a)(1) OHA may initiate an investigation of any statement in an application and utilize in its evaluation any relevant facts obtained by such investigation. The OHA may solicit and accept submissions from third persons relevant to any application provided that the applicant is afforded an opportunity to respond to all third person submissions. In evaluating an application, the OHA may consider any other source of information. The OHA on its own initiative may convene a hearing or conference, if, in its discretion, it considers that such hearing or conference will advance its evaluation of the application. The OHA may issue appropriate orders as warranted in the proceeding.
(2) If the OHA determines that there is insufficient information upon which to base a decision and if upon request additional information is not submitted by the applicant, the OHA may dismiss the application without prejudice. If the failure to supply additional information is repeated or willful, the OHA may dismiss the application with prejudice. If the applicant fails to provide the notice required by § 1003.23, the OHA may dismiss the application without prejudice.
(b)(1) The OHA shall consider an application for an exception only when it determines that a more appropriate proceeding is not provided by DOE regulations.
(2) An application for an exception may be granted to alleviate or prevent serious hardship, gross inequity or unfair distribution of burdens.
(3) An application for an exception shall be decided in a manner that is, to the extent possible, consistent with the disposition of previous applications for exception.
(a) Upon consideration of the application and other relevant information received or obtained during the proceeding, the OHA shall issue an order granting or denying the application, in whole or in part.
(b) The Decision and Order shall include a written statement setting forth the relevant facts and the legal basis of the order. The Decision and Order shall provide that any person aggrieved thereby may file an appeal in accordance with § 1003.27.
(c) The OHA shall serve a copy of the Decision and Order upon the applicant, any other person who participated in the proceeding, and upon any other person readily identifiable by the OHA as one who is aggrieved by such Decision and Order.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, any person aggrieved by an order issued by the OHA under this subpart may file an appeal with the OHA in accordance with subpart C of this part. Any appeal filed under this paragraph must be filed within 30 days of service, or constructive service under § 1003.14, of the order from which the appeal is taken.
(b) Any person aggrieved or adversely affected by the denial of a request for exception relief filed pursuant to § 504 of the Department of Energy Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7194) may appeal to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, in accordance with the Commission's regulations.
This subpart establishes the procedures for the filing of an administrative appeal of a DOE order and for the consideration of the appeal by the Office of Hearings and Appeals. Unless a program rule or regulation or a DOE delegation of authority provides otherwise, a person aggrieved by a DOE order appealable under this subpart has not exhausted his or her administrative remedies until an appeal has been filed under this subpart and an order granting or denying the appeal has been issued. A person filing an appeal must also file an “Application for Stay” under subpart D of this part if the grant of a stay is necessary under Section 10(c) of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 704) to preclude judicial review pending final action on the appeal.
Any person may file an appeal under this subpart who is so authorized by § 1003.27, a program rule or regulation, or a DOE delegation of authority.
A person filing under this subpart shall file an “Appeal of Order” which should be clearly labeled as such both on the appeal and on the outside of the envelope in which the appeal is transmitted, and shall be in writing. The general filing requirements stated in § 1003.9 shall be complied with in addition to the requirements stated in this subpart.
The appeal shall be filed with the OHA at the address provided in § 1003.11.
(a) The appellant shall send by United States mail a copy of the appeal and any subsequent amendments or other documents relating to the appeal, or a copy from which confidential information has been deleted in accordance with § 1003.9(f), to each person who is reasonably ascertainable by the appellant as a person who would be aggrieved by the OHA action sought, including those who participated in the process that led to the issuance of the order from which the appeal has been taken. The copy of the appeal shall be accompanied by a statement that the person may submit comments regarding the appeal to the OHA within 10
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section, if any appellant determines that compliance with paragraph (a) of this section would be impracticable, the appellant shall:
(1) Comply with the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section with regard to those persons whom it is reasonable and possible to notify; and
(2) Include with the appeal a description of the persons or class or classes of persons to whom notice was not sent. The OHA may require the appellant to provide additional or alternative notice, may determine that the notice required by paragraph (a) of this section is not impracticable, or may determine that notice should be published in the
(c) The OHA shall serve notice on any other person readily identifiable by the OHA as one who would be aggrieved by the OHA action sought and may serve notice on any other person that written comments regarding the appeal will be accepted if filed within 10 days of the service of that notice.
(d) Any person submitting written comments to the OHA with respect to an appeal filed under this subpart shall send a copy of the comments, or a copy from which confidential information has been deleted in accordance with § 1003.9(f), to the appellant. The person shall certify to the OHA that he has complied with the requirements of this paragraph. The OHA may notify other persons participating in the proceeding of such comments and provide an opportunity for such persons to respond.
(a) The appeal shall contain a concise statement of grounds upon which it is brought and a description of the relief sought. It shall include a discussion of all relevant authorities, including, but not limited to, DOE rules, regulations, and decisions on appeals and exceptions relied upon to support the appeal. If the appeal includes a request for relief based on significantly changed circumstances, there shall be a complete description of the events, acts, or transactions that comprise the significantly changed circumstances, and the appellant shall state why, if the significantly changed circumstance is new or newly discovered facts, such facts were not or could not have been presented during the process that led to the issuance of the order from which the appeal has been taken. For purposes of this subpart, the term “significantly changed circumstances” shall mean—
(1) The discovery of material facts that were not known or could not have been known at the time of the process that led to the issuance of the order from which the appeal has been taken;
(2) The discovery of a law, rule, regulation, order or decision on an appeal or any exception that was in effect at the time of the process that led to the issuance of the order from which the appeal has been taken, and which, if such had been made known to DOE, would have been relevant and would have substantially altered the outcome; or
(3) A substantial change in the facts or circumstances upon which an outstanding and continuing order affecting the appellant was issued, which change has occurred during the interval between issuance of the order and the date of the appeal and was caused by forces or circumstances beyond the control of the appellant.
(b) A copy of the order that is the subject of the appeal shall be submitted with the appeal.
(c) The appellant shall state whether he requests or intends to request that there be a conference or hearing regarding the appeal. Any request not made at the time the appeal is filed shall be made as soon thereafter as possible. The request and the OHA determination on the request shall be made in accordance with subpart F of this part.
(a)(1) The OHA may initiate an investigation of any statement in an appeal and utilize in its evaluation any relevant facts obtained by such investigation. The OHA may solicit and accept
(2) If the OHA determines that there is insufficient information upon which to base a decision and if, upon request, the necessary additional information is not submitted, the OHA may dismiss the appeal with leave to refile within a specified time. If the failure to supply additional information is repeated or willful, the OHA may dismiss the appeal with prejudice. If the appellant fails to provide the notice required by § 1003.34, the OHA may dismiss the appeal without prejudice.
(b) The OHA may issue an order summarily denying the appeal if—
(1) It is not filed in a timely manner, unless good cause is shown; or
(2) It is defective on its face for failure to state, and to present facts and legal argument in support thereof, that the DOE action was erroneous in fact or in law, or that it was arbitrary or capricious.
(c) The OHA may deny any appeal if the appellant does not establish that—
(1) The appeal was filed by a person aggrieved by a DOE action;
(2) The DOE's action was erroneous in fact or in law; or
(3) The DOE's action was arbitrary or capricious.
(a) Upon consideration of the appeal and other relevant information received or obtained during the proceeding, the OHA shall enter an appropriate order, which may include the modification of the order that is the subject of the appeal.
(b) The Decision and Order shall include a written statement setting forth the relevant facts and the legal basis of the Decision and Order. The Decision and Order shall state that it is a final order of the DOE of which the appellant may seek judicial review.
(c) The OHA shall serve a copy of the Decision and Order upon the appellant, any other person who participated in the proceeding, and upon any other person readily identifiable by the OHA as one who is aggrieved by such Decision and Order.
(a) This subpart establishes the procedures for applying for a stay. It also specifies the nature of the relief which may be effectuated through the approval of a stay.
(b) An application for a stay will be considered if it is incident to a submission over which OHA has jurisdiction. An application for stay may also be considered if the stay is requested pending judicial review of an order issued by the OHA.
(c) All applicable DOE rules, regulations, orders, and generally applicable requirements shall be complied with unless and until an application for a stay is granted.
A person filing under this subpart shall file an “Application for Stay” which should be clearly labeled as such both on the application and on the outside of the envelope in which the application is transmitted. The application shall be in writing. The general filing requirements stated in § 1003.9 shall be complied with in addition to the requirements stated in this subpart.
An Application for Stay shall be filed with the OHA at the address provided in § 1003.11.
(a) An applicant for stay shall notify each person readily identifiable as one who will be directly aggrieved by the OHA action sought that it has filed an Application for Stay. The applicant shall serve the application on each identified person and shall notify each such person that the OHA will receive and endeavor to consider, subject to
(b) Any person submitting written comments to the OHA with respect to an application filed under this subpart shall send a copy of the comments, or a copy from which confidential information has been deleted in accordance with § 1003.9(f), to the applicant. The person shall certify to the OHA that he has complied with the requirements of this paragraph. The OHA may notify other persons participating in the proceeding of such comments and provide an opportunity for such persons to respond.
(c) The OHA shall require the applicant to take reasonable measures depending on the circumstances and urgency of the case to notify each person readily identified as one that would be directly aggrieved by the OHA action sought of the date, time and place of any hearing or other proceedings in the matter. However, if the Director of the OHA concludes that the circumstances presented by the applicant justify immediate action, the OHA may issue a Decision on the Application for Stay prior to receipt of written comments or the oral presentation of views by adversely affected parties.
(a) An Application for Stay shall contain a full and complete statement of all relevant facts pertaining to the act or transaction that is the subject of the application and to the OHA action sought. Such facts shall include, but not be limited to, all information that relates to satisfaction of the criteria in § 1003.45(b).
(b) The application shall include a description of the proceeding incident to which the stay is being sought. This description shall contain a discussion of all DOE actions relevant to the proceeding.
(c) The applicant shall state whether he requests that a conference or hearing be convened regarding the application, as provided in subpart F of this part.
(a)(1) The OHA may initiate an investigation of any statement in an application and utilize in its evaluation any relevant facts obtained by such investigation. The OHA may order the submission of additional information, and may solicit and accept submissions from third persons relevant to an application provided that the applicant is afforded an opportunity to respond to all third person submissions. In evaluating an application, the OHA may also consider any other source of information, and may conduct hearings or conferences either in response to requests by parties in the proceeding or on its own initiative.
(2) If the OHA determines that there is insufficient information upon which to base a decision and if upon request additional information is not submitted by the applicant, the OHA may dismiss the application without prejudice. If the failure to supply additional information is repeated or willful, the OHA may dismiss the application with prejudice.
(3) The OHA shall process applications for stay as expeditiously as possible. When administratively feasible, the OHA shall grant or deny an Application for Stay within 10 business days after receipt of the application.
(4) Notwithstanding any other provision of the DOE regulations, the OHA may make a decision on any Application for Stay prior to the receipt of written comments.
(b) The criteria to be considered and weighed by the OHA in determining whether a stay should be granted are:
(1) Whether a showing has been made that an irreparable injury will result in the event that the stay is denied;
(2) Whether a showing has been made that a denial of the stay will result in a more immediate hardship or inequity to the applicant than a grant of the stay would cause to other persons affected by the proceeding;
(3) Whether a showing has been made that it would be desirable for public policy reasons to grant immediate relief pending a decision by OHA on the merits;
(4) Whether a showing has been made that it is impossible for the applicant
(5) Whether a showing has been made that there is a strong likelihood of success on the merits.
(a) In reaching a decision with respect to an Application for Stay, the OHA shall consider all relevant information in the record. An Application for Stay may be decided by the issuance of an order either during the course of a hearing or conference in which an official transcript is maintained or in a separate written Decision and Order. Any such order shall include a statement of the relevant facts and the legal basis of the decision. The approval or denial of a stay is not an order of the OHA that is subject to administrative or judicial review.
(b) In its discretion and upon a determination that it would be desirable to do so in order to further the objectives stated in the regulations or in the statutes the DOE is responsible for administering, the OHA may order a stay on its own initiative.
This subpart establishes the procedures for the filing of an application for modification or rescission of a DOE order. An application for modification or rescission is a summary proceeding that will be initiated only if the criteria described in § 1003.55(b) are satisfied.
A person filing under this subpart shall file an “Application for Modification (or Rescission),” which should be clearly labeled as such both on the application and on the outside of the envelope in which the application is transmitted, and shall be in writing. The general filing requirements stated in § 1003.9 shall be complied with in addition to the requirements stated in this subpart.
The application shall be filed with the OHA at the address provided in § 1003.11.
(a) The applicant shall send by United States mail a copy of the application and any subsequent amendments or other documents relating to the application, from which confidential information has been deleted in accordance with § 1003.9(f), to each person who is reasonably ascertainable by the applicant as a person who would be aggrieved by the OHA action sought, including persons who participated in the process that led to the issuance of the order for which the modification or rescission is sought. The copy of the application shall be accompanied by a statement that the person may submit comments regarding the application to the OHA within 10 days. The application filed with the OHA shall include certification to the OHA that the applicant has complied with the requirements of this paragraph and shall include the names and addresses of all persons to whom a copy of the application was sent.
(b) If an applicant determines that compliance with paragraph (a) of this section would be impracticable, the applicant shall:
(1) Comply with the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section with regard to those persons whom it is reasonable and possible to notify; and
(2) Include with the application a description of the persons or class or classes of persons to whom notice was not sent. The OHA may require the applicant to provide additional or alternative notice, may determine that the notice required by paragraph (a) of this section is not impracticable, or may determine that notice should be published in the
(c) The OHA shall serve notice on any other person readily identifiable by the OHA as one who would be aggrieved by the OHA action sought and may serve notice on any other person that written comments regarding the application will be accepted if filed within 10 days of service of that notice.
(d) Any person submitting written comments to the OHA with respect to
(a) The application shall contain a full and complete statement of all relevant facts pertaining to the circumstances, act or transaction that is the subject of the application and to the OHA action sought. Such facts shall include the names and addresses of all affected persons (if reasonably ascertainable), a complete statement of the business or other reasons that justify the act or transaction, a description of the acts or transactions that would be affected by the requested action, and a full description of the pertinent provisions and relevant facts contained in any relevant documents. Copies of all contracts, agreements, leases, instruments, and other documents relevant to the application shall be submitted to the OHA upon its request. A copy of the order of which modification or rescission is sought shall be included with the application.
(b) The applicant shall state whether he requests or intends to request that there be a conference regarding the application. Any request not made at the time the application is filed shall be made as soon thereafter as possible. The request and the OHA determination on the request shall be made in accordance with subpart F of this part.
(c) The applicant shall fully describe the events, acts, or transactions that comprise the significantly changed circumstances, as defined in § 1003.55(b)(2), upon which the application is based. The applicant shall state why, if the significantly changed circumstance is new or newly discovered facts, such facts were not or could not have been presented during the process that led to the issuance of the order for which modification or rescission is sought.
(d) The application shall include a discussion of all relevant authorities, including, but not limited to, DOE rules, regulations, and decisions on appeal and exceptions relied upon to support the action sought therein.
(a)(1) The OHA may initiate an investigation of any statement in an application and utilize in its evaluation any relevant facts obtained by such investigation. The OHA may solicit and accept submissions from third persons relevant to any application for modification or rescission provided that the applicant is afforded an opportunity to respond to all third person submissions. In evaluating an application for modification or rescission, the OHA may convene a conference, on its own initiative, if, in its discretion, it considers that such conference will advance its evaluation of the application.
(2) If the OHA determines that there is insufficient information upon which to base a decision and if upon request the necessary additional information is not submitted, the OHA may dismiss the application without prejudice. If the failure to supply additional information is repeated or willful, the OHA may dismiss the application with prejudice. If the applicant fails to provide the notice required by § 1003.53, the OHA may dismiss the application without prejudice.
(b)(1) An application for modification or rescission of an order shall be processed only if—
(i) The application demonstrates that it is based on significantly changed circumstances; and
(ii) The period within which a person may file an appeal has lapsed or, if an appeal has been filed, a final order has been issued.
(2) For purposes of this subpart, the term “significantly changed circumstances” shall mean—
(i) The discovery of material facts that were not known or could not have been known at the time of the proceeding and action upon which the application is based;
(ii) The discovery of a law, rule, regulation, order or decision on appeal or exception that was in effect at the time
(iii) There has been a substantial change in the facts or circumstances upon which an outstanding and continuing order of the OHA affecting the applicant was issued, which change has occurred during the interval between issuance of such order and the date of the application and was caused by forces or circumstances beyond the control of the applicant.
(a) Upon consideration of the application and other relevant information received or obtained during the proceeding, the OHA shall issue a Decision and Order granting or denying the application.
(b) The Decision and Order shall include a written statement setting forth the relevant facts and the legal basis of the Decision and Order. When appropriate, the Decision and Order shall state that it is a final order of which the applicant may seek judicial review.
(c) The OHA shall serve a copy of the Decision and Order upon the applicant, any other person who participated in the proceeding and upon any other person readily identifiable by the OHA as one who is aggrieved by such Decision and Order.
This subpart establishes the procedures for requesting and conducting an OHA conference or hearing. Such proceedings shall be convened in the discretion of the OHA, consistent with OHA requirements.
(a) The OHA in its discretion may direct that a conference be convened, on its own initiative or upon request by a person, when it appears that such conference will materially advance the proceeding. The determination as to who may attend a conference convened under this subpart shall be in the discretion of the OHA, but a conference will usually not be open to the public.
(b) A conference may be requested in connection with any proceeding of the OHA by any person who would be aggrieved by that proceeding. The request may be made in writing or verbally, but must include a specific showing as to why such conference will materially advance the proceeding. The request shall be addressed to the OHA, as provided in § 1003.11.
(c) A conference may only be convened after actual notice of the time, place and nature of the conference is provided to the person who requested the conference.
(d) When a conference is convened in accordance with this section, each person may present views as to the issues involved. Documentary evidence may be presented at the conference, but will be treated as if submitted in the regular course of the proceeding. A transcript of the conference will not usually be prepared. However, the OHA in its discretion may have a verbatim transcript prepared.
(e) Because a conference is solely for the exchange of views incident to a proceeding, there will be no formal reports or findings unless the OHA in its discretion determines that such would be advisable.
(a) The OHA in its discretion may direct that a hearing be convened on its own initiative or upon request by a person, when it appears that such hearing will materially advance the proceeding. All hearings convened pursuant to this subpart shall be conducted by the Director of the OHA or his designee. The determination as to who may attend a hearing convened under this subpart shall be in the discretion of OHA. Hearings will be open to the public, but may be closed at the discretion of OHA if the reason is put in the record.
(b) A hearing may be requested by an applicant, appellant, or any other person who would be aggrieved by the OHA action sought. The request shall be in writing and shall include a specific showing as to why such hearing will materially advance the proceeding. The request shall be addressed
(c) A hearing may be convened only after actual notice of the time, place, and nature of the hearing is provided both to the applicant or appellant and to any other person readily identifiable by the OHA as one who would be aggrieved by the OHA action involved. The notice shall include, as appropriate:
(1) A statement that such person may participate in the hearing; or
(2) A statement that such person may request a separate conference or hearing regarding the application or appeal.
(d) When a hearing is convened in accordance with this section, each person may present views as to the issue or issues involved. Documentary evidence may be presented at the hearing, but will be treated as if submitted in the regular course of the proceeding. A transcript of the hearing will be prepared.
(e) If material factual issues remain in dispute after an application or appeal has been filed, the Director of the OHA or his designee may issue an order convening an evidentiary hearing in which witnesses shall testify under oath, subject to cross-examination, for the record and in the presence of a Presiding Officer. A Motion for Evidentiary Hearing should specify the type of witness or witnesses whose testimony is sought, the scope of questioning that is anticipated, and the relevance of the questioning to the proceeding. A motion may be summarily denied for lack of sufficient specificity, because an evidentiary hearing would place an undue burden on another person or the DOE, or because an evidentiary hearing would cause undue delay.
(f) A Motion for Evidentiary Hearing must be served on any person from whom information is sought and on parties to the underlying administrative action. Any person who wishes to respond to a Motion for Evidentiary Hearing must do so within ten days of service.
(g) In reaching a decision with respect to a request for a hearing or motion filed under this subpart, the OHA shall consider all relevant information in the record. If an order is issued granting a hearing or evidentiary hearing, in whole or in part, the order shall specify the parties, any limitations on the participation of a party, and the issues to be considered. An order of the OHA issued under this section is an interlocutory order which is subject to further administrative review or appeal only upon issuance of a final Decision and Order in the proceeding concerned.
(h) At any evidentiary hearing, the parties shall have the opportunity to present material evidence that directly relates to a particular issue set forth for hearing. The Presiding Officer may administer oaths or affirmations, rule on objections to the presentation of evidence, receive relevant material, require the advance submission of documents offered as evidence, dispose of procedural requests, determine the format of the hearing, modify any order granting a Motion for Evidentiary Hearing, direct that written motions, documents or briefs be filed with respect to issues raised during the course of the hearing, ask questions of witnesses, issue subpoenas, direct that documentary evidence be served upon other parties (under protective order if such evidence is deemed confidential) and otherwise regulate the conduct of the hearing.
The OHA shall receive and consider petitions that seek special redress relief or other extraordinary assistance as provided for in the Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974, Section 21 (15 U.S.C. 780), apart from or in addition to the other proceedings described in this part. This subpart may also apply if cross referenced in another DOE rule or regulation, or in a DOE delegation of authority. Petitions under this subpart shall include those seeking special assistance based on an assertion that DOE is not complying with its rules, regulations, or orders.
Any person may file a petition under this subpart who is adversely affected by any DOE rule, regulation or order
The person seeking relief under this subpart shall file a “Petition for Special Redress or Other Relief,” which shall be clearly labeled as such both on the petition and on the outside of the envelope in which it is transmitted, and shall be in writing. The general filing requirements stated in § 1003.9 shall be complied with in addition to the requirements stated in this subpart.
A petition shall be filed with the OHA at the address provided in § 1003.11.
(a) The person filing the petition, except a petition that asserts that the DOE is not complying with agency rules, regulations, or orders, shall send by United States mail a copy of the petition and any subsequent amendments or other documents relating to the petition, or a copy from which confidential information has been deleted in accordance with § 1003.9(f), to each person who is reasonably ascertainable by the petitioner as a person who would be aggrieved by the OHA action sought. The copy of the petition shall be accompanied by a statement that the person may submit comments regarding the petition to the OHA within 10 days. The copy filed with the OHA shall include certification that the requirements of this paragraph have been complied with and shall include the names and addresses of each person to whom a copy of the petition was sent.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section, if the petitioner determines that compliance with paragraph (a) of this section would be impracticable, the petitioner shall:
(1) Comply with the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section with regard to those persons whom it is reasonable and practicable to notify; and
(2) Include with the petition a description of the persons or class or classes of persons to whom notice was not sent.
(3) The OHA may require the petitioner to provide additional or alternative notice, or may determine that the notice required by paragraph (a) of this section is not impracticable, or may determine that notice should be published in the
(c) The OHA shall serve notice on any other person readily identifiable by the OHA as one who would be aggrieved by the OHA action sought and may serve notice on any other person that written comments regarding the petition will be accepted if filed within 10 days of service of that notice.
(d) Any person submitting written comments to the OHA regarding a petition filed under his subpart shall send a copy of the comments, or a copy from which confidential information has been deleted in accordance with § 1003.9(f), to the petitioner. The person shall certify to the OHA that he has complied with the requirements of this paragraph. The OHA may notify other persons participating in the proceeding of such comments and provide an opportunity for such persons to respond.
The petition shall contain a full and complete statement of all relevant facts pertaining to the circumstances, act or transaction that is the subject of the petition and to the OHA action sought. Such facts shall include, but not be limited to, the names and addresses of all affected persons (if reasonably ascertainable); a complete statement of the business or other reasons that justify the act or transaction, if applicable; a description of the act or transaction, if applicable; a description of the acts or transactions that would be affected by the requested action; a full discussion of the pertinent provisions and relevant facts contained in the documents submitted with the petition, and an explanation of how the petitioner is aggrieved by DOE's position. Copies of all contracts, agreements, leases, instruments, and other documents relevant to the petition shall be submitted to the OHA upon its request.
(a)(1) The OHA may initiate an investigation of any statement in a petition
(2) If the OHA determines that there is insufficient information upon which to base a decision and if, upon request, the necessary additional information is not submitted, the OHA may dismiss the petition without prejudice. If the failure to supply additional information is repeated or willful, the OHA may dismiss the petition with prejudice. If the petitioner fails to provide the notice required by § 1003.74, the OHA may dismiss the petition without prejudice.
(b)(1) The OHA will dismiss without prejudice a “Petition for Special Redress or Other Relief” if it determines that another more appropriate proceeding is provided by this part.
(2) The OHA will dismiss with prejudice a “Petition for Special Redress or Other Relief” filed by a person who has exhausted his administrative remedies with respect to any proceeding provided by this part, and received a final order therefrom that addresses the same issue or transaction.
(a) Upon consideration of the petition and other relevant information received or obtained during the proceeding, the OHA will issue a Decision and Order granting or denying the petition.
(b) The Decision and Order denying or granting the petition shall include a written statement setting forth the relevant facts and legal basis for the Decision and Order. Such Decision and Order shall state that it is a final order of the DOE of which the petitioner may seek judicial review.
5 U.S.C. 552.
This part contains the regulations of the Department of Energy (DOE) that implement 5 U.S.C. 552, Pub. L. 89-487, as amended by Pub. L. 93-502, 88 Stat. 1561, by Pub. L. 94-409, 90 Stat. 1241, and by Pub. L. 99-570, 100 Stat. 3207-49. The regulations of this part provide information concerning the procedures by which records may be requested from all DOE offices, excluding the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Records of the DOE made available pursuant to the requirements of 5 U.S.C. 552 shall be furnished to members of the public as prescribed by this part. Persons seeking information or records of the DOE may find it helpful to consult with a DOE Freedom of Information Officer before invoking the formal procedures set out below. To the extent permitted by other laws, the DOE will make records available which it is authorized to withhold under 5 U.S.C. 552 whenever it determines that such disclosure is in the public interest.
As used in this part:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(1) Alaska Power Administration, P.O. Box 020050, Juneau, AK 99802-0050.
(2) Albuquerque Operations Office, P.O. Box 5400, Albuquerque, NM 87115.
(3) Bartlesville Project Office, P.O. Box 1398, Bartlesville, OK 74005.
(4) Bonneville Power Administration, P.O. Box 3621-AL, Portland, OR 97208-3621.
(5) Chicago Operations Office, 9800 South Cass Avenue, Argonne, IL 60439.
(6) Headquarters, Department of Energy, Washington, DC 20585.
(7) Idaho Operations Office, 785 DOE Place, Idaho Falls, ID 83402.
(8) Morgantown Energy Technology Center, P.O. Box 880, Morgantown, WV 26507.
(9) Nevada Operations Office, P.O. Box 98518, Las Vegas, NV 89193-8518.
(10) Oak Ridge Operations Office, P.O. Box E, Oak Ridge, TN 37831.
(11) Pittsburgh Energy Technology Center, P.O. Box 10940, Pittsburgh, PA 15236-0940.
(12) Richland Operations Office, P.O. Box 550, Richland, WA 99352.
(13) San Francisco Operations Office, 1333 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612.
(14) Savannah River Operations Office, P.O. Box A, Aiken, SC 29802.
(15) Southeastern Power Administration, Samuel Elbert Building, Elberton, GA 30635.
(16) Southwestern Power Administration, ATTN: SWPA-120, P.O. Box 1619, Tulsa, OK 74101.
(17) Strategic Petroleum Reserve Project Management Office, 900 Commerce Road East, New Orleans, LA 70123.
(18) Western Area Power Administration, P.O. Box 3402, Golden, CO 80401.
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
(m)
Moreover, as traditional methods of news delivery evolve (e.g., electronic dissemination of newspapers through telecommunications services), such alternative media would be included in this category. In the case of “freelance” journalists, they may be regarded as working for a news organization if they can demonstrate a solid basis for expecting publication through that organization, even though not actually employed by it. A publication contract would be the clearest proof, but agencies may also look to the past publication record of a requester in making this determination.
(n)
(o)
(p)
(q)
(1) Serve both the general public and private sector organizations by conveniently making available government information;
(2) Ensure that groups and individuals pay the cost of publications and other services which are for their special use so that these costs are not borne by the general taxpaying public;
(3) Operate an information dissemination activity on a self-sustaining basis to the maximum extent possible; or
(4) Return revenue to the Treasury for defraying, wholly or in part, appropriated funds used to pay the cost of disseminating government information.
(a) The DOE Headquarters will maintain, in the public reading facilities, the materials which are required by 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(2) to be made available for public inspection and copying. The principal public reading facility will be located at the Freedom of Information Office, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC. A complete listing of other facilities is available from the Freedom of Information Officer at DOE Headquarters.
(b) Each of the designated field offices will maintain in public reading facilities certain materials maintained in the Headquarters facility and other materials associated with the particular field offices.
(c) Each of these public reading facilities will maintain and make available for public inspection and copying current indices of the materials at that facility which are required to be indexed by 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(2) or other applicable statutes.
(d) [Reserved]
(e) Contractor Records. (1) When a contract with DOE provides that any records acquired or generated by the contractor in its performance of the contract shall be the property of the Government, DOE will make available to the public such records that are in the possession of the Government or the contractor, unless the records are exempt from public disclosure under 5 U.S.C. 552(b)(2).
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (e)(1) of this section, records owned by the Government under contract that contain information or technical data having commercial value as defined in § 1004.3(e)(4) or information for which the contractor claims a privilege recognized under Federal or State law shall be made available only when they are in the possession of the Government and not otherwise exempt under 5 U.S.C. 552(b).
(3) The policies stated in this paragraph:
(i) Do not affect or alter contractors' obligations to provide to DOE upon request any records that DOE owns under contract, or DOE's rights under contract to obtain any contractor records and to determine their disposition, including public dissemination; and
(ii) Will be applied by DOE to maximize public disclosure of records that pertain to concerns about the environment, public health or safety, or employee grievances.
(4) For purposes of § 1004.3(e)(2), “technical data and information having commercial value” means technical data and related commercial or financial information which is generated or acquired by a contractor and possessed by that contractor, and whose disclosure the contractor certifies to DOE would cause competitive harm to the commercial value or use of the information or data.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(2) Assistance in reformulating a non-conforming request. If a request does not reasonably describe the records sought, as specified in paragraph (c)(1) of this section, the DOE response will specify the reasons why the request failed to meet the requiremnts of paragraph (c)(1) of this section and will invite the requester to confer with knowledgeable DOE personnel in an attempt to restate the request or reduce the request to managable proportions by reformulation or by agreeing on an orderly procedure for the production of the records. If DOE responds that additional information is needed from the requester to render records reasonably described, any reformulated request submitted by the requester will be treated as an initial request for purposes of calculating the time for DOE response.
(d)
(2) 5 U.S.C. 552 does not require the DOE to honor a request for a record not yet in existence, even where such a document may be expected to come into existence at a later time.
(3) If a requested record is known to have been destroyed or otherwise disposed of, or if no such record is known to exist, the requester will be so notified.
(e)
(f)
(1) Where a document originated in another Federal agency, the Authorizing Official will refer the request to the originating agency and so inform the requester, unless the originator agrees to direct release by DOE.
(2) Requests for DOE records containing information received from another agency, or records prepared jointly by DOE and other agencies, will be treated as requests for DOE records except that the Authorizing Official
(a) Freedom of Information Officers will be responsible for processing requests for records submitted pursuant to this part. Upon receiving such a request, the Freedom of Information Officer will, except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, ascertain which Authorizing Official has responsibility for, custody of, or concern with the records requested. The Freedom of Information Officer will review the request, consulting with the Authorizing Official where appropriate, to determine its compliance with § 1004.4. Where a request complies with § 1004.4, the Freedom of Information Officer will acknowledge receipt of the request to the requester and forward the request to the Authorizing Official for action.
(b) The Authorizing Official will promptly identify and review the records encompassed by the request. The Authorizing Official will prepare a written response (1) granting the request, (2) denying the request, (3) granting/denying it in part, (4) replying with a response stating that the request has been referred to another agency under § 1004.4(f) or § 1004.6(e), (5) informing the requester that responsive records cannot be located or do not exist.
(c) Where a request involves records which are in the custody of or are the concern of more than one Authorizing Official, the Freedom of Information Officer will identify all concerned Authorizing Officials, send copies of the request to them and forward the request for action to the Authorizing Official that can reasonably be expected to have custody of most of the requested records. This Authorizing Official will prepare a DOE response to the requester consistent with paragraph (b) of this section, which will identify any other Authorizing Official, having responsibility for the denial of records.
(d) Time for processing requests. (1) Action pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section will be taken within 10 working days of receipt of a request for DOE records (“receipt” is defined in § 1004.4(a)), except that, if unusual circumstances require an extension of time before a decision on a request can be reached and the person requesting records is promptly informed in writing by the Authorizing Official of the reasons for such extension and the date on which a determination is expected to be dispatched, then the Authorizing Official may take an extension not to exceed 10 working days.
(2) For purposes of this section and § 1004.8(d), the term “unusual circumstances” may include but is not limited to the following:
(i) The need to search for and collect the requested records from field facilities or other establishments that are separate from the offices processing the request;
(ii) The need to search for, collect and appropriately examine a voluminous amount of separate and distinct records which are responsive to a single request; or
(iii) The need for consultation, which shall be conducted with all practicable speed, with another agency having a substantial interest in the determination of the request, or among two or more components of the Department having substantial subject matter interest therein.
(3) The requester must be promptly notified in writing of the extension, the reasons for the extension, and the date on which a determination is expected to be made.
(4) If no determination has been made at the end of the 10-day period, or the last extension thereof, the requester may deem his adminstrative remedies to have been exhausted, giving rise to a right of review in a district court of the United States as specified in 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(4). When no determination can be made within the applicable time limit, the responsible Authorizing Official will nevertheless continue to process the request. If the DOE is unable to provide a response within the statutory
(5) Nothing in this part shall preclude the Authorizing Official and a requester from agreeing to an extension of time for the initial determination on a request. Any such agreement will be confirmed in writing and will clearly specify the total time agreed upon.
(a) All requests for classified records and Unclassified Controlled Nuclear Information will be subject to the provisions of this part with the special qualifications noted below.
(b) All requests for records made in accordance with this part, except those requests for access to classified records which are made specifically pursuant to the mandatory review provisions of Executive Order 12356 or any successor thereto, may be automatically considered a Freedom of Information Act request.
(c) Concurrence of the Director of Classification is required on all responses involving requests for classified records. The Director of Classification will be informed of the request by either the Freedom of Information Officer or the Authorizing Official to whom the action is assigned, and will advise the office originating the records, or having responsibility for the records, and consult with such office or offices prior to making a determination under this section.
(d) The written notice of a determination to deny records, or portions of records, which contain both classified material and other exempt material, will be concurred in by the Director of Classification who will be the Denying Official for the classified portion of such records in accordance with §§ 1004.5(c) and 1004.7(b)(2). If other DOE officials or appropriate officials of other agencies are responsible for denying any portion of the record, their names and titles or positions will be listed in the notice of denial in accordance with §§ 1004.5(c) and 1004.7(b)(2) and it will be clearly indicated what portion or portions they were responsible for denying.
(e) Requests for DOE records containing classified information received from another agency, and requests for classified documents originating in another agency, will be coordinated with or referred to the other agency consistent with the provisions of § 1004.4(f). Coordination or referral of information or documents subject to this section will be effected by the Director of Classification (in consultation with the Authorizing Official) with the appropriate official of the other agency.
(a)
(b)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(2) The requester must be promptly notified in writing of the extension, setting forth the reasons for the extension, and the date on which a determination is expected to be issued.
(3) If no determination on the appeal has been issued at the end of the 20-day period or the last extension thereof, the requester may consider his administrative remedies to be exhausted and seek a review in a district court of the United States as specified in 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(4). When no determination can be issued within the applicable time limit, the appeal will nevertheless continue to be processed; on expiration of the time limit the requester will be informed of the reason for the delay, of the date on which a determination may be expected to be issued, and of his right to seek judicial review in the United States district court in the district in which he resides or has his principal place of business, the district in which the records are situated, or the District of Columbia. The requester may be asked to forego judicial review until determination of the appeal.
(4) Nothing in this part will preclude the appeal authority and a requester from agreeing to an extension of time for the decision on an appeal. Any such agreement will be confirmed in writing by the appeal authority and will clearly specify the total time agreed upon for the appeal decision.
(e)
(f)
(a)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(i) Certifying that records are true copies;
(ii) Sending records by special methods such as express mail, etc.
(6)
(7)
(8)
(i) That disclosure of the Information “is in the Public Interest Because it is Likely to Contribute Significantly to Public Understanding of the Operations or Activities of the Government.” Factors to be considered in applying this criteria include but are not limited to:
(A) The subject of the request: Whether the subject of the requested records concerns “the operations or activities of the government”;
(B) The informative value of the information to be disclosed: Whether the disclosure is “likely to contribute” to an understanding of government operations or activities;
(C) The contribution to an understanding by the general public of the
(D) The significance of the contribution to public understanding: Whether the disclosure is likely to contribute “significantly” to public understanding of government operations or activities.
(ii) If Disclosure of the Information “is Not Primarily in the Commercial Interest of the Requester.” Factors to be considered in applying this criteria include but are not limited to:
(A) The existence and magnitude of a commercial interest: Whether the requester has a commercial interest that would be furthered by the requested disclosure; and, if so
(B) The primary interest in disclosure: Whether the magnitude of the identified commercial interest of the requester is sufficiently large, in comparison with the public interest in disclosure, that disclosure is “primarily in the commercial interest of the requester.”
(b)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(i) The DOE estimates or determines that allowable charges that a requester may be required to pay are likely to exceed $250.00. In such cases, the DOE will notify the requester of the likely cost and obtain a satisfactory assurance of full payment where the requester has a history of prompt payment of FOIA fees, or require an advance payment of an amount up to the full estimated charges in the case of requesters with no history of payment.
(ii) A requester has previously failed to pay a fee in a timely fashion (i.e., within 30 days of the date of the billing). The DOE will require the requester to pay the full amount delinquent plus any applicable interest as provided in paragraph (b)(5) of this section, or demonstrate that he has, in fact, paid the delinquent fee; and to make an advance payment of the full amount of the estimated current fee before we begin to process a new request or a pending request from that requester.
When the DOE acts under paragraphs (b)(8) (i) or (ii) of this section, the administrative time limits prescribed in subsection (a)(6) of the FOIA (i.e., 10 working days from receipt of initial requests and 20 working days from receipt of appeals from initial denials, plus permissible extensions of these time limits) will begin only after the DOE has received fee payments described above.
(c)
(a) 5 U.S.C. 552 exempts from all of its publication and disclosure requirements nine categories of records which are described in paragraph (b) of that section. These categories include such matters as national defense and foreign policy information; investigatory records; internal procedures and communications; materials exempted from disclosure by other statutes; confidential, commercial, and financial information; and matters involving personal privacy.
(b) Specifically, the exemptions in 5 U.S.C. 552(b) will be applied consistent with § 1004.1 of these regulations to matters that are:
(1) Specifically authorized under criteria established by an Executive Order to be kept secret in the interest of the national defense or foreign policy and are in fact properly classified pursuant to such Executive Order;
(2) Related solely to the internal personnel rules and practices of an agency;
(3) Specifically exempted from disclosure by statute (other than 5 U.S.C. 552(b)), provided that such statute (i) requires that the matters be withheld from the public in such a manner as to leave no discretion on the issue, or (ii) establishes particular criteria for withholding or refers to particular types of matters to be withheld; for example Restricted Data and Formerly Restricted Data under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2011
(4) Trade secrets and commercial or financial information obtained from a person and privileged or confidential;
(5) Inter-agency or intra-agency memoranda or letters which would not be available by law to a party other than an agency in litigation with the agency;
(6) Personnel and medical files and similar files the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;
(7) Records or information compiled for law enforcement purposes, but only to the extent that the production of such law enforcement records or information (i) could reasonably be expected to interfere with enforcement proceedings, (ii) would deprive a person of a right to a fair trial or an impartial adjudication, (iii) could reasonably be expected to constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, (iv) could reasonably be expected to disclose the identity of a confidential source, including a State, local, or foreign agency or authority or any private institution which furnished information on a confidential basis, and, in the case of a record or information compiled by a criminal law enforcement authority in the course of a criminal investigation or by an agency conducting a lawful national security intelligence investigation, information furnished by a confidential source, (v) would disclose techniques and procedures for law enforcement investigations or prosecutions, or would disclose guidelines for law enforcement investigations or prosecutions if such disclosure could reasonably be expected to risk circumvention of the law, or (vi) could reasonably be expected to endanger the life or physical safety of any individual;
(8) Contained in or related to examination, operating, or condition reports prepared by, on behalf of, or for the use of an agency responsible for the regulation or supervision of financial institutions; or
(9) Geological and geophysical information and data, including maps, concerning wells.
(c) Any reasonably segregated non-exempt portion of a record will be provided to a requester. The DOE will delete portions which are withholdable under the exemptions listed above.
(a) Whenever a document submitted to the DOE contains information which may be exempt from public disclosure, it will be handled in accordance with the procedures in this section. While the DOE is responsible for making the final determination with regard to the disclosure or nondisclosure of information contained in requested documents, the DOE will consider the submitter's views (as that term is defined in this section) in making its determination. Nothing in this section will preclude the submission of a submitter's views at the time of the submission of the document to which the views relate, or at any other time.
(b) When the DOE may determine, in the course of responding to a Freedom of Information request, not to release information submitted to the DOE (as described in paragraph (a) of this section, and contained in a requested document) without seeking any or further submitter's views, no notice will be given the submitter.
(c) When the DOE, in the course of responding to a Freedom of Information request, cannot make the determination described in paragraph (b) of this section without having for consideration the submitter's views, the submitter shall be promptly notified and provided an opportunity to submit his views on whether information contained in the requested document (1) is exempt from the mandatory public disclosure requirements of the Freedom of Information Act, (2) contains information referred to in 18 U.S.C. 1905, or (3) is otherwise exempt by law from public disclosure. The DOE will make its own determinations as to whether any information is exempt from disclosure. Notice of a determination by the DOE that a claim of exemption made pursuant to this paragraph is being denied will be given to a person making such a claim no less than seven (7) calendar days prior to intended public disclosure of the information in question. For purposes of this section, notice is
(d) When the DOE, in the course of responding to a Freedom of Information request, cannot make the determination described in paragraph (b) of this section and, without recourse to paragraph (c) of this section, previously has received the submitter's views, the DOE will consider such submitter's views and will not be required to obtain additional submitter's views under the procedure described in paragraph (c) of this section. The DOE will make its own determination with regard to any claim that information be exempted from disclosure. Notice of the DOE's determination to deny a claim of exemption made pursuant to this paragraph will be given to a person making such a claim no less than seven (7) calendar days prior to its intended public disclosure.
(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, DOE offices may require a person submitting documents containing information that may be exempt by law from mandatory disclosure to (1) submit copies of each document from which information claimed to be confidential has been deleted or (2) require that the submitter's views be otherwise made known at the time of the submission. Notice of a determination by the DOE that a claim of exemption is being denied will be given to a person making such a claim no less than seven (7) calendar days prior to intended public disclosure of the information in question. For purposes of this section, notice is deemed to be given when mailed to the submitter at the submitter's last known address.
(f)
(1) Whether the information has been held in confidence by the person to whom it pertains;
(2) Whether the information is of a type customarily held in confidence by the person to whom it pertains and whether there is a reasonable basis therefore;
(3) Whether the information was transmitted to and received by the Department in confidence;
(4) Whether the information is available in public sources;
(5) Whether disclosure of the information is likely to impair the Government's ability to obtain similar information in the future; and
(6) Whether disclosure of the information is likely to cause substantial harm to the competitive position of the person from whom the information was obtained.
(g) When the DOE, in the course of responding to a Freedom of Information request, determines that information exempt from the mandatory public disclosure requirements of the Freedom of Information Act is to be released in accordance with § 1004.1, the DOE will notify the submitter of the intended discretionary release no less than seven (7) days prior to intended public disclosure of the information in question.
(h) As used in this section, the term
Except as otherwise noted, in computing any period of time prescribed or allowed by this part, the day of the event from which the designated period of time begins to run is not to be included; the last day of the period so computed is to be included; and Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays are excepted.
E. O. 12372, July 14, 1982, 47 FR 30959, as amended April 8, 1983, 48 FR 15887; sec. 401 of the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act of 1968, as amended (31 U.S.C. 6506).
For additional information, see related documents published at 47 FR 57369, December 23, 1982, 48 FR 17101, April 21, 1983, and 48 FR 29096, June 24, 1983.
(a) The regulations in this part implement Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,” issued July 14, 1982 and amended on April 8, 1983. These regulations also implement applicable provisions of section 401 of the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act of 1968.
(b) These regulations are intended to foster an intergovernmental partership and a strengthened Federalism by relying on state processes and on state, areawide, regional and local coordination for review of proposed federal financial assistance and direct federal development.
(c) These regulations are intended to aid the internal management of the Department, and are not intended to create any right or benefit enforceable at law by a party against the Department or its officers.
(a) The Secretary publishes in the
(b) Unless otherwise stated in the
(c) The Bonneville Power Administration shall satisfy the requirements of these regulations by compliance with the consultation requirements of the Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning and Conservation Act, Public Law 96-501.
(a) The Secretary provides opportunities for consultation by elected officials of those state and local governments that would provide the nonfederal funds, for, or that would be directly affected by, proposed federal financial assistance from, or direct federal development by, the Department.
(b) If a state adopts a process under the Order to review and coordinate proposed federal financial assistance and direct federal development, the Secretary, to the extent permitted by law:
(1) Uses the state process to determine official views of state and local elected officials;
(2) Communicates with state and local elected officials as early in a program planning cycle as is reasonably feasible to explain specific plans and actions;
(3) Make efforts to accommodate state and local elected official's concerns with proposed federal financial assistance and direct federal development that are communicated through the state process;
(4) Allows the states to simplify and consolidate existing federally required state plan submissions;
(5) Where state planning and budgeting systems are sufficient and where permitted by law, encourages the substitution of State plans for federally required state plans;
(6) Seeks the coordination of views of affected state and local elected officials in one state with those of another state when proposed federal financial assistance or direct federal development has an impact on interstate metropolitan urban centers or other interstate areas; and
(7) Supports state and local governments by discouraging the reauthorization or creation of any planning organization which is federally-funded, which has a limited purpose, and which is not adequately representative of, or accountable to, state or local elected officials.
The Secretary, to the extent practicable, consults with and seeks advice from all other substantially affected federal departments and agencies in an effort to assure full coordination between such agencies and the Department regarding programs and activities covered under these regulations.
(a) A state may select any program or activity published in the
(b) Each state that adopts a process shall notify the Secretary of the Department's programs and activities selected for that process.
(c) A state may notify the Administrator of changes in its selections at any time. For each change, the state shall submit to the Secretary an assurance that the state has consulted with local elected officials regarding the change. The Department may establish deadlines by which states are required to inform the Secretary of changes in their program selections.
(d) The Secretary uses a state's process as soon as feasible, depending on individual programs and activities, after the Secretary is notified of its selections.
(a) [Reserved]
(b) The Secretary provides notice to directly affected state, areawide, regional, and local entities in a state of
(1) The state has not adopted a process under the Order; or
(2) The assistance or development involves a program or activity not selected for the state process. This notice may be made by publication in the
(a) Except in unusual circumstances, the Secretary gives state processes or directly affected State, areawide, regional and local officials and entities—
(1) At least 30 days from the date established by the Secretary to comment on proposed Federal financial assistance in the form of noncompeting continuation awards; and
(2) At least 60 days from the date established by the Secretary to comment on proposed direct Federal development or Federal financial assistance other than noncompeting continuation awards.
(b) This section also applies to comments in cases in which the review, coordination, and communication with the Department have been delegated.
(a) The Secretary follows the procedures in § 1005.10 if:
(1) A state office or official is designated to act as a single point of contact between a state process and all federal agencies, and
(2) That office or official transmits a state process recommendation for a program selected under § 1005.6.
(b)(1) The single point of contact is not obligated to transmit comments from state, areawide, regional or local officials and entities where there is no state process recommendation.
(2) If a state process recommendation is transmitted by a single point of contact, all comments from, state, areawide, regional, and local officials and entities that differ from it must also be transmitted.
(c) If a state has not established a process, or is unable to submit a state process recommendation, state, areawide, regional and local officials and entities may submit comments either to the applicant or to the Department.
(d) If a program or activity is not selected for a state process, state, areawide, regional and local officials and entities may submit comments either to the applicant or to the Department. In addition, if a state process recommendation for a nonselected program or activity is transmitted to the Department by the single point of contact, the Secretary follows the procedures of § 1005.10 of this part.
(e) The Secretary considers comments which do not constitute a state process recommendation submitted under these regulations and for which the Secretary is not required to apply the procedures of § 1005.10 of this part, when such comments are provided by a single point of contact, by the applicant, or directly to the Department by a commenting party.
(a) If a state process provides a state process recommendation to the Department through its single point of contact, the Secretary either:
(1) Accepts the recommendation;
(2) Reaches a mutually agreeable solution with the state process; or
(3) Provides the single point of contact with such written explanation of the decision, as the Secretary in his or her discretion deems appropriate. The Secretary may also supplement the written explanation by providing the explanation to the single point of contact by telephone, other telecommunication, or other means.
(b) In any explanation under paragraph (a)(3) of this section, the Secretary informs the single point of contact that:
(1) The Department will not implement its decision for at least ten days after the single point of contact receives the explanation; or
(2) The Secretary has reviewed the decision and determined that, because of unusual circumstances, the waiting
(c) For purposes of computing the waiting period under paragraph (b)(1) of this section, a single point of contact is presumed to have received written notification 5 days after the date of mailing of such notification.
(a) The Secretary is responsible for:
(1) Identifying proposed federal financial assistance and direct federal development that have an impact on interstate areas;
(2) Notifying appropriate officials and entities in states which have adopted a process and which select the Department's program or activity;
(3) Making efforts to identify and notify the affected state, areawide, regional, and local officials and entities in those states that have not adopted a process under the Order or do not select the Department's program or activity;
(4) Responding pursuant to § 1005.10 of this part if the Secretary receives a recommendation from a designated areawide agency transmitted by a single point of contact, in cases in which the review, coordination, and communication with the Department have been delegated.
(b) The Secretary uses the procedures in § 1005.10 if a state process provides a state process recommendation to the Department through a single point of contact.
(a) As used in this section:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(b) If not inconsistent with law, a state may decide to try to simplify consolidate, or substitute federally required state plans without prior approval by the Secretary.
(c) The Secretary reviews each state plan that a state has simplified, consolidated, or substituted and accepts the plan only if its contents meet federal requirements.
In an emergency, the Secretary may waive any provision of these regulations.
42 U.S.C. 7101
(a) This part establishes the procedures to implement the Privacy Act of 1974 (Pub. L. 93-579, 5 U.S.C. 552a) within the Department of Energy.
(b) This part applies to all systems of records, as defined in § 1008.2(m), maintained by DOE.
(c) This part applies to all divisions within the DOE, and to the personnel records of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which are maintained by DOE on behalf of FERC. These regulations do not apply to other systems of records maintained by FERC. These regulations also apply to DOE contractors and their employees to the extent required by 5 U.S.C. 552a(m).
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) Alaska Power Administration, P.O. Box 50, Juneau, AK 88801.
(2) Albuquerque Operations Office, P.O. Box 5400, Albuquerque, NM 87115.
This office has cognizance over the following area offices: Amarillo, Dayton, Kansas City, Los Alamos, Pinellas, Rocky Flats and Sanria.
(3) Bartlesville Energy Technology Center, P.O. Box 1398, Bartlesville, OK 74003.
(4) Bonneville Power Administration, P.O. Box 3621, Portland, OR 97268.
(5) Chicago Operations Office, 9800 South Cass Avenue, Argonne, IL 60439.
This office has cognizance over the Batvia and Brookhaven area offices and the New Brunswick laboratory.
(6) Grand Forks Energy Technology Center, P.O. Box 8213, University Station, Grand Forks, ND 58201.
(7) Grand Junction Office, P.O. Box 2567, Grand Junction, CO 81502.
(8) Headquarters, Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585.
(9) Idaho Operations Office, 550 Second Street, Idaho Falls, ID 83401.
(10) Laramie Energy Technology Center, P.O. Box 3395, University Station, Laramie, WY 82070.
(11) Morgantown Energy Technology Center, P.O. Box 880, Morgantown, WV 26505.
(12) Nevada Operations Office, P.O. Box 14100, Las Vegas, NV 89114.
(13) Oak Ridge Operations Office, P.O. Box E, Oak Ridge, TN 37830.
(14) Oak Ridge Technical Information Center, P.O. Box 62, Oak Ridge, TN 37830.
(15) Pittsburgh Energy Technology Center, 4800 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.
(16) Region I, Analex Building, Room 700, 150 Causeway Street, Boston, MA 02114.
(17) Region II, 26 Federal Plaza, Room 3206, New York, NY 10007.
(18) Region III, 1421 Cherry Street, 10th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19102.
(19) Region IV, 1655 Peachtree Street, NE., 8th Floor, Atlanta, GA 30309.
(20) Region V, 175 West Jackson Boulevard, Room A-333, Chicago, IL 60604.
(21) Region VI, P.O. Box 35228, 2626 West Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX 75235.
(22) Region VII, Twelve Grand Building, 1150 Grand Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64106.
(23) Region VIII, P.O. Box 26247—Belmar Branch, 1075 South Yukon Street, Lakewood, CO 80226.
(24) Region IX, 111 Pine Street, Third Floor, San Francisco, CA 94111.
(25) Region X, 1992 Federal Building, 915 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98174.
(26) Richland Operations Office, P.O. Box 550, Richland, WA 99352.
(27) San Francisco Operations Office, 1333 Broadway, Wells Fargo Building, Oakland, CA 94612.
(28) Savannah River Operations Office, P.O. Box “A,” Aiken, SC 29801.
(29) Southeastern Power Administration, Elberton, GA 30635.
(30) Southwestern Power Administration, P.O. Drawer 619, Tulsa, OK 74101.
(31) Western Area Power Administration, P.O. Box 3402, Golden, CO 80401.
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
(m)
(n)
(a) The Headquarters DOE Privacy Act Officer shall assure that DOE personnel are advised of the provisions of the Privacy Act, including the criminal penalties and civil liabilities provided therein, (subsections (g) and (i) of the Act), and that DOE personnel are made aware of their responsibilities: to protect the security of personal information to assure its accuracy, relevance, timeliness and completeness; to avoid unauthorized disclosure; and to insure that no system of records concerning individuals, no matter how insignificant or specialized, is maintained without public notice.
(b) DOE personnel shall:
(1) Collect or maintain no information of a personal nature about individuals unless relevant and necessary to achieve a purpose or carry out a responsibility of the DOE as required by statute or by Executive Order. See subsection (e)(1) of the Act and § 1008.18(a).
(2) Collect information, wherever possible, directly from the individual to whom it pertains. See subsection (e)(2) of the Act and § 1009.19(a).
(3) Inform individuals from whom information is collected of the authority for collection, the principal purposes for which the information will be used, the routine uses that will be made of the information, and the effects of not furnishing the information. See subsection (e)(3) of the Act and § 1008.19(b).
(4) Collect, maintain, use or disseminate no information concerning an individual's rights guaranteed by the First Amendment, unless:
(i) The individual has volunteered such; or
(ii) The information is expressly authorized by statute to be collected, maintained, used or disseminated; or
(iii) The activities involved are pertinent to and within the scope of an authorized law enforcement activity. See subsection (e)(7) of the Act and § 1008.18(b).
(5) Advise their supervisors of the existence or proposal of any system of records which retrieves information about individuals by the individual's name or other identifying number, symbol, or identifying particulars assigned to the individual.
(6) Maintain an accounting, in the prescribed form, of all disclosures of information other than those to officers or employees who have a need for the record in the performance of their duties and those required under the Freedom of Information Act. See subsection (c) of the Act.
(7) Disclose no records other than to DOE personnel without the advance written consent of the individual, except as authorized by 5 U.S.C. 552a(b) including routine uses published in the
(8) Maintain and process information concerning individuals with care to insure that no inadvertent disclosure of the information is made. See subsection (e)(10) of the Act.
(9) Inform the proper DOE authorities of any information maintained in a DOE system of records which is not authorized by the Privacy Act of 1974.
(c) Heads of Headquarters Divisions and Offices and heads of the other DOE locations shall review annually the systems of records subject to their responsibility to insure compliance with the requirements of the Privacy Act of 1974.
(a) When a request for information about or for access to or correction of a record pertaining to an individual and contained in a system of records has been made pursuant to § 1008.6, valid identification of the individual making the request shall be required before information will be given, access granted or a correction considered, to insure that information is given, corrected, or records disclosed or corrected only at the request of the proper person.
(b) Subject to paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section, an individual making a request may establish his identity by:
(1) Including with his request, if submitted by mail, a photocopy of two identifying documents bearing his name and signature, one of which shall bear his current home or business address and date of birth; or
(2) Appearing at the appropriate DOE location during the regular business hours and presenting either of the following:
(i) One identifying document bearing the individual's photograph and signature, such as a driver's license or passport; or
(ii) Two identifying documents bearing the individual's name and signature, one of which shall bear the individual's current home or business address and date of birth; or
(3) Providing such other proof of identity as the Privacy Act Officer deems satisfactory in the circumstances of a particular request.
(c) If the Privacy Act Officer or the appropriate System Manager determines that the information in a record is so sensitive that unauthorized access could cause harm or embarrassment to the individual whose record in involved, or if the individual making the request is unable to produce satisfactory evidence of identity under paragraph (b) or (d) of this section, the individual making the request may be required to submit a notarized statement attesting to his identity and his understanding of the criminal penalties provided under section 1001 of title 18 of the United States Code for making false statements to a Government
(d) When an individual acting as the parent of a minor or the legal guardian of the person to whom a record pertains makes a request pursuant to § 1008.6 of this part:
(1) Such an individual shall establish his personal identity in the same manner required in either paragraph (b) or (c) of this section.
(2) In addition, such an individual shall establish his identity in the representative capacity of parent or legal guardian. In the case of the parent of a minor, the proof of identity shall be a certified or authenticated copy of the minor's birth certificate. In the case of the legal guardian of a person who has been declared incompetent due to physical or mental incapacity or age by a court of competent jurisdiction, the proof of identity shall be a certified or authenticated copy of the order from a court of competent jurisdiction.
(3) A parent or legal guardian may act only for a living individual, not for a decedent. Requests for the records of decedents will be handled under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552).
(a) DOE shall not rely on any exemption contained in the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) to withhold from the individual to whom it pertains, any record which is otherwise accessible to such individual under this part.
(b) DOE shall rely on subsection (b) of the Privacy Act to withhold information from a person other than the person to whom the record pertains only when the information is also exempt from disclosure under the FOIA.
(c) Where a request for access to rec-ords is submitted pursuant to both the FOIA and the Privacy Act, the DOE shall, to the maximum extent possible, process the request under the provisions of this part, including the time limits of this part.
(a) Any individual may—
(1) Ask the DOE whether a system of records maintained by the DOE contains records about him or her;
(2) Request access to information pertaining to him or her that is maintained in a DOE system of records;
(3) Request that information about him or her in a DOE system of records be amended or corrected. Requests for correction or amendment may include inquiries concerning:
(i) Whether such information is relevant or necessary to accomplish a purpose that DOE is required to accomplish by statute or Executive Order; or
(ii) If the information is to be used by the DOE in making a determination about the individual, whether the information is as accurate, relevant, timely, or complete as is reasonably necessary to assure fairness in the determination.
(b) Requests submitted pursuant to this section shall:
(1) Be in writing and signed by the individual making the request;
(2) State that the request is a “Privacy Act Access” or “Privacy Act Amendment” request;
(3) Include the identification information required by § 1008.4;
(4) Specify, if possible, the title and identifying number of the system of records as listed in DOE's published notices of system of records;
(5) Provide if possible any additional information to aid DOE in responding to the request, for example, a description of the records sought;
(6) Indicate, as appropriate, the time, place, and form of access sought.
(c) Any request not addressed and marked as specified in paragraph (a) of this section shall be forwarded immediately to the appropriate Privacy Act Officer. An improperly addressed request will not be deemed to have been received for purposes of measuring time periods pursuant to §§ 1008.7 and
(d) Assistance in preparing an access request pursuant to this section may be obtained from any DOE Privacy Act Officer at the locations listed at § 1008.2(e).
(e) An individual shall not be required to state a reason or otherwise justify his request for information or access to a record pertaining to him/her that is contained in a system of -records.
(a) Receipt of a request made in accordance with § 1008.6 shall be promptly acknowledged by the Privacy Act Officer.
(b) Each request shall be acted upon promptly. Every effort will be made to respond within ten working days of the date of receipt by the System Manager or designee. If a response cannot be made within ten working days, the appropriate Privacy Act Officer shall send an interim response providing information on the status of the request, including an estimate of the time within which action is expected to be taken on the request and asking for any further information as may be necessary to respond to the request. Action will be completed as soon as possible, but not later than 20 working days after receipt of the original specific inquiry. In unusual circumstances and for good cause, the appropriate Privacy Act Officer may decide that action cannot be completed within the initial 20 working days. In such case, the appropriate Privacy Act Officer will advise the individual of the reason for the delay and the date (not to exceed an additional 20 working days) by which action can be expected to be completed.
(c) The term
(d) Upon receiving a request, the Privacy Act Officer shall ascertain which System Manager or Managers of the DOE have primary responsibility for, custody of, or concern with the system or systems of records subject to the request and shall forward the request to such System Manager or Managers. The System Manager or Managers shall promptly identify and, in consultation with the General Counsel, review the records encompassed by the request.
(e) Where the request is for access to or information about records, after reviewing the material the System Manager or Managers concerned shall transmit to the Privacy Act Officer the requested material. The transmission to the Privacy Act Officer shall include any recommendation that the request be granted or wholly or partially denied and shall set forth any exemption categories supporting denials. Any denial recommendation must be concurred in by the appropriate General Counsel.
(f) Where the request is for correction or amendment of records, after reviewing the material the System Manager or Managers shall transmit a recommended decision to the Privacy Act Officer. Any recommendation that the request be granted or wholly or partially denied shall cite the exemption relied on and set forth the policy considerations supporting a denial. Any recommendation of denial must be concurred in by General Counsel.
(a) Consistent with the recommendation of the System Manager and the concurrence of the appropriate General Counsel, the Privacy Act Officer shall provide to the requesting individual the information about or access to a record or information pertaining to the individual contained in a system of records, unless the request is being denied in accordance with § 1008.9 of this
(1) Whether there is information or a record pertaining to him that is contained in a system of records;
(2) The methods of access as set forth in paragraph (b) of this section;
(3) The place at which the record or information may be inspected;
(4) The earliest date on which the record or information may be inspected and the period of time that the record or information will remain available for inspection. In no event shall the earliest date be later than thirty calendar days from the date of notification.
(5) An indication that copies of the records are enclosed, or the estimated date by which a copy of the record could be mailed and the estimate of fees that would be charged to provide other than the first copy of the record, pursuant to § 1008.13.
(6) The fact that the individual, if he wishes, may be accompanied by another person during the in-person review of the record or information, provided that the individual shall first furnish to the Privacy Act Officer a written statement authorizing disclosure of that individual's record in the accompanying person's presence; and
(7) Any additional requirements that must be satisfied in order to provide information about or to grant access to the requested record or information.
(b) The following methods of access to records or information pertaining to an individual and contained in a system of records may be available to that individual depending on the circumstances of a particular request:
(1) A copy of the record may be enclosed with the initial response in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section;
(2) Inspection in person may be arranged during the regular business hours of the DOE in the office specified by the Privacy Act Officer;
(3) Transfer of records to a Federal facility more convenient to the individual may be arranged, but only if the Privacy Act Officer determines that a suitable facility is available, that the individual's access can be properly supervised at that facility, and that transmittal of the records or information to that facility will not unduly interfere with operations of the DOE or involve unreasonable costs, in terms of money or manpower; and
(4) The requested number of copies in addition to the initial copy may be mailed at the request of the individual, subject to payment of the fees prescribed in § 1008.13.
(c) If the Privacy Act Officer believes, based upon a recommendation of the System Manager and the agency's medical officer, that disclosure of medical and/or psychological information directly to an individual could have an adverse effect upon that individual, the individual may be asked:
(1) To designate in writing a physician or mental health professional to whom he would like the records to be disclosed; or
(2) To submit a signed statement by his physician or a mental health professional indicating that, in his view, disclosure of the requested records or information directly to the individual will not have an adverse effect upon the individual. If the individual refuses to designate a physician or mental health professional, or to submit a signed statement from his physician or mental health professional as provided in paragraphs (c) (1) and (2) of this section, the request will be considered denied, and the appeal rights provided in § 1008.11 will be available to the individual.
(d) The Privacy Act Officer shall supply such other information and assistance at the time of an individual's review of his record as is necessary to make the record intelligible to the individual.
(e) The DOE will, as required by subsection (d)(1), assure an individual's right “to review his or her record and have a copy made of all or any portion thereof in a form comprehensible to him.” However, original rec-ords will be made available to individuals only under the supervision of the Privacy Act Officer or his designee. Individuals will be provided at their request with a copy, but not the original, of records pertaining to them.
(a) A request by an individual for information about or access to a record or information pertaining to that individual that is contained in a system of records may be denied only upon a determination by the appropriate System Manager, with the concurrence of the appropriate General Counsel, that:
(1) The record is subject to an exemption under § 1008.12;
(2) The record is information compiled in reasonable anticipation of a civil action or proceeding; or
(3) The individual has unreasonably failed to comply with the procedural requirements of this part.
(b) The Privacy Act Officer shall give written notice of the denial of a request of information about or access to records or information pertaining to the individual and contained in a system of records. Such written notice shall be sent by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested and shall include the following information:
(1) The System Manager's name and title;
(2) The reasons for the denial, including citation to the appropriate sections of the Privacy Act and this part; and
(3) Notification of the individual's right to appeal the denial pursuant to § 1008.11 and to administrative and judicial review under 5 U.S.C. 552a(g)(1)(B), as limited by 552a(g)(5).
(c) Nothing in this section shall:
(1) Require the furnishing of information or records that are not retrieved by the name or by some other identifying number, symbol or identifying particular of the individual making the request;
(2) Prevent a System Manager from waiving any exemption authorizing the denial of records, in accordance with § 1008.12.
(a) The Privacy Act Officer must respond in writing to the requester for amendment of a record within 10 working days of receipt. This response shall inform the requester of the decision whenever possible.
(b) If the decision cannot be reached within 10 working days, the requester shall be informed of the reason for delay and the date (within 20 working days) it is expected that the decision will be made.
(c) The Privacy Act Officer, consistent with the recommendation of the System Manager or Managers, as concurred in by the appropriate General Counsel, if appropriate, shall do one of the following:
(1) Instruct the System Manager to make the requested correction or amendment; and advise the individual in writing of such action, providing either a copy of the corrected or amended record, or a statement as to the means whereby the correction or amendment was accomplished in cases where a copy cannot be provided (for example, erasure of information from a record maintained only in an electronic data bank); or
(2) Inform the individual in writing that his request is denied in whole or in part. Such denial shall be sent by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, and shall provide the following information:
(i) The System Manager's name and title;
(ii) The reasons for the denial; including citation to the appropriate sections of the Act and this part; and
(iii) Notification of the individual's right to appeal the denial pursuant to § 1008.11 and to administrative and judicial review under 5 U.S.C. 552a(g)(1)(B), as limited by 5 U.S.C. 552a(g)(5).
(iv) Notification of the right of the individual to submit a statement of disagreement consistent with § 1008.11(g).
(d) Whenever an individual's record is amended pursuant to a request by that individual, the Privacy Act Officer or the System Manager, as appropriate, shall notify all persons and agencies to which the amended portion of the record had been disclosed prior to its amendment, if an accounting of such disclosure was required by the Act. The notification shall request a recipient agency maintaining the record to acknowledge receipt of the notification, to correct or amend the record and to
(e) The following criteria will be taken into account by the DOE in reviewing a request for amendment:
(1) The sufficiency of the evidence submitted by the individual;
(2) The factual accuracy of the information;
(3) The relevance and necessity of the information in relation to the purpose for which it was collected;
(4) If such information is used in making any determination about the individual, whether the information is as accurate, relevant, timely, and complete as is reasonably necessary to assure fairness to the individual in such determination;
(5) The degree of possibility that denial of the request could unfairly result in a determination adverse to the individual;
(6) The nature of the record sought to be corrected or amended; and
(7) The propriety and feasibility of complying with the specific means of amendment requested by the individual.
(f) The DOE will not undertake to gather evidence for the individual, but does reserve the right to verify the evidence that the individual submits.
(g) Amendment of a record requested by an individual may be denied upon a determination that:
(1) The individual has failed to establish, by a preponderance of the evidence, the propriety of the amendment in relation to the criteria stated in paragraph (c) of this section;
(2) The record sought to be amended was compiled in a terminated judicial, quasi-judicial or quasi-legislative proceeding to which the individual was a party or participant;
(3) The record sought to be amended is the subject of a pending judicial, quasi-judicial or quasi-legislative proceeding to which the individual is a party or participant;
(4) The amendment would violate a duly enacted statute or promulgated regulation;
(5) The individual has unreasonably failed to comply with the procedural requirements of this part; or
(6) The record has been properly exempted from the provisions of subsection (d) of the Act.
(h) Nothing in this section shall restrict the DOE from granting in part or denying in part a request for amendment of records.
(a) Any individual may appeal the denial of a request made by him for information about or for access to or correction or amendment of records. An appeal shall be filed within 30 calendar days after receipt of the denial. When an appeal is filed by mail, the postmark is conclusive as to timeliness. The appeal shall be in writing and must be signed by the individual. The words “PRIVACY ACT APPEAL” should appear in capital letters on the envelope and the letter. Appeals of denials relating to records maintained in government-wide systems of records reported by the OPM, shall be filed, as appropriate, with the Assistant Director for Agency Compliance and Evaluation, Office of Personnel Management (OPM), 1900 E Street, NW., Washington, DC 20415. All other appeals relating to DOE records shall be directed to the Director, Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA), Department of Energy, Headquarters, Washington, DC.
(b) An appeal not addressed and marked as specified in paragraph (a) of this section shall be forwarded immediately to the Assistant Director for Agency Compliance and Evaluation, OPM, or the Director, OHA, as appropriate. An appeal that is not properly addressed by an individual shall not be deemed to have been received for purposes of time periods in this section until actual receipt of the appeal by the Assistant Director, OPM, or the Director, OHA. In each instance when an appeal so forwarded is received, the individual filing the appeal shall be notified that the appeal was improperly addressed and the date when the appeal was received by the Assistant Director, OPM, or the Director, OHA.
(c) The appeal shall include the following:
(1) A copy of the original request for access or for amendment;
(2) A copy of the initial denial; and
(3) A statement of the reasons why the initial denial is believed to be in error.
(d) The records or record to which the individual was denied access, or which was requested to be corrected or amended, will be supplied to the appropriate appeal authority by the Privacy Act Officer who issued the initial denial. While such records normally will comprise the entire record on appeal, the appeal authority may seek such additional information as is necessary to assure that the final determination is fair and equitable.
(e) No personal appearance or hearing on appeal will be allowed.
(f) The appropriate appeal authority for DOE records shall act upon the appeal and issue a final determination in writing no later than 20 working days from the date on which the appeal is received. However, the appeal authority may extend the ten-day period upon a determination that a fair and equitable review cannot be made within that period. In such cases the individual shall be advised in writing of the reason for the extension and of the estimated date by which a final determination will be issued. The final determination shall be issued not later than the 30th working day after receipt of the appeal unless unusual circumstances, as defined in § 1008.7, are present, whereupon an additional 30 days may be extended.
(g) If an appeal of a denial of access is granted, a copy of the determination shall be transmitted promptly to the individual, the Privacy Act Officer and the appropriate System Manager. Upon receipt of the determination, the Privacy Act Officer promptly shall take action consistent with § 1008.8.
(h) If an appeal of a denial of correction or amendment is granted, the final determination shall identify the specific corrections or amendments to be made. A copy of the determination shall be transmitted promptly to the individual, the Privacy Act Officer and the appropriate System Manager. Upon receipt of the determination, the Privacy Act Officer promptly shall take steps to insure that the actions set forth in § 1008.10 (a) and (b) are taken.
(i) If the appeal of a denial of access is denied, the final determination shall state the reasons for the denial and shall be transmitted promptly to the individual, the Privacy Act Officer and the appropriate System Manager. The determination shall also include a statement identifying the right of the individual to administrative and judicial review pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(g)(1)(B) as limited by 5 U.S.C. 552a(g)(5).
(j) If the appeal of a denial of correction or amendment is denied, the final determination shall state the reasons for the denial and shall be transmitted promptly to the individual, the Privacy Act Officer and the appropriate System Manager.
(1) The determination also shall include the following:
(i) Notice of the right of the individual to file with the Privacy Act Officer a concise, signed statement of reasons for disagreeing with the final determination, receipt of which statement will be acknowledged by the Privacy Act Officer.
(ii) An indication that any disagreement statement filed by the individual will be noted and appended to the disputed record and that a copy of the statement will be provided by the Privacy Act Officer or the System Manager, as appropriate, to persons and agencies to which the record is disclosed subsequent to the date of receipt of such statement;
(iii) An indication that the DOE shall append to any disagreement statement filed by the individual a copy of the final determination or a summary thereof, which determination or summary also will be provided to persons and agencies to which the disagreement statement is disclosed; and,
(iv) A statement of the right of the individual to administrative and judicial review under 5 U.S.C. 552a(g)(1)(B), as limited by 5 U.S.C. 552a(g)(5).
(2) Although a copy of the final determination or a summary thereof will be treated as part of the individual's record for purposes of disclosure in instances where the individual has filed a disagreement statement, it will not be
(3) Where an individual files a statement of disagreement consistent with paragraph (j)(1) of this section, the Privacy Act Officer shall take steps to insure that the actions provided in paragraphs (j)(1) (i), (ii) and (iii) of this section are taken.
(a)
(i) Information compiled for the purpose of identifying individual criminal offenders and alleged offenders;
(ii) Information compiled for the purpose of a criminal investigation, including reports of informants and investigators, and associated with an identifiable individual; or
(iii) Reports identifiable to an individual compiled at any stage of the process of enforcement of the criminal laws from arrest or indictment through release from supervision.
(2)
(ii)
(b)
(1)
(ii) The DOE systems of records listed below have been exempted under subsection (k)(1) to the extent they contain classified information, in order to prevent serious damage to the national defense or foreign policy that could arise from providing individuals access to classified information. Systems exempted under subsection (k)(1) are:
(A) Alien Visits and Participation (DOE-52).
(B) Clearance Board Cases (DOE-46).
(C) Security Correspondence Files (DOE-49).
(D) Foreign Travel Records (DOE-27)
(E) Legal Files (Claims, Litigations, Criminal Violation, Patents, and other Legal Files) (DOE-41).
(F) Personnel Security Clearance Files (DOE-43).
(G) Personnel Security Clearance Index (Automated) (DOE-42).
(H) Special Access Authorization for Categories of Classified Information (DOE-44).
(I) Administrative and Analytical Records and Reports (DOE-81).
(J) Law Enforcement Investigative Records (DOE-84).
(K) Employee Concerns Program Records (DOE-3)
(L) Whistleblower Investigation, Hearing and Appeal Records (DOE-7)
(M) Intelligence Related Access Authorization (DOE-15)
(2)
(ii) The DOE systems of records listed below have been exempted under subsection (k)(2) in order to prevent subjects of investigation from frustrating the investigatory process through access to records about themselves or as a result of learning the identities of confidential informants; to prevent disclosure of investigative techniques; to maintain the ability to obtain necessary information; and thereby to insure the proper functioning and integrity of law enforcement activities. Systems of records exempted under subsection (k)(2) are:
(A) Alien Visits and Participation (DOE-52).
(B) Clearance Board Cases (DOE-46).
(C) Security Correspondence Files (DOE-49).
(D) Foreign Travel Records (DOE-27).
(E) Legal Files (Claims, Litigation, Criminal Violations, Patents, and other Legal Files) (DOE-41).
(F) Personnel Security Clearance Files (DOE-43).
(G) Personnel Security Clearance Index (Automated) (DOE-42).
(H) Special Access Authorization for Categories of Classified Information (DOE-44).
(I) DOE Personnel and General Employment Records (DOE-1) (only personnel investigative records concerning current and former DOE employees and applicants for employment by DOE).
(J) Investigative Files of the Inspector General (DOE-54) (only investigative records concerning past and present DOE employees).
(K) Administrative and Analytical Records and Reports (DOE-81).
(L) Law Enforcement Investigative Records (DOE-84).
(M) Allegation-Based Inspections Files of the Office of Inspector General (DOE-83).
(N) Employee Concerns Program Records (DOE-3)
(O) Whistleblower Investigation, Hearing and Appeal Records (DOE-7)
(P) Intelligence Related Access Authorization (DOE-15)
(3)
(ii) The DOE systems of records listed below have been exempted under subsection (k)(5) to the extent they contain the kinds of records described in subsection (k)(5) in order to maintain DOE's ability to obtain candid information on candidates for employment, contracts, or access to classified information and to fulfill commitments made to sources to protect the confidentiality of information, and thereby to facilitate proper selection or continuation of the best applicants or persons for a given position or contract. Systems exempted under subsection (k)(5) are:
(A) DOE Personnel and General Employment Records (DOE-1);
(B) Personnel Security Clearance Files (DOE-43);
(C) Investigative Files of the Inspector General (DOE-54);
(D) Alien Visits and Participation (DOE-52);
(E) Clearance Board Cases (DOE-46);
(F) Security Correspondence Files (DOE-49);
(G) Foreign Travel Records (DOE-27);
(H) Legal Files (Claims, Litigation, Criminal Violations, Patents, and other Legal Files) (DOE-41);
(I) Personnel Security Clearance Index (Automated) (DOE-42);
(J) Special Access Authorization for Categories of Classified Information (DOE-44);
(K) DOE Personnel: Supervisor-Maintained Personnel Records (DOE-2);
(L) Applications for DOE Employment (DOE-4);
(M) Administrative and Analytical Records and Reports (DOE-81);
(N) Law Enforcement Investigative Records (DOE-84).
(O) Allegation-Based Inspections Files of the Office of Inspector General (DOE-83).
(P) Employee Concerns Program Records (DOE-3)
(Q) Whistleblower Investigation, Hearing and Appeal Records (DOE-7)
(R) Intelligence Related Access Authorization (DOE-15)
(4)
(ii) The DOE systems of records listed below have been exempted to the extent they contain testing or examination material in order to protect the integrity of the personnel testing and evaluation process and to avoid providing individuals with unfair advantage, by premature or unfair disclosure of testing or rating information. Systems exempted under subsection (k)(6) are:
(A) (DOE-2) DOE Personnel: Supervisor-Maintained Personnel Records.
(B) (DOE-4) Applications for DOE Employment.
(C) (DOE-1) DOE Personnel and General Employment Records.
(c)
(2) With respect to records containing material or information that would reveal the identity of a source who was given an assurance of confidentiality, a determination to make rec-ords available pursuant to paragraph (c)(1) of this section shall be made only if the source consents to the release of such information to the individual, or if it is determined that the material or information is not adverse or detrimental to the individual, or for good cause shown. The exercise of discretion with respect to waiver of the exemption shall be final.
(3) Prior to making a determination to deny access to a record in a system of records covered by exemption (k)(1) for classified material (see paragaph (b)(1) of this section), the System Manager shall consult with the Director, Division of Classification, to verify the current classification status of the information in the requested record.
(a) The only fees to be charged to or collected from an individual under the provisions of this part are for copying records at the request of the individual. The fee charged shall be consistent with the fee schedule set forth in paragraph (b) of this section.
(1) No fees shall be charged or collected for the following: Search for and retrieval of records; review of -records; copying by the DOE incident to granting access; copying at the initiative of the DOE without a request from the individual; copying when the aggregate of fees for copying is $25 or less; time spent providing copies; transportation of records and personnel; and first class postage.
(2) It is the policy of the DOE to provide an individual with one copy of each record corrected or amended pursuant to request without charge.
(3) As required by the Office of Personnel Management in its published regulations implementing the Act, the DOE will charge no fee for a single copy of a personnel record covered by that Commission's Government-wide published notice of systems of records.
(b) The schedule of fees is as follows:
(1) $.10 per copy of each page.
(2) For other forms of copying and other forms of materials (e.g., cassettes, computer materials), the direct cost of the materials, personnel, and equipment shall be charged, but only with prior specific approval of the person making the request, when such charges would be in excess of $25.
(c) The Privacy Act Officer may, upon application by an individual, furnish any records without charge or at a reduced rate, if the Privacy Act Officer determines that such waiver or reduction of fees is in the public interest.
(d) Payment shall be made by check or money order payable to the United States Department of Energy.
(e) Advance payment of all or part of the fees may be required at the discretion of the Privacy Act Officer. Unless the individual requesting the copies specifically states that he is willing to pay whatever fees are assessed for meeting the request or, alternatively, specifies an amount in excess of $25 that he is willing to pay and which in fact covers the anticipated fees for meeting the request, a request that is expected to involve assessed fees in excess of $25 shall not be deemed to have been received, for purposes of the time periods specified in §§ 1008.7 and 1008.10 until the individual making the request is notified of the anticipated cost, agrees to bear it, and makes any advance deposit required. Such notification shall be made by the Privacy Act Officer as promptly as possible after receipt of the request.
Subsection (i)(3) of the Act provides that any person who knowingly and willingly requests or obtains any record concerning an individual from an agency under false pretenses shall be quilty of a misdeamenaor and fined not more than $5,000.
Subsection (g) of the Act provides that an individual may bring suit against the DOE for a violation of the Privacy Act, as follows:
(a) If the DOE refuses to grant a request for access to an individual's rec-ords, the court may order the DOE to provide the individual with access to his or her records and award reasonable litigation costs and attorney's fees.
(b) If the DOE refuses to amend a record or fails to review an amendment request as required by subsection (d)(3) of the Act, the court may order the DOE to make the amendment and award reasonable litigation costs and attorney's fees.
(c) If the DOE makes an adverse determination based on a record which is not maintained in an accurate, timely, relevant, and complete manner, the individual may be awarded actual damages of at least $1,000. In order to prevail, the individual must show that:
(1) The DOE's action was willful and intentional; and
(2) The adverse determination was based on the faulty record.
(d) If the DOE fails to comply with any other provision of the Privacy Act or agency rule promulgated under the Act, in such a way as to have an adverse effect on the individual, the court may award actual damages of at least
(1) The DOE's action was willful and intentional; and
(2) The agency's action had an adverse effort on the individual; and
(3) The adverse effect was causally related to the DOE's action.
Except as provided in § 1008.17, the DOE shall not disclose any record which is contained in a system of rec-ords, by any means of communication, to any agency or to any person other than the individual who is the subject of the record.
(a) Notwithstanding the prohibition contained in § 1008.16, the DOE may disclose records covered by this part (1) to the individual to whom the record pertains or to an agency or (2) to a person other than the individual where he has given his prior written consent to the disclosure or has made a written request for such disclosure.
(b) Notwithstanding the prohibition contained in § 1008.16 the DOE may also disclose records covered by this part whenever the disclosure is:
(1) To officers and employees of the DOE who have a need for the record in the performance of their duties;
(2) Required under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552);
(3) For a routine use (as defined in § 1008.2) which is described in the
(4) To the Bureau of the Census for purposes of planning or carrying out a census or survey or related activity pursuant to the provisions of title 13 of the United States Code;
(5) To a recipient who has provided the agency with advance adequate written assurance that the record will be used solely as a statistical research or reporting record, and the record is to be transferred in a form that is not individually identifiable;
(6) To the National Archives of the United States as a record which has sufficient historical or other value to warrant its continued preservation by the United States Government, or for evaluation by the Administrator of General Services or his designee to determine whether the record has such value;
(7) To another agency or to an instrumentality of any governmental jurisdiction within or under the control of the United States for a civil or criminal law enforcement activity if the activity is authorized by law and if the head of the agency or instrumentality has made a written request to the DOE specifying the particular portion desired and the law enforcement activity for which the record is sought;
(8) To a person pursuant to a showing of compelling circumstances affecting the health or safety of an individual if upon such disclosure notification is transmitted to the last known address of such individual;
(9) To either House of Congress, or to any committee or subcommittee thereof, any joint committee of Congress or subcommittee of any such joint committee, to the extent of matter within its jurisdiction;
(10) To the Comptroller General, or any of his authorized representatives, in the course of the performance of the duties of the General Accounting Office;
(11) Pursuant to the order of a court of competent jurisdiction.
(c) Notwithstanding the prohibition contained in § 1008.16 of this part, the DOE may also disclose records covered by this part when disseminating a corrected or amended record or notation of a disagreement statement as required by subsection (c)(4) of the Act.
(a) For each disclosure of information contained in a system of records under his control, except disclosures to authorized officers and employees of DOE and disclosures required by the Freedom of Information Act, the appropriate System Manager shall keep an accurate accounting of:
(1) The date, nature, and purposes of each disclosure of a record made to any person or to another agency; and
(2) The name and address of the person or agency to which the disclosure was made.
(b) The accounting shall be retained for at least five years or the life of the record, whichever is longer, after the disclosure for which the accounting is made.
(c) The accounting described in paragraph (a) of this section shall be made available to the individual named in the record upon written request to the Privacy Act Officer at the appropriate DOE location listed at § 1008.2(c) of this part. However, the accounting shall not be revealed with respect to disclosures made under § 1008.17(b)(7) of this part, pertaining to law enforcement activity; or with respect to disclosures involving system of records for which DOE had claimed an exemption from certain requirements of the Act, as provided in § 1008.12 of this part.
(d) Whenever an amendment or correction of a record or a notation of dispute concerning the accuracy of rec-ords is made by the DOE in accordance with §§ 1008.10(a)(2)(iv) and 1008.11(g) of this part, DOE shall inform any person or other agency to whom the record was previously disclosed if an accounting of the disclosure was made pursuant to the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section, unless the disclosure was made pursuant to § 1008.17(b)(7) of this part; or the disclosure involved a system of records of which DOE has claimed an exemption from certain requirements of the Act, as provided in § 1008.12 of this part.
(e) The System Manager shall make reasonable efforts to serve notice on an individual when any record containing information about such individual in a DOE system of records is disclosed to any person under compulsory legal process when such process becomes a matter of public record.
(f) Prior to disclosing any record about an individual to any person other than an agency, unless the disclosure is pursuant to the Freeedom of Information Act, the System Manager shall make reasonable efforts to assure that each record is accurate, complete, timely, and relevant for DOE's purposes.
Subsection (i)(1) of the Act provides that a Federal employee who willfully discloses information subject to the Privacy Act in violation of the Act or rules promulgated under it shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and fined up to $5,000.
(a) The DOE will maintain in its rec-ords only such information about an individual as is relevant and necessary to accomplish a purpose DOE is required to accomplish by statute or by Executive Order of the President, unless an exemption ot this requirement has been claimed by DOE, as provided in § 1008.12 of this part.
(b) The DOE will maintain no record describing how any individual exercises rights guaranteed by the First Amendment unless expressly authorized by statute or by the individual about whom the record is maintained or unless it is pertinent to and within the scope of an authorized law enforcement activity.
(c) The DOE will maintain all rec-ords that are used by it to make any determination about any individual with such accuracy, relevance, timeliness and completeness as is reasonably necessary to assure fairness to the individual in such determination.
(a) The DOE will collect information, to the greatest extent practicable, directly from the subject individual when the use of the information may result in adverse determinations about an individual's rights, benefits and privileges under Federal programs, unless an exemption from the Act to this requirement has been claimed by DOE as provided in § 1008.12
(b) Unless an exemption from the Act has been claimed by DOE under subsection (j)(2), as provided in § 1008.12, DOE shall inform each individual
(1) The authority (whether granted by statute or by Executive Order of the President) that authorizes the solicitation of the information and whether the provision of such information is mandatory or voluntary;
(2) The principal purpose or purposes for which the information is intended to be used;
(3) The routine uses that may be made of the information, as published in the
(4) The effect on the individual, if any, of not providing all or any part of the requested information.
(a) The System Manager of each system of records which utilizes social security numbers as a method of identification without statutory authorization or authorization by regulation adopted prior to January 1, 1975, shall revise the system to avoid future collection and use of the social security numbers.
(b) Heads of Headquarters Divisions and Offices and heads of the other DOE locations shall insure that employees authorized to collect information from individuals are advised that individuals may not be required to furnish social security numbers without statutory authorization, and that individuals who are requested to provide social security numbers voluntarily must be advised that furnishing the number is not required and that no penalty or denial of benefits will flow from the refusal to provide it.
(a) The DOE shall publish in the
(1) The name and location of the system;
(2) The categories of individuals on whom records are maintained in the system;
(3) The categories of records maintained in the system;
(4) Each routine use of the records contained in the system, including the categories of users and the purpose of such use, subject to paragraph (d) of this section;
(5) The policies and practices of the DOE regarding storage, retrievability, access controls, retention, and disposal of the records;
(6) The title and business address of the DOE official who is responsible for the system of records;
(7) The DOE procedures whereby an individual can be notified at his request if the system of records contains a record pertaining to him;
(8) The DOE procedures whereby an individual can be notified at his request about how he can gain access to any record pertaining to him contained in the system or records, and how he can contest its content; and
(9) The categories of source of rec-ords in the systems.
(b) Notwithstanding the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section, the notice of systems of records shall not necessarily include the information in paragraphs (a) (7) through (9) of this section if DOE has claimed a general or specific exemption from the requirements of the Act, as provided in § 1008.12.
(c) Copies of the notices as printed in the
(d) DOE shall publish in the
Subsection (i)(2) of the Act provides that an agency officer or employee who willfully maintains a system of rec-ords without publishing a system notice as required by subsection (e)(4) of the Act shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and fined up to $5,000.
Sec. 644 of the Dept. of Energy Organization Act, Pub. L. 95-91, 91 Stat. 565 (42 U.S.C. 7254); Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) “User Fee Statue”, 31 U.S.C. 483a, 42 U.S.C. 2111, 2112 and 2201.
(a) This part establishes Department of Energy policy for establishing prices and charges for Department materials and services sold to organizations and persons outside the Federal Government.
(b) This part applies to all elements of the Department except the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
For the purposes of this regulation:
(a)
(1) It is incurred solely for materials or services sold;
(2) It benefits both the customer and the Department in proportions that can be approximated through use of reasonable methods, or
(3) It is necessary to the overall operation of the Department and is deemed to be assignable in part to materials or services sold.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(1) Direct labor.
(2) Personnel fringe benefits.
(3) Direct materials.
(4) Other direct costs.
(5) Processing materials and chemicals.
(6) Power and other utilities.
(7) Maintenance.
(8) Indirect cost, i.e., common costs which cannot be directly assigned to specific cost objectives and are therefore allocated to cost objectives in a systematic cost allocation process.
(9) Depreciation which includes depreciation costs that are directly associated with facilities and equipment utilized, and allocated depreciation costs for support and general facilities and equipment.
(10) Added factor includes general and administrative costs and other support costs that are incurred for the
(g)
(h)
(i)
(a) The Department's price or charge for materials and services sold to persons and organizations outside the Federal Government shall be the Government's full cost for those materials and services, unless otherwise provided in this part.
(b) Exceptions from the Department pricing and charging policy may be authorized in accordance with the following provisions:
(1) Prices and charges for byproduct material sold pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 2111 and 2112 et seq. shall be either the full cost recovery price or the commercial price, whichever is higher, except that lower prices and charges may be established by the Department if it is determined that such lower prices and charges (i) will provide reasonable compensation to the Government for such material, (ii) will not discourage the use of or the development of sources of supply independent of the DOE of such material, and (iii) will encourage research and development. In individual cases, if (ii) and (iii) cannot be equally accommodated, greater weight will be given to encouragement of research and development.
(2) Prices and charges for materials and services sold pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 2201 shall be either the full cost recovery price or the commercial price, whichever is higher, except that lower prices and charges may be established by the Department if it is determined that such lower prices and charges will provide reasonable compensation to the Government and will not discourage the development of sources of supply independent of the DOE of such material.
This part shall not apply when the amount to be priced or charged is otherwise provided for by statute, Executive Order, or regulations. This part does not apply to:
(a) Fees, penalties and fines established by the Economic Regulatory Administration of DOE.
(b) Power marketing and related activities of the Alaska Power Administration, the Bonneville Power Administration, the Southeastern Power Administration, the Southwestern Power Administration, and the Western Power Administration.
(c) Crude oil, natural gas and other petroleum products and services by or from the Naval Petroleum and Oil Shale Reserves.
(d) Uranium enriching services, source material, and special nuclear material.
(e) Requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy Act.
(f) Energy data and information provided by the Energy Information Administration.
(g) Crude oil and related materials and services from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
(h) The disposal of excess and surplus property.
(i) Access permits for uranium enrichment technology issued in accordance with 10 CFR part 725.
(j) Materials and services provided pursuant to a cooperative agreement, research assistance contract or grant, or made available to a DOE contractor in connection with a contract, the primary purpose of which is to procure materials or services for DOE.
Prices which appear in
Current prices and charges for specific materials and services are available from the DOE laboratory or office providing the material or service, or from the responsible program office. If this office cannot be determined, inquiries regarding the appropriate contact office should be addressed to the Office, of Finance and Accounting, Product Accounting and Pricing Branch, Mail Station 4A-139, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585.
5 U.S.C. 301, 303, 7301; 5 U.S.C. App. (Inspector General Act of 1978); 18 U.S.C. 208; E.O. 12674, 54 FR 15159, 3 CFR, 1989 Comp., p. 215, as modified by E.O. 12731, 55 FR 42547, 3 CFR, 1990 Comp., p. 306.
This part applies to employees of the Department of Energy (DOE), excluding employees of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Employees of DOE are subject to the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch at 5 CFR part 2635, the DOE regulation at 5 CFR part 3301 which supplements the executive branch-wide standards, the executive branch-wide financial disclosure regulations at 5 CFR part 2634, the executive branch-wide financial interests regulations at 5 CFR part 2640, and the executive branch-wide employee responsibilities and conduct regulation at 5 CFR part 735.
(a) Employees shall, in fulfilling the obligation of 5 CFR 2635.101(b)(11), report fraud, waste, abuse, and corruption in DOE programs, including on the part of DOE employees, contractors, subcontractors, grantees, or other recipients of DOE financial assistance, to the Office of Inspector General or other appropriate Federal authority.
(b) All alleged violations of the ethical restrictions described in section 1010.102 that are reported in accordance with (a) of this section to an appropriate authority within the Department shall in turn be referred by that authority to the designated agency ethics official or his delegatee, or the Inspector General.
Employees shall respond to questions truthfully under oath when required, whether orally or in writing, and must provide documents and other materials concerning matters of official interest. An employee is not required to respond to such official inquiries if answers or testimony may subject the employee to criminal prosecution.
31 U.S.C. 3801-3812; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.
(a)
(b)
(a) Made to the authority for property, services, or money (including money representing grants, loans, insurance, or benefits);
(b) Made to a recipient of property, services, or money from the authority or to a party to a contract with the authority—
(1) For property or services if the United States—
(i) Provided such property or services;
(ii) Provided any portion of the funds for the purchase of such property or services; or
(iii) Will reimburse such recipient or party for the purchase of such property or services; or
(2) For the payment of money (including money representing grants, loans, insurance, or benefits) if the United States—
(i) Provided any portion of the money requested or demanded; or
(ii) Will reimburse such recipient or party for any portion of the money paid on such request or demand; or
(c) Made to the authority which has the effect of decreasing an obligation to pay or account for property, services, or money.
(a) Has actual knowledge that the claim or statement is false, fictitious, or fraudulent;
(b) Acts in deliberate ignorance of the truth or falsity of the claim or statement; or
(c) Acts in reckless disregard of the truth or falsity of the claim or statement.
(a) Not subject to supervision by, or required to report to, the investigating official;
(b) Not employed in the organizational unit of the authority in which the investigating official is employed; and
(c) Serving in a position for which the rate of basic pay is not less than the minimum rate of basic pay for grade GS-16 under the General Schedule.
(a) With respect to a claim or to obtain the approval or payment of a claim (including relating to eligibility to make a claim); or
(b) With respect to (including relating to eligibility for)—
(1) A contract with, or a bid or proposal for a contract with; or
(2) A grant, loan, or benefit from, the authority, or any State, political subdivision of a State, or other party, if the United States Government provides any poztion of the money or property under such contract or for such grant, loan, or benefit, or if the Government will reimburse such State, political subdivision, or party for any portion of the money or property under such contract or for such grant, loan, or benefit.
(a)
(i) Is false, fictitious, or fraudulent;
(ii) Includes or is supported by any written statement which asserts a material fact which is false, fictitious, or fraudulent;
(iii) Includes or is supported by any written statement that—
(A) Omits a material fact;
(B) Is false, fictitious, or fraudulent as a result of such omission; and
(C) Is a statement in which the person making such statement has a duty to include such material fact; or
(iv) Is for payment for the provision of property or services which the person has not provided as claimed, shall be subject, in addition to any other remedy that may be prescribed by law, to a civil penalty of not more than $5,500 for each such claim.
(2) Each voucher, invoice, claim form, or other individual request or demand for property, services, or money constitutes a separate claim.
(3) A claim shall be considered made to the authority, recipient, or party when such claim is actually made to an agent, fiscal intermediary, or other entity, including any State or political subdivision thereof, acting for or on behalf of such authority, recipient, or party.
(4) Each claim for property, services, or money is subject to a civil penalty regardless of whether such property, services, or money is actually delivered or paid.
(5) If the Government has made any payment (including transferred property or provided services) on a claim, a person subject to a civil penalty under paragraph (a)(1) of this section shall also be subject to an assessment of not more than twice the amount of such claim or that portion thereof that is determined to be in violation of paragraph (a)(1) of this section. Such assessment shall be in lieu of damages sustained by the Government because of such claim.
(b)
(i) The person knows or has reason to know—
(A) Asserts a material fact which is false, fictitious, or fraudulent; or
(B) Is false, fictitious, or fraudulent because it omits a material fact that the person making the statement has a duty to include in such statement, and
(ii) Contains or is accompanied by an express certification or affirmation of the truthfulness and accuracy of the contents of the statement, shall be subject, in addition to any other remedy that may be prescribed by law, to a civil penalty of not more than $5,500 for each such statement.
(2) Each written representation, certification, or affirmation constitutes a separate statement.
(3) A statement shall be considered made to the authority when such statement is actually made to an agent, fiscal intermediary, or other entity, including any State or political subdivision thereof, acting for or on behalf of such authority.
(c)
(2) For purposes of paragraph (c) of this section, the term “benefits” means benefits under part A of the Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings Act of 1976, which are intended for the personal use of the individual who receives the benefits or for a member of the individual's family.
(d) No proof of specific intent to defraud is required to establish liability under this section.
(e) In any case in which it is determined that more than one person is liable for making a claim or statement under this section, each such person may be held liable for a civil penalty under this section.
(f) In any case in which it is determined that more than one person is liable for making a claim under this section on which the Government has made payment (including transferred property or provided services), an assessment may be imposed against any such person or jointly and severally against any combination of such persons.
(a) If an investigating official concludes that a subpoena pursuant to the authority conferred by 31 U.S.C. 3804(a) is warranted—
(1) The subpoena so issued shall notify the person to whom it is addressed of the authority under which the subpoena is issued and shall identify the records or documents sought;
(2) The investigating official may designate a person to act on his or her behalf to receive the documents sought; and
(3) The person receiving such subpoena shall be required to tender to the investigating official or the person designated to receive the documents a certification that the documents sought have been produced, or that such documents are not available and the reasons therefor, or that such documents, suitably identified, have been withheld based upon the assertion of an identified privilege.
(b) If the investigating official concludes that an action under the Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act may be warranted, the investigating official shall submit a report containing the findings and conclusions of such investigation to the reviewing official.
(c) Nothing in this section shall preclude or limit an investigating official's discretion to refer allegations directly to the Department of Justice for suit under the False Claims Act or other civil relief, or to preclude or limit such official's discretion to defer or postpone a report or referral to the reviewing official to avoid interference with a criminal investigation or prosecution.
(d) Nothing in this section modifies any responsibility of an investigating official to report violations of criminal law to the Attorney General.
(a) If, based on the report of the investigating official under § 1013.4(b) of this part, the reviewing official determines that there is adequate evidence to believe that a person is liable under § 1013.3 of this part, the reviewing official shall transmit to the Attorney General a written notice of the reviewing official's intention to issue a complaint under § 1013.7 of this part.
(b) Such notice shall include—
(1) A statement of the reviewing official's reasons for issuing a complaint;
(2) A statement specifying the evidence that supports the allegations of liability;
(3) A description of the claims or statements upon which the allegations of liability are based;
(4) An estimate of the amount of money or the value of property, services, or other benefits requested or demanded in violation of § 1013.3 of this part;
(5) A statement of any exculpatory or mitigating circumstances that may relate to the claims or statements known by the reviewing official or the investigating official; and
(6) A statement that there is a reasonable prospect of collecting an appropriate amount of penalties and assessments.
(a) The reviewing official may issue a complaint under § 1013.7 of this part only if—
(1) The Department of Justice approves the issuance of a complaint in a written statement described in 31 U.S.C. 3803(b)(1), and
(2) In the case of allegations of liability under § 1013.3(a) of this part with respect to a claim, the reviewing official determines that, with respect to such claim or a group of related claims submitted at the same time such claim is submitted (as defined in paragraph (b) of this section), the amount of money or the value of property or services demanded or requested in violation of § 1013.3(a) of this part does not exceed $150,000.
(b) For the purposes of this section, a related group of claims submitted at the same time shall include only those claims arising from the same transaction (
(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the reviewing official's authority to join in a single complaint against a person claims that are unrelated or were not submitted simultaneously, regardless of the amount of money, or the value of property or services, demanded or requested.
(a) On or after the date the Department of Justice approves the issuance of a complaint in accordance with 31 U.S.C. 3803(b)(1), the reviewing official may serve a complaint on the defendant, as provided in § 1013.8 of this part.
(b) The complaint shall state—
(1) The allegations of liability against the defendant, including the statutory basis for liability, an identification of the claims or statements that are the basis for the alleged liability, and the reasons why liability allegedly arises from such claims or statements;
(2) The maximum amount of penalties and assessments for which the defendant may be held liable;
(3) Instructions for filing an answer to request a hearing, including a specific statement of the defendant's right to request a hearing by filing an answer and to be represented by a representative; and
(4) That failure to file an answer within 30 days of service of the complaint will result in the imposition of the maximum amount of penalties and assessments without right to appeal, as provided in § 1013.10 of this part.
(c) At the same time the reviewing official serves the complaint, he or she shall serve the defendant with a copy of these regulations.
(a) Service of a complaint must be made by certified or registered mail or by delivery in any manner authorized by Rule 4(d) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Service is complete upon receipt.
(b) Proof of service, stating the name and address of the person on whom the complaint was served, and the manner and date of service, may be made by—
(1) Affidavit of the individual serving the complaint by delivery;
(2) A United States Postal Service return receipt card acknowledging receipt; or
(3) Written acknowledgment of receipt by the defendant or his or her representative.
(a) The defendant may request a hearing by filing an answer with the reviewing official within 30 days of service of the complaint. An answer shall be deemed to be a request for hearing.
(b) In the answer, the defendant—
(1) Shall admit or deny each of the allegations of liability made in the complaint;
(2) Shall state any defense on which the defendant intends to rely;
(3) May state any reasons why the defendant contends that the penalties and assessments should be less than the statutory maximum; and
(4) Shall state the name, address, and telephone number of the person authorized by the defendant to act as defendant's representative, if any.
(c) If the defendant is unable to file an answer meeting the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section within the time provided, the defendant may, before the expiration of 30 days from service of the complaint, file with the reviewing official a general answer denying liability and requesting a hearing, and a request for an extension of time within which to file an answer meeting the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section. The reviewing offical shall file promptly with the ALJ the complaint, the general answer denying liability, and the request for an extension of time as provided in § 1013.11 of this part. For good cause shown, the ALJ may grant the defendant up to 30 additional days within which to file an answer meeting the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section.
(a) If the defendant does not file an answer within the time prescribed in § 1013.9(a) of this part, the reviewing official may refer the complaint to the ALJ.
(b) Upon the referral of the complaint, the ALJ shall promptly serve on defendant in the manner prescribed in § 1013.8 of this part, a notice that an initial decision shall be issued under this section.
(c) The ALJ shall assume the facts alleged in the complaint to be true, and, if such facts establish liability under § 1013.3 of this part, the ALJ shall issue an initial decision imposing the maximum amount of penalties and assessments allowed under the statute.
(d) Except as otherwise provided in this section, by failing to file a timely answer, the defendant waives any right to further review of the penalties and assessments imposed under paragraph
(e) If, before such an initial decision becomes final, the defendant files a motion with the ALJ seeking to reopen on the grounds that extraordinary circumstances prevented the defendant from filing an answer, the initial decision shall be stayed pending the ALJ's decision on the motion.
(f) If, on such motion, the defendant can demonstrate extraordinary circumstances excusing the failure to file a timely answer, the ALJ shall withdraw the initial decision in paragraph (c) of this section, if such a decision has been issued, and shall grant the defendant an opportunity to answer the complaint.
(g) A decision of the ALJ denying a defendant's motion under paragraph (e) of this section is not subject to reconsideration under § 1013.38 of this part.
(h) The defendant may appeal to the authority head the decision denying a motion to reopen by filing a notice of appeal with the authority head within 15 days after the ALJ denies the motion. The timely filing of a notice of appeal shall stay the initial decision until the authority head decides the issue.
(i) If the defendant files a timely notice of appeal with the authority head, the ALJ shall forward the record of the proceeding to the authority head.
(j) The authority head shall decide expeditiously whether extraordinary circumstances excuse the defendant's failure to file a timely answer based solely on the record before the ALJ.
(k) If the authority head decides that extraordinary circumstances excused the defendant's failure to file a timely answer, the authority head shall remand the case to the ALJ with instructions to grant the defendant an opportunity to answer.
(l) If the authority head decides that the defendant's failure to file a timely answer is not excused, the authority head shall reinstate the initial decision of the ALJ, which shall become final and binding upon the parties 30 days after the authority head issues such decision.
Upon receipt of an answer, the reviewing official shall file the complaint and answer with the ALJ.
(a) When the ALJ receives the complaint and answer, the ALJ shall promptly serve a notice of hearing upon the defendant in the manner prescribed by § 1013.8 of this part. At the same time, the ALJ shall send a copy of such notice to the representative for the Government.
(b) Such notice shall include—
(1) The tentative time, date, and place, and the nature of the hearing;
(2) The legal authority and jurisdiction under which the hearing is to be held;
(3) The matters of fact and law to be asserted;
(4) A description of the procedures for the conduct of the hearing;
(5) The name, address, and telephone number of the representative of the Government and of the defendant, if any; and
(6) Such other matters as the ALJ deems appropriate.
(a) The parties to the hearing shall be the defendant and the authority.
(b) Pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 3730(c)(5), a private plaintiff under the False Claims Act may participate in these proceedings to the extent authorized by the provisions of that Act.
(a) The investigating official, the reviewing official, and any employee or agent of the authority who takes part in investigating, preparing, or presenting a particular case may not, in such case or a factually related case—
(1) Participate in the hearing as the ALJ;
(2) Participate or advise in the initial decision or the review of the initial decision by the authority head, except as a witness or a representative in public proceedings; or
(3) Make the collection of penalties and assessments under 31 U.S.C. 3806.
(b) The ALJ shall not be responsible to, or subject to the supervision or direction of, the investigating official or the reviewing official.
(c) Except as provided in paragraph (a) of this section, the representative for the Government may be employed anywhere in the authority, including in the offices of either the investigating official or the reviewing official.
No party or person (except employees of the ALJ's office) shall communicate in any way with the ALJ on any matter at issue in a case, unless on notice and opportunity for all parties to participate. This provision does not prohibit a person or party from inquiring about the status of a case or asking routine questions concerning administrative functions or procedures.
(a) A reviewing official or ALJ in a particular case may disqualify himself or herself at any time.
(b) A party may file with the ALJ a motion for disqualification of a reviewing official or an ALJ. Such motion shall be accompanied by an affidavit alleging personal bias or other reason for disqualification.
(c) Such motion and affidavit shall be filed promptly upon the party's discovery of reasons requiring disqualification, or such objections shall be deemed waived.
(d) Such affidavit shall state specific facts that support the party's belief that personal basis or other reason for disqualification exists and the time and circumstances of the party's discovery of such facts. It shall be accompanied by a certificate of the representative of record that it is made in good faith.
(e) Upon the filing of such a motion and affidavit, the ALJ shall proceed no further in the case until he or she resolves the matter of disqualification in accordance with paragraph (f) of this section.
(f)(1) If the ALJ determines that a reviewing official is disqualified, the ALJ shall dismiss the complaint without prejudice.
(2) If the ALJ disqualifies himself or herself, the case shall be reassigned promptly to another ALJ.
(3) If the ALJ denies a motion to disqualify, the authority head may determine the matter only as part of his or her review or the initial decision upon appeal, if any.
Except as otherwise limited by this part, all parties may—
(a) Be accompanied, represented, and advised by a representative;
(b) Participate in any conference held by the ALJ;
(c) Conduct discovery;
(d) Agree to stipulations of fact or law, which shall be made part of the record;
(e) Present evidence relevant to the issues at the hearing;
(f) Present and cross-examine witnesses;
(g) Present oral arguments at the hearing as permitted by the ALJ; and
(h) Submit written briefs and proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law.
(a) The ALJ shall conduct a fair and impartial hearing, avoid delay, maintain order, and assure that a record of the proceeding is made.
(b) The ALJ has the authority to—
(1) Set and change the date, time, and place of the hearing upon reasonable notice to the parties;
(2) Continue or recess the hearing in whole or in part for a reasonable period of time;
(3) Hold conferences to identify or simplify the issues, or to consider other matters that may aid in the expeditious disposition of the proceeding;
(4) Administer oaths and affirmations;
(5) Issue subpoenas requiring the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents at depositions or at hearings;
(6) Rule on motions and other procedural matters;
(7) Regulate the scope and timing of discovery;
(8) Regulate the course of the hearing and the conduct of representatives and parties;
(9) Examine witnesses;
(10) Receive, rule on, exclude, or limit evidence;
(11) Upon motion of a party, take official notice of facts; decide cases, in whole or in part, by summary judgment where there is no disputed issue of material fact;
(12) Conduct any conference, argument, or hearing on motions in person or by telephone; and
(13) Exercise such other authority as is necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the ALJ under this part.
(c) The ALJ does not have the authority to find Federal statutes or regulations invalid.
(a) The ALJ may schedule prehearing conferences as appropriate.
(b) Upon the motion of any party, the ALJ shall schedule at least one prehearing conference at a reasonable time in advance of the hearing.
(c) The ALJ may use prehearing conferences to discuss the following:
(1) Simplification of the issues;
(2) The necessity or desirability of amendments to the pleadings, including the need for a more definite statement;
(3) Stipulations and admissions of fact or as to the contents and authenticity of documents;
(4) Whether the parties can agree to submission of the case on a stipulated record;
(5) Whether a party chooses to waive appearance at an oral hearing and to submit only documentary evidence (subject to the objection of other parties) and written argument;
(6) Limitation of the number of witnesses);
(7) Scheduling dates for the exchange of witness lists and of proposed exhibits;
(8) Discovery;
(9) The time, date, and place for the hearing; and
(10) Such other matters as may tend to expedite the fair and just disposition of the proceedings.
(d) The ALJ may issue an order containing all matters agreed upon by the parties or ordered by the ALJ at a prehearing conference.
(a) Upon written request to the reviewing official, the defendant may review any relevant and material documents, transcripts, records, and other materials that relate to the allegations set out in the complaint and upon which the findings and conclusions of the investigating official under § 1013.4(b) are based, unless such documents are subject to a privilege under Federal law. Upon payment of fees for duplication, the defendant may obtain copies of such documents.
(b) Upon written request to the reviewing official, the defendant also may obtain a copy of all exculpatory information in the possession of the reviewing official or investigating official relating to the allegations in the complaint, even if it is contained in a document that would otherwise be privileged. If the document would otherwise be privileged, only that portion containing exculpatory information must be disclosed.
(c) The notice sent to the Attorney General from the reviewing official as described in § 1013.5 of the part is not discoverable under any circumstances.
(d) The defendant may file a motion to compel disclosure of the documents subject to the provisions of this section. Such a motion may only be filed with the ALJ following the filing of an answer pursuant to § 1013.9 of this part.
(a) The following types of discovery are authorized:
(1) Requests for production of documents for inspection and copying;
(2) Requests for admissions of the authenticity of any relevant document or of the truth of any relevant fact;
(3) Written interrogatories; and
(4) Depositions.
(b) For the purpose of this section and §§ 1013.22 and 1013.23 of this part, the term “documents” includes information, documents, reports, answers, records, accounts, papers, and other data and documentary evidence. Nothing contained herein shall be interpreted to require the creation of a document.
(c) Unless mutually agreed to by the parties, discovery is available only as
(d)
(2) Within ten days of service, a party may file an opposition to the motion and/or a motion for protective order as provided in § 1013.24 of this part.
(3) The ALJ may grant a motion for discovery only if he or she finds that the discovery sought—
(i) Is necessary for the expeditious, fair, and reasonable consideration of the issues;
(ii) Is not unduly costly or burdensome;
(iii) Will not unduly delay the proceeding; and
(iv) Does not seek privileged information.
(4) The burden of showing that discovery should be allowed is on the party seeking discovery.
(5) The ALJ may grant discovery subject to a protective order under § 1013.24 of this part.
(e)
(2) The party seeking to depose shall serve the subpoena in the manner prescribed in § 1013.8 of this part.
(3) The deponent may file with the ALJ a motion to quash the subpoena or a motion for a protective order within ten days of service.
(4) The party seeking to depose shall provide for the taking of a verbatim transcript of the deposition, which it shall make available to all other parties for inspection and copying.
(f) Each party shall bear its own costs of discovery.
(a) At least 15 days before the hearing or at such other time as may be ordered by the ALJ, the parties shall exchange witness lists, copies of prior statements of proposed witnesses, and copies of proposed hearing exhibits, including copies of any written statements that the party intends to offer in lieu of live testimony in accordance with § 1013.33(b) of this part. At the time the above documents are exchanged, any party that intends to rely on the transcript of deposition testimony in lieu of live testimony at the hearing, if permitted by the ALJ, shall provide each party with a copy of the specific pages of the transcript it intends to introduce into evidence.
(b) If a party objects, the ALJ shall not admit into evidence the testimony of any witness whose name does not appear on the witness list or any exhibit not provided to the opposing party as provided above unless the ALJ finds good cause for the failure or that there is no prejudice to the objecting party.
(c) Unless another party objects within the time set by the ALJ, documents exchanged in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section shall be deemed to be authentic for the purpose of admissibility at the hearing.
(a) A party wishing to procure the appearance and testimony of any individual at the hearing may request that the ALJ issue a subpoena.
(b) A subpoena requiring the attendance and testimony of an individual may also require the individual to produce documents at the hearing.
(c) A party seeking a subpoena shall file a written request therefor not less than 15 days before the date fixed for the hearing unless otherwise allowed by the ALJ for good cause shown. Such request shall specify any documents to be produced and shall designate the witnesses and describe the address and location thereof with sufficient particularity to permit such witnesses to be found.
(d) The subpoena shall specify the time, date, and place at which the witness is to appear and any documents the witness is to produce.
(e) The party seeking the subpoena shall serve it in the manner prescribed in § 1013.8 of this part. A subpoena on a party or upon an individual under the
(f) A party or the individual to whom the subpoena is directed may file with the ALJ a motion to quash the subpoena within ten days after service or on or before the time specified in the subpoena for compliance if it is less than ten days after service.
(a) A party or a prospective witness or deponent may file a motion for a protective order with respect to discovery sought by an opposing party or with respect to the hearing, seeking to limit the availability or disclosure of evidence.
(b) In issuing a protective order, the ALJ may make any order which justice requires to protect a party or person from annoyance, embarrassment, oppression, or undue burden or expense, including one or more of the following:
(1) That the discovery not be had;
(2) That the discovery may be had only on specified terms and conditions, including a designation of the time or place;
(3) That the discovery may be had only through a method of discovery other than that requested;
(4) That certain matters not be inquired into, or that the scope of discovery be limited to certain matters;
(5) That discovery be conducted with no one present except persons designated by the ALJ;
(6) That the contents of discovery or evidence be sealed;
(7) That a deposition after being sealed be opened only by order of the ALJ;
(8) That a trade secret or other confidential research, development, commercial information, or facts pertaining to any criminal investigation, proceeding, or other administrative investigation not be disclosed or be disclosed only in a designated way; or
(9) That the parties simultaneously file specified documents or information enclosed in sealed envelopes to be opened as directed by the ALJ.
The party requesting a subpoena shall pay the cost of the fees and mileage of any witness subpoenaed in the amounts that would be payable to a witness in a proceeding in United States District Court. A check for witness fees and mileage shall accompany the subpoena when served, except that when a subpoena is issued on behalf of the authority, a check for witness fees and mileage need not accompany the subpoena.
(a)
(2) Every pleading and paper filed in the proceeding shall contain a caption setting forth the title of the action, the case number assigned by the ALJ, and a designation of the paper (
(3) Every pleading and paper shall be signed by, and shall contain the address and telephone number of the party or the person on whose behalf the paper was filed, or his or her representative.
(4) Papers are considered filed when they are mailed. Date of mailing may be established by a certificate from the party or its representative or by proof that the document was sent by certified or registered mail.
(b)
(c)
(a) In computing any period of time under this part or in an order issued thereunder, the time begins with the day following the act, event, or default,
(b) When the period of time allowed is less than seven days, intermediate Saturday, Sundays, and legal holidays observed by the Federal government shall be excluded from the computation.
(c) Where a document has been served or issued by placing it in the mail, an additional five days will be added to the time permitted for any response.
(a) Any application to the ALJ for an order or ruling shall be by motion. Motions shall state the relief sought, the authority relied upon, and the facts alleged, and shall be filed with the ALJ and served on all other parties.
(b) Except for motions made during a prehearing conference or at the hearing, all motions shall be in writing. The ALJ may require that oral motions be reduced to writing.
(c) Within 15 days after a written motion is served, or such other time as may be fixed by the ALJ, any party may file a response to such motion.
(d) The ALJ may not grant a written motion before the time for filing responses thereto has expired, except upon consent of the parties or following a hearing on the motion, but may overrule or deny such motion without awaiting a response.
(e) The ALJ shall make a reasonable effort to dispose of all outstanding motions prior to the beginning of the hearing.
(a) The ALJ may sanction a person, including any party or representative, for—
(1) Failing to comply with an order, rule, or procedure governing the proceeding;
(2) Failing to prosecute or defend an action; or
(3) Engaging in other misconduct that interferes with the speedy, orderly, or fair conduct of the hearing.
(b) Any such sanction, including but not limited to those listed in paragraphs (c), (d), and (e) of this section, shall reasonably relate to the severity and nature of the failure or misconduct.
(c) When a party fails to comply with an order, including an order for taking a deposition, the production of evidence within the party's control, or a request for admission, the ALJ may—
(1) Draw an inference in favor of the requesting party with regard to the information sought;
(2) In the case of requests for admission, deem each matter of which an admission is requested to be admitted;
(3) Prohibit the party failing to comply with such order from introducing evidence concerning, or otherwise relying upon, testimony relating to the information sought; and
(4) Strike any part of the pleadings or other submissions of the party failing to comply with such request.
(d) If a party fails to prosecute or defend an action under this part commenced by service of a notice of hearing, the ALJ may dismiss the action or may issue an initial decision imposing penalties and assessments.
(e) The ALJ may refuse to consider any motion, request, response, brief or other document which is not filed in a timely fashion.
(a) The ALJ shall conduct a hearing on the record in order to determine whether the defendant is liable for a civil penalty or assessment under § 1013.3 of this part, and, if so, the appropriate amount of any such civil penalty or assessment considering any aggravating or mitigating factors.
(b) The authority shall prove defendant's liability and any aggravating factors by a preponderance of the evidence.
(c) The defendant shall prove any affirmative defenses and any mitigating factors by a preponderance of the evidence.
(d) The hearing shall be open to the public unless otherwise ordered by the ALJ for good cause shown.
(a) In determining an appropriate amount of civil penalties and assessments, the ALJ and the authority head, upon appeal, should evaluate any circumstances that mitigate or aggravate the violation and should articulate in their opinions the reasons that support the penalties and assessments they impose. Because of the intangible costs of fraud, the expense of investigating such conduct, and the need to deter others who might be similarly tempted, ordinarily double damages and a significant civil penalty should be imposed.
(b) Although not exhaustive, the following factors are among those that may influence the ALJ and the authority head in determining the amount of penalties and assessments to impose with respect to the misconduct (
(1) The number of false, fictitious, or fraudulent claims or statements;
(2) The time period over which such claims or statements were made;
(3) The degree of the defendant's culpability with respect to the misconduct;
(4) The amount of money or the value of the property, services, or benefit falsely claimed;
(5) The value of the Government's actual loss as a result of the misconduct, including foreseeable consequential damages and the costs of investigation;
(6) The relationship of the amount imposed as civil penalties to the amount of the Government's loss;
(7) The potential or actual impact of the misconduct upon national defense, public health or safety, or public confidence in the management of Government programs and operations, including particularly the impact on the intended beneficiaries of such programs;
(8) Whether the defendant has engaged in a pattern of the same or similar misconduct;
(9) Whether the defendant attempted to conceal the misconduct;
(10) The degree to which the defendant has involved others in the misconduct or in concealing it;
(11) Where the misconduct of employees or agents is imputed to the defendant, the extent to which the defendant's practices fostered or attempted to preclude such misconduct;
(12) Whether the defendant cooperated in or obstructed an investigation of the misconduct;
(13) Whether the defendant assisted in identifying and prosecuting other wrongdoers;
(14) The complexity of the program or transaction, and the degree of the defendant's sophistication with respect to it, including the extent of the defendant's prior participation in the program or in similar transactions;
(15) Whether the defendant has been found, in any criminal, civil, or administrative proceeding to have engaged in similar misconduct or to have dealt dishonestly with the Government of the United States or of a State, directly or indirectly; and
(16) The need to deter the defendant and others from engaging in the same or similar misconduct.
(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the ALJ or the authority head from considering any other factors that in any given case may mitigate or aggravate the offense for which penalties and assessments are imposed.
(a) The hearing may be held—
(1) In any judicial district of the United States in which the defendant resides or transacts business;
(2) In any judicial district of the United States in which the claim or statement in issue was made; or
(3) In such other place as may be agreed upon by the defendant and the ALJ.
(b) Each party shall have the opportunity to present argument with respect to the location of the hearing.
(c) The hearing shall be held at the place and at the time ordered by the ALJ.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, testimony at the hearing shall be given orally by witnesses under oath or affirmation.
(b) At the discretion of the ALJ, testimony may be admitted in the form of a written statement or deposition. Any such written statement must be provided to all other parties along with the last known address of such witness, in a manner which allows sufficient time for other parties to subpoena such witness for cross-examination at the hearing. Prior written statements of witnesses proposed to testify at the hearing and deposition transcripts shall be exchanged as provided in § 1013.22(a) of this part.
(c) The ALJ shall exercise reasonable control over the mode and order of interrogating witnesses and presenting evidence so as to (1) make the interrogation and presentation effective for the ascertainment of the truth, (2) avoid needless consumption of time, and (3) protect witnesses from harassment or undue embarrassment.
(d) The ALJ shall permit the parties to conduct such cross-examination as may be required for a full and true disclosure of the facts.
(e) At the discretion of the ALJ, a witness may be cross-examined on matters relevant to the proceeding without regard to the scope of his or her direct examination. To the extent permitted by the ALJ, cross-examination on matters outside the scope of direct examination shall be conducted in the manner of direct examination and may proceed by leading questions only if the witness is a hostile witness, an adverse party, or a witness identified with an adverse party.
(f) Upon motion of any party, the ALJ shall order witnesses excluded so that they cannot hear the testimony of other witnesses. This rule does not authorize exclusion of—
(1) A party who is an individual;
(2) In the case of a party that is not an individual, an officer or employee of the party appearing for the entity
(3) An individual whose presence is shown by a party to be essential to the presentation of its case, including an individual employed by the Government engaged in assisting the representative for the Government.
(a) The ALJ shall determine the admissibility of evidence.
(b) Except as provided in this part, the ALJ shall not be bound by the Federal Rules of Evidence. However, the ALJ may apply the Federal Rules of Evidence where appropriate,
(c) The ALJ shall exclude irrelevant and immaterial evidence.
(d) Although relevant, evidence may be excluded if its probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice, confusion of the issues, or by considerations of undue delay or needless presentation of cumulative evidence.
(e) Although relevant, evidence may be excluded if it is privileged under Federal law.
(f) Evidence concerning offers of compromise or settlement shall be inadmissible to the extent provided in Rule 408 of the Federal Rules of Evidence.
(g) The ALJ shall permit the parties to introduce rebuttal witnesses and evidence.
(h) All documents and other evidence offered or taken for the record shall be open to examination by all parties, unless otherwise ordered by the ALJ pursuant to § 1013.24 of this part.
(a) The hearing will be recorded and transcribed. Transcripts may be obtained following the hearing from the ALJ at a cost not to exceed the actual cost of duplication.
(b) The transcript of testimony, exhibits and other evidence admitted at the hearing, and all papers and requests filed in the proceeding constitute the record for the decision by the ALJ and the authority head.
(c) The record may be inspected and copied (upon payment of a reasonable fee) by anyone, unless otherwise ordered by the ALJ pursuant to § 1013.24 of this part.
The ALJ may require the parties to file post-hearing briefs. In any event, any party may file a post-hearing brief. The ALJ shall fix the time for filing such briefs, not to exceed 60 days from
(a) The ALJ shall issue an initial decision based only on the record, which shall contain findings of fact, conclusions of law, and the amount of any penalties and assessments imposed.
(b) The findings of fact shall include a finding on each of the following issues:
(1) Whether the claims or statements identified in the complaint, or any portions thereof, violate § 1013.3 of this part;
(2) If the person is liable for penalties or assessments, the appropriate amount of any such penalties or assessments considering any mitigating or aggravating factors that he or she finds in the case, such as those described in § 1013.31 of this part.
(c) The ALJ shall promptly serve the initial decision on all parties within 90 days after the time for submission of post-hearing briefs and reply briefs (if permitted) has expired. The ALJ shall at the same time serve all parties with a statement describing the right of any defendant determined to be liable for a civil penalty or assessment to file a motion for reconsideration with the ALJ or a notice of appeal with the authority head. If the ALJ fails to meet the deadline contained in this paragraph, he or she shall notify the parties of the reason for the delay and shall set a new deadline.
(d) Unless the initial decision of the ALJ is timely appealed to the authority head, or a motion for reconsideration of the initial decision is timely filed, the initial decision shall constitute the final decision of the authority head and shall be final and binding on the parties 30 days after it is issued by the ALJ.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, any party may file a motion for reconsideration of the initial decision within 20 days of receipt of the initial decision. If service was made by mail, receipt will be presumed to be five days from the date of mailing in the absence of contrary proof.
(b) Every such motion must set forth the matters claimed to have been erroneously decided and the nature of the alleged errors. Such motion shall be accompanied by a supporting brief.
(c) Responses to such motions shall be allowed only upon request of the ALJ.
(d) No party may file a motion for reconsideration of an initial decision that has been revised in response to a previous motion for reconsideration.
(e) The ALJ may dispose of a motion for reconsideration by denying it or by issuing a revised initial decision.
(f) If the ALJ denies a motion for reconsideration, the initial decision shall constitute the final decision of the authority head and shall be final and binding on the parties 30 days after the ALJ denies the motion, unless the initial decision is timely appealed to the authority head in accordance with § 1013.39.
(g) If the ALJ issues a revised initial decision, that decision shall constitute the final decision of the authority head and shall be final and binding on the parties 30 days after it is issued, unless it is timely appealed to the authority head in accordance with § 1013.39 of this part.
(a) Any defendant who has filed a timely answer and who is determined in an initial decision to be liable for a civil penalty or assessment may appeal such decision to the authority head by filing a notice of appeal with the authority head in accordance with this section.
(b)(1) A notice of appeal may be filed at any time within 30 days after the ALJ issues an initial decision. However, if any party files a motion for reconsideration under § 1013.38 of this part, consideration of the appeal shall be stayed automatically pending resolution of the motion for reconsideration.
(2) If a motion for reconsideration is timely filed, a notice of appeal may be
(3) The authority head may extend the initial 30-day period for an additional 30 days if the defendant files with the authority head a request for an extension within the initial 30-day period and shows good cause.
(c) If the defendant files a timely notice of appeal with the authority head and the time for filing motions for reconsideration under § 1013.38 of this part has expired, the ALJ shall forward the record of the proceeding to the authority head.
(d) A notice of appeal shall be accompanied by a written brief specifying exceptions to the initial decision and reasons supporting the exceptions.
(e) The representative for the Government may file a brief in opposition to exceptions within 30 days of receiving the notice of appeal and accompanying brief.
(f) There is no right to appear personally before the authority head.
(g) There is no right to appeal any interlocutory ruling by the ALJ.
(h) In reviewing the initial decision, the authority head shall not consider any objection that was not raised before the ALJ unless a demonstration is made of extraordinary circumstances causing the failure to raise the objection.
(i) If any party demonstrates to the satisfaction of the authority head that additional evidence not presented at such hearing is material and that there were reasonable grounds for the failure to present such evidence at such hearing, the authority head shall remand the matter to the ALJ for consideration of such additional evidence.
(j) The authority head may affirm, reduce, reverse, compromise, remand, or settle any penalty or assessment determined by the ALJ in any initial decision.
(k) The authority head shall promptly serve each party to the appeal with a copy of the decision of the authority head and a statement describing the right of any person determined to be liable for a penalty or an assessment to seek judicial review.
(l) Unless a petition for review is filed as provided in 31 U.S.C. 3805 after a defendant has exhausted all administrative remedies under this part and within 60 days after the date on which the authority head serves the defendant with a copy of the authority head's decision, a determination that a defendant is liable under § 1013.3 of this part is final and is not subject to judicial review.
If at any time the Attorney General or an Assistant Attorney General designated by the Attorney General transmits to the authority head a written finding that continuation of the administrative process described in this part with respect to a claim or statement may adversely affect any pending or potential criminal or civil action related to such claim or statement, the authority head shall stay the process immediately. The authority head may order the process resumed only upon receipt of the written authorization of the Attorney General.
(a) An initial decision is stayed automatically pending disposition of a motion for reconsideration or of an appeal to the authority head.
(b) No administrative stay is available following a final decision of the authority head.
Section 3805 of title 31, United States Code, authorizes judicial review by an appropriate United States District Court of a final decision of the authority head imposing penalties or assessments under this part and specifies the procedures for such review.
Sections 3806 and 3808(b) of title 31, United States Code, authorizes actions for collection of civil penalties and assessments imposed under this part and specify the procedures for such actions.
The amount of any penalty or assessment which has become final, or for which a judgment has been entered
All amounts collected pursuant to this part shall be deposited as miscellaneous receipts in the Treasury of the United States, except as provided in 31 U.S.C. 3806(g).
(a) Parties may make offers of compromise or settlement at any time.
(b) The reviewing official has the exclusive authority to compromise or settle a case under this part at any time after the date on which the reviewing official is permitted to issue a complaint and before the date on which the ALJ issues an initial decision.
(c) The authority head has exclusive authority to compromise or settle a case under this part at any time after the date on which the ALJ issues an initial decision, except during the pendency of any review under § 1013.42 of this part or during the pendency of any action to collect penalties and assessments under § 1013.43 of this part.
(d) The Attorney General has exclusive authority to compromise or settle a case under this part during the pendency of any review under § 1013.42 of this part or of any action to recover penalties and assessments under 31 U.S.C. 3806.
(e) The investigating official may recommend settlement terms to the reviewing official, the authority head, or the Attorney General, as appropriate. The reviewing official may recommend settlement terms to the authority head, or the Attorney General, as appropriate.
(f) Any compromise or settlement must be in writing.
(a) The notice of hearing with respect to a claim or statement must be served in the manner specified in § 1013.8 of this part within 6 years after the date on which such claim or statement is made.
(b) If the defendant fails to file a timely answer, service of notice under § 1013.10(b) of this part shall be deemed a notice of a hearing for purposes of this section.
(c) The statute of limitations may be extended by agreement of the parties.
Sec. 1(a), 80 Stat. 306, (28 U.S.C. 2672); 28 CFR part 14; sec. 644, Pub. L. 95-91, 91 Stat. 599, (42 U.S.C. 7254).
(a) These regulations shall apply only to claims asserted under the Federal Tort Claims Act, as amended, accruing on or after January 18, 1967, for money damages against the United States for injury to, or loss of, property or personal injury or death caused by the negligent or wrongful act or omission of any employee of the Department of Energy (DOE) while acting within the scope of office or employment.
(b) The terms
(c) The regulations in this part supplement the Attorney General's regulations in part 14 of chapter 1 of title 28 CFR as amended. Those regulations, including subsequent amendments thereto, and the regulations in this part apply to the consideration by DOE of administrative claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act.
(a) For purposes of these regulations, a claim shall be deemed to have been presented when DOE receives, at a place designated in paragraph (b) of this section, an executed Standard Form 95 or other written notification of an incident, accompanied by a claim for money damages in a definite amount for injury to or loss of property, personal injury, or death, that is alleged to have occurred by reason of the incident. A claim that should have been presented to DOE but which was mistakenly addressed to or filed with another Federal agency, shall be deemed to be presented to DOE on the date the claim is received by DOE. A claim mistakenly addressed to or filed with DOE shall be transferred to the appropriate Federal agency, if ascertainable, or returned to the claimant.
(b) Claims should be mailed in envelopes marked “Attention Office of General Counsel.” Claims shall be mailed or delivered to the DOE installation or office employing the person or persons whose acts or omissions are alleged to have caused the loss, damage, or injury, unless the claimant does not know that address. If the proper address is unknown, claims may be mailed or delivered to: The General Counsel, U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, DC 20585. Forms may be obtained from the same places.
(c) A claim may be amended by the claimant at any time before final DOE action or before the exercise of the claimant's option under 28 U.S.C. 2675(a). Amendments shall be submitted in writing and signed by the claimant or a duly authorized agent or legal representative. If an amendment to a pending claim is filed in time, the DOE shall have 6 months to decide the claim as amended. The claimant's option under 28 U.S.C. 2675(a) shall not accrue until 6 months after the filing of an amendment.
(a) A claim for injury to or loss of property may be presented by the owner of the property interest that is the subject of the claim or the owner's duly authorized agent or legal representative.
(b) A claim for personal injury may be presented by the injured person or the claimant's duly authorized agent or legal representative.
(c) A claim based on death may be presented by the executor or administrator of the decedent's estate or by any other person legally entitled to assert such a claim under the applicable State law.
(d) A claim for a loss that was wholly compensated by an insurer with the rights of a subrogee may be presented by the insurer. A claim for loss that was partially compensated by an insurer with the rights of a subrogee may be presented by the insurer or the insured individually, as their respective interests appear, or jointly. Whenever an insurer presents a claim asserting the rights of a subrogee, it shall present with its claim appropriate evidence that it has the rights of a subrogee.
(e) A claim presented by an agent or legal representative shall be presented in the name of the claimant, be signed by the agent or legal representative, show the title or legal capacity of the person signing, and be accompanied by evidence of authority to present a claim on behalf of the claimant.
(a)
(1) An authenticated death certificate or other competent evidence showing the cause of death, the date of death, and the age of the decedent.
(2) Decedent's employment or occupation at time of death, including monthly or yearly salary or earnings
(3) Full names, addresses, birth dates, kinship, and marital status of the decedent's survivors, including identification of those survivors who were dependent for support upon the decedent at the time of death.
(4) The degree of support afforded by the decedent to each survivor dependent upon decedent for support at the time of death.
(5) Decedent's general physical and mental condition before death.
(6) Itemized bills for medical and burial expenses incurred by reason of the incident causing death, or itemized receipts of payment for such expenses.
(7) If damages for pain and suffering prior to death are claimed, a physican's detailed statement specifying the injuries suffered, the duration of pain and suffering, any drugs administered for pain, and the decedent's physical condition between injury and death.
(8) Any other evidence or information that may have a bearing on either the responsibility of the United States for the death or the amount of damages claimed.
(b)
(1) A written report by the attending physician or dentist setting forth the nature and extent of the injury, the nature and extent of treatment, any degree of temporary or permanent disability, the prognosis, the period of hospitalization, and any diminished earning capacity. In addition, the claimant may be required to submit to a physical or mental examination by a physician employed by the DOE or another Federal agency. A copy of the physician's report shall be made available to the claimant upon the claimant's written request, provided that the claimant has, upon request, made or agrees to make available to the DOE any physician's reports previously or thereafter made of the physical or mental condition which is the subject matter of the claim.
(2) Itemized bills for medical, dental, and hospital expenses incurred, or itemized receipts of payment for such expenses.
(3) If the prognosis reveals that future treatment will be needed, a statement of the expected expenses of such treatment.
(4) If a claim is made for loss of time from employment, a written statement from the claimant's employer showing actual time lost from employment, whether the claimant is a full-time or part-time employee, and the wages or salary actually lost.
(5) If a claim is made for loss of income and the claimant is self-employed, documentary evidence showing the amounts of earnings actually lost.
(6) Any other evidence or information that may bear on either the responsibility of the United States for the personal injury or the damages claimed.
(c)
(1) Proof of ownership of the property interest that is the subject of the claim.
(2) A detailed statement of the amount claimed with respect to each item of property.
(3) An itemized receipt of payment for necessary repairs or itemized written estimates of the cost of such repairs.
(4) A statement listing date of purchase, purchase price, and salvage value, where repair is not economical.
(5) Any other evidence or information that may bear on either the responsibility of the United States for the injury to or loss of property or the damages claimed.
The General Counsel, the Deputy General Counsel, the Deputy General Counsel for Legal Services, the Assistant General Counsel for Legal Counsel, and any employees of the Department designated by the General Counsel to receive and act on tort claims at Headquarters and field locations are authorized to act on claims.
(a) An award, compromise, or settlement of a claim in excess of $25,000 shall be made only with the prior written approval of the Attorney General or his or her designee. For the purposes of this paragraph, a principal claim and any derivative or subrogated claim shall be treated as a single claim.
(b) An administrative claim may be adjusted, determined, compromised, or settled only after the Department of Justice has been consulted if, in the opinion of the General Counsel or designee:
(1) A new precedent may be involved;
(2) A question of policy may be involved;
(3) The United States may be entitled to indemnity or contribution from a third party and the DOE is unable to adjust the third party claim; or
(4) The compromise of a particular claim, as a practical matter, may control the disposition of a related claim in which the amount to be paid may exceed $25,000.
(c) An administrative claim may be adjusted, determined, compromised, or settled only after consultation with the Department of Justice when the DOE is aware that the United States or an employee, agent, or cost-type contractor of the United States is involved in litagation based on a claim arising out of the same incident or transaction.
(d) The authority of DOE subordinate claims officials to make awards, compromises, and settlements of over $10,000 is subject to the approval of the General Counsel, the Deputy General Counsel, or the Deputy General Counsel for Legal Services.
(a) When Department of Justice approval or consultation is required under § 1014.6, the referral or request shall be transmitted to the Department of Justice by the General Counsel or designee.
(b) When a designee of the General Counsel is processing a claim requiring consultation with, or approval of, either the DOE General Counsel or the Department of Justice, the referral or request shall be sent to the General Counsel in writing and shall contain:
(1) A short and concise statement of the facts and of the reasons for the referral or request,
(2) Copies of relevant portions of the claim file, and
(3) A statement of recommendations or views.
The DOE may investigate, or may request any other Federal agency to investigate, a claim and may conduct, or request another Federal agency to conduct, a physical examination of a claimant and provide a report of the physical examination.
(a) Final denial of an administrative claim shall be in writing and sent to the claimant, or the claimant's attorney or legal representative by certified or registered mail. The notification of final denial may include a statement of the reasons for the denial and shall include a statement that, if the claimant is dissatisfied with the Department's action, the claimant may file suit in an appropriate U.S. District Court not more than 6 months after the notification is mailed.
(b) Before the commencement of suit and before the 6-month period provided in 28 U.S.C. 2401(b) expires, a claimant, or the claimant's duly authorized agent, or legal representative, may file a written request with the DOE General Counsel for reconsideration of a final denial of a claim. Upon the timely filing of a request for reconsideration the DOE shall have 6 months from the date of filing to decide the claim, and the claimant's option under 28 U.S.C. 2675(a) shall not accrue until 6 months after the request for reconsideration is filed. Final DOE action on a request for reconsideration shall be made in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section.
(a) Payment of any approved claim shall not be made unless the claimant executes (1) a Standard Form 1145, (2) a claims settlement agreement, or (3) a
(b) If the claimant or the claimant's agent or legal representative accepts any award, compromise, or settlement made pursuant to the provisions of section 2672 or 2677 of title 28, United States Code, that acceptance shall be final and conclusive on the claimant, the claimant's agent or legal representative, and any other person on whose behalf or for whose benefit the claim has been presented. The acceptance shall constitute a complete release of any claim against the United States and against any employee of the Government whose act or omission gave rise to the claim, by reason of the same subject matter.
A person who files a false claim or makes a false or fraudulent statement in a claim against the United States may be liable to a fine of not more than $10,000 or to imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or both (18 U.S.C. 1001), and, in addtion, to a forfeiture of $2,000 and a penalty of double the loss or damage sustained by the United States (31 U.S.C 231).
31 U.S.C. 3701, 3711, 3716, 3717, 3718, and 3720B; 42 U.S.C. 2201 and 7101,
This subpart describes the scope of the standards set forth in this part. This subpart corresponds to 31 CFR part 900 in the Department of the Treasury (Treasury) Federal Claims Collection Standards.
(a) The Secretary of the Treasury and the Attorney General of the United States issued regulations in 31 CFR parts 900-904, under the authority contained in 31 U.S.C. 3711(d)(2). Those regulations prescribe standards for Federal agency use in the administrative collection, offset, compromise, and the suspension or termination of collection activity for civil claims for money, funds, or property, as defined by 31 U.S.C. 3701(b), unless specific Federal agency statutes or regulations apply to such activities or, as provided for by Title 11 of the United States Code, when the claims involve bankruptcy. The regulations in 31 CFR parts 900-904 also prescribe standards for referring debts to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for litigation. Additional guidance is contained in the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) Circular A-129 (Revised), “Policies for Federal Credit Programs and Non-Tax Receivables,” the Treasury's “Managing Federal Receivables,” and other publications concerning debt collection and debt management. These publications are available from the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Financial Policy, 1000 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20585.
(b) Additional rules governing centralized administrative offset and the transfer of delinquent debt to Treasury or Treasury-designated debt collection centers for collection (cross-servicing) under the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 (DCIA), Public Law 104-134, 110 Stat. 1321, 1358 (April 26, 1996), are set forth in separate regulations issued by Treasury. Rules governing the use of certain debt collection tools created under the DCIA, such as administrative wage garnishment, also are set forth in separate regulations issued by Treasury. See generally, 31 CFR part 285.
(c) DOE is not limited to the remedies contained in this part and may use any other authorized remedies, including alternative dispute resolution and arbitration, to collect civil claims, to the extent that such remedies are not inconsistent with the Federal Claims Collection Act, as amended, Public Law 89-508, 80 Stat. 308 (July 19, 1966), the Debt Collection Act of 1982, Public Law 97-365, 96 Stat. 1749 (October 25, 1982), the DCIA or other relevant law. The regulations in this part do not impair DOE's common law rights to collect debts.
(d) Standards and policies regarding the classification of debt for accounting purposes (for example, write-off of uncollectible debt) are contained in OMB's Circular A-129 (Revised), “Policies for Federal Credit Programs and Non-Tax Receivables.”
(a) For the purposes of the standards in this part, the terms “claim” and “debt” are synonymous and interchangeable. They refer to an amount of money, funds, or property that has been determined by an agency official to be due the United States from any person, organization, or entity, except another Federal agency. For the purposes of administrative offset under 31 U.S.C. 3716, the terms “claim” and “debt” include an amount of money, funds, or property owed by a person to a State (including past-due support being enforced by a State), the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, the United States Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
(b) A debt is “delinquent” if it has not been paid by the date specified in DOE's initial written demand for payment or applicable agreement or instrument (including a post-delinquency
(c) In this part, words in the plural form shall include the singular and vice versa, and words signifying the masculine gender shall include the feminine and vice versa. The terms “includes” and “including” do not exclude matters not listed but do include matters that are in the same general class.
(d) Recoupment is a special method for adjusting debts arising under the same transaction or occurrence. For example, obligations arising under the same contract generally are subject to recoupment.
(e) The term “Department of Energy” or “DOE” includes the National Nuclear Security Administration.
(a) The standards in this part relating to compromise, suspension, and termination of collection activity do not apply to any debt based in whole or in part on conduct in violation of the antitrust laws or to any debt involving fraud, the presentation of a false claim, or misrepresentation on the part of the debtor or any party having an interest in the claim. Only the DOJ has the authority to compromise, suspend, or terminate collection activity on such claims. The standards in this part relating to the administrative collection of claims do apply, but only to the extent authorized by the DOJ in a particular case. Upon identification of a claim based in whole or in part on conduct in violation of the antitrust laws or any claim involving fraud, the presentation of a false claim, or misrepresentation on the part of the debtor or any party having an interest in the claim, DOE will promptly refer the case to the DOJ for action. At its discretion, the DOJ may return the claim to DOE for further handling in accordance with the standards in this part.
(b) Part 1015 does not apply to tax debts.
(c) Part 1015 does not apply to claims between Federal agencies. Federal agencies should attempt to resolve interagency claims by negotiation in accordance with Executive Order 12146 (3 CFR, 1980 Comp., pp. 409-412).
(d) Part 1015 does not apply to claims arising from the audit of transportation accounts pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 3726 which shall be determined, collected, compromised, terminated, or settled in accordance with regulations published under the authority of 31 U.S.C. 3726 (
(e)(1) Part 1015 does not apply to claims arising out of acquisition contracts, subcontracts, and purchase orders which are subject to the Federal Acquisition Regulations System, including the Federal Acquisition Regulation, 48 CFR subpart 32.6, and the Department of Energy Acquisition Regulation, 48 CFR subpart 932.6, and which shall be determined or settled in accordance with those regulations; and
(2) Part 1015 does not apply to claims arising out of financial assistance instruments (
Nothing in this part precludes DOE from disposing of any claim under statutes and implementing regulations other than subchapter II of chapter 37 of Title 31 of the United States Code (Claims of the United States Government) and the standards in this part. In such cases, the specifically applicable laws and regulations will generally take precedence over this part.
Claims may be paid in the form of money or, when a contractual basis exists, the Government may demand the return of specific property or the performance of specific services.
Debts may not be subdivided to avoid the monetary ceiling established by 31 U.S.C. 3711(a)(2). A debtor's liability arising from a particular transaction or contract shall be considered a single debt in determining whether the debt is one of less than $100,000 (excluding interest, penalties, and administrative costs) or such higher amount as the Attorney General shall from time to time prescribe for purposes of compromise or suspension or termination of collection activity.
DOE is not required to omit, foreclose, or duplicate administrative proceedings required by contract or other laws or regulations.
The standards in this part do not create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by a party against the United States, its agencies, its officers, or any other person, nor shall the failure of DOE, Treasury, the DOJ or other agency to comply with any of the provisions of this part be available to any debtor as a defense.
The subpart sets forth the standards for administrative collection of claims under this part. This subpart corresponds to 31 CFR part 901 of the Treasury Federal Claims Collection Standards.
(a) Heads of DOE Headquarters Elements and Field Elements or their designees must promptly notify the appropriate DOE finance office of claims arising from their operations. A claim will be recorded and controlled by the responsible finance office upon receipt of documentation from a competent authority establishing the amount due.
(b) In accordance with 31 CFR Chapter IX parts 900-904 and this part, DOE will aggressively collect all debts arising out of activities. Collection activities shall be undertaken promptly with follow-up action taken as necessary.
(c) Debts referred or transferred to Treasury, or Treasury-designated debt collection centers under the authority of 31 U.S.C. 3711(g), shall be serviced, collected, or compromised, or the collection action will be suspended or terminated, in accordance with the statutory requirements and authorities applicable to the collection of such debts.
(d) DOE will cooperate with other agencies in its debt collection activities.
(e) DOE will refer debts to Treasury as soon as due process requirements are complete, and should refer such debts no later than 180 days after the debt has become delinquent. On behalf of DOE, Treasury will take appropriate action to collect or compromise the referred debt, or to suspend or terminate collection action thereon, in accordance with the statutory and regulatory requirements and authorities applicable to the debt and action. Appropriate action to collect a debt may include referral to another debt collection center, a private collection contractor, or the DOJ for litigation. (See 31 CFR 285.12, Transfer of Debts to Treasury for Collection.) This requirement does not apply to any debt that:
(1) Is in litigation or foreclosure;
(2) Will be disposed of under an approved asset sale program;
(3) Has been referred to a private collection contractor for a period of time acceptable to Treasury; or
(4) Will be collected under internal offset procedures within three years after the debt first became delinquent.
(f) Treasury is authorized to charge a fee for services rendered regarding referred or transferred debts. DOE will add the fee to the debt as an administrative cost (see § 1015.212(c)).
(a) Written demand as described in paragraph (b) of this section will be made promptly upon a debtor of the United States in terms that inform the debtor of the consequences of failing to cooperate with DOE to resolve the
(b) Demand letters will inform the debtor of:
(1) The basis for the indebtedness and the rights, if any, the debtor may have to seek review within DOE;
(2) The applicable standards for imposing any interest, penalties, or administrative costs;
(3) The date by which payment should be made to avoid late charges (
(4) The name, address, and phone number of a contact person or office within DOE;
(5) DOE's intent to refer unpaid debts to Treasury for collection;
(6) DOE's intent to authorize Treasury to add fees for services rendered as an administrative fee;
(7) DOE's intent to authorize Treasury to utilize collection tools such as credit bureau reporting, private collection agencies, administrative wage garnishment, Federal salary offset, tax refund offset, administrative offset, litigation, and other tools, as appropriate, to collect the debt;
(8) DOE's willingness to discuss alternative methods of payment;
(9) The debtor's entitlement to consideration of a waiver, depending on applicable statutory authority; and
(10) DOE's intent to suspend or revoke licenses, permits, or privileges for any inexcusable or willful failure of a debtor to pay such a debt in accordance with DOE regulations or governing procedures.
(c) DOE will seek to ensure that demand letters are mailed or hand-delivered on the same day that they are dated.
(d) DOE will seek to respond promptly to communications from debtors, within 30 days whenever feasible, and will advise debtors who dispute debts to furnish available evidence to support their contentions.
(e) Prior to the initiation of the demand process or at any time during or after completion of the demand process, if DOE determines to pursue, or is required to pursue, offset, the procedures applicable to offset should be followed (see § 1015.203 of this subpart). The availability of funds or money for debt satisfaction by offset and DOE's determination to pursue collection by offset shall release DOE from the necessity of further compliance with paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this section.
(f) Prior to referring a debt for litigation, DOE should advise each person determined to be liable for the debt that, unless the debt can be collected administratively, litigation may be initiated. This notification should comply with Executive Order 12988 (3 CFR, 1996 Comp, pp. 157-163) and should be given as part of a demand letter under paragraph (b) of this section.
(g) When DOE learns that a bankruptcy petition has been filed with respect to a debtor, before proceeding with further collection action, DOE should immediately seek legal advice from appropriate legal counsel concerning the impact of the Bankruptcy Code on any pending or contemplated collection activities. Unless counsel determines that the automatic stay imposed at the time of filing pursuant to 11 U.S.C. 362 has been lifted or is no longer in effect, in most cases collection activity against the debtor should stop immediately.
(1) After seeking legal advice, a proof of claim should be filed in most cases with the bankruptcy court or the Trustee. DOE will refer to the provisions of 11 U.S.C. 106 relating to the consequences on sovereign immunity of filing a proof of claim.
(2) If DOE is a secured creditor, it may seek relief from the automatic stay regarding its security, subject to the provisions and requirements of 11 U.S.C. 362.
(3) Offset is stayed in most cases by the automatic stay. However, DOE will seek legal advice from counsel to determine whether its payments to the
(a)
(2) This section does not apply to:
(i) Debts arising under the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 301,
(ii) Payments made under the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 301,
(iii) Debts arising under, or payments made under, the Internal Revenue Code (see 31 CFR 285.2, Tax Refund Offset) or the tariff laws of the United States;
(iv) Offsets against Federal salaries to the extent these standards are inconsistent with regulations published to implement such offsets under 5 U.S.C. 5514 and 31 U.S.C. 3716 (see 5 CFR part 550, subpart K, and 31 CFR 285.7, Federal Salary Offset);
(v) Offsets under 31 U.S.C. 3728 against a judgment obtained by a debtor against the United States;
(vi) Offsets or recoupments under common law, state law, or Federal statutes specifically prohibiting offsets or recoupments of particular types of debts; or
(vii) Offsets in the course of judicial proceedings, including bankruptcy.
(3) Unless otherwise provided for by contract or law, debts or payments that are not subject to administrative offset under 31 U.S.C. 3716 may be collected by administrative offset under the common law or other applicable statutory authority.
(4) Unless otherwise provided by law, administrative offset of payments under the authority of 31 U.S.C. 3716 to collect a debt may not be conducted more than 10 years after the Government's right to collect the debt first accrued, unless facts material to the Government's right to collect the debt were not known and could not reasonably have been known by the official or officials of the Government who were charged with the responsibility to discover and collect such debts. This limitation does not apply to debts reduced to a judgment.
(5) In bankruptcy cases, DOE will seek legal advice from appropriate legal counsel concerning the impact of the Bankruptcy Code, particularly 11 U.S.C. 106, 362, and 553, on pending or contemplated collections by offset.
(b)
(2) The names and taxpayer identifying numbers (TINs) of debtors who owe debts referred to Treasury as described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section shall be compared to the names and TINs on payments to be made by Federal disbursing officials. Federal disbursing officials include disbursing officials of Treasury, the Department of Defense, the United States Postal Service, other Government corporations, and disbursing officials of the United States designated by the Secretary of the Treasury. When the name and TIN of a debtor match the name and TIN of a payee and all other requirements for offset have been met, the payment will be offset to satisfy the debt.
(3) Treasury will notify the debtor/payee in writing that an offset has occurred to satisfy, in part or in full, a past due, legally enforceable delinquent debt. The notice shall include a description of the type and amount of the payment from which the offset was taken, the amount of offset that was
(4) As required in 31 CFR 901.3(b)(4), DOE will refer a delinquent debt to Treasury for administrative offset, only after the debtor:
(i) Has been sent written notice of the type and amount of the debt, the intention of DOE to use administrative offset to collect the debt, and an explanation of the debtor's rights under 31 U.S.C. 3716; and
(ii) Has been given:
(A) The opportunity to inspect and copy DOE records related to the debt;
(B) The opportunity for a review within DOE of the determination of indebtedness; and
(C) The opportunity to make a written agreement to repay the debt.
(iii) DOE may omit the procedures set forth in paragraph (a)(4) of this section when:
(A) The offset is in the nature of a recoupment;
(B) The debt arises under a contract as set forth in
(C) In the case of non-centralized administrative offsets conducted under paragraph (c) of this section, DOE first learns of the existence of the amount owed by the debtor when there is insufficient time before payment would be made to the debtor/payee to allow for prior notice and an opportunity for review. When prior notice and an opportunity for review are omitted, DOE shall give the debtor such notice and an opportunity for review as soon as practicable and shall promptly refund any money ultimately found not to have been owed to the Government.
(iv) When DOE previously has given a debtor any of the required notice and review opportunities with respect to a particular debt (see § 1015.202), DOE need not duplicate such notice and review opportunities before administrative offset may be initiated.
(5) When DOE refers delinquent debts to Treasury, DOE must certify, in a form acceptable to Treasury, that:
(i) The debt(s) is (are) past due and legally enforceable; and
(ii) DOE has complied with all due process requirements under 31 U.S.C. 3716(a) and DOE regulations.
(6) Payments that are prohibited by law from being offset are exempt from centralized administrative offset. Treasury may exempt classes of DOE payments from centralized offset upon the written request of the Secretary of DOE.
(7) In accordance with 31 U.S.C. 3716(f), Treasury may waive the provisions of the Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act of 1988 concerning matching agreements and post-match notification and verification (5 U.S.C. 552a(o) and (p)) for centralized administrative offset upon receipt of a certification from DOE that the due process requirements enumerated in 31 U.S.C. 3716(a) have been met. The certification of a debt in accordance with paragraph (b)(5) of this section will satisfy this requirement. If such a waiver is granted, only the Data Integrity Board of Treasury is required to oversee any matching activities, in accordance with 31 U.S.C. 3716(g). This waiver authority does not apply to offsets conducted under paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section.
(c)
(2) DOE shall comply with offset requests by creditor agencies to collect debts owed to the United States, unless the offset would not be in the best interest of the United States with respect to the program of DOE, or would otherwise be contrary to law. Appropriate use will be made of the cooperative efforts of other agencies in effecting collection by administrative offset.
(3) When collecting multiple debts by non-centralized administrative offset, DOE generally will apply the recovered amounts to those debts in accordance with the best interests of the United States, as determined by the facts and circumstances of the particular case, particularly the applicable statute of limitations.
(d)
(e)
(2) Unless otherwise required by law, an oral hearing under this section is not required to be a formal evidentiary hearing, although DOE will carefully document all significant matters discussed at the hearing.
(3) This section does not require an oral hearing with respect to debt collection systems in which a determination of indebtedness rarely involves issues of credibility or veracity and DOE has determined that review of the written record is ordinarily an adequate means to correct prior mistakes.
(4) In those cases when an oral hearing is not required by this section, DOE will accord the debtor a “paper hearing,” that is, a determination of the request for reconsideration based upon a review of the written record.
(a) DOE may disclose delinquent debts to consumer reporting agencies in accordance with 31 U.S.C. 3711(e), the DCIA, the revised Federal Claims Collection Standards (31 CFR parts 900-904) published November 22, 2000, and other applicable authorities. DOE will ensure that all of the rights and protections afforded to the debtor under 31 U.S.C. 3711(e) have been fulfilled. Additional guidance is contained in Treasury's “Guide to the Federal Credit Bureau Program,” revised October 2001.
(b) As described in § 1015.201(e), under the DCIA (31 U.S.C. 3711(g)), DOE is required to transfer all debts over 180 days delinquent to Treasury for purposes of debt collection (
(a) In order to aid DOE in making appropriate determinations as to the collection and compromise of claims; the collection of interest, penalties, and administrative costs; and the likelihood of collecting the claim, DOE may institute a credit investigation of the debtor at any time following receipt of knowledge of the claim.
(b) As described in § 1015.201(e), under the DCIA (31 U.S.C. 3711(g)), DOE is required to transfer all debts over 180 days delinquent to Treasury for purposes of debt collection (
(a) DOE may contract with private collection contractors in accordance with 31 U.S.C. 3718(d), the DCIA, the revised Federal Claims Collection Standards (31 CFR parts 900-904) published November 22, 2000, and other applicable authorities.
(b) As described in § 1015.201(e), under the DCIA, DOE is required to transfer all debts over 180 days delinquent to Treasury for purposes of debt collection (
(c) DOE may enter into contracts for locating and recovering assets of the United States, such as unclaimed assets. DOE must establish procedures acceptable to Treasury before entering into contracts to recover assets of the United States held by a state government or a financial institution.
(d) DOE may enter into contracts for debtor asset and income search reports. In accordance with 31 U.S.C. 3718(d), such contracts may provide that the fee a contractor charges DOE for such services may be payable from the amounts recovered, unless otherwise prohibited by statute.
(a) Unless waived by the Secretary of DOE or his designee, DOE may not extend financial assistance in the form of a loan, loan guarantee, or loan insurance to any person who DOE knows to be delinquent on a non-tax debt owed to a Federal agency. This prohibition does not apply to disaster loans. The authority to waive the application of this section may be delegated to the Chief Financial Officer and redelegated only to the Deputy Chief Financial Officer of DOE. DOE may extend credit after the delinquency has been resolved. See 31 CFR 285.13 (Barring Delinquent Debtors From Obtaining Federal Loans or Loan Insurance or Guarantees).
(b) In non-bankruptcy cases, DOE offices seeking the collection of statutory penalties, forfeitures, or other types of claims should consider the suspension or revocation of licenses, permits, or other privileges for any inexcusable or willful failure of a debtor to pay such a debt in accordance with DOE's regulations or governing procedures. The debtor should be advised in DOE's written demand for payment of DOE's ability to suspend or revoke licenses, permits, or privileges. Any DOE office making, guaranteeing, insuring, acquiring, or participating in loans should consider suspending or disqualifying any lender, contractor, or broker from doing further business with DOE or engaging in programs sponsored by DOE if such lender, contractor, or broker fails to pay its debts to the Government within a reasonable time or if such lender, contractor, or broker has been suspended, debarred, or disqualified from participation in a program or activity by another Federal agency. The failure of any surety to honor its obligations in accordance with 31 U.S.C. 9305 should be reported to Treasury. Treasury will forward to all interested agencies notification that a surety's certificate of authority to do business with the Government has been revoked by Treasury.
(c) The suspension or revocation of licenses, permits, or privileges also should extend to Federal programs or activities that are administered by the states on behalf of the Federal Government, to the extent that they affect the Federal Government's ability to collect money or funds owed by debtors. Therefore, states that manage Federal activities, pursuant to approval from DOE, should ensure that appropriate steps are taken to safeguard against issuing licenses, permits, or privileges to debtors who fail to pay their debts to the Federal Government.
(d) In bankruptcy cases, before advising the debtor of DOE's intention to suspend or revoke licenses, permits, or privileges, DOE will seek legal advice from counsel concerning the impact of the Bankruptcy Code, particularly 11 U.S.C. 362 and 525, which may restrict such action.
(a) DOE may use administrative wage garnishment to collect money from a debtor's disposable pay to satisfy delinquent debt in accordance with section 31001(o) of the DCIA, codified at 31 U.S.C. 3720D. Treasury has issued regulations implementing the administrative wage garnishment provisions contained in the DCIA, at 31 CFR 285.11. DOE has adopted these regulations in their entirety.
(b) As described in § 1015.201(e) of this part, under the DCIA (31 U.S.C. 3711(g)), DOE is required to transfer all debts over 180 days delinquent to Treasury for purposes of debt collection (
(a) DOE may authorize the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to offset a tax refund to satisfy delinquent debt in accordance with 31 U.S.C. 3720A, Reduction of Tax Refund by Amount of Debt. Treasury has issued regulations implementing the tax refund offset as part of Treasury's mandatory centralized offset at 31 CFR 285.2, Offset of Tax Refund to Collect Past-Due, Legally Enforceable Non-tax Debt. DOE has adopted 31 U.S.C. 3720A and 31 CFR 285.2 in their entirety. The due process requirements of 31 U.S.C. 3720A are contained in §§ 1015.203(b)(4), and 1015.203(e) of this part.
(b) As described in § 1015.201(e) of this part, under the DCIA (31 U.S.C. 3711(g)), DOE is required to transfer all debts over 180 days delinquent to Treasury for purposes of debt collection (
(a) DOE may liquidate security or collateral through the exercise of a power of sale in the security instrument or a nonjudicial foreclosure, and apply the proceeds to the applicable debt(s), if the debtor fails to pay the debt(s) within a reasonable time after demand and if such action is in the best interest of the United States. Collection from other sources, including liquidation of security or collateral, is not a prerequisite to requiring payment by a surety, insurer, or guarantor unless such action is expressly required by statute or contract.
(b) When DOE learns that a bankruptcy petition has been filed with respect to a debtor, DOE will seek legal advice from counsel concerning the impact of the Bankruptcy Code, including, but not limited to, 11 U.S.C. 362, to determine the applicability of the automatic stay and the procedures for obtaining relief from such stay prior to proceeding under paragraph (a) of this section.
(a) Whenever feasible, DOE shall collect the total amount of a debt in one lump sum. If a debtor is financially unable to pay a debt in one lump sum, DOE may accept payment in regular installments. DOE will obtain a current financial statement showing the debtor's assets, liabilities, income, and expenses from debtors who represent that they are unable to pay in one lump sum, and independently verify such representations whenever possible. DOE may also obtain credit reports or other financial information to assess installment requests. DOE may use its own financial information form or a DOJ form, such as the Financial Statement of Debtor (OBD-500) (see § 1015.302(g) of this part). When DOE agrees to accept payments in regular installments, it will obtain a legally enforceable, written agreement from the debtor that specifies all of the terms of the arrangement and that contains a provision accelerating the debt in the event of default.
(b) The size and frequency of installment payments should bear a reasonable relation to the size of the debt and the debtor's ability to pay. If possible,
(c) Security for deferred payments should be obtained in appropriate cases. DOE may accept installment payments notwithstanding the refusal of the debtor to execute a written agreement or to give security, at DOE's option.
(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this section, DOE shall charge interest, penalties and administrative costs on debts owed to the United States pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 3717. DOE shall mail or hand-deliver a written notice to the debtor, at the debtor's most recent address available to DOE, explaining DOE's requirements concerning these charges except where these requirements are included in a contractual or repayment agreement. These charges shall continue to accrue until the debt is paid in full or otherwise resolved through compromise, termination, or waiver of the charges.
(b) DOE shall charge interest on debts owed the United States as follows:
(1) Interest shall accrue from the date of delinquency, or as otherwise provided by law.
(2) Unless otherwise established in a contract, repayment agreement, or by statute, the rate of interest charged shall be the rate established annually by Treasury in accordance with 31 U.S.C. 3717. Pursuant to 31 U.S.C 3717, DOE may charge a higher rate of interest if it reasonably determines that a higher rate is necessary to protect the rights of the United States. DOE will document the reason(s) for its determination that the higher rate is necessary.
(3) The rate of interest, as initially charged, shall remain fixed for the duration of the indebtedness. When a debtor defaults on a repayment agreement and seeks to enter into a new agreement, DOE may require payment of interest at a new rate that reflects the current value of funds to the Treasury at the time the new agreement is executed. Interest shall not be compounded, that is, interest shall not be charged on interest, penalties, or administrative costs required by this section. If, however, a debtor defaults on a previous repayment agreement, charges that accrued but were not collected under the defaulted agreement shall be added to the principal under the new repayment agreement.
(c) DOE shall assess administrative costs incurred for processing and handling delinquent debts. The calculation of administrative costs should be based on actual costs incurred or upon estimated costs as determined by the assessing office.
(d) Unless otherwise established in a contract, repayment agreement, or by statute, DOE shall charge a penalty, pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 3717(e)(2), not to exceed six percent a year on the amount due on a debt that is delinquent for more than 90 days. This charge shall accrue from the date of delinquency.
(e) DOE may increase an “administrative debt” by the cost of living adjustment in lieu of charging interest and penalties under this section. “Administrative debt” includes, but is not limited to, a debt based on fines, penalties, and overpayments, but does not include a debt based on the extension of Government credit, such as those arising from loans and loan guaranties. The cost of living adjustment is the percentage by which the Consumer Price Index for the month of June of the calendar year preceding the adjustment exceeds the Consumer Price Index for the month of June of the calendar year in which the debt was determined or last adjusted. Increases to administrative debts shall be computed annually. DOE will use this alternative only when there is a legitimate reason to do so, such as when calculating interest and penalties on a debt would be extremely difficult because of the age of the debt.
(f) When a debt is paid in partial or installment payments, amounts received by DOE shall be applied first to outstanding penalties, second to administrative costs, third to interest, and last to principal.
(g) DOE shall waive the collection of interest and administrative costs imposed pursuant to this section on the portion of the debt that is paid within
(h) When a debtor requests a waiver or review of the debt, DOE will continue to accrue interest, penalties, and administrative costs during the period collection activity is suspended. Upon completion of DOE's review, interest, penalties, and administrative costs related to the portion of the debt found to be without merit will be waived.
(i) DOE is authorized to impose interest and related charges on debts not subject to 31 U.S.C. 3717, in accordance with the common law.
DOE will prepare periodic comparisons of costs incurred and amounts collected. Data on costs and corresponding recovery rates for debts of different types and in various dollar ranges will be used to compare the cost effectiveness of alternative collection techniques, establish guidelines with respect to points at which costs of further collection efforts are likely to exceed recoveries, assist in evaluating offers in compromise, and establish minimum debt amounts below which collection efforts need not be taken.
(a) When attempting to locate a debtor in order to collect or compromise a debt under §§ 1015.100-105 of this part or other authority, DOE may send a request to Treasury to obtain a debtor's mailing address from the records of the IRS.
(b) DOE may use mailing addresses obtained under paragraph (a) of this section to enforce collection of a delinquent debt and may disclose such mailing addresses to other agencies and to collection agencies for collection purposes.
(a) DOE may authorize Treasury to offset a Federal salary to satisfy delinquent debt in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 5514, Installment Deduction for Indebtedness to the United States; 5 CFR 550.1101 through 550.1108, Collection by Offset from Indebted Government Employees; 31 CFR parts 900-904, the revised Federal Claims Collection Standards; and 31 CFR 285.7, Salary Offset. DOE shall ensure that all of the rights and protections afforded to the debtor under 5 U.S.C. 5514 and 31 CFR 901.3 have been fulfilled. Claims due from Federal employees will be collected in accordance with DOE Order 2200.2B, Collection from Current and Former Employees for Indebtedness to the United States.
(b) As described in § 1015.201(e), under the DCIA (31 U.S.C. 3711(g)), DOE is required to refer all debts over 180 days delinquent to Treasury for purposes of debt collection (
(a) The preceding sections of this part, to the extent they reflect remedies or procedures prescribed by the Debt Collection Act of 1982 and the DCIA, such as administrative offset, use of credit bureaus, contracting for collection agencies, and interest and related charges, do not apply to debts arising under, or payments made under, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (26 U.S.C. 1,
(b) This section should not be construed as prohibiting the use of these
This subpart sets forth the standards for the compromise of claims under this part. This subpart corresponds to 31 CFR part 902 of the Treasury Federal Claims Collection Standards.
(a) The standards set forth in this subpart apply to the compromise of debts pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 3711. DOE's Chief Financial Officer or designee or Heads of Field Elements or designees in field locations may exercise such compromise authority for debts arising out of activities of, or referred or transferred for collection services to, DOE when the amount of the debt then due, exclusive of interest, penalties, and administrative costs, does not exceed $100,000 or any higher amount authorized by the Attorney General.
(b) Unless otherwise provided by law, when the principal balance of a debt, exclusive of interest, penalties, and administrative costs, exceeds $100,000 or any higher amount authorized by the Attorney General, the authority to accept the compromise rests with the DOJ. DOE will evaluate the compromise offer, using the factors set forth in this part. If an offer to compromise any debt in excess of $100,000 is acceptable to DOE, DOE shall refer the debt to the Civil Division or other appropriate litigating division in the DOJ using a Claims Collection Litigation Report (CCLR). DOE may obtain the CCLR from the DOJ's National Central Intake Facility. The referral shall include appropriate financial information and a recommendation for the acceptance of the compromise offer. DOJ approval is not required if DOE rejects a compromise offer.
(a) DOE may compromise a debt if the Government cannot collect the full amount because:
(1) The debtor is unable to pay the full amount in a reasonable time, as verified through credit reports or other financial information;
(2) The Government is unable to collect the debt in full within a reasonable time by enforced collection proceedings;
(3) The cost of collecting the debt does not justify the enforced collection of the full amount; or
(4) There is significant doubt concerning the Government's ability to prove its case in court.
(b) In determining the debtor's inability to pay, DOE should consider relevant factors such as the following:
(1) Age and health of the debtor;
(2) Present and potential income;
(3) Inheritance prospects;
(4) The possibility that assets have been concealed or improperly transferred by the debtor; and
(5) The availability of assets or income that may be realized by enforced collection proceedings.
(c) DOE will verify the debtor's claim of inability to pay by using a credit report and other financial information as provided in paragraph (g) of this section. DOE will consider the applicable exemptions available to the debtor under state and Federal law in determining the Government's ability to enforce collection. DOE may also consider uncertainty as to the price that collateral or other property will bring at a forced sale in determining the Government's ability to enforce collection. A compromise effected under this section should be for an amount that bears a reasonable relation to the amount that can be recovered by enforced collection procedures, with regard to the exemptions available to the debtor and the time that collection will take.
(d) If there is significant doubt concerning the Government's ability to prove its case in court for the full amount claimed, either because of the legal issues involved or because of a bona fide dispute as to the facts, then the amount accepted in compromise of such cases should fairly reflect the
(e) DOE may compromise a debt if the cost of collecting the debt does not justify the enforced collection of the full amount. The amount accepted in compromise in such cases may reflect an appropriate discount for the administrative and litigative costs of collection, with consideration given to the time it will take to effect collection. Collection costs may be a substantial factor in the settlement of small debts. In determining whether the cost of collecting justifies enforced collection of the full amount, DOE should consider whether continued collection of the debt, regardless of cost, is necessary to further an enforcement principle, such as the Government's willingness to pursue aggressively defaulting and uncooperative debtors.
(f) DOE generally will not accept compromises payable in installments. This is not an advantageous form of compromise in terms of time and administrative expense. If, however, payment of a compromise in installments is necessary, DOE will obtain a legally enforceable, written agreement providing that, in the event of default, the full original principal balance of the debt prior to compromise, less sums paid thereon, is reinstated. Whenever possible, DOE also will obtain security for repayment in the manner set forth in subpart B of this part.
(g) To assess the merits of a compromise offer based in whole or in part on the debtor's inability to pay the full amount of a debt within a reasonable time, DOE will, if feasible, obtain a current financial statement from the debtor, executed under penalty of perjury, showing the debtor's assets, liabilities, income, and expenses. DOE also may obtain credit reports or other financial information to assess compromise offers. DOE may use its own financial information form or may request suitable forms from the DOJ or the local United States Attorney's Office.
Pursuant to this part, DOE may compromise statutory penalties, forfeitures, or claims established as an aid to enforcement and to compel compliance, if DOE's enforcement policy in terms of deterrence and securing compliance, present and future, will be adequately served by DOE's acceptance of the sum to be agreed upon.
(a) When two or more debtors are jointly and severally liable, DOE will pursue collection activity against all debtors, as appropriate. DOE will not attempt to allocate the burden of payment between the debtors, but will proceed to liquidate the indebtedness as quickly as possible.
(b) DOE will seek to ensure that a compromise agreement with one debtor does not release DOE's claim against the remaining debtors. The amount of a compromise with one debtor shall not be considered a precedent or binding in determining the amount that will be required from other debtors jointly and severally liable on the claim.
If DOE is uncertain whether to accept a firm, written, substantive compromise offer on a debt that is within DOE's delegated compromise authority, it may refer the offer to the Civil Division or other appropriate litigating division in the DOJ, using a CCLR accompanied by supporting data and particulars concerning the debt. The DOJ may act upon such an offer or return it to DOE with instructions or advice.
In negotiating a compromise, DOE will consider the tax consequences to the Government. In particular, DOE will consider requiring a waiver of tax-loss-carry-forward and tax-loss-carry-
In all appropriate instances, a compromise that is accepted by DOE will be implemented by means of a mutual release, in which the debtor is released from further non-tax liability on the compromised debt in consideration of payment in full of the compromise amount and the Government and its officials, past and present, are released and discharged from any and all claims and causes of action arising from the same transaction that the debtor may have. In the event a mutual release is not executed when a debt is compromised, unless prohibited by law, the debtor is still deemed to have waived any and all claims and causes of action against the Government and its officials related to the transaction giving rise to the compromised debt.
The subpart sets forth the standards for terminating collection activity. This subpart corresponds to 31 CFR part 903 of the Treasury Federal Claims Collection Standards.
(a) The standards set forth in this subpart apply to the suspension or termination of collection activity pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 3711 on debts that do not exceed $100,000, or such other amount as the Attorney General may direct, exclusive of interest, penalties, and administrative costs, after deducting the amount of partial payments or collections, if any. Prior to referring a debt to the DOJ for litigation, DOE may suspend or terminate collection under this part with respect to debts arising out of activities of, or referred to, DOE.
(b) If, after deducting the amount of any partial payments or collections, the principal amount of a debt exceeds $100,000, or such other amount as the Attorney General may direct, exclusive of interest, penalties, and administrative costs, the authority to suspend or terminate rests solely with the DOJ. If DOE believes that suspension or termination of any debt in excess of $100,000 may be appropriate, DOE shall refer the debt to the Civil Division or other appropriate litigating division in the DOJ, using the CCLR. The referral should specify the reasons for DOE's recommendation. If, prior to referral to the DOJ, DOE determines that a debt is plainly erroneous or clearly without legal merit, DOE may terminate collection activity regardless of the amount involved without obtaining DOJ concurrence.
(a) DOE may suspend collection activity on a debt when:
(1) DOE cannot locate the debtor;
(2) The debtor's financial condition is expected to improve; or
(3) The debtor has requested a waiver or review of the debt.
(b) Based on the current financial condition of the debtor, DOE may suspend collection activity on a debt when the debtor's future prospects justify retention of the debt for periodic review and collection activity and:
(1) The applicable statute of limitations has not expired; or
(2) Future collection can be effected by administrative offset, notwithstanding the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations for litigation of claims, with due regard to the 10-year limitation for administrative offset prescribed by 31 U.S.C. 3716(e)(1); or
(3) The debtor agrees to pay interest on the amount of the debt on which collection will be suspended, and such suspension is likely to enhance the debtor's ability to pay the full amount of the principal of the debt with interest at a later date.
(c)(1) DOE shall suspend collection activity during the time required for consideration of the debtor's request for waiver or administrative review of the debt if the statute under which the request is sought prohibits DOE from collecting the debt during that time. As indicated in § 1015.212(h), DOE will continue to accrue interest, penalties,
(2) If the statute under which the request is sought does not prohibit collection activity pending consideration of the request, DOE may use discretion, on a case-by-case basis, to suspend collection. Further, DOE ordinarily will suspend collection action upon a request for waiver or review if DOE is prohibited by statute or regulation from issuing a refund of amounts collected prior to DOE's consideration of the debtor's request. However, DOE will not suspend collection when DOE determines that the request for waiver or review is frivolous or was made primarily to delay collection.
(d) When DOE learns that a bankruptcy petition has been filed with respect to a debtor, in most cases the collection activity on a debt must be suspended, pursuant to the provisions of 11 U.S.C. 362, 1201, and 1301, unless DOE can clearly establish that the automatic stay has been lifted or is no longer in effect. DOE will seek legal advice immediately from counsel and, if legally permitted, take the necessary legal steps to ensure that no funds or money is paid by DOE to the debtor until relief from the automatic stay is obtained.
(a) DOE may terminate collection activity when:
(1) DOE is unable to collect any substantial amount through its own efforts or through the efforts of others;
(2) DOE is unable to locate the debtor;
(3) Costs of collection are anticipated to exceed the amount recoverable;
(4) The debt is legally without merit, or enforcement of the debt is barred by any applicable statute of limitations;
(5) The debt cannot be substantiated; or
(6) The debt against the debtor has been discharged in bankruptcy.
(b) Before terminating collection activity, DOE will have pursued all appropriate means of collection and determined, based upon the results of the collection activity, that the debt is uncollectible. Termination of collection activity ceases active collection of the debt. The termination of collection activity does not preclude DOE from retaining a record of the account for purposes of:
(1) Selling the debt, if Treasury determines that such sale is in the best interests of the United States;
(2) Pursuing collection at a subsequent date in the event there is a change in the debtor's status or a new collection tool becomes available;
(3) Offsetting against future income or assets not available at the time of termination of collection activity; or
(4) Screening future applicants for prior indebtedness.
(c) Generally, DOE shall terminate collection activity on a debt that has been discharged in bankruptcy, regardless of the amount. DOE may continue collection activity, however, subject to the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, for any payments provided under a plan of reorganization. Offset and recoupment rights may survive the discharge of the debtor in bankruptcy and, under some circumstances, claims also may survive the discharge. For example, if DOE is a known creditor of a debtor, its claims may survive a discharge if DOE did not receive formal notice of the proceedings. DOE will seek legal advice from counsel if it believes it has claims or offsets that may survive the discharge of a debtor.
When a significant enforcement policy is involved, or recovery of a judgment is a prerequisite to the imposition of administrative sanctions, DOE may refer debts for litigation even though termination of collection activity may otherwise be appropriate.
(a) Before discharging a delinquent debt (also referred to as a close out of the debt), DOE shall take all appropriate steps to collect the debt in accordance with 31 U.S.C. 3711(g), including, as applicable, administrative offset, tax refund offset, Federal salary offset, referral to Treasury, Treasury-designated debt collection centers or private collection contractors, credit bureau reporting, wage garnishment, litigation, and foreclosure. Discharge
(b) 31 U.S.C. 3711(i) requires DOE to sell a delinquent non-tax debt upon termination of collection action if Treasury determines such a sale is in the best interests of the United States. Since the discharge of a debt precludes any further collection action (including the sale of a delinquent debt), DOE may not discharge a debt until the requirements of 31 U.S.C. 3711(i) have been met.
(c) Upon discharge of an indebtedness, DOE must report the discharge to the IRS in accordance with the requirements of 26 U.S.C. 6050P and 26 CFR 1.6050P-1. DOE may request Treasury or Treasury-designated debt collection centers to file such a discharge report to the IRS on DOE's behalf.
(d) When discharging a debt, DOE must request that litigation counsel release any liens of record securing the debt.
This subpart sets forth the standards for referrals to the Department of Justice. This subpart corresponds to 31 CFR part 904 of the Treasury Federal Claims Collection Standards.
(a) DOE may authorize Treasury to refer a delinquent debt to the DOJ for litigation in accordance with 31 U.S.C. 3711(g), the DCIA, the revised Federal Claims Collection Standards (31 CFR parts 900-904), and other applicable authorities. DOE shall ensure that all of the rights and protections afforded to the debtor under 31 U.S.C. 3711(e) have been fulfilled.
(b) As described in § 1015.201(e), under the DCIA (31 U.S.C. 3711(g)), DOE is required to transfer all debts over 180 days delinquent to Treasury for purposes of debt collection (
(a) If a debt is not referred to the DOJ through Treasury's cross-servicing program, DOE shall promptly refer to the DOJ for litigation debts on which aggressive collection activity has been taken in accordance with § 1015.200 of this part and that cannot be compromised, or on which collection activity cannot be suspended or terminated, in accordance with §§ 1015.300 and 1015.400 of this part. DOE may refer those debts arising out of activities of DOE. Debts for which the principal amount is over $1,000,000, or such other amount as the Attorney General may direct, exclusive of interest and penalties, shall be referred to the Civil Division or other division responsible for litigating such debts at the DOJ, Washington, DC. Debts for which the principal amount is $1,000,000, or less, or such other amount as the Attorney General may direct, exclusive of interest or penalties, shall be referred to the DOJ's Nationwide Central Intake Facility as required by the CCLR instructions. Claims will be referred as early as possible, consistent with aggressive agency collection activity and the observance of the standards contained in the Federal Claims Collection Standards (31 CFR parts 900-904), and, in any event, well within the period for initiating timely lawsuits against the debtors. DOE shall make every effort to refer delinquent debts to the DOJ for litigation within one year of the date such debts last became delinquent. In the case of guaranteed or insured loans, DOE will make every effort to refer these delinquent debts to the DOJ for litigation within one year from the
(b) The DOJ has exclusive jurisdiction over the debts referred to it pursuant to this section. DOE shall refrain from having any contact with the debtor and shall direct all debtor inquiries concerning the claim to the DOJ. DOE shall notify the DOJ immediately of any payments credited by DOE to the debtor's account after referral of a debt or claim under this section. The DOJ shall notify DOE, in a timely manner, of any payments it receives from the debtor.
(a) Unless excepted by the DOJ, DOE shall complete the CCLR (see § 1015.301 of this part), accompanied by a signed Certificate of Indebtedness, to refer all administratively uncollectible claims to the DOJ for litigation. DOE shall complete all of the sections of the CCLR appropriate to each claim as required by the CCLR instructions and furnish such other information as may be required in specific cases.
(b) DOE shall indicate clearly on the CCLR the actions it wishes the DOJ to take with respect to the referred claim. The CCLR permits DOE to indicate specifically any of a number of litigative activities which the DOJ may pursue, including enforced collection, judgment lien only, renew judgment lien only, renew judgment lien and enforce collection, program enforcement, foreclosure only, and foreclosure and deficiency judgment.
(c) DOE also shall use the CCLR to refer claims to the DOJ to obtain the DOJ's approval of any proposals to compromise the claims or to suspend or terminate DOE collection activity.
DOE will take care to preserve all files and records that may be needed by the DOJ to prove its claims in court. DOE ordinarily will include certified copies of the documents that form the basis for the claim in the packages referring its claims to the DOJ for litigation. DOE shall provide originals of such documents immediately upon request by the DOJ.
(a) DOE shall not refer for litigation claims of less than $2,500, exclusive of interest, penalties, and administrative costs, or such other amount as the Attorney General shall from time to time prescribe. The DOJ promptly shall notify DOE if the Attorney General changes this minimum amount.
(b) DOE shall not refer claims of less than the minimum amount unless:
(1) Litigation to collect such smaller claims is important to ensure compliance with DOE's policies or programs;
(2) The claim is being referred solely for the purpose of securing a judgment against the debtor, which will be filed as a lien against the debtor's property pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 3201 and returned to DOE for enforcement; or
(3) The debtor has the clear ability to pay the claim and the Government effectively can enforce payment, with due regard for the exemptions available to the debtor under state and Federal law and the judicial remedies available to the Government.
(4) DOE will consult with the Financial Litigation Staff of the Executive Office for United States Attorneys in the DOJ prior to referring claims valued at less than the minimum amount.
Sec. 161i, 68 Stat. 948 (42 U.S.C. 2201).
The regulations in this part establish requirements for the safeguarding of Secret and Confidential Restricted Data received or developed under an access permit. This part does not apply to Top Secret information since no such information may be forwarded to an access permittee within the scope of this regulation.
The regulations in this part apply to all persons who may require access to Retricted Data used, processed, stored, reproduced, transmitted, or handled in connection with an access permit.
(a)
(1) “Q” access authorizations or clearances are based upon full field investigations conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Office of Personnel Management, or another Government agency which conducts personnel security investigations. They permit an individual to have access, on a “need to know” basis, to Top Secret, Secret, and Confidential Restricted Data, Formerly Restricted Data, National Security Information, or special nuclear material in Category I or II quantities as required in the performance of duties.
(2) “Q(X)” access authorizations or clearances are based upon the same full field investigations as described in § 1016.3(a)(1), above. When “Q” access authorizations or clearances are granted to access permittees they are identified as “Q(X)” access authorizations or clearances and authorize access only to the type of Secret Restricted Data as specified in the permit and consistent with appendix A, 10 CFR part 725, “Categories of Restricted Data Available.”
(3) “L” access authorizations or clearances are based upon National Agency Checks and Inquiries (NACI) for Federal employees, or National Agency Checks (NAC) for non-Federal employees, conducted by the Office of Personnel Management. They permit an individual to have access, on a “need to know” basis, to Confidential Restricted Data, Secret and Confidential Formerly Restricted Data, or Secret and Confidential National Security Information, required in the performance of duties, provided such information is not designated “CRYPTO” (classified cryptographic information), other classified communications security (“COMSEC”) information, or intelligence information.
(4) “L(X)” access authorizations or clearances are based upon the same National Agency Checks as described in paragraph (a)(3), of this section. When “L” access authorizations or clearances are granted to access permittees, they are identified as “L(X)” access authorizations or clearances and authorize access only to the type of Confidential Retricted Data as specified in the permit and consistent with appendix A, 10 CFR part 725, “Categories of Restricted Data Available.”
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
(m)
(n)
(o)
(p)
(q)
(r)
(s)
(t)
(u)
(v)
(w)
(x)
(y)
(z)
Communications concerning rulemaking, i.e., petition to change part 1016, should be addressed to the Assistant Secretary for Defense Programs (DP-1), U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, D.C. 20545. All other communications concerning the regulations in this part should be addressed to U.S. Department of Energy Operations Offices as listed in appendix B of 10 CFR part 725, administering access permits for the geographical area.
No access permit holder shall have access to Restricted Data until he shall have submitted to the DOE a written statement of his procedures for the safeguarding of Restricted Data and for the security education of his employees, and DOE shall have determined and informed the permittee that his procedures for the safeguarding of Restricted Data are in compliance with the regulations in this part and that his procedures for the security education of his employees, who will have access to Restricted Data, are informed about and understand the regulations in this part.
DOE may, upon application of any interested party, grant such waivers from the requirements of this part as it determines are authorized by law and will not constitute an undue risk to the common defense and security.
Except as specifically authorized by the Secretary of Energy in writing, no interpretation of the meaning of the regulations in this part by any officer or employee of DOE other than a written interpretation by the General Counsel will be recognized to be binding upon DOE.
(a) An access permittee who has a need to use, process, store, reproduce, transmit, or handle Restricted Data at any location in connection with its permit shall promptly request a DOE security facility approval.
(b) The request shall include the following information: The name and address of the permittee; the extent and scope of the classified activity and the highest classification of Restricted Data to be received; a written statement in the form of a security plan which outlines the permittee's proposed security procedures and controls for the protection of Restricted Data, including a floor plan of the areas(s) in which the classified matter is to be used, processed, stored, reproduced, transmitted, and handled.
(c) The DOE will promptly inform the permittee of the acceptability of the request for further processing and will notify the permittee of its decision in writing.
The following receipt of an acceptable request for security facility approval, the DOE will perform an initial
Notification of the DOE's grant, denial, or suspension of security facility approval will be furnished the permittee in writing, or orally with written confirmation. This information may also be furnished to representatives of the DOE, DOE contractors, or other Federal agencies having a need to transmit Restricted Data to the permittee.
When a request for security facility approval is to be withdrawn or cancelled, the DOE Operations Office will be notified by the requester immediately by telephone and confirmed in writing so that processing of this approval may be terminated.
Security facility approval will be terminated when:
(a) There is no longer a need to use, process, store, reproduce, transmit, or handle Restricted Data at the facility; or
(b) The DOE makes a determination that continued security facility approval is not in the interest of national security.
(a) Persons who possess Restricted Data pursuant to an Access Permit shall store Secret and Confidential documents and material when not in use in accordance with one of the following methods:
(1) In a locked vault, safe, or safe-type steel file cabinet having a 3-position dial-type combination lock; or
(2) In a dual key, bank safety deposit box; or
(3) In a steel file cabinet secured by a steel lock bar and a 3-position dial-type changeable combination padlock; or
(4) In a locked steel file cabinet when located in a security area established under § 1016.23 or when the cabinet or the place in which the cabinet is located is under DOE-approved intrusion alarm protection.
(b) Changes of combination: Each permittee shall change the combination on locks of his safekeeping equipment whenever such equipment is placed in use, whenever an individual knowing the combination no longer requires access to the repository as a result of change in duties or position in the permittee's organization, or termination of employment with the permittee or whenever the combination has been subjected to compromise, and in any event at least once a year. Permittees shall classify records of combinations no lower than the highest classification of the documents and material authorized for storage in the safekeeping equipment concerned.
(c) The lock on safekeeping equipment of the type specified in paragraph (a)(4) of this section shall be replaced immediately whenever a key is lost.
While in use, documents and material containing Restricted Data shall be under the direct control of an appropriately cleared individual, and the Restricted Data shall be capable of being removed from sight immediately.
(a) When, because of their nature or size, it is impracticable to safeguard documents and material containing Restricted Data in accordance with the provisions of §§ 1016.21 and 1016.22, a security area to protect such documents and material shall be established.
(b) The following controls shall apply to security areas:
(1) Security areas shall be separated from adjacent areas by a physical barrier designed to prevent entrance into such areas, and access to the Restricted Data within the areas, by unauthorized individuals.
(2) During working hours, admittance shall be controlled by an appropriately cleared individual posted at each unlocked entrance.
(3) During nonworking hours, admittance shall be controlled by protective personnel on patrol, with protective personnel posted at unlocked entrances, or by such intrusion alarm system as DOE may approve.
(4) Each individual authorized to enter a security area shall be issued a distinctive badge or pass when the number of employees assigned to the area exceeds thirty.
When the Restricted Data contained in material is not ascertainable by observation or examination at the place where the material is located and when the material is not readily removable because of size, weight, radioactivity, or similar factors, DOE may authorize the permittee to provide such lesser protection than is otherwise required by §§ 1016.21 to 1016.23 inclusive, as DOE determines to be commensurate with the difficulty of removing the material.
Whenever protective personnel are required by § 1016.23, such protective personnel shall:
(a) Possess a “Q” or “L” security clearance or access authorization or “Q(X)” or “L(X)” access authorization if the Restricted Data being protected is classified Confidential, or a “Q” security clearance or access authorization or “Q(X)” access authorization if the Restricted Data being protected is classified Secret.
(b) Be armed with sidearms of not less than .38 caliber.
(a) Except as DOE may authorize, no person subject to the regulations in this part shall permit any individual to have access to Secret or Confidential Restricted Data in his possession unless the individual has an appropriate security clearance or access authorization granted by DOE, or has been certified by DOD or NASA through DOE, and;
(1) The individual is authorized by an Access Permit to receive Restricted Data in the categories involved and, in the case of Secret Restricted Data, the permittee determines that such access is required in the course of his duties, or
(2) The individual needs such access in connection with such duties as a DOE employee or DOE contractor employee, or as certified by DOD or NASA.
(b) Inquiries concerning the clearance status of individuals, the scope of Access Permits, or the nature of contracts should be addressed to the DOE Operations Office administering the permit as set forth in appendix B of part 725.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
This document contains Restricted Data as defined in the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. Its transmittal or the disclosure of its contents in any manner to an unauthorized person is prohibited.
(e)
(2) The series designation shall be a capital letter beginning with the letter “A” designating the original set of copies prepared. Each subsequent set of copies of the same documents shall be identified by the succeeding letter of the alphabet.
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(a)
(2) In addition, such documents and material shall be transmitted only to persons who possess facilities for their physicial security consistent with this part. Any person subject to the regulations in this part who transmits such documents or material shall be deemed to have fulfilled his obligations under this subparagraph by securing a written certification from the prospective recipient that such recipient possesses facilities for its physical security consistent with this part.
(3) Documents and material containing Restricted Data shall not be exported from the United States without prior authorization of DOE.
(b)
(1) They shall be enclosed in two sealed, opaque envelopes or wrappers.
(2) The inner envelope or wrapper shall be addressed in the ordinary manner and sealed with tape, the appropriate classification shall be placed on both sides of the envelope, and the additional marking referred to in § 1016.32(d) shall be placed on the side bearing the address.
(3) The outer envelope or wrapper shall be addressed in the ordinary manner. No classification, additional marking, or other notation shall be affixed which indicates that the document enclosed therein contains classified information or Restricted Data.
(4) A receipt which identifies the document, the date of transfer, the recipient, and the person transferring the document shall accompany the document and shall be signed by the recipient and returned to the sender whenever the custody of a Secret document is transferred.
(c)
(1) The material shall be so packaged that the classified characteristics will not be revealed.
(2) A receipt which identifies the material, the date of shipment, the recipient, and the person transferring the material shall accompany the material, and the recipient shall sign such receipt whenever the custody of Secret material is transferred.
(d)
(i) By messenger-courier system specifically created for that purpose.
(ii) Registered mail.
(iii) By protective services provided by United States air or surface commercial carriers under such conditions as may be preserved by the DOE.
(iv) Individuals possessing appropriate DOE security clearance or access authorization who have been given written authority by their employers.
(2) Confidential matter may be transported by one of the methods set forth in paragraph (d)(1) of this section or by U.S. first class, express, or certified mail.
(e)
(f)
Each permittee possessing documents containing Secret Restricted Data shall establish a document accountability procedure and shall maintain records to show the disposition of all such documents which have been in his custody at any time.
Secret Restricted Data will not be reproduced without the written permission of the originator, his successor, or high authority. Confidential Restricted Data may be reproduced to the minimum extent necessary consistent with efficient operation without the necessity for permission.
Documents containing Restricted Data shall not be downgraded or declassified except as authorized by DOE. Requests for downgrading or declassification shall be submitted to the DOE Operations Office administering the permit; or U.S. DOE, Washington, DC 20545, Attention: Office of Classification. If the appropriate authority approves a change of classification or declassification, the previous classification marking shall be canceled and the following statement, properly completed, shall be placed on the first page of the document:
Classification canceled (or changed to)
Documents containing Restricted Data may be destroyed by burning, pulping, or another method that assures complete destruction of the information which they contain. If the document contains Secret Restricted Data, a permanent record of the subject, title, report number of the document, its date of preparation, its series designation and copy number, and the date of destruction shall be signed by the person destroying the document and shall be maintained in the office of the last custodian. Restricted Data contained in material, other than documents, may be destroyed only by a method that assures complete obliteration, removal, or destruction of the Restricted Data.
In any case where the access authorization of an individual subject to the regulations in this part is suspended or revoked in accordance with the procedures set forth in 10 CFR part 710, such individual shall, upon due notice from DOE of such suspension or revocation and demand by DOE, deliver to DOE any and all Restricted Data in his possession for safekeeping and such further disposition as DOE determines to be just and proper.
(a) If the need to use, process, store, reproduce, transmit, or handle classified matter no longer exists, the security facility approval will be terminated. The permittee may deliver all Restricted Data to the DOE or to a person authorized to receive them; or the permittee may destroy all such Restricted Data. In either case, the facility must submit a certification of nonpossession of Restricted Data to the DOE.
(b) In any instance where security facility approval has been suspended or revoked based on a determination of the DOE that further possession of classified matter by the permittee would endanger the common defense and national security, the permittee shall, upon notice from the DOE, immediately deliver all Restricted Data to the DOE along with a certificate of nonpossession of Restricted Data.
Each permittee shall furnish promptly to DOE written notification of the termination of employment of each individual who possesses an access authorization under his Permit or whose duties are changed so that access to Restricted Data is no longer needed. Upon such notification, DOE may:
(a) Terminate the individual's access authorization, or
(b) Transfer the individual's access authorization to the new employer of the individual to allow continued access to Restricted Data where authorized, pursuant to DOE regulations.
The expiration, suspension, revocation, or other termination of a security clearance or access authorization or security facility approval shall not relieve any person from compliance with the regulations in this part.
Each permittee shall immediately report to the DOE office administering the permit any alleged or suspected violation of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, Espionage Act, or other Federal statutes related to Restricted Data. Additionally, the permittee shall report any infractions, losses, compromises, or possible compromise of Restricted Data.
The DOE shall make such inspections and surveys of the premises, activities, records, and procedures of any person subject to the regulations in this part as DOE deems necessary to effectuate the purposes of the Act, E.O. 12356, and DOE orders and procedures.
An injunction or other court order may be obtained prohibiting any violation of any provision of the Act or any regulation or order issued thereunder. Any person who willfully violates, attempts to violate, or conspires to violate any provision of the Act or any regulation or order issued thereunder, including the provisions of this part, may be guilty of a crime and upon conviction may be punished by fine or imprisonment, or both, as provided by law.
42 U.S.C. 2168; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.
(a) This part contains regulations of the Department of Energy (DOE) implementing section 148 (42 U.S.C. 2168) of the Atomic Energy Act which prohibits the unauthorized dissemination of certain unclassified government information. This information, identified by the term “Unclassified Controlled Nuclear Information” (UCNI), is limited to information concerning atomic energy defense programs.
(b) These regulations—
(1) Provide for the review of information prior to its designation as UCNI;
(2) Describe how information is determined to be UCNI;
(3) Establish minimum physical protection standards for documents and material containing UCNI;
(4) Specify who may have access to UCNI; and
(5) Establish a procedure for the imposition of penalties on persons who violate section 148 of the Atomic Energy Act or any regulation or order of the Secretary issued under section 148 of the Atomic Energy Act, including these regulations.
These regulations apply to—
(a) Any person authorized access to UCNI;
(b) Any person not authorized access to UCNI who acquires, attempts to acquire, or conspires to acquire, in violation of these regulations, Government information in any document or material containing an UCNI notice (refer to § 1017.15); and
(c) Any person not authorized access to UCNI but who wants to be authorized access to UCNI.
As used in this part—
(a)
(b)
(1) Development, production, testing, sampling, maintenance, repair, modification, assembly, utilization, transportation, or retirement of nuclear weapons or components of nuclear weapons;
(2) Production, utilization, or transportation of nuclear material for military applications; or
(3) Safeguarding of activities, equipment, or facilities which support the functions in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this section, including the protection of nuclear weapons, components of
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
(m)
(n)
(o)
(p)
(q)
(r)
(s)
(t)
(u)
(1) Which concerns atomic energy defense programs;
(2) Which pertains to—
(i) The design of production facilities or utilization facilities;
(ii) Security measures (including security plans, procedures, and equipment) for the physical protection of—
(A) Production or utilization facilities;
(B) Nuclear material contained in such facilities; or
(C) Nuclear material in transit; or
(iii) The design, manufacture, or utilization of any nuclear weapon or component if the design, manufacture, or utilization of such weapon or component was contained in any information declassified or removed from the Restricted Data category by the Assistant Secretary for Defense Programs (or the head of the predecessor agency of the Department of Energy) pursuant to section 142 of the Atomic Energy Act; and
(3) Whose unauthorized dissemination, as determined by a Controlling Official, could reasonably be expected to have a significant adverse effect on the health and safety of the public or the common defense and security by significantly increasing the likelihood of—
(i) Illegal production of nuclear weapons; or
(ii) Theft, diversion, or sabotage of nuclear materials, equipment, or facilities.
It is the policy of the DOE to make information publicly available to the fullest extent possible. These regulations shall be interpreted and implemented so as to apply the minimum restrictions needed to protect the health and safety of the public or the common defense and security, consistent with the requirement in section 148 of the Atomic Energy Act to prohibit the unauthorized dissemination of UCNI. For example—
(a) Although UCNI is not subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), documents or material containing both UCNI and other information which is not UCNI shall have the portions of the document or material not containing UCNI released to the maximum possible extent in response to a request made under the FOIA, subject to other exemptions of the FOIA; and
(b) To the fullest extent possible, the fundamental DOE policy of full disclosure of documents prepared under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and its implementing regulations will be followed. In some cases, this will mean that UCNI may be excised from documents to be made publicly available and prepared as an appendix, or otherwise segregated so as to allow the release of the nonsensitive portions of a document.
Government information shall not be controlled as UCNI in order to—
(a) Conceal violations of law, inefficiency, or administrative error;
(b) Prevent embarrassment to a person or organization;
(c) Restrain competition; or
(d) Prevent or delay the release of any information that does not properly qualify as UCNI.
(a) Information exempt from these regulations includes—
(1) Information that is not government information;
(2) Information that concerns activities, facilities, or equipment outside the scope of atomic energy defense programs;
(3) Information that is classified as Restricted Data, Formerly Restricted Data, or National Security Information, or that is protected from disclosure under section 147 of the Atomic Energy Act (42 U.S.C. 2167);
(4) Basic scientific information (i.e., information resulting from research directed toward increasing fundamental scientific knowledge or understanding rather than any practical application of that knowledge);
(5) Applied scientific information (i.e., information resulting from research whose objective is to gain knowledge or understanding necessary for determining the means by which a specific need may be met) but not including that pertaining to:
(i) The design of production facilities or utilization facilities;
(ii) Security measures (including security plans, procedures, and equipment) for the physical protection of:
(A) Production or utilization facilities,
(B) Nuclear material contained in such facilities, or
(C) Nuclear material in transit; or
(iii) The design, manufacture, or utilization of any nuclear weapon or component if the design, manufacture, or utilization of such weapon or component was contained in any information declassified or removed from the Restricted Data category by the Secretary (or the head of the predecessor agency of the Department of Energy) pursuant to section 142 of the Atomic Energy Act;
(6) Safety information used to protect employees from occupational hazards, except for government information that reveals an exploitable vulnerability or design element that is UCNI;
(7) Radiation exposure data and all other personal health information;
(8) Information pertaining to the public health and safety and to the protection of the environment, except for government information that reveals an exploitable vulnerability or design element that is UCNI;
(9) Information concerning the transportation of low level or commercially generated radioactive waste; and
(10) Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) information, except for government information that deals with safeguards or physical security for the WIPP project.
(b) Documents exempt from these regulations include—
(1) Documents prepared under Council on Environmental Quality regulations or DOE guidelines complying with the National Environmental Policy Act, except those portions of a document revealing an exploitable vulnerability or design element that is UCNI;
(2) Documents or material that a Reviewing Official determines to have been widely disseminated in the public domain (e.g., to a public library or a university library); and
(3) For documents which contain UCNI, any reasonably segregable portions of documents which do not contain UCNI or which contain information otherwise exempt from disclosure.
(a)
(2)
(3) Controlling Officials shall exercise their authorities in strict compliance with the rules, prohibitions, and exemptions described in these regulations.
(b)
(1) The information is government information.
(2) The information is limited to information concerning atomic energy defense programs.
(3) The information is within the scope of at least one of the three categories of UCNI in § 1017.8.
(4) Unauthorized dissemination of the information under review meets the adverse effect test in § 1017.9.
(5) The information is the minimum amount of information necessary to be controlled to protect the health and safety of the public or the common defense and security.
(6) The purpose for controlling the information is not prohibited under § 1017.5.
(7) The information is not exempt from these regulations under § 1017.6.
(c)
(1) Inclusion in the quarterly report required in § 1017.11; and
(2) Incorporation into guidelines which Reviewing Officials consult in their review of documents and material for UCNI.
In order for information to be considered for control as UCNI, it must be within the scope of at least one of the following categories and it must meet each of the other criteria in § 1017.7(b).
(a)
(1) The design of production or utilization facilities which are related to atomic energy defense programs; or
(2) Design-related operational information concerning the production, processing, or utilization of nuclear material for atomic energy defense programs.
(b)
(1) Production or utilization facilities related to atomic energy defense programs;
(2) Nuclear material to be used for military applications, regardless of its physical state or form, contained in these facilities; or
(3) Nuclear material to be used for military applications, regardless of its physical state or form, that is in transit.
(c)
(a)
(1) Illegal production of a nuclear weapon; or
(2) Theft, diversion, or sabotage of nuclear material, equipment, or facilities.
(b)
(1) Selecting a target for an act of theft, diversion, or sabotage of nuclear material, equipment, or facilities (e.g., relative importance of a facility; location, form, and quantity of nuclear material);
(2) Planning and committing an act of theft, diversion, or sabotage of nuclear material, equipment, or facilities (e.g., design of operational and security systems; building plans; methods and procedures for transfer, accountability, and handling of nuclear material; security plans, procedures, and capabilities);
(3) Measuring the success of an act of theft, diversion or sabotage of nuclear material, equipment, or facilities (e.g., actual or hypothetical consequences of the sabotage of specific vital equipment or facilities);
(4) Illegally fabricating, acquiring, or detonating a nuclear explosive device (e.g., unclassified nuclear weapon design information useful in designing a primitive nuclear device; location of
(5) Dispersing hazardous nuclear material which could be used as an environmental contaminant (e.g., location, form, and quantity of nuclear material).
(a) The Secretary may determine that a material other than special nuclear material, byproduct material, or source material as defined by the Atomic Energy Act is included within the scope of the term “nuclear material” if—
(1) The material is used in the production, testing, utilization; or assembly of atomic weapons or components of atomic weapons; and
(2) Unauthorized acquisition of the material could reasonably be expected to result in a significant adverse effect on the health and safety of the public or the common defense and security because the specific material—
(i) Could be used as a hazardous environmental contaminant; or
(ii) Could be of significant assistance in the illegal production of a nuclear weapon.
(b) Designation of a material as a nuclear material under paragraph (a) of this section does not make all information about the material UCNI. Specific information about the material must still meet each of the criteria in § 1017.7(b) prior to its being identified and controlled as UCNI.
The Assistant Secretary for Defense Programs shall prepare a report on a quarterly basis, to be made available upon request to any interested person, detailing the application during the previous quarter of each regulation or order prescribed or issued under section 148 of the Atomic Energy Act, including these regulations. Requests for this report may be sent to the Assistant Secretary for Defense Programs (refer to § 1017.16(b)(1) for the address).
This report must—
(a) Identify types of government information determined to be UCNI by any Controlling Official during the previous quarter;
(b) Include a justification specifying why the government information is UCNI; and
(c) Include a justification that these regulations have been applied so as to protect from disclosure only the minimum amount of government information necessary to protect the health and safety of the public or the common defense and security.
(a)
(1) Make a determination, based on guidelines which reflect decisions of Controlling Officials, that the document or material contains, does not contain, or no longer contains UCNI; and
(2) Apply or remove UCNI markings to or from the document or material.
(b)
(c)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) The identification of UCNI that is within the cognizance of more than one DOE organization or of a Government agency in addition to the DOE; or
(2) The control or decontrol or all or any part of any document or material originated by or for the DOE or another Government agency that contains UCNI.
(d)
(e)
(a)
(2) Any Authorized Individual who originates or has in his or her possession a document or material that the Authorized Individual believes may contain UCNI, shall mark in a conspicuous manner the document or material with the following notice—
(i) Prior to transmitting the document or material outside of the Authorized Individual's organization;
(ii) Prior to transmitting the document or material to a Reviewing Official; or
(iii) Upon the retirement of the document or material under § 1017.13:
May contain Unclassified Controlled Nuclear Information subject to section 148 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2168). Approval by the Department of Energy prior to release is required.
(b)
Unauthorized dissemination subject to civil and criminal sanctions under section 148 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2168).
Unauthorized dissemination subject to civil and criminal sanctions under 42 U.S.C. 2168.
(c)
(a)
(2) An Authorized Individual, for UCNI in his or her possession or control, may determine that another person is an Authorized Individual who may be granted access to the UCNI, subject to the following limitations, and who may further disseminate the UCNI under the provisions of this section. The person to be granted routine access to the UCNI must—
(i) Have a need-to-know in the performance of official duties or DOE authorized activities for the UCNI to which routine access is to be granted; and
(ii) Be a U.S. citizen who is—
(A) A Government employee or a member of the U.S. Armed Forces;
(B) An employee of a Government contractor or subcontractor, or of a prospective Government contractor or subcontractor for the purpose of bidding on a Government contract or subcontract;
(C) A Government consultant or DOE advisory committee member;
(D) A Member of Congress;
(E) A staff member of a congressional committee or of an individual Member of Congress;
(F) The Governor of a State, his or her designated representative, or a State government official;
(G) A local government official or an Indian tribal government official;
(H) A member of a State, local, or Indian tribal law enforcement or emergency response organization; or
(I) A DOE access permittee authorized access by the Secretary under part 725 of this title to Restricted Data applicable to civil use of atomic energy; or
(iii) Be a person who is not a U.S. citizen but who is—
(A) A Government employee or a member of the U.S. Armed Forces;
(B) An employee of a Government contractor or subcontractor; or
(C) A Government consultant or DOE advisory committee member; or
(iv) Be a person who is not a U.S. citizen but who may be granted routine access to UCNI by an Authorized Individual in conjunction with—
(A) An international nuclear cooperative activity approved by the Government;
(B) U.S. diplomatic dealings with foreign government officials;
(C) An agreement for cooperation under section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act; or
(D) Provisions of treaties, mutual defense acts, Government contracts or subcontracts.
(3) The Secretary may impose additional administrative controls concerning the granting of routine access to UCNI by an Authorized Individual to a person who is not a U.S. citizen.
(4) An Authorized Individual may only disseminate UCNI to another Authorized Individual or to a person granted special access to UCNI under paragraph (b) of this section.
(5) The Assistant Secretary for Defense Programs may waive any of the requirements for determination of routine access to UCNI specified in paragraph (a) of this section.
(b)
(2) Such a request must include—
(i) The name, current residence or business address, birthplace, birthdate, and country of citizenship of the person submitting the request;
(ii) A description of the UCNI for which special access is being requested;
(iii) A description of the purpose for which the UCNI is needed; and
(iv) Certification by the requester of his or her understanding of and willingness to abide by these regulations.
(3) The Assistant Secretary for Defense Programs shall base his or her decision to grant special access to UCNI on an evaluation of—
(i) The sensitivity of the UCNI for which special access is being requested (i.e., the worst-case, adverse effect on the health and safety of the public or the common defense and security which would result from illegal use of the UCNI);
(ii) The purpose for which the UCNI is needed (e.g., will the UCNI be used for commercial or other private purposes or will it be used for public benefit to fulfill statutory or regulatory responsibilities);
(iii) The likelihood of unauthorized dissemination by the requester of the UCNI; and
(iv) The likelihood of the requester using the UCNI for illegal purposes.
(4) The Assistant Secretary for Defense Programs shall attempt to notify a person who requests special access to UCNI within 30 days of receipt of the request as to whether or not special access to the requested UCNI is granted. If a final determination on the request cannot be made within 30 days or receipt of the request, the Assistant Secretary for Defense Programs shall notify the requester, within 30 days of the request, as to when the final determination on the request may be made.
(5) A person granted special access to UCNI is not an Authorized Individual under paragraph (a) of this section and shall not further disseminate the UCNI.
(c)
(2)
(d)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(2) A document or material containing an UCNI notice may be transmitted by—
(i) U.S. first class, express, certified, or registered mail;
(ii) Any means approved for the transmission of classified documents or material;
(iii) An Authorized Individual or a person granted special access to UCNI under § 1017.16(b), when he or she can control access to the document or material being transmitted; or
(iv) Any other means determined by the Assistant Secretary for Defense Programs to be sufficiently secure.
(3) UCNI may be discussed or transmitted over an unprotected telephone or telecommunications circuit when required by operational considerations. More secure means of communication should be utilized whenever possible.
(f)
(a)
(1)
(A) The date, facts, and nature of each act or omission with which the person is charged;
(B) The particular provision of section 148 of the Atomic Energy Act or its implementing regulations or orders involved in the violation;
(C) Each penalty which the Assistant Secretary for Defense Programs proposes to recommend the Secretary impose and its amount;
(D) The right of the person to submit to the Assistant Secretary for Defense Programs the person's written reply to each of the allegations in the notification letter. The person shall mail or deliver any reply letter within twenty days of receipt of the notification letter from the Assistant Secretary for Defense Programs.
(E) The right of the person to submit to the Assistant Secretary for Defense Programs a written request for a hearing under paragraph (a)(2) of this section.
(F) The fact that, upon failure of the person to pay any civil penalty imposed by the Secretary, the penalty may be collected by civil action under paragraph (a)(5) of this section.
(ii) The Assistant Secretary for Defense Programs shall respond in writing within ten days of the receipt of a reply or a hearing request letter.
(iii) The Assistant Secretary for Defense Programs, at the request of the person accused of a violation, may extend for a reasonable period the time limit for submitting a reply or a hearing request letter.
(2)
(i)
(A) Represent the Department;
(B) Consult with the person or the person's counsel prior to the hearing; and
(C) Examine and cross-examine witnesses during the hearing.
(ii)
(A) Be responsible for the administrative preparations for the hearing;
(B) Convene the hearing as soon as is reasonable;
(C) Conduct the hearing in a manner which is fair and impartial;
(D) Arrange for the presence of witnesses and physical evidence at the hearing;
(E) Make a recommendation that violation of section 148 of the Atomic Energy Act or any regulation or order of the Secretary issued under section 148 of the Atomic Energy Act, including these regulations, has occurred only if the DOE proves by the preponderance of the evidence that such a violation occurred; and
(F) Submit his or her recommendation, accompanied by a statement of the findings and reasons supporting them, to the Secretary for the Secretary's final determination on the imposition of a civil penalty.
(iii)
(A) Present evidence in his or her own behalf, through witnesses, or by documents;
(B) Cross-examine witnesses and rebut records or other physical evidence (except as provided in paragraph (a)(2)(iv)(D) of this section);
(C) Be present during the entire hearing (except as provided in paragraph (a)(2)(iv)(D) of this section);
(D) Be accompanied, represented, and advised by counsel of his or her own choosing; and
(E) Testify in his or her own behalf.
(iv)
(A) A summarized record of the hearing shall be made.
(B) All relevant and material evidence is admissible (except as provided in paragraph (a)(2)(iv)(D) of this section); however, formal rules of evidence are not applicable.
(C) Witnesses shall testify under oath and are subject to cross-examination (except as provided in paragraph (a)(2)(iv)(D) of this section).
(D) If the Hearing Officer determines that the testimony of a witness or any documentary or physical evidence contains classified information or UCNI, such testimony or evidence will not be considered unless it is material. If it is material, a nonsensitive summary of the testimony or records or description of the physical evidence shall be made available to the person to the maximum extent possible, consistent with the requirements of national security or the public health and safety. In all such cases, the Hearing Officer, in considering such testimony or evidence, shall take into account that the person did not have an opportunity to cross-examine the witness or review the actual document or evidence.
(E) The DOE bears the burden of proving that a violation of section 148 of the Atomic Energy Act or any regulation or order of the Secretary issued under section 148 of the Atomic Energy
(v)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(ii) The Attorney General has the exclusive power to uphold, compromise or mitigate, or remit any civil penalty imposed by the Secretary under this section and referred to the Attorney General for collection.
(b)
42 U.S.C. 7101
The purpose of this part is to establish procedures that the Department of Energy (DOE) shall use to comply with section 102(2) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)) and the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations for implementing the procedural provisions of NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500-1508). This part supplements, and is to be used in conjunction with, the CEQ Regulations.
It is DOE's policy to follow the letter and spirit of NEPA; comply fully with the CEQ Regulations; and apply the NEPA review process early in the planning stages for DOE proposals.
(a) This part applies to all organizational elements of DOE except the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
(b) This part applies to any DOE action affecting the quality of the environment of the United States, its territories or possessions. DOE actions having environmental effects outside the United States, its territories or possessions are subject to the provisions of Executive Order 12114, “Environmental Effects Abroad of Major Federal Actions” (3 CFR, 1979 Comp., p. 356; 44 FR 1957, January 4, 1979), DOE guidelines implementing that Executive Order (46 FR 1007, January 5, 1981), and the Department of State's “Unified Procedures Applicable to Major Federal Actions Relating to Nuclear Activities Subject to Executive Order 12114” (44 FR 65560, November 13, 1979).
DOE adopts the regulations for implementing NEPA published by CEQ at 40 CFR parts 1500 through 1508.
(a) The definitions set forth in 40 CFR part 1508 are referenced and used in this part.
(b) In addition to the terms defined in 40 CFR part 1508, the following definitions apply to this part:
EPA means the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
(i) All land within the limits of any Indian reservation under the jurisdiction of the United States government, notwithstanding the issuance of any patent, and including rights-of-way running through the reservation;
(ii) All dependent Indian communities within the borders of the United States whether within the original or subsequently acquired territory thereof, and whether within or without the limits of a state; and
(iii) All Indian allotments, the Indian titles to which have not been extinguished, including rights-of-way running through the same.
The Assistant Secretary for Environment, Safety and Health, or his/her designee, is responsible for overall review of DOE NEPA compliance. Further information on DOE's NEPA process and the status of individual NEPA reviews may be obtained upon request from the Office of NEPA Policy and Assistance, U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585-0119.
(a) DOE shall provide for adequate and timely NEPA review of DOE proposals, including those for programs, policies, projects, regulations, orders, or legislation, in accordance with 40 CFR 1501.2 and this section. In its planning for each proposal, DOE shall include adequate time and funding for proper NEPA review and for preparation of anticipated NEPA documents.
(b) DOE shall begin its NEPA review as soon as possible after the time that DOE proposes an action or is presented with a proposal.
(c) DOE shall determine the level of NEPA review required for a proposal in accordance with § 1021.300 and subpart D of this part.
(d) During the development and consideration of a DOE proposal, DOE shall review any relevant planning and decisionmaking documents, whether prepared by DOE or another agency, to determine if the proposal or any of its alternatives are considered in a prior NEPA document. If so, DOE shall consider adopting the existing document, or any pertinent part thereof, in accordance with 40 CFR 1506.3.
(a) For each DOE proposal, DOE shall coordinate its NEPA review with its decisionmaking. Sections 1021.211 through 1021.214 of this part specify how DOE will coordinate its NEPA review with decision points for certain types of proposals (40 CFR 1505.1(b)).
(b) DOE shall complete its NEPA review for each DOE proposal before making a decision on the proposal (e.g., normally in advance of, and for use in reaching, a decision to proceed with detailed design), except as provided in 40 CFR 1506.1 and §§ 1021.211 and 1021.216 of this part.
(c) During the decisionmaking process for each DOE proposal, DOE shall consider the relevant NEPA documents, public and agency comments (if
(d) If an EIS or EA is prepared for a DOE proposal, DOE shall consider the alternatives analyzed in that EIS or EA before rendering a decision on that proposal; the decision on the proposal shall be within the range of alternatives analyzed in the EA or EIS (40 CFR 1505.1(e)).
(e) When DOE uses a broad decision (such as one on a policy or program) as a basis for a subsequent narrower decision (such as one on a project or other site-specific proposal), DOE may use tiering (40 CFR 1502.20) and incorporation of material by reference (40 CFR 1502.21) in the NEPA review for the subsequent narrower proposal.
While DOE is preparing an EIS that is required under § 1021.300(a) of this part, DOE shall take no action concerning the proposal that is the subject of the EIS before issuing an ROD, except as provided at 40 CFR 1506.1. Actions that are covered by, or are a part of, a DOE proposal for which an EIS is being prepared shall not be categorically excluded under subpart D of these regulations unless they qualify as interim actions under 40 CFR 1506.1.
(a) This section applies to the adoption and application of programs that involve research, development, demonstration, and testing for new technologies (40 CFR 1502.4(c)(3)). Adoption of such programs might also lead to commercialization or other broad-scale implementation by DOE or another entity.
(b) For any proposed program described in paragraph (a) of this section, DOE shall begin its NEPA review (if otherwise required by this part) as soon as environmental effects can be meaningfully evaluated, and before DOE has reached the level of investment or commitment likely to determine subsequent development or restrict later alternatives, as discussed at 40 CFR 1502.4(c)(3).
(c) For subsequent phases of development and application, DOE shall prepare one or more additional NEPA documents (if otherwise required by this part).
(a) This section applies to regulations promulgated by DOE.
(b) DOE shall begin its NEPA review of a proposed rule (if otherwise required by this part) while drafting the proposed regulation, and as soon as environmental effects can be meaningfully evaluated.
(c) DOE shall include any relevant NEPA documents, public and agency comments (if any) on those documents, and DOE responses to those comments, as part of the administrative record (40 CFR 1505.1(c)).
(d) If an EIS is required, DOE will normally publish the draft EIS at the time it publishes the proposed rule (40 CFR 1502.5(d)). DOE will normally combine any public hearings required for a proposed rule with the public hearings required on the draft EIS under § 1021.313 of this part. The draft EIS need not accompany notices of inquiry or advance notices of proposed rulemaking that DOE may use to gather information during early stages of regulation development. When engaged in rulemaking for the purpose of protecting the public health and safety, DOE may issue the final rule simultaneously with publication of the EPA Notice of Availability of the final EIS in accordance with 40 CFR 1506.10(b).
(e) If an EA is required, DOE will normally complete the EA and issue any related FONSI prior to or simultaneously with issuance of the proposed rule; however, if the EA leads to preparation of an EIS, the provisions of paragraph (d) of this section shall apply.
(a) This section applies to DOE proposed actions that involve DOE adjudicatory proceedings, excluding judicial or administrative civil or criminal enforcement actions.
(b) DOE shall complete its NEPA review (if otherwise required by this part) before rendering any final adjudicatory decision. If an EIS is required, the final EIS will normally be completed at the time of or before final staff recommendation, in accordance with 40 CFR 1502.5(c).
(c) DOE shall include any relevant NEPA documents, public and agency comments (if any) on those documents, and DOE responses to those comments, as part of the administrative record (40 CFR 1505.1(c)).
(a) This section applies to actions that involve application to DOE for a permit, license, exemption or allocation, or other similar actions, unless the action is categorically excluded from preparation of an EA or EIS under subpart D of this part.
(b) The applicant shall:
(1) Consult with DOE as early as possible in the planning process to obtain guidance with respect to the appropriate level and scope of any studies or environmental information that DOE may require to be submitted as part of, or in support of, the application;
(2) Conduct studies that DOE deems necessary and appropriate to determine the environmental impacts of the proposed action;
(3) Consult with appropriate Federal, state, regional and local agencies, American Indian tribes and other potentially interested parties during the preliminary planning stages of the proposed action to identify environmental factors and permitting requirements;
(4) Notify DOE as early as possible of other Federal, state, regional, local or American Indian tribal actions required for project completion to allow DOE to coordinate the Federal environmental review, and fulfill the requirements of 40 CFR 1506.2 regarding elimination of duplication with state and local procedures, as appropriate;
(5) Notify DOE of private entities and organizations interested in the proposed undertaking, in order that DOE can consult, as appropriate, with these parties in accordance with 40 CFR 1501.2(d)(2); and
(6) Notify DOE if, before DOE completes the environmental review, the applicant plans to take an action that is within DOE's jurisdiction that may have an adverse environmental impact or limit the choice of alternatives. If DOE determines that the action would have an adverse environmental impact or would limit the choice of reasonable alternatives under 40 CFR 1506.1(a), DOE will promptly notify the applicant that DOE will take appropriate action to ensure that the objectives and procedures of NEPA are achieved in accordance with 40 CFR 1506.1(b).
(c) For major categories of DOE actions involving a large number of applicants, DOE may prepare and make available generic guidance describing the recommended level and scope of environmental information that applicants should provide.
(d) DOE shall begin its NEPA review (if otherwise required by this part) as soon as possible after receiving an application described in paragraph (a) of this section, and shall independently evaluate and verify the accuracy of information received from an applicant in accordance with 40 CFR 1506.5(a). At DOE's option, an applicant may prepare an EA in accordance with 40 CFR 1506.5(b). If an EIS is prepared, the EIS shall be prepared by DOE or by a contractor that is selected by DOE and that may be funded by the applicant, in accordance with 40 CFR 1506.5(c). The contractor shall provide a disclosure statement in accordance with 40 CFR 1506.5(c), as discussed in § 1021.312(b)(4) of this part. DOE shall complete any NEPA documents (or evaluation of any EA prepared by the applicant) before rendering a final decision on the application and shall consider the NEPA document in reaching its decision, as provided in § 1021.210 of this part.
(a) This section applies to DOE competitive and limited-source procurements, to awards of financial assistance by a competitive process, and to joint ventures entered into as a result of competitive solicitations, unless the action is categorically excluded from preparation of an EA or EIS under subpart D of this part. Paragraphs (b), (c), and (i) of this section apply as well to DOE sole-source procurements of sites,
(b) When relevant in DOE's judgment, DOE shall require that offeror's submit environmental data and analyses as a discrete part of the offeror's proposal. DOE shall specify in its solicitation document the type of information and level of detail for environmental data and analyses so required. The data will be limited to those reasonably available to offerors.
(c) DOE shall independently evaluate and verify the accuracy of environmental data and analyses submitted by offerors.
(d) For offers in the competitive range, DOE shall prepare and consider an environmental critique before the selection.
(e) The environmental critique will be subject to the confidentiality requirements of the procurement process.
(f) The environmental critique will evaluate the environmental data and analyses submitted by offerors; it may also evaluate supplemental information developed by DOE as necessary for a reasoned decision.
(g) The environmental critique will focus on environmental issues that are pertinent to a decision on proposals and will include:
(1) A brief discussion of the purpose of the procurement and each offer, including any site, system, or process variations among the offers having environmental implications;
(2) A discussion of the salient characteristics of each offeror's proposed site, system, or process as well as alternative sites, systems, or processes;
(3) A brief comparative evaluation of the potential environmental impacts of the offers, which will address direct and indirect effects, short-term and long-term effects, proposed mitigation measures, adverse effects that cannot be avoided, areas where important environmental information is incomplete and unavailable, unresolved environmental issues and practicable mitigating measures not included in the offeror's proposal; and
(4) To the extent known for each offer, a list of Federal, Tribal, state, and local government permits, licenses, and approvals that must be obtained.
(h) DOE shall prepare a publicly available environmental synopsis, based on the environmental critique, to document the consideration given to environmental factors and to record that the relevant environmental consequences of reasonable alternatives have been evaluated in the selection process. The synopsis will not contain business, confidential, trade secret or other information that DOE otherwise would not disclose pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1905, the confidentiality requirements of the competitive procurement process, 5 U.S.C. 552(b) and 41 U.S.C. 423. To assure compliance with this requirement, the synopsis will not contain data or other information that may in any way reveal the identity of offerors. After a selection has been made, the environmental synopsis shall be filed with EPA, shall be made publicly available, and shall be incorporated in any NEPA document prepared under paragraph (i) of this section.
(i) If an EA or EIS is required, DOE shall prepare, consider and publish the EA or EIS in conformance with the CEQ Regulations and other provisions of this part before taking any action pursuant to the contract or award of financial assistance (except as provided at 40 CFR 1506.1 and § 1021.211 of this part). If the NEPA process is not completed before the award of the contract, financial assistance, or joint venture, then the contract, financial assistance, or joint venture shall be contingent on completion of the NEPA process (except as provided at 40 CFR 1506.1 and § 1021.211 of this part). DOE shall phase subsequent contract work to allow the NEPA review process to be completed in advance of a go/no-go decision.
(a) DOE shall determine, under the procedures in the CEQ Regulations and this part, whether any DOE proposal:
(1) Requires preparation of an EIS;
(2) Requires preparation of an EA; or
(3) Is categorically excluded from preparation of either an EIS or an EA.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of these regulations, DOE may prepare a NEPA document for any DOE action at any time in order to further the purposes of NEPA. This may be done to analyze the consequences of ongoing activities, support DOE planning, assess the need for mitigation, fully disclose the potential environmental consequences of DOE actions, or for any other reason. Documents prepared under this paragraph shall be prepared in the same manner as DOE documents prepared under paragraph (a) of this section.
(a) DOE shall make its NEPA documents available to other Federal agencies, states, local governments, American Indian tribes, interested groups, and the general public, in accordance with 40 CFR 1506.6, except as provided in § 1021.340 of this part.
(b) Wherever feasible, DOE NEPA documents shall explain technical, scientific, or military terms or measurements using terms familiar to the general public, in accordance with 40 CFR 1502.8.
(c) DOE shall notify the host state and host tribe of a DOE determination to prepare an EA or EIS for a DOE proposal, and may notify any other state or American Indian tribe that, in DOE's judgment, may be affected by the proposal.
(d) DOE shall provide the host state and host tribe with an opportunity to review and comment on any DOE EA prior to DOE's approval of the EA. DOE may also provide any other state or American Indian tribe with the same opportunity if, in DOE's judgment, the state or tribe may be affected by the proposed action. At DOE's discretion, this review period shall be from 14 to 30 days. DOE shall consider all comments received from a state or tribe during the review period before approving or modifying the EA, as appropriate. If all states and tribes afforded this opportunity for preapproval review waive such opportunity, or provide a response before the end of the comment period, DOE may proceed to approve or take other appropriate action on the EA before the end of the review period.
(e) Paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section shall not apply to power marketing actions, such as rate-setting, in which a state or American Indian tribe is a customer, or to any other circumstances where DOE determines that such advance information could create a conflict of interest.
DOE shall prepare and circulate EISs and related RODs in accordance with the requirements of the CEQ Regulations, as supplemented by this subpart. DOE shall include in draft and final EISs a disclosure statement executed by any contractor (or subcontractor) under contract with DOE to prepare the EIS document, in accordance with 40 CFR 1506.5(c).
(a) DOE shall publish an NOI in the
(b) If there will be a lengthy delay between the time DOE has decided to prepare an EIS and the beginning of the public scoping process, DOE may publish an Advance NOI in the
(c) Publication of the NOI in the
(d) Except as provided in paragraph (g) of this section, DOE shall hold at least one public scoping meeting as part of the public scoping process for a DOE EIS. DOE shall announce the location, date, and time of public scoping meetings in the NOI or by other appropriate means, such as additional notices in the
(e) In determining the scope of the EIS, DOE shall consider all comments received during the announced comment period held as part of the public scoping process. DOE may also consider comments received after the close of the announced comment period.
(f) A public scoping process is optional for DOE supplemental EISs (40 CFR 1502.9(c)(4)). If DOE initiates a public scoping process for a supplemental EIS, the provisions of paragraphs (a) through (f) of this section shall apply.
(a) The public review and comment period on a DOE draft EIS shall be no less than 45 days (40 CFR 1506.10(c)). The public comment period begins when EPA publishes a Notice of Availability of the document in the
(b) DOE shall hold at least one public hearing on DOE draft EISs. Such public hearings shall be announced at least 15 days in advance. The announcement shall identify the subject of the draft EIS and include the location, date, and time of the public hearings.
(c) DOE shall prepare a final EIS following the public comment period and hearings on the draft EIS. The final EIS shall respond to oral and written comments received during public review of the draft EIS, as provided at 40 CFR 1503.4. In addition to the requirements at 40 CFR 1502.9(b), a DOE final EIS may include any Statement of Findings required by 10 CFR part 1022, “Compliance with Floodplain and Wetland Environmental Review Requirements,” or a Statement of Findings may be issued separately.
(d) DOE shall use appropriate means to publicize the availability of draft and final EISs and the time and place for public hearings on a draft EIS. The methods chosen should focus on reaching persons who may be interested in or affected by the proposal and may include the methods listed in 40 CFR 1506.6(b)(3).
(a) DOE shall prepare a supplemental EIS if there are substantial changes to the proposal or significant new circumstances or information relevant to environmental concerns, as discussed in 40 CFR 1502.9(c)(1).
(b) DOE may supplement a draft EIS or final EIS at any time, to further the purposes of NEPA, in accordance with 40 CFR 1502.9(c)(2).
(c) When it is unclear whether or not an EIS supplement is required, DOE shall prepare a Supplement Analysis.
(1) The Supplement Analysis shall discuss the circumstances that are pertinent to deciding whether to prepare a supplemental EIS, pursuant to 40 CFR 1502.9(c).
(2) The Supplement Analysis shall contain sufficient information for DOE to determine whether:
(i) An existing EIS should be supplemented;
(ii) A new EIS should be prepared; or
(iii) No further NEPA documentation is required.
(3) DOE shall make the determination and the related Supplement Analysis available to the public for information. Copies of the determination and Supplement Analysis shall be provided upon written request. DOE shall make copies available for inspection in the appropriate DOE public reading room(s) or other appropriate location(s) for a reasonable time.
(d) DOE shall prepare, circulate, and file a supplement to a draft or final EIS in the same manner as any other draft and final EISs, except that scoping is optional for a supplement. If DOE decides to take action on a proposal covered by a supplemental EIS, DOE shall prepare a ROD in accordance with the provisions of § 1021.315 of this part.
(e) When applicable, DOE will incorporate an EIS supplement, or the determination and supporting Supplement Analysis made under paragraph (c) of this section, into any related formal administrative record on the action that is the subject of the EIS supplement or determination (40 CFR 1502.9(c)(3)).
(a) No decision may be made on a proposal covered by an EIS during a 30-day “waiting period” following completion of the final EIS, except as provided at 40 CFR 1506.1 and 1506.10(b) and § 1021.211 of this part. The 30-day period starts when the EPA Notice of Availability for the final EIS is published in the
(b) If DOE decides to take action on a proposal covered by an EIS, a ROD shall be prepared as provided at 40 CFR 1505.2 (except as provided at 40 CFR 1506.1 and § 1021.211 of this part).
(c) DOE RODs shall be published in the
(d) No action shall be taken until the decision has been made public. DOE may implement the decision before the ROD is published in the
(e) DOE may revise a ROD at any time, so long as the revised decision is adequately supported by an existing EIS. A revised ROD is subject to the provisions of paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this section.
DOE shall prepare and circulate EAs and related FONSIs in accordance with the requirements of the CEQ Regulations, as supplemented by this subpart.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a) DOE shall prepare a FONSI only if the related EA supports the finding that the proposed action will not have a significant effect on the human environment. If a required DOE EA does not support a FONSI, DOE shall prepare an EIS and issue a ROD before
(b) In addition to the requirements found at 40 CFR 1508.13, a DOE FONSI shall include the following:
(1) Any commitments to mitigations that are essential to render the impacts of the proposed action not significant, beyond those mitigations that are integral elements of the proposed action, and a reference to the Mitigation Action Plan prepared under § 1021.331 of this part;
(2) Any “Statement of Findings” required by 10 CFR part 1022, “Compliance with Floodplain/Wetlands Environmental Review Requirements”;
(3) The date of issuance; and
(4) The signature of the DOE approving official.
(c) DOE shall make FONSIs available to the public as provided at 40 CFR 1501.4(e)(1) and 1506.6; DOE shall make copies available for inspection in the appropriate DOE public reading room(s) or other appropriate location(s) for a reasonable time.
(d) DOE shall issue a proposed FONSI for public review and comment before making a final determination on the FONSI if required by 40 CFR 1501.4(e)(2); DOE may issue a proposed FONSI for public review and comment in other situations as well.
(e) Upon issuance of the FONSI, DOE may proceed with the proposed action subject to any mitigation commitments expressed in the FONSI that are essential to render the impacts of the proposed action not significant.
(f) DOE may revise a FONSI at any time, so long as the revision is supported by an existing EA. A revised FONSI is subject to all provisions of paragraph (d) of this section.
(a) When required to support a DOE programmatic decision (40 CFR 1508.18(b)(3)), DOE shall prepare a programmatic EIS or EA (40 CFR 1502.4). DOE may also prepare a programmatic EIS or EA at any time to further the purposes of NEPA.
(b) A DOE programmatic NEPA document shall be prepared, issued, and circulated in accordance with the requirements for any other NEPA document, as established by the CEQ Regulations and this part.
(c) As a matter of policy when not otherwise required, DOE shall prepare site-wide EISs for certain large, multiple-facility DOE sites; DOE may prepare EISs or EAs for other sites to assess the impacts of all or selected functions at those sites.
(d) DOE shall evaluate site wide NEPA documents prepared under § 1021.330(c) at least every five years. DOE shall evaluate site-wide EISs by means of a Supplement Analysis, as provided in § 1021.314. Based on the Supplement Analysis, DOE shall determine whether the existing EIS remains adequate or whether to prepare a new site-wide EIS or supplement the existing EIS, as appropriate. The determination and supporting analysis shall be made available in the appropriate DOE public reading room(s) or in other appropriate location(s) for a reasonable time.
(e) DOE shall evaluate site-wide EAs by means of an analysis similar to the Supplement Analysis to determine whether the existing site-wide EA remains adequate, whether to prepare a new site-wide EA, revise the FONSI, or prepare a site wide EIS, as appropriate. The determination and supporting analysis shall be made available in the appropriate DOE public reading room(s) or in other appropriate location(s) for a reasonable time.
(a) Following completion of each EIS and its associated ROD, DOE shall prepare a Mitigation Action Plan that addresses mitigation commitments expressed in the ROD. The Mitigation Action Plan shall explain how the corresponding mitigation measures, designed to mitigate adverse environmental impacts associated with the course of action directed by the ROD, will be planned and implemented. The Mitigation Action Plan shall be prepared before DOE takes any action directed by the ROD that is the subject of a mitigation commitment.
(b) In certain circumstances, as specified in § 1021.322(b)(2), DOE shall also prepare a Mitigation Action Plan for commitments to mitigations that are essential to render the impacts of the proposed action not significant. The Mitigation Action Plan shall address all commitments to such necessary mitigations and explain how mitigation will be planned and implemented. The Mitigation Action Plan shall be prepared before the FONSI is issued and shall be referenced therein.
(c) Each Mitigation Action Plan shall be as complete as possible, commensurate with the information available regarding the course of action either directed by the ROD or the action to be covered by the FONSI, as appropriate. DOE may revise the Plan as more specific and detailed information becomes available.
(d) DOE shall make copies of the Mitigation Action Plans available for inspection in the appropriate DOE public reading room(s) or other appropriate location(s) for a reasonable time. Copies of the Mitigation Action Plans shall also be available upon written request.
(a) Notwithstanding other sections of this part, DOE shall not disclose classified, confidential, or other information that DOE otherwise would not disclose pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552) and 10 CFR 1004.10(b) of DOE's regulations implementing the FOIA, except as provided by 40 CFR 1506.6(f).
(b) To the fullest extent possible, DOE shall segregate any information that is exempt from disclosure requirements into an appendix to allow public review of the remainder of a NEPA document.
(c) If exempt information cannot be segregated, or if segregation would leave essentially meaningless material, DOE shall withhold the entire NEPA document from the public; however, DOE shall prepare the NEPA document, in accordance with the CEQ Regulations and this part, and use it in DOE decisionmaking.
(a) In accordance with 40 CFR 1500.4(k) and (o), 1502.25, and 1506.4, DOE shall integrate the NEPA process and coordinate NEPA compliance with other environmental review requirements to the fullest extent possible.
(b) To the extent possible, DOE shall determine the applicability of other environmental requirements early in the planning process, in consultation with other agencies when necessary or appropriate, to ensure compliance and to avoid delays, and shall incorporate any relevant requirements as early in the NEPA review process as possible.
For DOE programs that involve another Federal agency or agencies in related decisions subject to NEPA, DOE will comply with the requirements of 40 CFR 1501.5 and 1501.6. As part of this process, DOE shall cooperate with the other agencies in developing environmental information and in determining whether a proposal requires preparation of an EIS or EA, or can be categorically excluded from preparation of either. Further, where appropriate and acceptable to the other agencies, DOE shall develop or cooperate in the development of interagency agreements to facilitate coordination and to reduce delay and duplication.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a) This subpart identifies DOE actions that normally:
(1) Do not require preparation of either an EIS or an EA (are categorically excluded from preparation of either document) (appendices A and B to this subpart D);
(2) Require preparation of an EA, but not necessarily an EIS (appendix C to this subpart D); or
(3) Require preparation of an EIS (appendix D to this subpart D).
(b) Any completed, valid NEPA review does not have to be repeated, and no completed NEPA documents need to be redone by reasons of these regulations, except as provided in § 1021.314.
(c) If a DOE proposal is encompassed within a class of actions listed in the appendices to this subpart D, DOE shall proceed with the level of NEPA review indicated for that class of actions, unless there are extraordinary circumstances related to the specific proposal that may affect the significance of the environmental effects of the proposal.
(d) If a DOE proposal is not encompassed within the classes of actions listed in the appendices to this subpart D, or if there are extraordinary circumstances related to the proposal that may affect the significance of the environmental effects of the proposal, DOE shall either:
(1) Prepare an EA and, on the basis of that EA, determine whether to prepare an EIS or a FONSI; or
(2) Prepare an EIS and ROD.
(a) The actions listed in appendices A and B to this subpart D are classes of actions that DOE has determined do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment (categorical exclusions).
(b) To find that a proposal is categorically excluded, DOE shall determine the following:
(1) The proposal fits within a class of actions that is listed in appendix A or B to this subpart D;
(2) There are no extraordinary circumstances related to the proposal that may affect the significance of the environmental effects of the proposal. Extraordinary circumstances are unique situations presented by specific proposals, such as scientific controversy about the environmental effects of the proposal; uncertain effects or effects involving unique or unknown risks; or unresolved conflicts concerning alternate uses of available resources within the meaning of section 102(2)(E) of NEPA; and
(3) The proposal is not “connected” (40 CFR 1508.25(a)(1)) to other actions with potentially significant impacts, is not related to other proposed actions with cumulatively significant impacts (40 CFR 1508.25(a)(2)), and is not precluded by 40 CFR 1506.1 or § 1021.211 of this part.
(c) All categorical exclusions may be applied by any organizational element of DOE. The sectional divisions in appendix B to this subpart D are solely for purposes of organization of that appendix and are not intended to be limiting.
(d) A class of actions includes activities foreseeably necessary to proposals
A1Routine actions necessary to support the normal conduct of agency business, such as administrative, financial, and personnel actions.
A2Contract interpretations, amendments, and modifications that are clarifying or administrative in nature.
A3Adjustments, exceptions, exemptions, appeals, and stays, modifications, or rescissions of orders issued by the Office of Hearings and Appeals.
A4Interpretations and rulings with respect to existing regulations, or modifications or rescissions of such interpretations and rulings.
A5Rulemaking interpreting or amending an existing rule or regulation that does not change the environmental effect of the rule or regulation being amended.
A6Rulemakings that are strictly procedural, such as rulemaking (under 48 CFR part 9) establishing procedures for technical and pricing proposals and establishing contract clauses and contracting practices for the purchase of goods and services, and rulemaking (under 10 CFR part 600) establishing application and review procedures for, and administration, audit, and closeout of, grants and cooperative agreements.
A7Transfer, lease, disposition, or acquisition of interests in personal property (e.g., equipment and materials) or real property (e.g., permanent structures and land), if property use is to remain unchanged; i.e., the type and magnitude of impacts would remain essentially the same.
A8Award of contracts for technical support services, management and operation of a government-owned facility, and personal services.
A9Information gathering (including, but not limited to, literature surveys, inventories, audits), data analysis (including computer modelling), document preparation (such as conceptual design or feasibility studies, analytical energy supply and demand studies), and dissemination (including, but not limited to, document mailings, publication, and distribution; and classroom training and informational programs), but not including site characterization or environmental monitoring. (Also see B3.1.)
A10Reports or recommendations on legislation or rulemaking that is not proposed by DOE.
A11Technical advice and planning assistance to international, national, state, and local organizations.
A12Emergency preparedness planning activities, including the designation of onsite evacuation routes.
A13Administrative, organizational, or procedural Orders, Notices, and guidelines.
A14Approval of technical exchange arrangements for information, data, or personnel with other countries or international organizations, including, but not limited to, assistance in identifying and analyzing another country's energy resources, needs and options.
A15Approval of DOE participation in international “umbrella” agreements for cooperation in energy research and development activities that would not commit the U.S. to any specific projects or activities.
B. The classes of actions listed below include the following conditions as integral elements of the classes of actions. To fit within the classes of actions listed below, a proposal must be one that would not:
(1) Threaten a violation of applicable statutory, regulatory, or permit requirements for environment, safety, and health, including requirements of DOE and/or Executive Orders.
(2) Require siting and construction or major expansion of waste storage, disposal, recovery, or treatment facilities (including incinerators), but the proposal may include categorically excluded waste storage, disposal, recovery, or treatment actions.
(3) Disturb hazardous substances, pollutants, contaminants, or CERCLA-excluded petroleum and natural gas products that preexist in the environment such that there would be uncontrolled or unpermitted releases; or
(4) Adversely affect environmentally sensitive resources. An action may be categorically excluded if, although sensitive resources are present on a site, the action would not adversely affect those resources (e.g., construction of a building with its foundation well above a sole-source aquifer or upland surface soil removal on a site that has wetlands). Environmentally sensitive resources include, but are not limited to:
(i) Property (e.g., sites, buildings, structures, objects) of historic, archeological, or architectural significance designated by Federal, state, or local governments or property eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places;
(ii) Federally-listed threatened or endangered species or their habitat (including critical habitat), Federally- proposed or candidate species or their habitat, or state-listed endangered or threatened species or their habitat;
(iii) Wetlands regulated under the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1344) and floodplains;
(iv) Areas having a special designation such as Federally- and state-designated wilderness areas, national parks, national natural landmarks, wild and scenic rivers, state and Federal wildlife refuges, and marine sanctuaries;
(v) Prime agricultural lands;
(vi) Special sources of water (such as sole-source aquifers, wellhead protection areas, and other water sources that are vital in a region); and
(vii) Tundra, coral reefs, or rain forests.
B1.1Rate increases for products or services marketed by parts of DOE other than Power Marketing Administrations and approval of rate increases for non-DOE entities that do not exceed the change in the overall price level in the economy (inflation), as measured by the Gross National Product (GNP) fixed weight price index published by the Department of Commerce, during the period since the last rate increase. (Also see B4.3.)
B1.2Training exercises and simulations (including, but not limited to, firing-range training, emergency response training, fire fighter and rescue training, and spill cleanup training).
B1.3Routine maintenance activities and custodial services for buildings, structures, rights-of-way, infrastructures (e.g., pathways, roads, and railroads), vehicles and equipment, and localized vegetation and pest control, during which operations may be suspended and resumed. Custodial services are activities to preserve facility appearance, working conditions, and sanitation, such as cleaning, window washing, lawn mowing, trash collection, painting, and snow removal. Routine maintenance activities, corrective (that is, repair), preventive, and predictive, are required to maintain and preserve buildings, structures, infrastructures, and equipment in a condition suitable for a facility to be used for its designated purpose. Routine maintenance may result in replacement to the extent that replacement is in kind and is not a substantial upgrade or improvement. In kind replacement includes installation of new components to replace outmoded components if the replacement does not result in a significant change in the expected useful life, design capacity, or function of the facility. Routine maintenance does not include replacement of a major component that significantly extends the originally intended useful life of a facility (for example, it does not include the replacement of a reactor vessel near the end of its useful life). Routine maintenance activities include, but are not limited to:
(a) Repair of facility equipment, such as lathes, mills, pumps, and presses;
(b) Door and window repair or replacement;
(c) Wall, ceiling, or floor repair;
(d) Reroofing;
(e) Plumbing, electrical utility, and telephone service repair;
(f) Routine replacement of high-efficiency particulate air filters;
(g) Inspection and/or treatment of currently installed utility poles;
(h) Repair of road embankments;
(i) Repair or replacement of fire protection sprinkler systems;
(j) Road and parking area resurfacing, including construction of temporary access to facilitate resurfacing;
(k) Erosion control and soil stabilization measures (such as reseeding and revegetation);
(l) Surveillance and maintenance of surplus facilities in accordance with DOE Order 5820.2, “Radioactive Waste Management”;
(m) Repair and maintenance of transmission facilities, including replacement of conductors of the same nominal voltage, poles, circuit breakers, transformers, capacitors, crossarms, insulators, and downed transmission lines, in accordance, where appropriate, with 40 CFR part 761 (Polychlorinated Biphenyls Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution in Commerce, and Use Prohibitions);
(n) Routine testing and calibration of facility components, subsystems, or portable equipment (including but not limited to, control valves, in-core monitoring devices, transformers, capacitors, monitoring wells, lysimeters, weather stations, and flumes); and
(o) Routine decontamination of the surfaces of equipment, rooms, hot cells, or other interior surfaces of buildings (by such activities as wiping with rags, using strippable latex, and minor vacuuming), including removal of contaminated intact equipment and other materials (other than spent nuclear fuel or special nuclear material in nuclear reactors).
B1.4Installation or modification of air conditioning systems required for temperature control for operation of existing equipment.
B1.5Minor improvements to cooling water systems within an existing building or structure if the improvements would not: (1) Create new sources of water or involve new receiving waters; (2) adversely affect water withdrawals or the temperature of discharged water; or (3) increase introductions of or involve new introductions of hazardous substances, pollutants, contaminants, or
B1.6Installation or modification of retention tanks or small (normally under one acre) basins and associated piping and pumps for existing operations to control runoff or spills (such as under 40 CFR part 112). Modifications include, but are not limited to, installing liners or covers.
B1.7Acquisition, installation, operation, and removal of communication systems, data processing equipment, and similar electronic equipment.
B1.8Modifications to screened water intake and outflow structures such that intake velocities and volumes and water effluent quality and volumes are consistent with existing permit limits.
B1.9Placement of airway safety markings and painting (but excluding lighting) of existing electrical transmission lines and antenna structures in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration standards.
B1.10Routine, onsite storage at an existing facility of activated equipment and material (including lead) used at that facility, to allow reuse after decay of radioisotopes with short half-lives.
B1.11Installation of fencing, including that for border marking, that will not adversely affect wildlife movements or surface water flow.
B1.12Detonation or burning of explosives or propellants that failed in outdoor tests (i.e., duds) or were damaged in outdoor tests (e.g., by fracturing) in outdoor areas designated and routinely used for explosive detonation or burning under an existing permit issued by state or local authorities.
B1.13Construction, acquisition, and relocation of onsite pathways and short onsite access roads and railroads.
B1.14Refueling of an operating nuclear reactor, during which operations may be suspended and then resumed.
B1.15Siting, construction (or modification), and operation of support buildings and support structures (including, but not limited to, trailers and prefabricated buildings) within or contiguous to an already developed area (where active utilities and currently used roads are readily accessible). Covered support buildings and structures include those for office purposes; parking; cafeteria services; education and training; visitor reception; computer and data processing services; employee health services or recreation activities; routine maintenance activities; storage of supplies and equipment for administrative services and routine maintenance activities; security (including security posts); fire protection; and similar support purposes, but excluding facilities for waste storage activities, except as provided in other parts of this appendix.
B1.16Removal of asbestos-containing materials from buildings in accordance with 40 CFR part 61 (National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants), subpart M (National Emission Standard for Asbestos); 40 CFR part 763 (Asbestos), subpart G (Asbestos Abatement Projects); 29 CFR part 1910, subpart I (Personal Protective Equipment), § 1910.134 (Respiratory Protection); subpart Z (Toxic and Hazardous Substances), § 1910.1001 (Asbestos, tremolite, anthophyllite and actinolite); and 29 CFR part 1926 (Safety and Health Regulations for Construction), subpart D (Occupational Health and Environmental Controls), § 1926.58 (Asbestos, tremolite, anthophyllite, and actinolite), other appropriate Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards in title 29, chapter XVII of the CFR, and appropriate state and local requirements, including certification of removal contractors and technicians.
B1.17Removal of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-containing items, such as transformers or capacitors, PCB-containing oils flushed from transformers, PCB-flushing solutions, and PCB-containing spill materials from buildings or other aboveground locations in accordance with 40 CFR part 761 (Polychlorinated Biphenyls Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution in Commerce, and Use Prohibitions).
B1.18Siting, construction, and operation of additional water supply wells (or replacement wells) within an existing well field, or modification of an existing water supply well to restore production, if there would be no drawdown other than in the immediate vicinity of the pumping well, no resulting long-term decline of the water table, and no degradation of the aquifer from the new or replacement well.
B1.19Siting, construction, and operation of microwave and radio communication towers and associated facilities, if the towers and associated facilities would not be in an area of great visual value.
B1.20Small-scale activities undertaken to protect, restore, or improve fish and wildlife habitat, fish passage facilities (such as fish ladders or minor diversion channels), or fisheries.
B1.21Noise abatement measures, such as construction of noise barriers and installation of noise control materials.
B1.22Relocation of buildings (including, but not limited to, trailers and prefabricated buildings) to an already developed area (where active utilities and currently used roads are readily accessible).
B1.23Demolition and subsequent disposal of buildings, equipment, and support structures (including, but not limited to, smoke stacks and parking lot surfaces).
B1.24Transfer, lease, disposition or acquisition of interests in uncontaminated permanent or temporary structures, equipment therein, and only land that is necessary for
B1.25Transfer, lease, disposition or acquisition of interests in uncontaminated land for habitat preservation or wildlife management, and only associated buildings that support these purposes. Uncontaminated means that there would be no potential for release of substances at a level, or in a form, that would pose a threat to public health or the environment.
B1.26Siting, construction (or expansion, modification, or replacement), operation, and decommissioning of small (total capacity less than approximately 250,000 gallons per day) wastewater and surface water treatment facilities whose liquid discharges are externally regulated, and small potable water and sewage treatment facilities.
B1.27Activities that are required for the disconnection of utility services such as water, steam, telecommunications, and electrical power after it has been determined that the continued operation of these systems is not needed for safety.
B1.28Minor activities that are required to place a facility in an environmentally safe condition where there is no proposed use for the facility. These activities would include, but are not limited to, reducing surface contamination, and removing materials, equipment or waste, such as final defueling of a reactor, where there are adequate existing facilities for the treatment, storage, or disposal of the materials, equipment or waste. These activities would not include conditioning, treatment, or processing of spent nuclear fuel, high-level waste, or special nuclear materials.
B1.29Siting, construction, operation, and decommissioning of a small (less than approximately 10 acres) onsite disposal facility for construction and demolition waste which would not release substances at a level, or in a form, that would pose a threat to public health or the environment. These wastes, as defined in the Environmental Protection Agency's regulations under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, specifically 40 CFR 243.101, include building materials, packaging, and rubble.
B1.30Transfer actions, in which the predominant activity is transportation, and in which the amount and type of materials, equipment or waste to be moved is small and incidental to the amount of such materials, equipment, or waste that is already a part of ongoing operations at the receiving site. Such transfers are not regularly scheduled as part of ongoing routine operations.
B1.31Relocation of machinery and equipment, such as analytical laboratory apparatus, electronic hardware, maintenance equipment, and health and safety equipment, including minor construction necessary for removal and installation, where uses of the relocated items will be similar to their former uses and consistent with the general missions of the receiving structure.
B1.32Traffic flow adjustments to existing roads at DOE sites (including, but not limited to, stop sign or traffic light installation, adjusting direction of traffic flow, and adding turning lanes). Road adjustments such as widening or realignment are not included.
B2.1Modifications of an existing structure to enhance workplace habitability (including, but not limited to: improvements to lighting, radiation shielding, or heating/ventilating/air conditioning and its instrumentation; and noise reduction).
B2.2Installation of, or improvements to, building and equipment instrumentation (including, but not limited to, remote control panels, remote monitoring capability, alarm and surveillance systems, control systems to provide automatic shutdown, fire detection and protection systems, announcement and emergency warning systems, criticality and radiation monitors and alarms, and safeguards and security equipment).
B2.3Installation of, or improvements to, equipment for personnel safety and health, including, but not limited to, eye washes, safety showers, radiation monitoring devices, and fumehoods and associated collection and exhaust systems, provided that emissions would not increase.
B2.4Development and implementation of Equipment Qualification Programs (under DOE Order 5480.6, “Safety of DOE-owned Nuclear Reactors”) to augment information on safety-related system components or to improve systems reliability.
B2.5Safety and environmental improvements of a facility, including replacement and upgrade of facility components, that do not result in a significant change in the expected useful life, design capacity, or function of the facility and during which operations may be suspended and then resumed. Improvements may include, but are not limited to: Replacement/upgrade of control valves, in-core monitoring devices, facility air filtration systems, or substation transformers or capacitors; addition of structural bracing to meet earthquake standards and/or
B2.6Packaging, transportation, and storage of radioactive materials from the public domain, in accordance with the Atomic Energy Act upon a request by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission or other cognizant agency, which would include a State that regulates radioactive materials under an agreement with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission or other agencies that may, under unusual circumstances, have responsibilities regarding the materials that are included in the categorical exclusion. Covered materials are those for which possession and use by Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensees has been categorically excluded under 10 CFR 51.22(14) or its successors. Examples of these radioactive materials (which may contain source, byproduct or special nuclear materials) are density gauges, therapeutic medical devices, generators, reagent kits, irradiators, analytical instruments, well monitoring equipment, uranium shielding material, depleted uranium military munitions, and packaged radioactive waste not exceeding 50 curies.
B3.1Onsite and offsite site characterization and environmental monitoring, including siting, construction (or modification), operation, and dismantlement or closing (abandonment) of characterization and monitoring devices and siting, construction, and associated operation of a small-scale laboratory building or renovation of a room in an existing building for sample analysis. Activities covered include, but are not limited to, site characterization and environmental monitoring under CERCLA and RCRA. Specific activities include, but are not limited to:
(a) Geological, geophysical (such as gravity, magnetic, electrical, seismic, and radar), geochemical, and engineering surveys and mapping, including the establishment of survey marks;
(b) Installation and operation of field instruments, such as stream-gauging stations or flow-measuring devices, telemetry systems, geochemical monitoring tools, and geophysical exploration tools;
(c) Drilling of wells for sampling or monitoring of groundwater or the vadose (unsaturated) zone, well logging, and installation of water-level recording devices in wells;
(d) Aquifer response testing;
(e) Installation and operation of ambient air monitoring equipment;
(f) Sampling and characterization of water, soil, rock, or contaminants;
(g) Sampling and characterization of water effluents, air emissions, or solid waste streams;
(h) Installation and operation of meteorological towers and associated activities, including assessment of potential wind energy resources;
(i) Sampling of flora or fauna; and
(j) Archeological, historic, and cultural resource identification in compliance with 36 CFR part 800 and 43 CFR part 7.
B3.2Aviation activities for survey, monitoring, or security purposes that comply with Federal Aviation Administration regulations.
B3.3Field and laboratory research, inventory, and information collection activities that are directly related to the conservation of fish or wildlife resources and that involve only negligible habitat destruction or population reduction.
B3.4Drop, puncture, water-immersion, thermal, and fire tests of transport packaging for radioactive or hazardous materials to certify that designs meet the requirements of 49 CFR §§ 173.411 and 173.412 and requirements of severe accident conditions as specified in 10 CFR § 71.73.
B3.5Tank car tests under 49 CFR part 179 (including, but not limited to, tests of safety relief devices, pressure regulators, and thermal protection systems).
B3.6Siting, construction (or modification), operation, and decommissioning of facilities for indoor bench-scale research projects and conventional laboratory operations (for example, preparation of chemical standards and sample analysis); small-scale research and development projects; and small-scale pilot projects (generally less than two years) conducted to verify a concept before demonstration actions. Construction (or modification) will be within or contiguous to an already developed area (where active utilities and currently used roads are readily accessible). See also C12.
B3.7Siting, construction, and operation of new infill exploratory and experimental (test) oil, gas, and geothermal wells, which are to be drilled in a geological formation that has existing operating wells.
B3.8Outdoor ecological and other environmental research (including siting, construction, and operation of a small-scale laboratory building or renovation of a room in an existing building for sample analysis) in a small area (generally less than five acres)
B3.9Demonstration actions proposed under the Clean Coal Technology Demonstration Program, if the actions would not increase the quantity or rate of air emissions. These demonstration actions include, but are not limited to:
(a) Test treatment of 20 percent or less of the throughput product (solid, liquid, or gas) generated at an existing and fully operational coal combustion or coal utilization facility;
(b) Addition or replacement of equipment for reduction or control of sulfur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, or other regulated substances that requires only minor modification to the existing structures at an existing coal combustion or coal utilization facility for which the existing use remains unchanged; and
(c) Addition or replacement of equipment for reduction or control of sulfur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, or other regulated substances that involves no permanent change in the quantity or quality of coal being burned or used and involves no permanent change in the capacity factor of the coal combustion or coal utilization facility, other than for demonstration purposes of two years or less in duration.
B3.10Siting, construction, operation, and decommissioning of a particle accelerator, including electron beam accelerator with primary beam energy less than approximately 100 MeV, and associated beamlines, storage rings, colliders, and detectors for research and medical purposes, within or contiguous to an already developed area (where active utilities and currently used roads are readily accessible), or internal modification of any accelerator facility regardless of energy that does not increase primary beam energy or current.
B3.11Outdoor tests and experiments for the development, quality assurance, or reliability of materials and equipment (including, but not limited to, weapon system components), under controlled conditions that would not involve source, special nuclear, or byproduct materials. Covered activities may include, but are not limited to, burn tests (such as tests of electric cable fire resistance or the combustion characteristics of fuels), impact tests (such as pneumatic ejector tests using earthen embankments or concrete slabs designated and routinely used for that purpose), or drop, puncture, water-immersion, or thermal tests.
B3.12Siting, construction (or modification), operation, and decommissioning of microbiological and biomedical diagnostic, treatment and research facilities (excluding Biosafety Level-3 and Biosafety Level-4; reference: Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories, 3rd Edition, May 1993, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Service, Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Institutes of Health (HHS Publication No. (CDC) 93-8395)) including, but not limited to, laboratories, treatment areas, offices, and storage areas, within or contiguous to an already developed area (where active utilities and currently used roads are readily accessible). Operation may include the purchase, installation, and operation of biomedical equipment, such as commercially available cyclotrons that are used to generate radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals, and commercially available biomedical imaging and spectroscopy instrumentation.
B3.13Performing magnetic fusion experiments that do not use tritium as fuel, with existing facilities (including necessary modifications).
B4.1Establishment and implementation of contracts, marketing plans, policies, allocation plans, or acquisition of excess electric power that does not involve: (1) the integration of a new generation resource, (2) physical changes in the transmission system beyond the previously developed facility area, unless the changes are themselves categorically excluded, or (3) changes in the normal operating limits of generation resources.
B4.2Export of electric energy as provided by Section 202(e) of the Federal Power Act over existing transmission systems or using transmission system changes that are themselves categorically excluded.
B4.3Rate changes for electric power, power transmission, and other products or services provided by a Power Marketing Administration that are based on a change in revenue requirements if the operations of generation projects would remain within normal operating limits.
B4.4Power marketing services, including storage, load shaping, seasonal exchanges, or other similar activities if the operations of generating projects would remain within normal operating limits.
B4.5Temporary adjustments to river operations to accommodate day-to-day river fluctuations, power demand changes, fish and wildlife conservation program requirements, and other external events if the adjustments would occur within the existing operating constraints of the particular hydrosystem operation.
B4.6Additions or modifications to electric power transmission facilities that would not affect the environment beyond the previously developed facility area including, but not limited to, switchyard rock grounding upgrades, secondary containment projects, paving projects, seismic upgrading, tower
B4.7Adding fiber optic cable to transmission structures or burying fiber optic cable in existing transmission line rights-of-way.
B4.8New electricity transmission agreements, and modifications to existing transmission arrangements, to use a transmission facility of one system to transfer power of and for another system, if no new generation projects would be involved and no physical changes in the transmission system would be made beyond the previously developed facility area.
B4.9Grant or denial of requests for multiple use of a transmission facility rights-of-way, such as grazing permits and crossing agreements, including electric lines, water lines, and drainage culverts.
B4.10Deactivation, dismantling, and removal of electric powerlines, substations, switching stations, and other transmission facilities, and right-of-way abandonment.
B4.11Construction of electric power substations (including switching stations and support facilities) with power delivery at 230 kV or below, or modification (other than voltage increases) of existing substations and support facilities, that could involve the construction of electric powerlines approximately 10 miles in length or less, or relocation of existing electric powerlines approximately 20 miles in length or less, but not the integration of major new generation resources into a main transmission system.
B4.12Construction of electric powerlines approximately 10 miles in length or less that are not for the integration of major new generation resources into a main transmission system.
B4.13Reconstruction (upgrading or rebuilding) and/or minor relocation of existing electric powerlines approximately 20 miles in length or less to enhance environmental and land use values. Such actions include relocations to avoid right-of-way encroachments, resolve conflict with property development, accommodate road/highway construction, allow for the construction of facilities such as canals and pipelines, or reduce existing impacts to environmentally sensitive areas.
B5.1Actions to conserve energy, demonstrate potential energy conservation, and promote energy-efficiency that do not increase the indoor concentrations of potentially harmful substances. These actions may involve financial and technical assistance to individuals (such as builders, owners, consultants, designers), organizations (such as utilities), and state and local governments. Covered actions include, but are not limited to: programmed lowering of thermostat settings, placement of timers on hot water heaters, installation of solar hot water systems, installation of efficient lighting, improvements in generator efficiency and appliance efficiency ratings, development of energy-efficient manufacturing or industrial practices, and small-scale conservation and renewable energy research and development and pilot projects. The actions could involve building renovations or new structures in commercial, residential, agricultural, or industrial sectors. These actions do not include rulemakings, standard-settings, or proposed DOE legislation.
B5.2Modifications to oil, gas, and geothermal facility pump and piping configurations, manifolds, metering systems, and other instrumentation that would not change design process flow rates or affect permitted air emissions.
B5.3Modification (but not expansion) or abandonment (including plugging), which is not part of site closure, of crude oil storage access wells, brine injection wells, geothermal wells, and gas wells.
B5.4Repair or replacement of sections of a crude oil, produced water, brine, or geothermal pipeline, if the actions are determined by the Army Corps of Engineers to be within the maintenance provisions of a DOE permit under section 404 of the Clean Water Act.
B5.5Construction and subsequent operation of short crude oil, steam, geothermal, or natural gas pipeline segments between DOE facilities and existing transportation, storage, or refining facilities within a single industrial complex, if the pipeline segments are within existing rights-of-way.
B5.6Removal of oil and contaminated materials recovered in oil spill cleanup operations in accordance with the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP) and disposed of in accordance with local contingency plans in accordance with the NCP.
B5.7Approval of new authorization or amendment of existing authorization to import/export natural gas under section 3 of the Natural Gas Act that does not involve new construction and only requires operational changes, such as an increase in natural gas throughput, change in transportation, or change in storage operations.
B5.8Approval of new authorization or amendment of existing authorization to import/export natural gas under section 3 of the Natural Gas Act involving a new cogeneration powerplant (as defined in the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act) within or adjacent to an existing industrial complex and requiring less than 10 miles of new gas pipeline.
B5.9The grant or denial of any temporary exemption under the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 for any electric powerplant.
B5.10The grant or denial of any permanent exemption under the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 of any existing electric powerplant other than an exemption under (1) section 312(c) relating to cogeneration, (2) section 312(l) relating to scheduled equipment outages, (3) section 312(b) relating to certain state or local requirements, and (4) section 312(g) relating to certain intermediate load powerplants.
B5.11The grant or denial of a permanent exemption from the prohibitions of Title II of the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 for any new electric powerplant to permit the use of certain fuel mixtures containing natural gas or petroleum.
B5.12Workover (operations to restore production, such as deepening, plugging back, pulling and resetting lines, and squeeze cementing) of an existing oil, gas, or geothermal well to restore production when workover operations will be restricted to the existing wellpad and not involve any new site preparation or earth work that would adversely affect adjacent habitat.
B6.1Small-scale, short-term cleanup actions, under RCRA, Atomic Energy Act, or other authorities, less than approximately 5 million dollars in cost and 5 years duration, to reduce risk to human health or the environment from the release or threat of release of a hazardous substance other than high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel, including treatment (e.g., incineration), recovery, storage, or disposal of wastes at existing facilities currently handling the type of waste involved in the action. These actions include, but are not limited to:
(a) Excavation or consolidation of contaminated soils or materials from drainage channels, retention basins, ponds, and spill areas that are not receiving contaminated surface water or wastewater, if surface water or groundwater would not collect and if such actions would reduce the spread of, or direct contact with, the contamination;
(b) Removal of bulk containers (for example, drums, barrels) that contain or may contain hazardous substances, pollutants, contaminants, CERCLA-excluded petroleum or natural gas products, or hazardous wastes (designated in 40 CFR part 261 or applicable state requirements), if such actions would reduce the likelihood of spillage, leakage, fire, explosion, or exposure to humans, animals, or the food chain;
(c) Removal of an underground storage tank including its associated piping and underlying containment systems in compliance with RCRA, subtitle I; 40 CFR part 265, subpart J; and 40 CFR part 280, subparts F and G if such action would reduce the likelihood of spillage, leakage, or the spread of, or direct contact with, contamination;
(d) Repair or replacement of leaking containers;
(e) Capping or other containment of contaminated soils or sludges if the capping or containment would not affect future groundwater remediation and if needed to reduce migration of hazardous substances, pollutants, contaminants, or CERCLA-excluded petroleum and natural gas products into soil, groundwater, surface water, or air;
(f) Drainage or closing of man-made surface impoundments if needed to maintain the integrity of the structures;
(g) Confinement or perimeter protection using dikes, trenches, ditches, diversions, or installing underground barriers, if needed to reduce the spread of, or direct contact with, the contamination;
(h) Stabilization, but not expansion, of berms, dikes, impoundments, or caps if needed to maintain integrity of the structures;
(i) Drainage controls (for example, run-off or run-on diversion) if needed to reduce offsite migration of hazardous substances, pollutants, contaminants, or CERCLA-excluded petroleum or natural gas products or to prevent precipitation or run-off from other sources from entering the release area from other areas;
(j) Segregation of wastes that may react with one another or form a mixture that could result in adverse environmental impacts;
(k) Use of chemicals and other materials to neutralize the pH of wastes;
(l) Use of chemicals and other materials to retard the spread of the release or to mitigate its effects if the use of such chemicals would reduce the spread of, or direct contact with, the contamination;
(m) Installation and operation of gas ventilation systems in soil to remove methane or petroleum vapors without any toxic or radioactive co-contaminants if appropriate filtration or gas treatment is in place;
(n) Installation of fences, warning signs, or other security or site control precautions if humans or animals have access to the release; and
(o) Provision of an alternative water supply that would not create new water sources if necessary immediately to reduce exposure to contaminated household or industrial use water and continuing until such time as local authorities can satisfy the need for a permanent remedy.
B6.2The siting, construction, and operation of temporary (generally less than 2 years) pilot-scale waste collection and treatment facilities, and pilot-scale (generally less than one acre) waste stabilization and
B6.3Improvements to environmental monitoring and control systems of an existing building or structure (for example, changes to scrubbers in air quality control systems or ion-exchange devices and other filtration processes in water treatment systems) if during subsequent operations (1) any substance collected by the environmental control systems would be recycled, released, or disposed of within existing permitted facilities and (2) there are applicable statutory or regulatory requirements or permit conditions for disposal, release, or recycling of any hazardous substance or CERCLA-excluded petroleum natural gas products that are collected or released in increased quantity or that were not previously collected or released.
B6.4Siting, construction (or modification or expansion), operation, and decommissioning of an onsite facility for storing packaged hazardous waste (as designated in 40 CFR part 261) for 90 days or less or for longer periods as provided in 40 CFR 262.34 (d), (e), or (f) (e.g., accumulation or satellite areas).
B6.5Siting, construction (or modification or expansion), operation, and decommissioning of an onsite facility for characterizing and sorting previously packaged waste or for overpacking waste, other than high-level radioactive waste, if operations do not involve unpacking waste. These actions do not include waste storage (covered under B6.4, B6.6, B6.10, and C16) or the handling of spent nuclear fuel.
B6.6Modification (excluding increases in capacity) of an existing structure used for storing, packaging, or repacking waste other than high-level radioactive waste or spent nuclear fuel, to handle the same class of waste as currently handled at that structure.
B6.7Under the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Amendments Act of 1985 (5(c)(5)), granting of a petition qualified under 10 CFR 730.6 for allocation of commercial disposal capacity for an unusual or unexpected volume of commercial low-level radioactive waste or denying such a petition when adequate storage capacity exists at the petitioner's facility.
B6.8Minor operational changes at an existing facility to minimize waste generation and for reuse of materials. These changes include, but are not limited to, adding filtration and recycle piping to allow reuse of machining oil, setting up a sorting area to improve process efficiency, and segregating two waste streams previously mingled and assigning new identification codes to the two resulting wastes.
B6.9Small-scale temporary measures to reduce migration of contaminated groundwater, including the siting, construction, operation, and decommissioning of necessary facilities. These measures include, but are not limited to, pumping, treating, storing, and reinjecting water, by mobile units or facilities that are built and then removed at the end of the action.
B6.10Siting, construction (or modification), operation, and decommissioning of a small upgraded or replacement facility (less than approximately 50,000 square feet in area) at a DOE site within or contiguous to an already developed area (where active utilities and currently used roads are readily accessible) for storage of waste that is already at the site at the time the storage capacity is to be provided. These actions do not include the storage of high-level radioactive waste, spent nuclear fuel or any waste that requires special precautions to prevent nuclear criticality. See also B6.4, B6.5, B6.6, and C16.
B7.1Planning and implementation of emergency measures pursuant to the International Energy Program.
B7.2Approval of import or export of small quantities of special nuclear materials or isotopic materials in accordance with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978 and the “Procedures Established Pursuant to the Nuclear Non Proliferation Act of 1978” (43 FR 25326, June 9, 1978).
C1 [Reserved]
C2Rate increases for products or services marketed by DOE, except for electric power, power transmission, and other products or services provided by the Power Marketing Administrations, and approval of rate increases for non-DOE entities, that exceed the change in the overall price level in the economy (inflation), as measured by the GNP fixed weight price index published by the Department of Commerce, during the period since the last rate increase for that product or service.
C3Rate changes for electric power, power transmission, and other products or services provided by Power Marketing Administrations that are based on changes in revenue requirements if the operations of generation projects would not remain within normal operating limits.
C4Reconstructing (upgrading or rebuilding) existing electric powerlines more than approximately 20 miles in length or constructing new electric powerlines more than approximately 10 miles in length.
C5Implementation of a Power Marketing Administration system-wide vegetation management program.
C6Implementation of a Power Marketing Administration system-wide erosion control program.
C7Establishment and implementation of contracts, policies, marketing plans, or allocation plans for the allocation of electric power that do not involve (1) the addition of new generation resources greater than 50 average megawatts, (2) major changes in the operating limits of generation resources greater than 50 average megawatts, or (3) service to discrete new loads of 10 average megawatts or more over a 12 month period. This applies to power marketing operations and to siting, construction, and operation of power generating facilities at DOE sites.
C8Protection, restoration, or improvement of fish and wildlife habitat, fish passage facilities, and fish hatcheries if the proposed action may adversely affect an environmentally sensitive resource.
C9Field demonstration projects for wetlands mitigation, creation, and restoration.
C10 [Reserved]
C11Siting, construction (or modification), operation, and decommissioning of a low- or medium-energy (but greater than approximately 100 MeV primary beam energy) particle acceleration facility, including electron beam acceleration facilities, and associated beamlines, storage rings, colliders, and detectors for research and medical purposes, within or contiguous to an already developed area (where active utilities and currently used roads are readily accessible).
C12Siting, construction, and operation of energy system prototypes including, but not limited to, wind resource, hydropower, geothermal, fossil fuel, biomass, and solar energy pilot projects.
C13Approval or disapproval of an application to import/export natural gas under section 3 of the Natural Gas Act involving minor new construction (other than a cogeneration powerplant), such as adding new connections, looping, or compression to an existing natural gas pipeline or converting an existing oil pipeline to a natural gas pipeline using the same right-of-way.
C14Siting, construction (or expansion), operation, and decommissioning of wastewater, surface water, potable water, and sewage treatment facilities with a total capacity greater than approximately 250,000 gallons per day, and of lower capacity wastewater and surface water treatment facilities whose liquid discharges are not subject to external regulation.
C15Siting, construction (or expansion), and operation of research and development incinerators for any type of waste and of any other incinerators that would treat nonhazardous solid waste (as designated in 40 CFR Part 261.4(b)).
C16Siting, construction (or modification to increase capacity), operation, and decommissioning of packaging and unpacking facilities (that may include characterization operations) and large storage facilities (greater than approximately 50,000 square feet in area) for waste, except high-level radioactive waste, generated onsite or resulting from activities connected to site operations. These actions do not include storage,
D1Strategic Systems, as defined in DOE Order 430.1, “Life-Cycle Asset Management,” and designated by the Secretary.
D2Siting, construction, operation, and decommissioning of nuclear fuel reprocessing facilities.
D3Siting, construction, operation, and decommissioning of uranium enrichment facilities.
D4Siting, construction, operation, and decommissioning of power reactors, nuclear material production reactors, and test and research reactors.
D5Main transmission system additions (that is, additions of new transmission lines) to a Power Marketing Administration's main transmission grid.
D6Integrating transmission facilities (that is, transmission system additions for integrating major new sources of generation into a Power Marketing Administration's main grid).
D7Establishment and implementation of contracts, policies, marketing plans or allocation plans for the allocation of electric power that involve (1) the addition of new generation resources greater than 50 average megawatts, (2) major changes in the operating limits of generation resources greater than 50 average megawatts, or (3) service to discrete new loads of 10 average megawatts or more over a 12 month period. This applies to power marketing operations and to siting construction, and operation of power generating facilities at DOE sites.
D8Approval or disapproval of an application to import/export natural gas under section 3 of the Natural Gas Act involving major new natural gas pipeline construction or related facilities, such as construction of new liquid natural gas (LNG) terminals, regasification or storage facilities, or a significant expansion of an existing pipeline or related facility or LNG terminal, regasification, or storage facility.
D9Approval or disapproval of an application to import/export natural gas under section 3 of the Natural Gas Act involving a significant operational change, such as a major increase in the quantity of liquid natural gas imported or exported.
D10Siting, construction, operation, and decommissioning of major treatment, storage, and disposal facilities for high-level waste and spent nuclear fuel, including geologic repositories, but not including onsite replacement or upgrades of storage facilities for spent nuclear fuel at DOE sites where such replacement or upgrade will not result in increased storage capacity.
D11Siting, construction (or expansion), and operation of a disposal facility for transuranic (TRU) waste and TRU mixed waste (TRU waste also containing hazardous waste as designated in 40 CFR part 261).
D12Siting, construction, and operation of incinerators, other than research and development incinerators or incinerators for nonhazardous solid waste (as designated in 40 CFR part 261.4(b)).
42 U.S.C. 7101
(a) Executive Order (E.O.) 11988—Floodplain Management (May 24, 1977) directs each Federal agency to issue or amend existing regulations and procedures to ensure that the potential effects of any action it may take in a floodplain are evaluated and that its planning programs and budget requests reflect consideration of flood hazards and floodplain management. Guidance for implementation of the E.O. is provided in the floodplain management guidelines of the U.S. Water Resources Council (40 FR 6030; February 10, 1978) and in “A Unified National Program for Floodplain Management” prepared by the Federal Interagency Floodplain Management Taskforce (Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA 248, June 1994). E.O. 11990—Protection of Wetlands (May 24, 1977) directs all Federal agencies to issue or amend existing procedures to ensure consideration of wetlands protection in decisionmaking and to ensure the evaluation of the potential impacts of any new construction proposed in a wetland.
(b) It is the intent of the E.O.s that Federal agencies implement both the floodplain and the wetland provisions through existing procedures such as those established to implement the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321
(a) This part establishes policy and procedures for discharging the Department of Energy's (DOE's) responsibilities under E.O. 11988 and E.O. 11990, including:
(1) DOE policy regarding the consideration of floodplain and wetland factors in DOE planning and decisionmaking; and
(2) DOE procedures for identifying proposed actions located in a floodplain or wetland, providing opportunity for early public review of such proposed actions, preparing floodplain or wetland assessments, and issuing statements of findings for actions in a floodplain.
(b) To the extent possible, DOE shall accommodate the requirements of E.O. 11988 and E.O. 11990 through applicable DOE NEPA procedures or, when appropriate, the environmental review process under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) (42 U.S.C. 9601
DOE shall exercise leadership and take action to:
(a) Incorporate floodplain management goals and wetland protection considerations into its planning, regulatory, and decisionmaking processes, and shall to the extent practicable:
(1) Reduce the risk of flood loss;
(2) Minimize the impact of floods on human safety, health, and welfare;
(3) Restore and preserve natural and beneficial values served by floodplains;
(4) Require the construction of DOE structures and facilities to be, at a minimum, in accordance with FEMA
(5) Promote public awareness of flood hazards by providing conspicuous delineations of past and probable flood heights on DOE property that has suffered flood damage or is in an identified floodplain and that is used by the general public;
(6) Inform parties during transactions guaranteed, approved, regulated, or insured by DOE of the hazards associated with locating facilities and structures in a floodplain;
(7) Minimize the destruction, loss, or degradation of wetlands; and
(8) Preserve and enhance the natural and beneficial values of wetlands.
(b) Undertake a careful evaluation of the potential effects of any proposed floodplain or wetland action.
(c) Avoid to the extent possible the long- and short-term adverse impacts associated with the destruction of wetlands and the occupancy and modification of floodplains and wetlands, and avoid direct and indirect support of development in a floodplain or new construction in a wetland wherever there is a practicable alternative.
(d) Identify, evaluate, and as appropriate, implement alternative actions that may avoid or mitigate adverse floodplain or wetland impacts.
(e) Provide opportunity for early public review of any plans or proposals for floodplain or wetland actions.
The following definitions apply to this part:
(1) Acquiring, managing, and disposing of Federal lands and facilities;
(2) Providing DOE-undertaken, -financed, or -assisted construction and improvements; and
(3) Conducting activities and programs affecting land use, including but not limited to water- and related land-resources planning, regulating, and licensing activities.
(a) This part applies to all organizational units of DOE, including the National Nuclear Security Administration, except that it shall not apply to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
(b) This part applies to all proposed floodplain or wetland actions, including those sponsored jointly with other agencies.
(c) This part does not apply to the issuance by DOE of permits, licenses, or allocations to private parties for activities involving a wetland that are located on non-Federal property.
(d) Subject to paragraph (e) of this section, subpart B of this part does not apply to:
(1) Routine maintenance of existing facilities and structures on DOE property in a floodplain or wetland. Maintenance is routine when it is needed to maintain and preserve the facility or structure for its designated purpose (
(2) Site characterization, environmental monitoring, or environmental research activities (
(3) Minor modification (
(e) Although the actions listed in paragraphs (d)(1), (d)(2), and (d)(3) of this section normally have very small or no adverse impact on a floodplain or wetland, where unusual circumstances indicate the possibility of adverse impact on a floodplain or wetland, DOE shall determine the need for a floodplain or wetland assessment.
Inquiries regarding DOE's floodplain and wetland environmental review requirements may be directed to the Office of NEPA Policy and Compliance, U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585-0119, 202-586-4600, or a message may be left at 1-800-472-2756, toll free.
(a) Concurrent with its review of a proposed action to determine appropriate NEPA or CERCLA process requirements, DOE shall determine the applicability of the floodplain management and wetland protection requirements of this part.
(b) DOE shall determine whether a proposed action would be located within a base or critical action floodplain consistent with the most authoritative information available relative to site conditions from the following sources, as appropriate:
(1) Flood Insurance Rate Maps or Flood Hazard Boundary Maps prepared by FEMA;
(2) Information from a land-administering agency (
(3) Information contained in safety basis documents as defined at 10 CFR part 830; and
(4) DOE environmental documents,
(c) DOE shall determine whether a proposed action would be located within a wetland consistent with the most authoritative information available relative to site conditions from the following sources, as appropriate:
(1) U.S. Army Corps of Engineers “Wetlands Delineation Manual,” Wetlands Research Program Technical Report Y-87-1, January 1987, or successor document;
(2) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetlands Inventory or other government-sponsored wetland or land-use inventories;
(3) U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service Local Identification Maps;
(4) U.S. Geological Survey Topographic Maps; and
(5) DOE environmental documents,
(d) Pursuant to § 1022.5 of this part and paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, DOE shall prepare:
(1) A floodplain assessment for any proposed floodplain action in the base floodplain or for any proposed floodplain action that is a critical action located in the critical action floodplain; or
(2) A wetland assessment for any proposed wetland action.
(a) For a proposed floodplain or wetland action for which an EIS is required, DOE shall use applicable NEPA procedures to provide the opportunity for early public review of the proposed
(b) For a proposed floodplain or wetland action for which no EIS is required, DOE shall take appropriate steps to send a notice of proposed floodplain or wetland action to appropriate government agencies (
(a) A floodplain or wetland assessment shall contain the following information:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(b) For proposed floodplain or wetland actions for which an EA or EIS is required, DOE shall prepare the floodplain or wetland assessment concurrent with and included in the appropriate NEPA document.
(c) For floodplain or wetland actions for which neither an EA nor an EIS is prepared, DOE shall prepare the floodplain or wetland assessment separately or incorporate it when appropriate into another environmental review process (
(a) If DOE finds that no practicable alternative to locating or conducting the action in the floodplain or wetland is available, then before taking action DOE shall design or modify its action in order to minimize potential harm to or within the floodplain or wetland, consistent with the policies set forth in E.O. 11988 and E.O. 11990.
(b) For actions that will be located in a floodplain, DOE shall issue a floodplain statement of findings, normally not to exceed three pages, that contains:
(1) A brief description of the proposed action, including a location map;
(2) An explanation indicating why the action is proposed to be located in the floodplain;
(3) A list of alternatives considered;
(4) A statement indicating whether the action conforms to applicable floodplain protection standards; and
(5) A brief description of steps to be taken to minimize potential harm to or within the floodplain.
(c) For floodplain actions that require preparation of an EA or EIS, DOE may incorporate the floodplain statement of findings into the finding of no
(d) DOE shall send copies of the floodplain statement of findings to appropriate government agencies (
(e) For proposed floodplain actions that may result in effects of national concern, DOE shall publish the floodplain statement of findings in the
(f) For floodplain actions subject to E.O. 12372—Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs (July 14, 1982), DOE also shall send the floodplain statement of findings to the State in accordance with 10 CFR part 1005—Intergovernmental Review of Department of Energy Programs and Activities.
(a) For a proposed floodplain action, DOE shall allow 15 days for public comment following issuance of a notice of proposed floodplain action. After the close of the public comment period and before issuing a floodplain statement of findings, DOE shall reevaluate the practicability of alternatives to the proposed floodplain action and the mitigating measures, taking into account all substantive comments received. After issuing a floodplain statement of findings, DOE shall endeavor to allow at least 15 days of public review before implementing a proposed floodplain action. If a
(b) For a proposed wetland action, DOE shall allow 15 days for public comment following issuance of a notice of proposed wetland action. After the close of the public comment period, DOE shall reevaluate the practicability of alternatives to the proposed wetland action and the mitigating measures, taking into account all substantive comments received, before implementing a proposed wetland action. If a
(a)
(b)
(c)
For those DOE actions taken in a floodplain or wetland, DOE shall verify that the implementation of the selected alternative, particularly with regard to any adopted mitigation measures, is proceeding as described in the floodplain or wetland assessment and the floodplain statement of findings.
(a) If property in a floodplain or wetland is proposed for license, easement, lease, transfer, or disposal to non-Federal public or private parties, DOE shall:
(1) Identify those uses that are restricted under applicable floodplain or wetland regulations and attach other appropriate restrictions to the uses of the property; or
(2) Withhold the property from conveyance.
(b) Before completing any transaction that DOE guarantees, approves, regulates, or insures that is related to an area located in a floodplain, DOE shall inform any private party participating in the transaction of the hazards associated with locating facilities or structures in the floodplain.
It is DOE policy to indicate in any requests for new authorizations or appropriations transmitted to the Office of Management and Budget, if a proposed action is located in a floodplain or wetland and whether the proposed action is in accord with the requirements of E.O. 11988 and E.O. 11990 and this part.
DOE may require applicants for any use of real property (
If DOE and one or more agencies are directly involved in a proposed floodplain or wetland action, in accordance with DOE's NEPA or CERCLA procedures, DOE shall consult with such other agencies to determine if a floodplain or wetland assessment is required by subpart B of this part, identify the appropriate lead or joint agency responsibilities, identify the applicable regulations, and establish procedures for interagency coordination during the environmental review process.
42 U.S.C. 2201, 5814, 7151, 7251; 5 U.S.C. 301; 41 U.S.C. 321, 322, 601-613; 5 U.S.C. 571-583; 9 U.S.C. 1-16, unless otherwise noted.
(a) The Energy Board of Contract Appeals (“EBCA” or “Board”) functions as a separate quasi-judicial entity
(b) The Board's primary function is to hear and decide appeals from final decisions of DOE contracting officers on claims pursuant to the Contract Disputes Act of 1978 (CDA), 41 U.S.C. 601
(c) In addition to its functions under the CDA, the Secretary in Delegation Order 0204-162 has authorized the Board to:
(1) Adjudicate appeals from agency contracting officers' decisions not taken pursuant to the CDA (non-CDA disputes) under the Rules of Practice set forth in subpart A of this part;
(2) Perform other quasi-judicial functions that are consistent with the Board members' duties under the CDA as directed by the Secretary;
(3) Serve as the Energy Financial Assistance Appeals Board to hear and decide certain appeals by the Department's financial assistance recipients as provided in 10 CFR 600.22, under Rules of Procedure set forth in 10 CFR part 1024;
(4) Serve as the Energy Invention Licensing Appeals Board to hear and decide appeals from license terminations, denials of license applications and petitions by third-parties for license terminations, as provided in 10 CFR part 781, under Rules of Practice set forth in subpart A of this part, modified by the Board as determined to be necessary and appropriate with advance notice to the parties; and
(5) Serve as the Energy Patent Compensation Board to hear and decide, as provided in 10 CFR part 780, certain applications and petitions filed under authority provided by the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, ch. 1073, 68 Stat. 919 (1954), and the Invention Secrecy Act, 35 U.S.C. 181-188, including:
(i) Whether a patent is affected with the public interest;
(ii) Whether a license to a patent affected by the public interest should be granted and equitable terms therefor; and
(iii) Whether there should be allotment of royalties, award, or compensation to a party contributing to the making of certain categories of inventions or discoveries, or an owner of a patent within certain categories, under Rules of Practice set forth in subpart A of this part, modified by the Board as determined to be necessary and appropriate, with advance notice to the parties.
(d) The Board provides alternative disputes resolution neutral services and facilities, as agreed between the parties and the Board, for:
(1) Disputes related to the Department's prime contracts and to financial assistance awards made by the Department.
(2) Disputes related to contracts between the Department's cost-reimbursement contractors, including Management and Operating Contractors (M&Os) and Environmental Remediation Contractors (ERMCs), and their subcontractors. Additionally, with the consent of both the responsible prime DOE cost-reimbursement contractor and the cognizant DOE Contracting Officer, the Board may provide neutral services and facilities for disputes under second tier subcontracts where the costs of litigating the dispute might be ultimately charged to the DOE as allowable costs through the prime contract.
(3) Other matters involving DOE procurement and financial assistance, as appropriate.
(a)
(2) The Board's mailing address is as follows. The entire nine digit ZIP code should be used to avoid delay: Board of Contract Appeals, U.S. Department of Energy, HG-50, Building 950, Washington, DC 20585-0116.
(3) The Board's telephone numbers are (202) 426-9316 (voice) and (202) 426-0215 (facsimile).
(b)
(a)
(1) The Board shall hear and decide each case independently, fairly, and impartially.
(2) Decisions shall be based exclusively upon the record established in each case. Written or oral communication with the Board by or for one party is not permitted without participation or notice to other parties. Except as provided by law, no person or agency, directly or indirectly involved in a matter before the Board, may submit off the record to the Board or the Board's staff any evidence, explanation, analysis, or advice (whether written or oral) regarding any matter at issue in an appeal, nor shall any member of the Board or of the Board's staff accept or consider ex parte communications from any person. This provision does not apply to consultation among Board members or staff or to other persons acting under authority expressly granted by the Board with notice to parties. Nor does it apply to communications concerning the Board's administrative functions or procedures, including ADR.
(3) Decisions of the Board shall be final agency decisions and shall not be subject to administrative appeal or administrative review.
(b)
(2) Ex parte communications with Board staff and judges limited to the nature, procedures, and availability of ADR through the Board are permitted and encouraged. Once parties have agreed to engage in ADR and have entered into an ADR agreement accepted by the Board, ex parte communications by Board neutrals, support staff and parties shall be as specified by any applicable agreements or protocols and as is consistent with law, integrity, and fairness.
(3) Board-supplied neutrals and support personnel shall keep ADR matters confidential and comply with any confidentiality requirements of ADR agreements accepted by the Board. Board personnel may not disclose any confidential information unless permitted by the parties or required to do so by law.
(a)
(b)
(1) Manage its cases and docket; issue procedural orders; conduct conferences and hearings; administer oaths; authorize and manage discovery, including depositions and the production of
(2) Exercise, in proceedings to which it applies, all powers granted to arbitrators by the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. 1-14, including the power to issue summonses.
(c) In addition to its authorities under the CDA, the Board has been delegated by Delegation Order 0204-162 issued by the Secretary of Energy, the following authorities:
(1) Issue rules, including rules of procedure, not inconsistent with this section and departmental regulations;
(2) Issue subpoenas under the authority of § 161.c of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, 42 U.S.C. 2201(c), as applicable;
(3) Such other authorities as the Secretary may delegate.
The Chair shall be responsible for the following:
(a) The proper administration of the Board;
(b) Assignment and reassignment of cases, including alternative dispute resolution (ADR) proceedings, to administrative judges, hearing officers, and decision panels;
(c) Monitoring the progress of individual cases to promote their timely resolution;
(d) Appointment and supervision of a Recorder;
(e) Arranging for the services of masters, mediators, and other neutrals;
(f) Issuing delegations of Board authority to individual administrative judges, panels of judges, commissioners, masters, and hearing officers within such limits, if any, which a majority of the members of the Board shall establish;
(g) Designating an acting chair during the absence of both the Chair and the Vice Chair;
(h) Designating a member of another Federal board of contract appeals to serve as the third member of a decision panel if the Board is reduced to less than three members because of vacant positions, protracted absences, disabilities or disqualifications;
(i) Authorizing and approving ADR arrangements for Board cases; obtaining non-Board personnel to serve as settlement judges, third-party neutrals, masters and similar capacities; authorizing the use of Board-provided personnel and facilities in ADR capacities, for matters before the Board, and for other matters when requested by officials of the DOE; and entering into arrangements with other Federal administrative forums for the provision of personnel to serve in ADR capacities on a reciprocal basis;
(j) Recommending to the Secretary the selection of qualified and eligible members. New members shall, upon selection, be appointed to serve as provided in the CDA;
(k) Determining whether member duties are consistent with the CDA; and
(l) Reporting Board activities to the Secretary not less often than biennially.
(a) As is consistent with the Board's functions, Board members and staff shall perform their duties with the highest integrity and consistent with the principles set forth in § 1023.3.
(b) Members of the Board and Board attorneys may serve as commissioners, magistrates, masters, hearing officers, arbitrators, mediators, and neutrals and in other similar capacities.
(c) Except as may be ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction, members of the Board and its staff are permanently barred from ex parte disclosure of information concerning any Board deliberations.
(a) In each case, the Chair shall assign an administrative judge as the Presiding Administrative Judge to hear a case and develop the record upon which the decision will be made. A Presiding Judge has authority to act for the Board in all non-dispositive matters, except as otherwise provided in this Part. This subparagraph shall
(b) Except as provided by law, rule, or agreement of the parties, contract appeals and other cases are assigned to a deciding panel established by the Board Chair consisting of two or more administrative judges.
(c) The concurring votes of a majority of a deciding panel shall be sufficient to decide an appeal. All members assigned to a panel shall vote unless unavailable. The Chair will assign an additional member if necessary to resolve tie votes.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a) The principles of this Overview shall apply to all Board functions unless a specific provision of the relevant rules of practice applies. It is, however, impractical to articulate a rule to fit every circumstance. Accordingly, this part, and the other Board Rules referenced in it, will be interpreted and applied consistent with the Board's responsibility to provide just, expeditious, and inexpensive resolution of cases before it. When Board rules of procedure do not cover a specific situation, a party may contend that the Board should apply pertinent provisions from the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. However, while the Board may refer to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure for guidance, such Rules are not binding on the Board absent a ruling or order to the contrary.
(b) The Board is responsible to the parties, the public, and the Secretary for the expeditious resolution of cases before it. Accordingly, subject to the objection of a party, the procedures and time limitations set forth in rules of procedure may be modified, consistent with law and fairness. Presiding judges and hearing officers may issue prehearing orders varying procedures and time limitations if they determine
(c) The Board shall conduct proceedings in compliance with the security regulations and requirements of the Department or other agency involved.
Pub. L. 95-91, sec. 301, 91 Stat. 577; Pub. L. 95-563; EO 10789.
The rules of the Board of Contract Appeals are intended to govern all appeal procedures before the Department of Energy Board of Contract Appeals (Board) which are within the scope of the Contract Disputes Act of 1978 (41 U.S.C. 601
The rules of the Board of Contract Appeals shall apply to all proceedings filed on or after June 6, 1997, except that Rule 1 (a) and (b) of § 1023.120 shall apply only to appeals filed on or after October 1, 1995.
The following rules of practice shall govern the procedure as to all contract disputes appealed to this Board in accordance with this subpart:
Rule 1Appeals, How Taken. (a) Notice of an appeal shall be in writing and mailed or otherwise furnished to the Board within 90 days from the date of receipt of a contracting officer's decision. A copy of the notice shall be furnished at the same time to the contracting officer from whose descision the appeal is taken.
(b) Where the contractor has submitted a claim of $100,000 or less to the contracting officer and has requested a written decision within 60 days from receipt of the request, and where the contracting officer has not done so, the contractor may file a notice of appeal as provided in subparagraph (a) above, citing the failure of the contracting officer to issue a decision.
(c) Where the contractor has submitted a claim in excess of $100,000 to the contracting officer and the contracting officer has failed to issue a decision within a reasonable time,
(d) Upon docketing of appeals filed pursuant to (b) or (c) of this Rule, the Board, at its option, may stay further proceedings pending issuance of a final decision by the contracting officer within the time fixed by the Board, or order the appeal to proceed without the contracting officer's decision.
Rule 2Notice of Appeal, Contents. A notice of appeal must indicate that an appeal is being taken and must identify the contract (by number), and the department, administration, agency or bureau involved in the dispute, the decision from which the appeal is taken, and the amount in dispute, if known. The notice of appeal should be signed by the appellant (the contractor making the appeal), or by the appellant's duly authorized representative or attorney. The complaint referred to in Rule 7 may be filed with the notice of appeal, or the appellant may designate the notice of appeal as a complaint, if it otherwise fulfills the requirements of a complaint.
Rule 3Docketing of Appeals. When a notice of appeal in any form has been received by the Board, it shall be docketed promptly. Notice of docketing shall be mailed promptly to all parties (with a copy of these rules to appellant).
Rule 4Contracting Officer Appeal File. (a) Composition: Within 30 days after receipt of notice that an appeal has been docketed, the contracting officer shall assemble and transmit to the Board one copy of the appeal file with an additional copy each to appellant (except that items 1 and 2, below, need not be retransmitted to the appellant) and to attorney for respondent. The appeal file shall consist of all documents pertinent to the appeal, including:
(1) The contracting officer's decision and findings of fact from which the appeal is taken;
(2) The contract, including pertinent specifications, modifications, plans, and drawings;
(3) All correspondence between the parties pertinent to the appeal, including the letters of claim in response to which the decision was issued;
(4) Transcripts of any testimony taken during the course of proceedings, and affidavits or statements of any witnesses on the matter in dispute made prior to the filing of the notice of appeal with the Board; and
(5) Any additional information considered pertinent.
(b) Organization: Documents in the appeal file may be originals, legible facsimiles, or anthenticated copies. They shall be arranged in chronological order, where practicable, and indexed to identify readily the contents of the file. The contracting officer's final decision and the contract shall be conveniently placed in the file for ready reference.
(c) Supplements: Within 30 days after receipt of a copy of the appeal file assembled by the contracting officer, the appellant may supplement the file by transmitting to the Board any additional documents which it considers pertinent to the appeal and shall furnish two copies of such documents to attorney for respondent.
(d) Burdensome documents. The Board may waive the requirement of furnishing to the other party copies of bulky, lengthy, or out-of-size documents in the appeal file when a party has shown that doing so would impose an undue burden. At the time a party files with the Board a document as to which such a waiver has been granted, the other party shall be notified that the document or a copy is available for inspection at the offices of the Board or of the party filing the document.
(e) Status of Documents: Documents in the appeal file or supplements thereto shall become part of the historical record but shall not be included in the record upon which the Board's decision will be rendered unless each individual document has been offered and admitted into evidence.
Rule 5
(b) Parties may respond to a dispositive motion within 20 days of receipt, or as otherwise ordered by the Board. Answering material to all other motions may be filed within 10 days after receipt. Replies to responses ordinarily will not be allowed.
(c) Board rules relating to pleadings, service and number of copies shall apply to all motions. In its discretion, the Board may permit a hearing on a motion, and may require presentation of briefs, or it may defer a decision pending hearing on both the motion and the merits.
Rule 6
(b) Where the amount in dispute is $100,000 or less, appellant may elect to use the Accelerated procedures. Where the amount is $50,000 or less, appellant may elect to use the Small Claims (Expedited) or the Accelerated procedures. Any question regarding the amount in dispute shall be determined by the Board.
Rule 7
(b)
Rule 8
(b) When issues not raised by the pleadings are tried by express or implied consent of the parties, or by permission of the Board, they shall be treated in all respects as if they had been raised in the pleadings. In such instances, motions to amend the pleadings to conform to the proof may be entered, but are not required. Similarly, if evidence is objected to at a hearing on the ground that it is not relevant to an issue raised by the pleadings, it may be admitted but the objecting party may be granted a continuance if necessary to enable it to meet such evidence.
Rule 9
Rule 10
Rule 11
Rule 12
(1) Simplification, clarification, or severing of the issues;
(2) The possibility of obtaining stipulations, admissions, agreements and rulings on documents, understandings on matters already of record, or similar agreements that will avoid unnecessary proof;
(3) Agreements and rulings to facilitate discovery;
(4) Limitation of the number of expert witnesses, or avoidance with similar cumulative evidence;
(5) The possibility for settlement of any or all of the issues in dispute; and
(6) Such other matters as may aid in the disposition of the appeal including the filing of proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, briefs, and other such papers.
(b) Any conference results not reflected in a transcript shall be reduced to writing by the Administrative Judge and the writing shall thereafter constitute part of the evidentiary record.
Rule 13
(b) Promptly upon receipt of an appellant's election of the Small Claims (Expedited) procedure in accordance with Rule 6, the assigned Administrative Judge will arrange an informal meeting or a telephone conference with both parties to:
(1) Identify and simplify the issues in dispute;
(2) Establish a simplified procedure appropriate to the particular appeal;
(3) Determine whether a hearing is desired, and, if so, fix a time and place;
(4) Establish a schedule for the expedited resolution of the appeal; and
(5) Assure that procedures have been instituted for informal discussions on the possibility of settlement of any or all of the disputes in question.
(c) Failure to request an oral hearing within 15 days of receipt of notice of the Small Claims election shall be deemed a waiver and an election to submit the case on the record under Rule 10.
(d) The subpoena power set forth in Rule 18 is available for use under the Small Claims (Expedited) procedure.
(e) The filing of pleadings, motions, discovery proceedings or prehearing procedures will be permitted only to the extent consistent with the requirement of conducting the hearing at the scheduled time and place or, if no hearing is scheduled, of closing the record at an early time so as to permit a decision of the appeal within the target limit of 120 days. The Board, in its discretion, may impose shortened time periods for any actions required or permitted under these rules, necessary to enable the Board to decide the appeal within the target date allowing whatever time, up to 30 days, that it considers necessary for the preparation of the decision after closing the record and the filing of briefs, if any.
(f) Decisions in appeals considered under the Small Claims (Expedited) procedure will be rendered by a single Administrative Judge. If there is a hearing, the presiding Administrative Judge may, exercising discretion, hear closing oral arguments of the parties and then render an oral decision on the record. Whenever such an oral decision is rendered, the Board subsequently will furnish the parties with a written transcript of the decision for record and payment purposes and to establish the date for commencement of the time period for filing a motion for reconsideration under Rule 27.
(g) Decisions of the Board under the Small Claims (Expedited) procedure shall have no value as precedent for future cases and, in the absence of fraud, cannot be appealed.
Rule 14
(b) Promptly upon receipt of appellant's election of the Accelerated procedure in accordance with Rule 6, the assigned Administrative Judge will arrange an informal meeting or a telephone conference with both parties to:
(1) Identify and simplify the issues in dispute;
(2) Establish a simplified procedure appropriate to the particular appeal;
(3) Determine whether a hearing is desired and, if so, fix a time and place;
(4) Establish a schedule for the accelerated resolution of the appeal; and
(5) Assure that procedures have been instituted for informal discussions on the possibility of settlement of any or all of the disputes in question.
(c) Failure by either party to request an oral hearing within 15 days of receipt of notice of the election under Rule 6 shall be deemed a waiver and an election to submit on the record under Rule 10.
(d) The subpoena power set forth in Rule 18 is available for use under the Accelerated procedure.
(e) The filing of pleadings, motions, discovery proceedings or prehearing procedures will be permitted only to the extent consistent with the requirement for conducting the hearing at the scheduled time and place or, if no hearing is scheduled, the closing of the record at an early time so as to permit decision of the appeal within the target limit of 180 days. The Board, in its discretion, may impose shortened time periods for any actions required or permitted under these rules, necessary to enable the Board to decide the appeal within the target date, allowing whatever time, up to 30 days, that it considers necessary for the preparation of the decision after closing the record and the filing of briefs, if any.
(f) Decisions in appeals considered under the Accelerated procedure will be rendered by a single Administrative Judge with the concurrence of another assigned Administrative Judge or an additional member in the event of disagreement.
Rule 15
(b) Except as the Board, in its discretion, may otherwise order, no proof shall be received in evidence after completion of the evidentiary hearing or, in cases submitted on the record, after notification by the Board that the case is ready for decision.
(c) The weight to be attached to any evidence of record will rest within the sound discretion of the Board. The Board may in any case require either party, with appropriate notice to the other party, to submit additional evidence on any matter relevant to the appeal.
Rule 16
(b) Expenses—Each party bears its own expenses associated with discovery, unless in the discretion of the Board, the expenses are apportioned otherwise.
(c) Subpoenas—Where appropriate, a party may request the issuance of a subpoena under the provisions of Rule 18.
Rule 17
(b) Orders on Depositions—The time, place, and manner of taking depositions shall be as mutually agreed by the parties, or failing such agreement, as governed by order of the Board.
(c) Depositions as Evidence—No testimony taken by depositions shall be considered as part of the evidence in the hearing of an appeal until such testimony is offered and received as evidence at such hearing. It will not ordinarily be received as evidence if the deponent is present and can testify at the hearing. In such instances, however, the deposition may be used to contradict or impeach the testimony of the deponent given at the hearing. In cases submitted on the record, the Board may, in its discretion, receive depositions to supplement the record.
(d) Interrogatories, etc.—After an appeal has been filed with the Board, a party may serve on the other party: (1) Written interrogatories to be addressed separately in writing, signed under oath and answered within 30 days unless objections are filed within 10 days of receipt; (2) a request for the admission of specified facts or the authenticity of any documents, to be answered or objected to within 30 days after service. The factual statements and the authenticity of the documents shall be deemed admitted upon failure of a party, to timely respond; and (3) a request for the production, inspection and copying of any documents or objects not privileged, which are relevant to the appeal.
(e) Any discovery engaged in under this Rule shall be subject to the provisions of Rule 16.
Rule 18
(b) Procedure
(1) Upon request of a party and after a showing of relevance a subpoena may be issued requiring the attendance of a witness for the purpose of taking testimony at a deposition or hearing and, if appropriate, the production by the witness, at the deposition or hearing, of documentary evidence, including inspection and copying, as designated in the subpoena.
(2) The request shall identify the name, title, and address of the person to whom the subpoena is addressed, the specific documentary evidence sought, the time and place proposed and a showing of relevancy to the appeal.
(3) Every subpoena shall state the name of the Board, the title of the appeal, and shall command each person to whom it is directed to attend and give testimony, and if appropriate, to produce specified documentary evidence at a time and place therein specified. The presiding Administrative Judge shall sign the subpoena and may, in his discretion, enter the name of the witness, or the documentary evidence sought, or may leave it blank. The party requesting the subpoena shall complete the subpoena before service.
(4) Where the witness is located in a foreign country, a letter rogatory or subpoena may be issued and served under the circumstances and in the manner provided in 28 U.S.C. 1781-1784.
(c) Requests to Quash or Modify—Upon motion made promptly but in any event not later than the time specified in the subpoena for compliance, the Board may: (i) Quash or modify the subpoena if it is unreasonable and oppressive or for other good cause shown; (ii) condition denial of the motion upon payment by the person in whose behalf the subpoena was issued of the reasonable
(d) Service—
(1) The party requesting the subpoena shall arrange for service.
(2) A subpoena may be served at any place by a United States Marshal or Deputy Marshal, or by any other person who is not a party and not less than 18 years of age. Service of a subpoena shall be made by personally delivering a copy to the person named therein and tendering the fees for one day's attendance and the mileage that would be allowed in the courts of the United States. When the subpoena is issued on behalf of the United States or an officer or agency of the United States, money payments need not be tendered in advance of attendance.
(3) The party requesting a subpoena shall be responsible for the payment of fees and mileage of the witness and of the officer who serves the subpoena. The failure to make payment of such charges on demand may be deemed by the Board as a sufficient ground for striking the testimony of the witness and any documentary evidence the witness has produced.
(e) Contumacy or Refusal to Obey a Subpoena. In case of a contumacy or refusal to obey a subpoena by a person who resides, is found, or transacts business within the jurisdiction of a United States Court, the Board will apply to the Court through the Attorney General of the United States for an order requiring the person to appear before the Board or a member thereof to give testimony or produce evidence or both. Any failure of any such person to obey the order of the Court may be punished by the Court as a contempt thereof.
Rule 19
(b) The Board may extend any time limitation for good cause and in accordance with legal precedent. All requests for time extensions shall be in writing except when raised during a recorded hearing.
(c) In computing any period of time, the day of the event from which the designated period of time begins to run shall not be included, but the last day of the period shall be included unless it is a Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday, in which event the period shall run to the end of the next business day. Unless otherwise stated in a Rule or Board Order, dates will be met and papers considered filed when deposited in the mail system of the U.S. Postal Service, or hand-delivery is acknowledged at the Board offices.
Rule 20
Rule 21
Rule 22
Rule 23
(b) Examination of Witnesses—Witnesses before the Board will be examined orally under oath or affirmation, unless the presiding Administrative Judge shall otherwise order.
Rule 24
Rule 25
Rule 26
Rule 27
(b) Motions for reconsideration of cases decided under either the Small Claims (Expedited) procedure or the Accelerated procedure need not be decided within the original 120-day or 180-day limit, but shall be processed and decided rapidly.
Rule 28
Rule 29
Rule 30
Rule 31
Sec. 644, Title VI, Pub. L. 95-91, 91 Stat. 599; 5 U.S.C. 504.
For purposes of these procedures:
The Equal Access to Justice Act, 5 U.S.C. 504 (called “the Act” in this subpart), provides for the award of attorney fees and other expenses to eligible individuals and entities who are parties to covered proceedings. An eligible party may receive an award when it prevails over an agency, unless the agency's position was substantially justified or special circumstances make an award unjust. These procedures describe the parties eligible for awards and covered Board proceedings. They also explain how to apply for awards and the procedures and standards that the Board will use to make them.
The Act applies to any covered proceeding pending or commenced before
(a) The Act applies to appeals from decisions of contracting officers made pursuant to section 6 of the Contract Disputes Act of 1978 (41 U.S.C. 605) to the Board as provided in section 8 of that Act (41 U.S.C. 607).
(b) If a proceeding includes both matters covered by the Act and matters specifically excluded from coverage, any award made will include only fees and expenses related to covered issues.
(a) To be eligible for an award of attorney fees and other expenses under the Act, the applicant must be a party to the covered proceeding for which it seeks an award. The term “party” is defined in 5 U.S.C. 551(3). The applicant must show that it meets all conditions of eligibility set out in this subpart.
(b) The types of eligible applicants are as follows:
(1) An individual with a net worth of not more than $2 million;
(2) The sole owner of an unincorporated business who has a net worth of not more than $7 million, including both personal and business interests, and not more than 500 employees;
(3) A charitable or other tax-exempt organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3)) with not more than 500 employees;
(4) A cooperative association as defined in 15(a) of the Agricultural Marketing Act (12 U.S.C. 1141j(a)) with not more than 500 employees; and
(5) Any other partnership, corporation, association, unit of local government, or organization with a net worth of not more than $7 million and not more than 500 employees.
(c) For the purpose of eligibility, the net worth and number of employees of an applicant shall be determined as of the date the applicant filed its appeal under 41 U.S.C. 606.
(d) An applicant who owns an unincorporated business will be considered as an “individual” rather than a “sole owner of an unincorporated business” if the issues on which the applicant prevails are related primarily to personal interests rather than to business interests.
(e) The employees of an applicant include all persons who regularly perform services for remuneration for the applicant, under the applicant's direction and control. Part-time employees shall be included on a proportional basis.
(f) The net worth and number of employees of the applicant and all of its affiliates shall be aggregated to determine eligibility. Any individual, corporation or other entity that directly or indirectly controls or owns a majority of the voting shares or other interests of the applicant, or any corporation or other entity of which the applicant directly or indirectly owns or controls a majority of the voting shares or other interest, will be considered an affiliate for purposes of this part, unless the Board determines that such treatment would be unjust and contrary to the purposes of the Act in light of the actual relationship between the affiliated entities. In addition, the Board may determine that financial relationships of the applicant, other than those described in this paragraph, constitute special circumstances that would make an award unjust.
(g) An applicant that participates in a proceeding primarily on behalf of one or more other persons or entities that would be ineligible is not itself eligible for an award.
(a) A prevailing applicant may receive an award for fees and expenses incurred in connection with a proceeding or in a significant and discrete substantive portion of the proceeding, unless the position of the agency over which the applicant has prevailed was
(b) An award will be reduced or denied if the applicant has unduly or unreasonably protracted the proceeding or if special circumstances make the award sought unjust.
(a) Awards will be based on rates customarily charged by persons engaged in the business of acting as attorneys or expert witnesses even if the services were made available without charge or at a reduced rate to the applicant.
(b) No award for the fee of an attorney under these rules may exceed $75 per hour. No award to compensate an expert witness may exceed the highest rate at which the respondent agency or agencies pay expert witnesses. However, an award may also include the reasonable expenses of the attorney or witness as a separate item, if the attorney or witness ordinarily charges clients separately for such expenses.
(c) In determining the reasonableness of the fee sought for an attorney or expert witness, the Board shall consider the following:
(1) If the attorney or witness is in private practice, his or her customary fees for similar services, or, if an employee of the applicant, the fully allocated costs of the services;
(2) The prevailing rate for similar services in the community in which the attorney or witness ordinarily performs services;
(3) The time actually spent in the representation of the applicant;
(4) The time reasonably spent in light of the difficulty or complexity of the issues in the proceeding; and
(5) Such other factors as may bear on the value of the services provided.
(d) The reasonable cost of any study, analysis, engineering report, test, project or similar matter prepared on behalf of a party may be awarded, to the extent that the charge for the services does not exceed the prevailing rate for similar services, and the study or other matter was necessary for preparation of applicant's case.
If an applicant is entitled to an award because it prevails over another agency of the United States Government that participates in a proceeding before the Board and takes a position that is not substantially justified, the award or an appropriate portion of the award shall be made against that agency.
(a) An application for an award of fees and expenses under the Act shall identify the applicant and the proceeding for which an award is sought. The application shall show that the applicant has prevailed and identify the position of the agency or agencies that the applicant alleges was not substantially justified. Unless the applicant is an individual, the application shall also state the number of employees of the applicant and describe briefly the type and purpose of its organization or business.
(b) The application shall also include a statement that the applicant's net worth does not exceed $2 million (if an individual) or $7 million (for all other applicants, including their affiliates). The applicant shall attach a net worth exhibit that satisfies the requirements of section 1023.311. However, an applicant may omit this statement and forego the attachment of the net worth exhibit if:
(1) It attaches a copy of a ruling by the Internal Revenue Service that it qualifies as an organization described in 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3)) or, in the case of a tax-exempt organization not required to obtain a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service on its exempt status, a statement that describes the
(2) It states that it is a cooperative association as defined in 15(a) of the Agricultural Marketing Act (12 U.S.C. 1141j(a)).
(c) The application shall state the amount of fees and expenses for which an award is sought. The applicant must document fees and expenses as required in § 1023.312.
(d) The application may also include any other matters that the applicant wishes the Board to consider in determining whether, and in what amount, an award should be made.
(e) The application shall be signed by the applicant or an authorized officer or attorney of the applicant. It shall also contain or be accompanied by a written verification under oath or under penalty of perjury that the information provided in the application is true and correct.
(a) Each applicant, except a qualified tax-exempt organization or cooperative association, must provide with its application a detailed exhibit showing the net worth of the applicant and any affiliates (as defined in § 1023.304(f) of this subpart) when the proceeding was initiated. The exhibit may be in any form convenient to the applicant that provides full disclosure of the applicant's and its affiliates' assets and liabilities and is sufficient to determine whether the applicant qualifies under the standards in this part. The presiding administrative judge may require an applicant to file additional information to determine its eligibility for an award.
(b) Ordinarily, the net worth exhibit will be included in the public record of the proceeding. However, an applicant that objects to public disclosure of information in any portion of the exhibit may submit that portion directly to the presiding administrative judge in a sealed envelope labeled “Confidential Financial Information,” accompanied by a motion for a protective order setting forth the ground therefor. A protective order may be granted for good cause shown.
The application shall be accompanied by full documentation of the fees and expenses, including the cost of any study, analysis, engineering report, test, project or similar matter, for which an award is sought. A separate, itemized statement shall be submitted for each professional firm or individual whose services are covered by the application. The statement should show the hours spent in connection with the Contract Disputes Act appeal by each individual, a description of the specific services performed, the rates at which each fee has been computed, any expenses for which reimbursement is sought, the total amount claimed, and the total amount paid or payable by the applicant or by any other person or entity for the services provided. The presiding administrative judge may require the applicant to provide vouchers, receipts, logs, or other substantiation for any fees or expenses claimed pursuant to § 1023.306 of this subpart.
(a) An application may be filed whenever the applicant has prevailed in the proceeding, or, with permission of the Board for good cause shown, when the applicant has prevailed in a significant and discrete substantive portion of the proceeding, but in no case later than 30 days after the Board's final disposition of the proceeding.
(b) For purposes of paragraph (a) of this section, final disposition means the date on which a decision or order disposing of the merits of the proceeding or any other complete resolution of the proceeding, such as a settlement or voluntary dismissal, becomes final and unappealable.
(c) If reconsideration of a decision is sought as to which an applicant believes it has prevailed, proceedings for the award of fees shall be stayed pending final disposition of the underlying controversy. When the United States appeals the underlying merits of a covered proceeding to a court, no decision on an application for fees and other expenses in connection with that proceeding shall be made until a final and
Any application for an award, or other pleading or document relating to an application, shall be filed and served on all parties to the proceeding in the same manner as other pleadings in the underlying proceeding, except as provided in § 1023.311(b) for confidential financial information.
(a) Within 30 days after service of an application, counsel representing the agency against which an award is sought may file an answer to the application. Unless agency counsel requests an extension of time for filing or files a statement of intent to negotiate under paragraph (b) of this section, failure to file an answer within the 30-day period may be treated as a consent to the award requested.
(b) If agency counsel and the applicant believe that the issues in the fee application can be settled, they may jointly file a statement of their intent to negotiate a settlement. The filing of this statement shall extend the time for filing an answer for an additional 30 days. Further extensions may be granted by the presiding administrative judge upon request by agency counsel and the applicant.
(c) The answer shall explain in detail any objections to the award requested and identify the facts relied on in support of agency counsel's position. If the answer is based on any alleged facts not already in the record of the proceeding, agency counsel shall include with the answer either supporting affidavits or a request for further proceedings under § 1023.325.
Within 15 days after service of an answer, the applicant may file a reply. If the reply is based on any alleged facts not already in the record of the proceeding, the applicant shall include with the reply either supporting affidavits or a request for further proceedings under § 1023.325.
Any party to a proceeding other than the applicant and agency counsel may file comments on an application within 30 days after it is served or on an answer within 15 days after it is served. A commenting party may not participate further in proceedings on the application unless the Board determines that the public interest requires such participation in order to permit full exploration of matters raised in the comments.
The applicant and agency counsel may agree on a proposed settlement of the award before final action on the application, either in connection with a settlement of the underlying proceeding or after the underlying proceeding has been concluded, in accordance with the agency's standard settlement procedure. If a prevailing party and agency counsel agree on a proposed settlement of an award before an application has been filed, the application shall be filed with the proposed settlement.
(a) Ordinarily, the determination of an award will be made on the basis of the written record. However, on request of either the applicant or agency counsel, or, on his or her own initiative, the presiding administrative judge may order further proceedings, such as an informal conference, oral argument, additional written submissions or, as to issues other than substantial justification (such as the applicant's eligibility or substantiation of fees and expenses), pertinent discovery or an evidentiary hearing. Such further proceedings shall be held only when necessary for full and fair resolution of the issues arising from the application, and shall be conducted as promptly as possible. Whether or not the position of the agency was substantially justified shall be determined on the basis of the administrative record as a whole, including the contracting
(b) A request that the presiding administrative judge order further proceedings under this section shall specifically identify the information sought or the disputed issues and shall explain why the additional proceedings are necessary to resolve the issues.
The Board shall issue its decision on the application as expeditiously as is practicable after completion of proceedings on the application. Whenever possible, the decision shall be made by the same administrative judge or panel that decided the contract appeal for which fees are sought. The decision shall include written findings and conclusions on the applicant's eligibility and status as a prevailing party, and an explanation of the reasons for any difference between the amount requested and the amount awarded. The decision shall also include, if at issue, findings on whether the agency's position was substantially justified, whether the applicant unduly protracted the proceedings, or whether special circumstances make the award unjust. If the applicant has sought an award against more than one agency, the decision shall allocate responsibility for payment of any award made among the agencies, and shall explain the reasons for the allocation made.
Either party may seek reconsideration of the decision on the fee application in accordance with 10 CFR 1023.120, Rule 27.
Judicial review of a final Board decision on an application for an award may be sought as provided in 5 U.S.C. 504(c)(2).
An applicant seeking payment of an award shall submit to agency counsel a copy of the Board's final decision granting the award, accompanied by a certification that the applicant will not seek review of the decision in the United States courts. Agency counsel will forward the submission to the appropriate disbursing official. The agency will pay the amount awarded to the applicant within 60 days.
Dept. of Energy Organization Act, Pub. L. 95-91, 91 Stat. 577 (42 U.S.C. 7101, et seq.); E.O. 10789; Pub. L. 95-224, 92 Stat. 3 (41 U.S.C. 501-509).
These procedures establish a process permitting recipients of financial assistance to appeal adverse final decisions made by financial assistance officers or contracting officers. The objective is to provide a timely, just, and inexpensive resolution of disputes involving grants, cooperative agreements, loan guarantees, loan agreements, or other financial assistance instruments.
The authority of the Board derives from direct delegation of the Secretary to hear and decide finally for the Department appeals from any decision brought before it on disputes arising under financial assistance agreements.
(a) A recipient or party to a grant, cooperative agreement, loan guarantee or agreement, or other such financial assistance may have a right to appeal disputes with the Department. Such a right may be set forth in statutes, in Departmental regulations dealing with the type of financial assistance involved, or in the agreement itself.
(b) Appeals are decided by the Financial Assistance Appeals Board in Accordance with the procedures set forth in these regulations. Decisions will be by majority vote and will be the final disposition of the matter within the Department.
(1) The Board is located in the Washington, DC metropolitan area and its address is: Webb Building, room 1006, 4040 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia 22203.
(2) The Administrative Judge assigned to hear and develop the record on an appeal has authority to act for the Board with respect to such appeal within the limits assigned and as set forth in these rules.
(c) In order that a right to appeal may be exercised in a timely manner, a financial assistance recipient must appeal, in writing, within 60 days after receipt of a “final decision” on the matter by a financial assistance or contracting officer.
(d) The appeal may take one of the following three alternative courses, depending on the amount of the claim and degree of formality desired or needed:
(1) The first method is to proceed on the basis of a written record, without any oral presentations. It is the quickest and simplest process available to an appellant. All appeals involving less than $10,000 will be decided on this basis, unless, on application made by the appellant, or the respondent, the Board rules otherwise. This method is also available for appeals where the amount in dispute is more than $10,000 if an election is made in accordance with Rule 2. (See § 1024.4)
(2) A second method is to use a conference-type hearing in which the written record is supplemented with an informal oral presentation. It is the second fastest process available to an appellant and is conducted in a relatively informal manner which may require little, if any, testimony, and may even be conducted by a telephone conference call where deemed appropriate.
(3) The third method, and the most time consuming is the use of an adversary evidentiary hearing. Because of the procedural and logistical aspects involved, this method is more expensive and time consuming than the other two methods for both the appellant and respondent. Generally, this method is used only if there are complex facts in dispute.
(e) All three methods are designed to be as informal as possible; nevertheless, it should be recognized that the Board must have an adequate record on which to base a sound decision. While an orderly presentation of evidence is required, the Board attempts to be as flexible as possible in the interests of arriving at an impartial, inexpensive and expeditious resolution of the matter.
(f) The services of an attorney are not necessarily required, especially as to the first method. The appellant should note, however, that the respondent is represented by an attorney. Hearings, if held, are transcribed, and witnesses are required to present information or evidence at such hearings under oath. In each case, the Board shall issue a written decision unless otherwise requested by a party and the request is approved.
The following rules of procedure shall govern all financial assistance disputes appealed to the Board in accordance with this subpart:
1. Filing of an appeal; acknowledgment.
2. Selection of an appeal method.
3. Development of the record.
4. Objections to evidence submitted.
5. Alternative methods of appeal.
6. Parties to the appeal.
7. Representation before the Board.
8. Dismissal for failure to meet deadlines and other requirements.
9. The Board's powers, functions, and responsibilities.
10. Ex parte communications (communications outside the record).
11. Notice and location of hearings.
12. Calculation of time periods.
(a) A brief written notice of appeal, along with a copy of the final agency decision being appealed shall be submitted within 60 days after receipt of the decision. The notice must indicate that an appeal is intended, and must clearly state the issues in controversy,
(b) The appeal notice shall be mailed or delivered to the financial Assistance Appeals Board (for address see § 1024.3(b)(1)), with a copy to the official whose decision is being appealed, and a second copy to the General Counsel, Department of Energy, Washington DC 20585.
(c) upon receiving the appeal notice, the Board will promptly acknowledge receipt of the notice of appeal and will notify the parties of the date docketed.
Unless submitted earlier, within 20 days after the appellant receives the Board's notice of docketing, the appellant must submit to the Board, with copy to respondent, a letter electing one of the three methods available for processing the appeal. For disputes involving less than $10,000, method “1” (as set forth in Rule 5(a)) will automatically apply unless appellant specifically petitions and is granted the right to proceed under one of the other two methods. In exceptional circumstances, the respondent may likewise request the use of one of the other two methods. This election letter must identify the attorney or other person who will repesent the appellant, if the notice of appeal did not already do so. (See Rule 7(a)). In case the parties disagree as to the appeal method to be used, the Board will finally decide.
(a) Appellant; complaint. (1) Within 30 days after receiving the docketing notice from the Board, the appellant shall:
(i) Submit a complaint, or
(ii) Submit a specific request (for approval by the Board), that the final decision as issued by the financial assistance officer or contracting officer, together with the notice of appeal, adequately describe the matter in dispute and will serve as the complaint.
(2) The complaint shall include: A copy of the decision appealed from; relevant portions of the applicable assistance agreements; a statement of the amount, if any, in dispute; and, if the appellant is proceeding under method 1 or 2, a copy of any documents supporting its claim. The documents must be organized chronologically and accompanied by an indexed list identifying each document by date, originator and addressee.
(3) To reduce the burden on the appellant, the appellant may specify, in an appropriate index, those relevant documents already in the possession of the respondent which the respondent will then add to those documents submitted in its answer.
(b)
(2) In its answer the respondent shall submit to the Board, with copy to appellant, two copies of any documents, other than those submitted by appellant in its complaint—which the respondent considers to be material. These should be organized and indexed as required under paragraph (a) of this rule and shall include those documents already in the possession of the Department and identified and requested by the appellant in accordance with paragraph (a) of this rule.
(c) The Board, on its own initiative, or in response to an appropriate request from a party to the dispute, may order a party to submit additional material wherever the Board considers it useful in resolving the dispute.
(a) Any objection to a document or other evidence submitted in the complaint or answer shall be raised as early as possible. The parties shall attempt to resolve such objections informally between themselves before asking the Board to intercede.
(b) For those appeals that are to be resolved on the basis of a written record under method 1, either party may object to inclusion of materials or documents at any point prior to conclusion of the briefing schedule.
(c) For those appeals that are submitted for resolution using method 2, either party may object to inclusion of materials or documents at any time prior to the conclusion of the hearing.
(d) For those appeals processed under method 3, any materials or documents submitted shall not be included in the record upon which the Board's decision will be based unless they are specifically offered and admitted into evidence.
(e) The Board will use the Federal Rules of Evidence as a guide in determining admissibility of evidence but may exercise its sound discretion where appropriate.
(a) Method 1. Proceeding on the written record. (1) Within 20 days after the appellant receives the respondent's answer, the appellant may submit to the Board (with a copy to respondent) a brief or statement containing the appellant's argument in support of its claim. Within 20 days after receipt of the appellant's brief or statement, the respondent may submit to the Board (with a copy to the appellant) a brief or statement containing the agency's response. Appellant may submit a further reply, but must do so
(2)
(i) The appellant may choose to submit a single brief or statement with, or as part of, its election letter, and may consolidate the election letter with its notice of appeal.
(ii) Where the appeal involves an amount in dispute of less that $10,000, the appellant may, upon specific request, have the Board issue a brief final order affirming or reversing the agency financial assistance officer or contracting officer decision, without a written decision.
(3)
(ii) One or both parties may sometimes believe that an issue on appeal requires more development than has been achieved on the written record. Therefore, on request of either or both parties, and if the Board agrees that it is appropriate to further develop the record, the Board may require the use of further appropriate procedures as applicable to hearings conducted pursuant to paragraphs (b) or (c) of this rule.
(4)
(b)
(2)
(3)
(ii) At the conference hearing, each party may make a brief opening statement. The witnesses will be questioned based on their statements; and the Board may inquire further of each witness for information which may or may not be included in the witness' statement. At the end of each witness' testimony, either party may suggest additional questions, which the Board may ask, if no objections thereto have been sustained. The Board may permit or require the parties or their representatives to comment further on issues of fact or law. Brief closing statements will be permitted.
(iii) Except for opening and closing statements, and any questions asked during direct testimony, or as otherwise specifically allowed by the Board, the only oral communications in the record will be those of the Board member and the witnesses. Generally, no documentary evidence will be received at a conference hearing. Although the conference hearing is informal, witnesses will be required to testify under oath.
(4)
(5)
(c)
(2)
(3)
Generally, the only parties to the appeal are the financial assistance recipient which received the final agency decision on which the appeal is based, and the Department. However, upon request the Board may allow a third party to present the case on appeal or appear with a party in the case, when the Board determines that the third party is a real party in interest.
(a)
(b)
(a) Whenever an appeal record discloses the failure of any party to file documents required by these rules, respond to notices or correspondence from the Board, or otherwise indicates an intention by that party not to continue the prosecution or defense of an appeal, the Board may issue an order requiring the offending party to show cause why the appeal should not be dismissed, or granted, as appropriate. If the offending party does not, or is not able to respond adequately, the Board may take such action as it deems reasonable and proper.
(b) If any party fails or refuses to obey an order issued by the Board, the Board may issue such orders as it considers necessary to permit the just and expeditious conduct of the appeal, including dismissal.
The Board has been delegated all powers necessary for the performance of its duties, including but not limited to the authority to conduct hearings, call witnesses, dismiss appeals with or without prejudice, order the production of documents and other evidence, administer oaths and affirmations, issue subpoenas, order depositions to be taken, take official notice of facts within general knowledge, and decide all questions of fact and law. In discharging its functions, the Board shall provide an expeditious, just, and relatively inexpensive forum for resolving the dispute.
(a) Written or oral communications with a Board member by one party without the participation or notice to the other about the merits of the appeal is not permitted. No member of the Board, or the Board's staff, shall consider, nor shall any person directly or indirectly involved in an appeal, submit any off the record information, whether written or oral, relating to any matter at issue in an appeal.
(b) This rule does not apply to communications among members and staff, nor to communications concerning the Board's administrative functions or procedures.
Hearings will be held at such places and at such times determined by the Board to best serve the interests of the parties and the Board. In scheduling hearings, the Board will
If a due date for the filing of any paper under these procedures falls on a Sunday, Saturday, or Federal holiday, then it shall be extended to the next calendar working day.
Section 213, Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, Pub. L. 91-646, 84 Stat. 1894 (42 U.S.C. 4601) as amended by the Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance Act of 1987, Title IV of Pub. L. 100-17, 101 Stat. 246-256 (42 U.S.C. 4601 note).
Regulations and procedures for complying with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (Pub. L. 91-646, 84 Stat. 1894, 42 U.S.C. 4601), as amended by the Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance Act of 1987 (Title IV of Pub. L. 100-17, 101 Stat. 246-255, 42 U.S.C. 4601 note) are set forth in 49 CFR part 24.
20 U.S.C. 1681-1686; 29 U.S.C. 794; 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-7, 3601-3631, 5891, 6101-6107, 7101
(a) The purpose of this part is to implement Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Pub. L. 88-352; section 16 of the Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974, as amended, Pub. L. 93-275; section 401 of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, Pub. L. 93-438; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, Pub. L. 92-318, Pub. L. 93-568 and Pub. L. 94-482; section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, Pub. L. 93-112; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Pub. L. 94-135; Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, Pub. L. 90-284; and civil rights provisions of statutes administered pursuant to authority under the DOE Organization Act, Pub. L. 95-91, so no person shall, on the ground of race, color, national origin, sex (when covered by section 16 and section 401), handicap, or age, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, be subjected to discrimination under, or be denied employment, where a primary purpose of the Federal financial assistance is to provide employment or when the delivery of services is affected by the recipient's employment practices (under section 504, all grantee and subgrantee employment practices are covered regardless of the purpose of the program), in connection with any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department of Energy (after this referred to as DOE or the Department). Employment coverage may be broader in scope when section 16, section 401, or Title IX are applicable.
(b) DOE regulations on enforcement of nondiscrimination on the basis of handicap in programs or activities conducted by DOE are in part 1041 of this chapter.
(c) DOE regulations on enforcement of nondiscrimination on the basis of sex, under Title IX of the Education Act Amendments of 1972, as amended, are in part 1042 of this chapter.
(a) The application of this part is to any program or activity for which Federal financial assistance is authorized under laws administered by DOE. Types of Federal financial assistance to which this part applies are listed in Appendix A of this part. Appendix A is to be revised from time to time by notice published in the
(b) This part does not apply to:
(1) Contracts of insurance or guaranty;
(2) Employment practices under any program or activity except as provided in §§ 1040.12, 1040.14, 1040.41, 1040.47 and 1040.66; or
(3) Procurement contracts under Title 41 CFR part 1 or part 9.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j) Where designation of persons by race, color, or national origin is required, the following designations are to be used:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(k)
(l)
(m)
(n)
(o)
(1) Grants and loans of Federal funds,
(2) The grant or donation of Federal property and interest in property,
(3) The detail of or provision of services by Federal personnel,
(4) The sale and lease of, and the permission to use (on other than a casual or transient basis), Federal property or any interest in such property, the furnishing of services without consideration or at a nominal consideration, or at a consideration which is reduced for the purpose of assisting the recipient, or in recognition of the public interest to be served by the sale, lease, or furnishing of services to the recipient, and
(5) Any Federal agreement, arrangement, or other contract which has as one of its purposes the provision of assistance.
(p)
(q)
(r)
(s)
(t)
(u)
(1)(i) A department, agency, special purpose district, or other instrumentality of a State or of a local government; or
(ii) The entity of such State or local government that distributes such assistance and each such department or agency (and each other State or local government entity) to which the assistance is extended, in the case of assistance to a State or local government;
(2)(i) A college, university, or other postsecondary institution, or a public system of higher education; or
(ii) A local educational agency (as defined in 20 U.S.C. 7801), system of vocational education, or other school system;
(3)(i) An entire corporation, partnership, or other private organization, or an entire sole proprietorship—
(A) If assistance is extended to such corporation, partnership, private organization, or sole proprietorship as a whole; or
(B) Which is principally engaged in the business of providing education, health care, housing, social services, or parks and recreation; or
(ii) The entire plant or other comparable, geographically separate facility to which Federal financial assistance is extended, in the case of any other corporation, partnership, private organization, or sole proprietorship; or
(4) Any other entity which is established by two or more of the entities described in paragraph (u)(1), (2), or (3) of this section.
(v)
(w)
(x)
(y) The term
(z)
(a)
(b)
(2) In the case of Federal financial assistance extended to provide personal property, the assurance obligates the recipient for the period during which it retains ownership or possession of the property.
(3) In all other cases, the assurance obligates the recipient to all terms and conditions contained in the certificate of assurance for the period during which Federal financial assistance is extended.
(c)
(1) The instrument effecting or recording this transfer is to contain a covenant running with the land to assure nondiscrimination for the period during which the real property is used for a purpose for which the Federal financial assistance is extended or for another purpose involving the provision of similar services or benefits; or
(2) Where no transfer of property is involved or imposed with Federal financial assistance, the recipient shall agree to include the covenant described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section in the instrument effecting or recording any subsequent transfer of the property.
(3) Where Federal financial assistance is provided in the form of real property or interest in the property from the Department, the covenant is to also include a condition coupled with a right to be reserved by the Department to revert title to the property in the event of a material breach of the covenant. If a transferee of real property manages to mortgage or otherwise encumber the real property as security for financing construction of new or improvement of existing facilities on the property for the purpose for which the property was transferred, the Director may, upon request of the transferee and, if necessary to accomplish such financing and upon such conditions, as he or she deems appropriate, agree to forbear the exercise of the right to revert title for so long as the lien of the mortgage or other encumbrance remains effective.
(d)
(e)
(2) The assurance required with respect to an academic institution, detention or correctional facility, or any other institution or facility, insofar as
(f)
(1) Provide a statement that the program or activity is (or, in the case of a new program or activity, will be) conducted in compliance with applicable subparts; and
(2) Provide for such methods of administration as are found by the Director or a designee to give reasonable assurance that the primary recipient and all other recipients of Federal financial assistance under such program will comply with this part.
(g)
(h)
(a) Designation of responsible employee. Each recipient shall designate at least one employee to coordinate its efforts to carry outs its responsibilities under this part. The recipient shall publish the name, office address and telephone number of the employee or employees appointed under this paragraph.
(b) A recipient shall display prominently, in reasonable numbers and places, posters which state that the recipient operates a program or activity subject to the nondiscrimination provisions of applicable subparts, summarize those requirements, note availability of information regarding this part from the recipient and DOE, and explain briefly the procedures for filing a complaint. Information on requirements of this part, complaint procedures and the rights of beneficiaries are to be included in handbooks, manuals, pamphlets, and other materials which are ordinarily distributed to the public to describe the federally assisted programs or activities and the requirements for participation by recipients and beneficiaries. To the extent that recipients are required by law or regulation to publish or broadcast information in the news media, the recipient shall insure that such publications and broadcasts state that the program or
(c) Where a significant number or proportion of the population eligible to be served or likely to be directly affected by a federally assisted program or activity requires service or information in a language other than English in order to be informed of or to participate in the program, the recipient shall take reasonable steps, considering the scope of the program and size and concentration of such population, to provide information in appropriate languages (including braille) to such persons. This requirement applies to written material of the type which is ordinarily distributed to the public. The Department may require a recipient to take additional steps to carry out the intent of this subsection.
(a) A recipient shall take appropriate, initial and continuing steps to notify participants, beneficiaries, applicants and employees, including those with impaired vision or hearing, and unions or professional organizations holding collective bargaining or professional agreements with the recipient that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (where sec. 16 or sec. 401 apply), handicap, or age. The notification is to state, where appropriate, that the recipient does not discriminate in admission or access to, and treatment of, or employment in its programs or activities and inform employees of their rights under this part. The notification is to include an identification of the responsible employee designated under § 1040.5. A recipient shall make the initial notification required by this paragraph within 90 days of the effective date of this part. Methods of initial and continuing notification may include the posting of notices, publication in newspapers and magazines, placement of notices in recipients' publications, and distribution of memoranda or other written communications.
(b) If a recipient publishes or uses recruitment materials or publications containing general information that it makes available to participants, beneficiaries, applicants, or employees, it shall include in those materials or publications a statement of the policy described in paragraph (a) of this section. A recipient may meet the requirement of this paragraph either by including appropriate inserts in existing materials and publications or by revising and reprinting the materials and publications.
(c) The provisions of § 1040.5(c) to provide information in appropriate languages (including braille), apply to this section.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) Whenever possible, evaluate, with the assistance of interested persons, including handicapped persons or organizations representing handicapped persons, its current policies and practices and the effects thereof that do not or may not meet the requirements of this part;
(2) Modify any policies and practices which do not or may not meet the requirements of this part; and
(3) Take appropriate remedial steps to eliminate the effects of discrimination which resulted or may have resulted from adherence to these questionable policies and practices.
(d) Availability of self-evaluation and related materials. Recipient shall maintain on file, for at least three years following its completion, the evaluation required under paragraph (c) of this section, and shall provide to the Director, upon request, a description of any modifications made under paragraph (c)(2) of this section and of any remedial steps taken under paragraph (c)(3) of this section.
Due to limited opportunities in the past, certain protected groups may be underrepresented in some occupations or professions. A recipient's obligation to comply with this part is not alleviated by use of statistical information which reflects limited opportunities in those occupations or professions.
(a) The purpose of this subpart is to implement title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (title VI) and the pertinent regulations of DOE so that no person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance of the type subject to title VI. This subpart also implements section 16 of the Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974, as amended (section 16) and section 401 of the Energy Reorganization of 1974 (section 401) so that no person shall be excluded on the ground of sex from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance subject to section 16 or 401. The coverage of employment practices is explained in § 1040.14.
(b) The application of this subpart is to delivery of services by and the covered employment practices of recipients and subrecipients administering or participating in any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance under laws administered by DOE covered by title VI. In addition to services and employment practices, this subpart applies to any activities of recipients or subrecipients receiving Federal financial assistance subject to section 16 and section 401.
(a)
(1) Under title VI, such practices are those which:
(i) Exist in a program where a primary objective of the Federal financial assistance is to provide employment; or
(ii) Cause discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin with respect to beneficiaries or potential beneficiaries of the assisted program.
(2) Under section 16 and section 401, such practices include, but are not limited to, employment practices covered by title VI when alleging discrimination on the basis of sex. All employment practices of a recipient or subrecipient of Federal financial assistance subject to section 16 and section 401 are covered employment practices.
(b)
(a)
(b)
(1) Deny any individual any disposition, service, financial aid, or benefit provided under the program;
(2) Provide any disposition, service, financial aid, or benefit to an individual which is different, or is provided in a different manner, from that provided to others under the program;
(3) Subject an individual to segregation or separate treatment in any matter related to his/her receipt of any disposition, service, financial aid, or benefit under the program;
(4) Restrict an individual in any way in the enjoyment of any advantage or privilege enjoyed by others receiving any disposition, service, financial aid, or benefit under the program;
(5) Treat an individual differently from others in determining whether such individual satisfies any admission, enrollment, quota, eligibility, membership, or other requirement or condition which individuals must meet in order to be provided any disposition, service, financial aid, function or benefit provided under the program;
(6) Deny an individual an opportunity to participate in the program through the provision of services or otherwise afford such individual an opportunity to do so which is different from that afforded others under the program (including the opportunity to participate in the program as an employee but only to the extent set forth in § 1040.14 of this subpart); or
(7) Deny a person the opportunity to participate as a member of a planning or advisory body which is an integral part of the program.
(c) A recipient, in determining the type of Federal financial assistance (i.e., disposition, services, financial aid, benefits, or facilities) which will be provided under any program, or the class of individuals to whom, or the situations in which the assistance will be provided, may not, directly or through contractual or other arrangements, utilize criteria or methods of administration which have the effect of subjecting individuals to discrimination because of their race, color, national origin, or sex (when covered by section 16 and section 401) or have the effect of defeating or substantially impairing accomplishment of the objectives of the program with respect to individuals of a particular race, color, national origin, or sex (when covered by section 16 or section 401).
(d) In determining the site or location of facilities, a recipient or applicant may not make selections with the purpose or effect of excluding individuals from, denying them the benefits of, or subjecting them to discrimination because of race, color, national origin, or sex (when covered by section 16 or 401) or with the purpose or effect of defeating or substantially impairing the accomplishment of the objectives of title VI or this subpart.
(e) For the purpose of this section, the disposition, services, financial aid, or benefits provided under a program receiving Federal financial assistance include all portions of the recipient's program or activity, including facilities, equipment, or property provided with the aid of Federal financial assistance.
(f) The enumeration of specific forms of prohibited discrimination in this paragraph and in § 1040.14 of this subpart does not limit the generality of the prohibition in paragraph (a) of this section.
(g)
(a)
(i) To assist individuals through employment to meet expenses incident to the commencement or continuation of their education or training;
(ii) To provide work experience which contributes to the education or training of the individuals involved;
(iii) To reduce the unemployment of individuals or to help them through employment to meet subsistence needs; or
(iv) To provide employment to individuals who, because of handicaps, cannot be readily absorbed in the competitive labor market. The requirements applicable to construction under any such program are to be those specified in or under part III of Executive Order 11246, as amended, or any Executive Order which supersedes it.
(2) In regard to Federal financial assistance which does not have provision of employment as a primary objective, the provisions of paragraph (a)(1) of this section apply to the employment practices of the recipient if discrimination on the ground of race, color, national origin, or sex (when covered by section 16 or section 401) in such employment practices tends to exclude persons from participation in, deny them the benefits of, or subject them to discrimination under the program receiving Federal financial assistance. In any such case, the provisions of paragraph (a)(1) of this section apply to the extent necessary to assure equality of opportunity to and nondiscriminatory treatment of beneficiaries.
(3) Paragraph (a)(1) also applies to covered employment as defined in § 1040.12(a)(2).
(b) Enforcement of title VI compliance with respect to covered employment practices is not to be superseded by State or local merit systems relating to the employment practices of the same recipient.
(a) The purpose of this subpart is to implement sec. 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which is designed to eliminate discrimination on the basis of handicap in any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.
(b) This subpart applies to each recipient or subrecipient of Federal financial assistance from DOE and to each program or activity that receives assistance.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d) As used in paragraph (c) of this section, the phrase:
(1)
(i) Any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: neurological; musculoskeletal; special sense organs; respiratory, including speech organs; cardiovascular; reproductive, digestive, genito-urinary; hemic and lymphatic; skin; and endocrine; or
(ii) Any mental or psychological disorder, such as mental retardation, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disabilities. The term
(2)
(3)
(4)
(i) Has a physical or mental impairment that does not substantially limit major life activities but that is treated by a recipient as constituting such a limitation;
(ii) Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits major life activities only as a result of the attitudes of others toward such impairment; or
(iii) Has none of the impairments defined in paragraphs (d)(1) (i) and (ii) of this section, but is treated by a recipient as having such an impairment.
(e)
(1) With respect to employment, a handicapped person who, with reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of the job in question;
(2) With respect to public preschool, elementary, secondary, or adult education services, a handicapped person:
(i) Of an age during which non-handicapped persons are provided such services;
(ii) Of any age during which it is mandatory under state law to provide such services to handicapped persons; or
(iii) To whom a state is required to provide a free appropriate public education under sec. 612 of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975, Pub. L. 94-142.
(3) With respect to postsecondary and vocational education services, a handicapped person who meets the academic and technical standards requisite to admission or participation in the recipient's education program or activity; and
(4) With respect to other services, a handicapped person who meets the essential eligibility requirements for the receipt of such services.
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(a)
(b)
(i) Deny a qualified person the opportunity to participate in or benefit from the aid, benefit or service;
(ii) Afford a qualified handicapped person an opportunity to participate in or benefit from the aid, benefit, or service that is not equal to that afforded others;
(iii) Provide a qualified handicapped person with an aid, benefit, or service that is not as effective in affording equal opportunity to obtain the same result, to gain the same benefit, or to reach the same level of achievement as that provided to others;
(iv) Provide different or separate aid, benefits, or services to handicapped persons or to any class of handicapped persons than is provided to others unless the action is necessary to provide qualified handicapped persons with aid, benefits, or services that are as effective as those provided to others;
(v) Aid or perpetuate discrimination against a qualified handicapped person by providing significant assistance to an agency, organization, or person that discriminates on the basis of handicap in providing any aid, benefit, or services to beneficiaries of the recipient's program or activity;
(vi) Deny a qualified handicapped person the opportunity to participate as a member of planning or advisory boards; or
(vii) Otherwise limit a qualified handicapped person in the enjoyment of any right, privilege, advantage, or opportunity enjoyed by others receiving the aid, benefit or service.
(2) For purposes of this part, aids, benefits, and services, to be equally effective, are not required to produce the identical result or level of achievement for handicapped and nonhandicapped persons, but must afford handicapped persons equal opportunity to obtain the same result, to gain the same benefit, or to reach the same level of achievement in the most integrated setting appropriate to the person's needs.
(3) Despite the existence of permissible separate or different aid, benefits, or services, a recipient may not deny a qualified handicapped person the opportunity to participate in aid, benefits, or services that are not separate or different.
(4) A recipient may not, directly or through contractual or other arrangements, utilize criteria or methods of administration that:
(i) Have the effect of subjecting qualified handicapped persons to discrimination on the basis of handicap;
(ii) Have the purpose or effect of defeating or substantially impairing accomplishment of the objectives of the recipient's program or activity with respect to handicapped persons; or
(iii) Perpetuate the discrimination of another recipient if both recipients are subject to common administrative control or are agencies of the same state.
(5) In determining the site of a facility, an applicant for assistance or a recipient may not make selections that—
(i) Have the effect of excluding handicapped persons from, denying them the benefits of, or otherwise subjecting them to discrimination under any program or activity that receives Federal financial assistance from DOE; or
(ii) Have the purpose or effect of defeating or substantially impairing the accomplishment of the objectives of the program or activity with respect to handicapped persons.
(6) As used in this section, the aid, benefit, or service provided under a program or activity receiving from
(c)
(d) Recipients shall take appropriate steps to ensure that communications with their applicants, employees and handicapped persons participating in federally assisted programs or activities or receiving aids, benefits or services, are available to persons with impaired vision and hearing.
(e) The enumeration of specific forms of prohibited discrimination in this paragraph does not limit the generality of the prohibition in paragraph (a) of this section.
(a) The obligation to comply with this subpart is not obviated or alleviated by the existence of any State or local law or other requirement that, on the basis of handicap, imposes prohibitions or limits upon the eligibility of qualified handicapped persons to receive services or to practice any occupation or profession.
(b) The obligation to comply with this part is not obviated or alleviated because employment opportunities in any occupation or profession are or may be more limited for handicapped persons than for non-handicapped persons.
(c)
The procedural provisions applicable to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 are adopted and incorporated in this section by reference. These procedures may be found in subparts G and H of this part.
(a)
(2) A recipient shall make all decisions concerning employment under any program or activity to which this part applies in a manner which ensures that discrimination on the basis of handicap does not occur and may not limit, segregate, or classify applicants or employees in any way that adversely affects their opportunities or status because of handicap.
(3) A recipient may not participate in a contractual or other relationship that has the effect of subjecting qualified handicapped applicants or employees to discrimination prohibited by
(b)
(1) Recruitment, advertising, and processing of applications for employment;
(2) Hiring, upgrading, promotion, award of tenure, demotion, transfer, layoff, termination, right of return from layoff, and rehiring;
(3) Rates of pay or any other form of compensation and changes in compensation;
(4) Job assignments, job classifications, organizational structures, position descriptions, lines of progression, and seniority lists;
(5) Leaves of absence, sick or otherwise;
(6) Fringe benefits available by virtue of employment, whether administered by the recipient or not;
(7) Selection and provision of financial support for training, including apprenticeship, professional meetings, conferences, and other related activities, and selection for leaves of absence to pursue training;
(8) Employer sponsored activities, including those that are social or recreational; and
(9) Any other term, condition, or privilege of employment.
(c) A recipient's obligation to comply with this subpart is not affected by any inconsistent term of any collective bargaining agreement to which it is a party.
(a) A recipient shall make reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified handicapped applicant or employee unless the recipient can demonstrate that the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of its program or activity.
(b) Reasonable accommodation may include:
(1) Making facilities used by employees readily accessible to and usable by handicapped persons; and
(2) Job restructuring, part-time or modified work schedules, acquisition or modification of equipment or devices, the provision of readers or interpreters, and other similar actions.
(c) In determining, under paragraph (a) of this section, whether an accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of a recipient's program or activity, factors to be considered include:
(1) The overall size of the recipient's program or activity with respect to number of employees, number and type of facilities, and size of budget;
(2) The type of the recipient's operation, including the composition and structure of the recipient's workforce; and
(3) The nature and cost of the accommodation needed.
(d) A recipient may not deny any employment opportunity to a qualified handicapped employee or applicant if the basis for the denial is the need to make reasonable accommodation to the physical or mental limitations of the employee or applicant.
(a) A recipient may not use any employment test or other selection criterion that screens out or tends to screen out handicapped persons unless the test score or other selection criterion, as used by the recipient, is shown to be job-related for the position in question.
(b) A recipient shall select and administer tests concerning employment to best ensure that, when administered to an applicant or employee who has a handicap that impairs sensory, manual, or speaking skills, the test results accurately reflect the applicant's or employee's job skills, aptitude or other factors the test purports to measure except where those skills are the factors that the test purports to measure.
(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, a recipient may not conduct a pre-employment
(b) When a recipient is taking remedial action to correct the effects of past discrimination, under § 1040.7 of this part, or is taking voluntary action to overcome the effects of conditions that resulted in limited participation in its federally assisted program or activity under § 1040.7 of subpart A of this part, or when a recipient is taking affirmative action under Sec. 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, the recipient may invite applicants for employment to indicate whether, and to what extent, they are handicapped
(1) The recipient states clearly on any written questionnaire used for this purpose or makes clear orally, if no written questionnaire is used, that the information requested is intended for use solely in connection with its remedial action obligations or its voluntary or affirmative action efforts; and
(2) The recipient states clearly that the information is requested on a voluntary basis, that it will be kept confidential as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, that refusal to provide it will not subject the applicant or employee to any adverse treatment, and that it will be used only in accordance with this subpart.
(c) Nothing in this section is to prohibit a recipient from conditioning an offer of employment on the results of a medical examination conducted prior to the employee's entrance on duty provided that all entering employees are subjected to the examination regardless of handicap or absence of handicap and results of the examination are used only in accordance with the requirements of this subpart.
(d) Information obtained in accordance with this section concerning the medical condition or history of the applicant is to be collected and maintained on separate forms that are to be accorded confidentiality as medical records, except that:
(1) Supervisors and managers may be informed regarding restrictions on the work or duties of handicapped persons and regarding necessary accommodations;
(2) First aid and safety personnel may be informed, where appropriate, if the condition might require emergency treatment; and
(3) Government officials investigating compliance with Sec. 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, shall be provided relevant information upon request.
No handicapped person shall, because a recipient's facilities are inaccessible to or unuseable by handicapped persons, be denied the benefits of, be excluded from participation in, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity that receives or benefits from Federal financial assistance from DOE.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(1) Identify physical obstacles in the recipient's facilities that limit the accessibility to and usability by handicapped persons of its program or activity.
(2) Describe in detail the methods that will be used to make the facilities accessible;
(3) Specify the schedule for taking the steps necessary to achieve full accessibility under § 1040.72(a) and, if the time period or the transition plan is longer than one year, identify steps that will be taken during each year of the transition period; and
(4) Indicate the person responsible for implementation of the plan.
(e)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(2) For purposes of this section, section 4.1.6(1)(g) of UFAS shall be interpreted to exempt from the requirements of UFAS only mechanical rooms and other spaces that, because of their intended use, will not require accessibility to the public or beneficiaries or result in the employment or residence therein of persons with physical handicaps.
(3) This section does not require recipients to make building alterations
(a)
(1)
(i) Reassigning aid, benefits, or services to accessible locations within the facility.
(ii) Assigning persons to aid handicapped persons into or through an otherwise inaccessible facility.
(iii) Delivering aid, benefits, or services at alternative accessible sites operated by or available for such use by the recipient.
(iv) Adopting other innovative methods which make aid, benefits, or services accessible to the handicapped.
(2)
(3)
(b)
Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended (42 U.S.C. 6101
The purpose of these regulations is to implement the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as Amended, which prohibits
(a) These regulations apply to each program or activity which receives Federal financial assistance provided by DOE.
(b) These regulations do not apply to—
(1) An age distinction contained in that part of a Federal, State, or local statute or ordinance adopted by an elected, general purpose legislative body which:
(i) Provides any benefits or assistance to persons based on age; or
(ii) Establishes criteria for participation in age-related terms; or
(iii) Describes intended beneficiaries or target groups in age-related terms.
(2) Any employment practice of any employer, employment agency, labor organization, or any labor-management joint apprenticeship training program.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
The rules stated in this section are limited by the exceptions contained in § 1040.86 and of these regulations.
(a)
(b)
(1) Excluding individuals from, denying them the benefits of, or subjecting them to discrimination under, a program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance; or
(2) Denying or limiting individuals in their opportunity to participate in any
(3) The specific forms of age discrimination listed in paragraph (b) of this section do not necessarily constitute a complete list.
For purpose of §§ 1040.86 and 1040.87, the terms
(a)
(b)
A recipient is permitted to take an action, otherwise prohibited by § 1040.84, if the action reasonably takes into account age as a factor necessary to the normal operation or the achievement of any statutory objective of a program or activity. An action reasonably takes into account age as a factor necessary to the normal operation of a program or activity if:
(a) Age is used as a measure or approximation of one or more other characteristics;
(b) The other characteristic(s) must be measured or approximated in order for the normal operation of the program or activity to continue or to achieve any statutory objective of the program or activity;
(c) The other characteristic(s) can be reasonably measured or approximated by the use of age; and
(d) The other characteristic(s) are impractical to measure directly on an individual basis.
A recipient is permitted to take an action otherwise prohibited by § 1040.84 which is based on a factor other than age, even though that action may have a disproportionate effect on persons of different ages. An action may be based on a factor other than age only if the factor bears a direct and substantial relationship to the normal operation of the program or activity or to the achievement of a statutory objective.
(a) Where a recipient is found to have discriminated on the basis of age, the recipient shall take such remedial action as the Director, Office of Civil Rights and Diversity, considers necessary to overcome the effects of the discrimination.
(b) Even in the absence of a finding of discrimination, a recipient may take affirmative action to overcome the effects of conditions that resulted in limited participation in the recipient's program or activity on the basis of age.
(c) If a recipient operating a program or activity which serves the elderly or children, in addition to persons of other ages, provides special benefits to the elderly or to children, the provision of those benefits shall be presumed to be voluntary affirmative action provided that it does not have the effect of excluding otherwise eligible persons from participation in the program or activity.
The burden of proving that an age distinction or other action falls within the exceptions outlined in §§ 1040.86 and 1040.87 is on the recipient of Federal financial assistance.
Each DOE recipient has primary responsibility to ensure that its programs or activities are in compliance with the Act and these regulations. A recipient also has responsibility to maintain records, provide information, and afford access to its records to DOE, to the extent required to determine
Where a recipient awards Federal financial assistance from DOE to its subrecipients, the recipient shall provide the subrecipients written notice of their obligations under these regulations.
Each recipient shall: (a) Upon request make available to DOE information necessary to determine whether the recipient is complying with the Act and these regulations.
(b) Permit reasonable access by DOE, upon request, to the books, records, accounts, and other recipient facilities and sources of information to the extent necessary to determine whether the recipient is in compliance with the Act and these regulations.
(a) DOE may conduct preaward and postaward compliance reviews of recipients as prescribed in this part or use other similar procedures that will permit it to investigate and correct violations of the Act and these regulations. DOE may conduct these reviews even in the absence of a complaint against a recipient. The review may be as comprehensive as necessary to determine whether a violation of these regulations has occurred.
(b) If a compliance review indicates a violation of the Act or these regulations, DOE will attempt to achieve voluntary compliance with the Act. If voluntary compliance cannot be achieved, DOE will arrange for enforcement as described in § 1040.89-10.
(a) Any person, individually or as a member of a class or on behalf of others, may file a written complaint with DOE alleging discrimination prohibited by the Act or these regulations. A complainant must file a complaint within 180 days from the date he/she first had knowledge of the alleged act of discrimination. For good cause shown, however, the Director, Office of Civil Rights and Diversity, may extend the time limit for filing a complaint. Complaints may be submitted to Field Civil Rights Officers located in DOE's field offices or to the Director, Office of Civil Rights and Diversity, Forrestal Building, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, D.C. 20585.
(b) The Director, Office of Civil Rights and Diversity, will attempt to facilitate the filing of complaints wherever possible, including taking the following measures:
(1) Accepting as a sufficient complaint any written statement which identifies the parties involved and the date the complainant first had knowledge of the alleged violation, describes generally the action or practice complained of, and is signed by the complainant.
(2) Freely permitting a complainant to add information to the complaint to meet the requirements of a sufficient complaint.
(3) Widely disseminating information regarding the obligations of recipients under the Act and these regulations.
(4) Notifying the complainant and the recipient of their rights and obligations under the complaint procedure, including the right to have a representative at all stages of the complaint procedure.
(5) Notifying the complainant and the recipient (or their representatives) of their right to contact DOE for information and assistance regarding the complaint resolution process.
(c) The Director, Office of Civil Rights and Diversity, will refer any complaint outside the jurisdiction of DOE to the proper Federal department or agency and will also notify the complainant and the recipient of the referral. The notification will contain an explanation for the referral and the name, telephone number, and address of the Federal department or agency office having jurisdiction over the matter complained.
(a) Referral of complaints for mediation. DOE will refer to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, in accordance with 45 CFR 90.43(c)(3), all complaints that:
(1) Fall within the jurisdiction of the Act and these regulations; and
(2) Contain all information necessary for further processing.
(b) Both the complainant and the recipient shall participate in the mediation process to the extent necessary to reach an agreement or make an informed judgment that an agreement is not possible. There must be at least one meeting with the mediator before the Director, Office of Civil Rights and Diversity, will accept a judgment that an agreement is not possible. However, the recipient and the complainant need not meet with the mediator at the same time.
(c) If the complainant and the recipient reach an agreement, the mediator shall prepare a written statement of the agreement and have the complainant and the recipient sign it. The mediator shall send a copy of the agreement to the Director, Office of Civil Rights and Diversity, DOE. DOE will take no further action on the complaint unless the complainant or the recipient fails to comply with the agreement.
(d) DOE will use the mediation process for a maximum of 60 days after referring a complaint to mediation. Mediation ends if:
(1) 60 days elapse from the time the mediation agency receives the complaint; or
(2) Prior to the end of the 60 day mediation period, an agreement is reached; or
(3) Prior to the end of that 60 day mediation period, the mediator determines that an agreement cannot be reached.
(e) The mediator shall return unresolved complaints to the Director, Office of Civil Rights and Diversity, DOE.
(a)
(2) As part of this review, Field Civil Rights Officers will use informal fact finding methods, including joint or separate discussions with the complainant and recipient, to establish the facts and, if possible, settle the complaint on terms that are mutually agreeable to the parties.
(3) If the complaint is resolved during the informal investigation, DOE will put the agreement in writing and have it signed by the parties and the Director, Office of Civil Rights and Diversity.
(4) The settlement shall not affect the operation of any other enforcement effort of DOE, including compliance reviews and investigation of other complaints which may involve the recipient.
(5) The settlement is not a finding of discrimination against a recipient.
(b)
A recipient may not engage in acts of intimidation or retaliation against any person who:
(a) Attempts to assert a right protected by the Act or these regulations; or
(b) Cooperates in any mediation, investigation, hearing, or other part of DOE's investigation, conciliation, and enforcement process.
(a) DOE may enforce the Act and these regulations through procedures
(1) Termination of a recipient's Federal financial assistance from DOE for a program activity in which the recipient has violated the Act or these regulations. The determination of the recipient's violation may be made only after a recipient has had an opportunity for a hearing on the record before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Therefore, cases which are settled in mediation, or prior to a hearing, will not involve termination of a recipient's Federal financial assistance from DOE under this section.
(2) Any other means authorized by law including, but not limited to:
(i) Referral to the Department of Justice for proceedings to enforce any rights of the United States or obligations of the recipient created by the Act or these regulations, or under the terms of the Federal financial assistance.
(ii) Use of any requirement of, or referral to, any Federal, State, or local government agency that will have the effect of correcting a violation of the Act of these regulations.
(b) DOE will limit any termination under § 1040.89-9(a)(1) to the particular recipient and particular program or activity DOE finds in violation of these regulations. DOE will not base any part of a termination on a finding with respect to any program or activity of the recipient which does not receive Federal financial assistance from DOE.
(c) DOE will take no action under paragraph (a) until:
(1) The Director, Office of Civil Rights and Diversity, has advised the recipient of its failure to comply with the Act, these regulations, or the terms of the Federal financial assistance and has determined that voluntary compliance cannot be obtained.
(2) Thirty (30) days have elapsed after the Secretary or the Secretary's designee has sent a written report of the circumstances and grounds of the action to the committees of the Congress having legislative jurisdiction over the program or activity involved. The Secretary will file a report whenever any action is taken under paragraph (a) of this section.
(d) DOE also may defer granting new Federal financial assistance to a recipient when a hearing under § 1040.89-10 is initiated.
(1) New Federal financial assistance from DOE includes all assistance for which DOE requires an application or approval, including renewal or continuation of existing activities, or authorization of new activities during the deferral period. New Federal financial assistance from DOE does not include increases in funding as a result of changes, computation of formula awards, or assistance awarded prior to the beginning of a hearing under § 1040.89-10.
(2) DOE will not defer new assistance until the recipient has received a notice of an opportunity for a hearing under § 1040.89-10. DOE will not continue a deferral for more than 60 days unless a hearing has begun within that time or the time for beginning the hearing has been extended by mutual consent of the recipient and FERC. DOE will not continue a deferral for more than 30 days after the close of the hearing, unless the hearing resulted in a finding against the recipient.
DOE procedural provisions applicable to title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 apply to DOE enforcement of these regulations. They are 10 CFR subpart H §§ 1040.121 through 1040.124.
Where the Director, Office of Civil Rights and Diversity, finds a recipient has discriminated on the basis of age, the recipient shall take such remedial action as the Director, OEO, may require to end the discrminatory practice or policy and/or to overcome the effects of the discrimination.
(a) When DOE withholds funds from a recipient under these regulations, the Secretary or designee may disburse the withheld funds directly to an alternate recipient(s), any public or private organization or agency, or State or political subdivision of the State.
(b) The Secretary or designee will require any alternate recipient to demonstrate:
(1) The ability to comply with these regulations; and
(2) The ability to achieve the goals of the Federal statute authorizing the Federal financial assistance.
(a) A complainant may file a civil action following the exhaustion of administrative remedies under the Act. Administrative remedies are exhausted if:
(1) One hundred eighty (180) days have elapsed since the complainant filed the complaint and DOE has made no findings with regard to the complainant; or
(2) DOE issues any findings in favor of the recipient.
(b) If DOE fails to make a finding within 180 days or issues a finding in favor of the recipient, the Director, Office of Civil Rights and Diversity, will:
(1) Promptly advise the complainant of this fact; and
(2) Advise the complainant of his or her right to bring a civil action for injunctive relief; and
(3) Inform the complainant:
(i) That the complainant may bring a civil action only in a United States District Court for the district in which the recipient is located or transacts business;
(ii) That a complainant prevailing in a civil action has the right to be awarded the costs of the action, including reasonable attorney fees, but that the complainant must demand these costs in the complaint;
(iii) That, before commencing the action, the complainant shall give 30 days notice, by registered mail, to the Secretary of DOE, the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, the Attorney General of the United States, and the recipient;
(iv) That the notice must state: the alleged violation of the Act and these regulations; the relief requested; the court in which the complainant is bringing the action; and whether or not attorney fees are demanded in the event the complainant prevails; and
(v) That the complainant may not bring an action if the same alleged violation of the Act by the same recipient is the subject of a pending action in any court of the United States.
(a) The Director shall periodically conduct compliance reviews of selected recipients of DOE Federal financial assistance.
(b) The Director shall seek to review those recipients which have the most serious equal opportunity problems which cause the greatest disparity in delivery of services on a nondiscriminatory basis. Selection for review is to be made on the basis of the following criteria, among others:
(1) The relative disparity between the percentage of minorities, women, or handicapped persons, in the relevant labor market, and the percentage of minorities, women, or handicapped persons, employed by the recipient if employment practices are covered by this part;
(2) The percentage of individuals covered by the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, minorities, women and handicapped persons in the population receiving program benefits.
(3) The number and nature of discrimination complaints filed against a recipient with DOE or other Federal agencies;
(4) The scope of the problems revealed by an investigation commenced on the basis of a complaint filed with DOE against a recipient; and
(5) The amount of assistance provided to the recipient.
(c) After selection of a recipient for review, the Director Federally Assisted Programs Division or the Director's designee, shall inform the recipient of the selection. The notice shall be in writing and posted thirty days prior to the scheduled review. The letter will ordinarily request data pertinent to the review and advise the recipient of:
(1) The practices to be reviewed;
(2) The programs or activities affected by the review;
(3) The opportunity to make, at any time prior to receipt of DOE's finding, a written submission responding to DOE which explains, validates, or otherwise addresses the practices under review; and
(4) The schedule under which the review will be conducted and a determination of compliance or noncompliance made.
(d) Within 90 days of arriving on-site to conduct the review, the Director, FAPD, shall advise the recipient, in writing, of:
(1) Preliminary findings;
(2) Where appropriate, recommendations for achieving voluntary compliance; and
(3) The opportunity to request DOE to engage in voluntary compliance negotiations prior to the Director's final determination of compliance or noncompliance. The Director or the Director's designee shall notify the Assistant Attorney General at the same time the recipient is notified of any matter where recommendations for achieving voluntary compliance are made.
(e) If, within 45 days of the recipient's notification under paragraph (d) of this section, the Director's (FAPD) recommendations for compliance are not met, or voluntary compliance is not secured, or the preliminary findings are not shown to be false, the matter will be forwarded to the Director for a determination of compliance or noncompliance. The determination is to be made no later than 60 days after the recipient has been notified of the preliminary findings. If the Director makes a determination of noncompliance, the Department shall institute actions specified in subparts G and H.
(f) Where the Director makes a formal determination of noncompliance, the recipient and the Assistant Attorney General shall be immediately advised, in writing, of the determination and of the fact that the recipient has an additional 10 days in which to come into voluntary compliance. If voluntary compliance has not been achieved within the 10 days, the Director shall institute proceedings under subpart H.
(g) All agreements to come into voluntary compliance shall be in writing and signed by the Director and an official who has authority to legally bind the recipient.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a) The Director, FAPD, shall investigate complaints of discrimination that allege a violation of—
(1) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Sec. 16 of the Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974, as amended, or Sec. 401 of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974;
(2) Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended;
(3) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended;
(4) Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, (reserved in this part);
(5) Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended, (reserved in this part);
(6) This part; and
(7) Civil rights provisions of statutes administered pursuant to the DOE Organization Act, Pub. L. 95-91.
(b) No complaint will be investigated if it is received by an appropriate Departmental official more than 180 days after the date of the alleged discrimination, unless the time for filing is extended by the Director, FAPD, for good cause shown. Where a complaint is accepted for investigation, the Director, FAPD, will initiate a DOE investigation. The Director, FAPD, who is responsible for the investigation, shall notify the complainant, in writing, if the complaint has been accepted or rejected.
(c) The Director, FAPD, or his/her designee shall conduct investigations of complaints as follows:
(1) Within 35 days of receipt of a complaint, the Director, FAPD, shall:
(i) determine whether DOE has jurisdiction under paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section;
(ii) If jurisdiction is not found, wherever possible, refer the complaint to the Federal agency with such jurisdiction and advise the complainant;
(iii) If jurisdiction is found, notify the recipient alleged to be discriminating of receipt of the complaint; and
(iv) Initiate the investigation.
(2) The investigation will ordinarily be initiated by a letter requesting data pertinent to the complaint and advising the recipient of:
(i) The nature of the complaint and, with the written consent of the complainant, the identity of the complainant. The identity of the complainant may be revealed by the Director, FAPD, OEO, without the complainant's written consent if the Director, FAPD, OEO, determines that such action is necessary for resolution of the complaint;
(ii) The program or activities affected by the complaint;
(iii) The opportunity to make, at any time prior to receipt of DOE's findings, a documentary submission responding to, rebutting, or denying the allegations made in the complaint; and
(iv) The schedule under which the complaint will be investigated and a determination of compliance made.
(3) Within 90 days of initiating the investigation, the Director, FAPD, shall advise the recipient, in writing of:
(i) Preliminary findings;
(ii) Where appropriate, recommendations for achieving voluntary compliance; and
(iii) The opportunity to request DOE to engage in voluntary compliance negotiations prior to the Director's final determination of compliance or noncompliance. The Director or the Director's designee shall notify the Assistant Attorney General and the recipient of any matter where recommendations for achieving voluntary compliance are made.
(4) If, within 45 days of the recipient's notification under paragraph (c)(3) of this section, the Director's (FAPD) recommendations for compliance are not met, or voluntary compliance is not secured, or the preliminary findings are not shown to be false, the matter will be forwarded to the Director, OEO, for a determination of compliance or noncompliance. The determination is to be made no later than 60 days after the recipient has been notified of the preliminary findings. If the Director makes a determination of noncompliance, the Department shall institute actions specified in subpart H.
(5) Where the Director makes a formal determination of noncompliance, the recipient and the Assistant Attorney General shall be immediately advised, in writing, of the determination and of the fact that the recipient has an additional 10 days in which to come into voluntary compliance. If voluntary compliance has not been achieved within the 10 days, the Director shall institute proceedings under subpart H. All agreements to come into voluntary compliance shall be in writing and signed by the Director, OEO, and an official who has authority to legally bind the recipient. The complainant shall also be notified of any action taken including the closing of the complaint or achievement of voluntary compliance.
(6) If the complainant or party other than the Attorney General has filed suit in Federal or State court alleging the same discrimination alleged in a complaint to DOE, and if during DOE's investigation, the trial of that suit would be in progress, DOE will consult with the Assistant Attorney General and court records to determine the need to continue or suspend the investigation and will monitor the litigation through the court docket and contacts with the complainant. Upon receipt of notice that the court has made a finding of discrimination against a recipient that would constitute a violation of this part, the DOE may institute administrative proceedings as specified in subpart H after DOE has advised the recipient, in writing, of an opportunity to request voluntary compliance under this section. All agreements to come into voluntary compliance shall be in writing and signed by the Director and an official who has authority to legally bind the recipient.
(7) The time limits listed in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(6) of this section shall be appropriately adjusted where DOE requests another Federal agency to act on the complaint. DOE is to monitor the progress of the matter through liaison with the other agency. Where the request to act does not result in timely resolution of the matter, DOE is to institute appropriate proceedings as required by this part.
(d)
If there appears to be a failure or threatened failure to comply with any of the provisions of this part, and if the noncompliance or threatened noncompliance cannot be corrected by voluntary means, compliance with this part may be effected by the suspension, termination of, or refusal to grant or to continue Federal financial assistance, or by any other means authorized by law. Such other means may include, but are not limited to:
(a) Referral to the Department of Justice with a recommendation that appropriate proceedings be brought to enforce any rights of the United States under any law including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, other statutes to which this part applies, or any assurance or other contractual undertaking; and
(b) Any applicable proceeding under State or local law.
If an applicant fails or refuses to furnish an assurance required under § 1040.4 of subpart A of this part, or otherwise fails or refuses to comply with a requirement imposed by this part, such as § 1040.102(c), subpart G of this part, action to refuse Federal financial assistance shall be taken in accordance with procedures of § 1040.114 of this subpart.
DOE may defer action on pending applications for assistance in such a case during pendency of administrative proceedings under § 1040.114 of this subpart.
No order suspending, terminating, or refusing to grant or continue Federal financial assistance is to become effective until:
(a) Informational notice of the proposed order is given to the Executive Assistant to the Secretary, if the action is contemplated against a State or local government;
(b) The Director has advised the applicant or recipient of his/her failure to comply and has determined that compliance cannot be secured by voluntary means. (It will be determined by the Director that compliance cannot be secured by voluntary means if it has not been secured within the time periods specifically set forth by this part.)
(c) There has been an express finding on the record, after opportunity for hearing, of a failure by the applicant or recipient to comply with the requirement imposed by or under this part:
(d) The FERC has notified the Secretary of its finding of noncompliance; and
(e) The expiration of 30 days after the Secretary or a designee has filed with the committee of the House of Representatives and the committee of the Senate having legislative jurisdiction over the program involved, a full written report of the circumstances and the grounds for such action. Any action to suspend, terminate, or to refuse to grant or to continue Federal financial
No action to effect compliance by any other means authorized by law is to be taken until—
(a) The Director has determined that compliance cannot be secured by voluntary means;
(b) The recipient or other person has been notified by the Director, in writing, that it has been found in formal noncompliance and that it has 10 days before formal enforcement proceedings begin in which to enter into a written voluntary compliance agreement.
(c) The expiration of at least ten (10) days from the mailing of the notice to the recipient or other person.
(a) Whenever an opportunity for hearing is required by § 1040.113, the Director, OEO, or his/her designee shall serve on the applicant or recipient, by registered, certified mail, or return receipt requested, a notice of opportunity for hearing which will:
(1) Inform the applicant or recipient of the action proposed to be taken and of his/her right within twenty (20) days of the date of the notice of opportunity for hearing, or another period which may be specified in the notice, to request a hearing;
(2) Set forth the alleged item or items of noncompliance with this part;
(3) Specify the issues;
(4) State that compliance with this part may be effected by an order providing for the termination of or refusal to grant or to continue assistance, as appropriate, under the program involved; and
(5) Provide that the applicant or recipient may file a written answer with the Director, OEO, to the notice of opportunity for hearing under oath or affirmation within twenty (20) days of its date, or another period which may be specified in the notice.
(b) An applicant or recipient may file an answer, and waive or fail to request a hearing, without waiving the requirement for findings of fact and conclusions of law or the right to seek review by the FERC in accordance with the provisions established by the FERC. At the time an answer is filed, the applicant or recipient may also submit written information or argument for the record if he/she does not request a hearing.
(c) An answer or stipulation may consent to the entry of an order in substantially the form set forth in the notice of opportunity for hearing. The order may be entered by the General Counsel or his/her designee. The consent of the applicant or recipient to the entry of an order shall constitute a waiver by him/her of a right to:
(1) A hearing under Sec. 902 of title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 602 of title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 16, Section 401 and § 1040.113;
(2) Findings of fact and conclusions of law; and
(3) Seek review by the FERC.
(d) The failure of an applicant or recipient to file an answer within the period prescribed or, if the applicant or recipient requests a hearing, his failure to appear at the hearing shall constitute a waiver by him/her of a right to:
(1) A hearing under Section 902 of title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 602 of title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 16, Section 401, and § 1040.113;
(2) Conclusions of law; and
(3) Seek review by the FERC.
(e) An order entered in accordance with paragraph (c) or (d) of this section shall constitute the final decision of DOE unless the FERC, within forty-five (45) days after entry of the order, issues a subsequent decision which
(f) A copy of an order entered by the FERC official shall be mailed to the applicant or recipient and to the complainant, if any.
Whenever an applicant or recipient requests a hearing or review in accordance with § 1040.121(a)(1) or (b), the DOE General Counsel or his/her designee shall submit such request along with other appropriate documents to the FERC.
In cases in which the same or related facts are asserted to constitute noncompliance with this part with respect to two or more programs to which this part applies or noncompliance with this part and the regulations of one or more other Federal departments or agencies issued to implement the requirements of the laws cited in this part, the Secretary or a designee, in coordination with FERC may, by agreement with other departments or agencies, where applicable, provide for the conduct of consolidated or joint hearings and for the application to such hearings of rules of procedure not inconsistent with this part. Final decision in such cases, insofar as programs subject to this part are concerned, shall be made in accordance with procedures established by the FERC.
The FERC has authority under section 402(b) of the DOE Organization Act, Pub. L. 95-91, to promulgate regulations regarding the conduct of hearings to deny or terminate Federal financial assistance. Rules for conduct of hearings will be published by the FERC and will be placed in title 18 CFR.
Final DOE actions taken under this part to withhold or terminate Federal financial assistance are subject to judicial review under the following laws:
(a) Title VI—Section 603 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964;
(b) Title IX—Section 903 of the Education Amendments of 1972;
(c) Section 16, Section 401, Section 504—Pub. L. 89-554, 5 U.S.C. 702;
(d) Section 419 and Section 420 of the Energy Conservation and Production Act of 1976, as amended.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
29 U.S.C. 794.
This part effectuates section 119 of the Rehabilitation, Comprehensive Services, and Developmental Disabilities Amendments of 1978, which amended section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to prohibit discrimination on the basis of handicap in programs or activities conducted by Executive agencies or the United States Postal Service.
This part applies to all programs or activities conducted by the agency.
For purposes of this part, the term—
As used in this definition, the phrase:
(l)
(i) Any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one of more of the following body systems: Neurological; musculoskeletal; special sense organs; respiratory, including speech organs; cardiovascular; reproductive; digestive; genitourinary; hemic and lymphatic; skin; and endocrine; or
(ii) Any mental or psychological disorder, such as mental retardation, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disabilities. The term
(2)
(3)
(4)
(i) Has a physical or mental impairment that does not substantially limit major life activities but is treated by the agency as constituting such a limitation;
(ii) Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits major life activities only as a result of the attitudes of others toward such impairment; or
(iii) Has none of the impairments defined in subparagraph (1) of this definition but is treated by the agency as having such an impairment.
(1) With respect to any agency program or activity under which a person is required to perform services or to achieve a level of accomplishment, a handicapped person who meets the essential eligibility requirements and who can achieve the purpose of the program or activity without modifications in the program or activity that the agency can demonstrate would result in a fundamental alteration in its nature; or
(2) With respect to any other program or activity, a handicapped person who meets the essential eligibility requirements for participation in, or receipt of benefits from, that program or activity.
(3)
(a) The agency shall, by April 9, 1987, evaluate its current policies and practices, and the effects thereof, that do not or may not meet the requirements of this part, and, to the extent modification of any such policies and practices is required, the agency shall proceed to make the necessary modifications.
(b) The agency shall provide an opportunity to interested persons, including handicapped persons or organizations representing handicapped persons, to participate in the self-evaluation process by submitting comments (both oral and written).
(c) The agency shall, until three years following the completion of the self-evaluation, maintain on file and make available for public inspections:
(1) A description of areas examined and any problems identified, and
(2) A description of any modifications made.
The agency shall make available to employees, applicants, participants, beneficiaries, and other interested persons such information regarding the provisions of this part and its applicability to the programs or activities conducted by the agency, and make such information available to them in such manner as the head of the agency finds necessary to apprise such persons of the protections against discrimination assured them by section 504 and this regulation.
(a) No qualified handicapped person shall, on the basis of handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity conducted by the agency.
(b)(1) The agency, in providing any aid, benefit, or service, may not, directly or through contractual, licensing, or other arrangements, on the basis of handicap—
(i) Deny a qualified handicapped person the opportunity to participate in or benefit from the aid, benefit, or service;
(ii) Afford a qualfied handicapped person an opportunity to participate in or benefit from the aid, benefit, or service that is not equal to that afforded others;
(iii) Provide a qualified handicapped person with an aid, benefit, or service that is not as effective in affording equal opportunity to obtain the same result, to gain the same benefit, or to reach the same level of achievement as that provided to others;
(iv) Provide different or separate aid, benefits, or services to handicapped persons or to any class of handicapped persons than is provided to others unless such action is necessary to provide qualified handicapped persons with aid, benefits, or services that are as effective as those provided to others;
(v) Deny a qualified handicapped person the opportunity to participate as a member of planning or advisory boards; or
(vi) Otherwise limit a qualified handicapped person in the enjoyment of any right, privilege, advantage, or opportunity enjoyed by others receiving the aid, benefit, or service.
(2) The agency may not deny a qualified handicapped person the opportunity to participate in programs or activities that are not separate or different, despite the existence of permissibly separate or different programs or activities.
(3) The agency may not, directly or through contractual or other arrangements, utilize criteria or methods of
(i) Subject qualified handicapped persons to discrimination on the basis of handicap; or
(ii) Defeat or substantially impair accomplishment of the objectives of a program or activity with respect to handicapped persons.
(4) The agency may not, in determining the site or location of a facility, make selections the purpose or effect of which would—
(i) Exclude handicapped persons from, deny them the benefits of, or otherwise subject them to discrimination under any program or activity conducted by the agency; or
(ii) Defeat or substantially impair the accomplishment of the objectives of a program or activity with respect to handicapped persons.
(5) The agency, in the selection of procurement contractors, may not use criteria that subject qualified handicapped persons to discrimination on the basis of handicap.
(c) The exclusion of nonhandicapped persons from the benefits of a program limited by Federal statute or Executive order to handicapped persons or the exclusion of a specific class of handicapped persons from a program limited by Federal statute or Executive order to a different class of handicapped persons is not prohibited by this part.
(d) The agency shall administer programs and activities in the most integrated setting appropriate to the needs of qualified handicapped persons.
No qualified handicapped person shall, on the basis of handicap, be subjected to discrimination in employment under any program or activity conducted by the agency. The definitions, requirements, and procedures of section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 791), as established by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 29 CFR part 1613, shall apply to employment in federally conducted programs or activities.
Except as otherwise provided in § 1041.150, no qualified handicapped person shall, because the agency's facilities are inaccessible to or unusable by handicapped persons, be denied the benefits of, be excluded from participation in, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity conducted by the agency.
(a)
(1) Necessarily require the agency to make each of its existing facilities accessible to and usable by handicapped persons; or
(2) Require the agency to take any action that it can demonstrate would result in a fundamental alteration in the nature of a program or activity or in undue financial and administrative burdens. In those circumstances where agency personnel believe that the proposed action would fundamentally alter the program or activity or would result in undue financial and administrative burdens, the agency has the burden of proving that compliance with § 1041.150(a) would result in such alteration or burdens. The decision that compliance would result in such alteration or burdens must be made by the agency head or his or her designee after considering all agency resources available for use in the funding and operation of the conducted program or activity, and must be accompanied by a written statement of the reasons for reaching that conclusion. If an action would result in such an alteration or such burdens, the agency shall take any other action that would not result in such an alteration or such burdens but would nevertheless ensure that handicapped persons receive the benefits and services of the program or activity.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(1) Identify physical obstacles in the agency's facilities that limit the accessibility of its programs or activities to handicapped persons;
(2) Describe in detail the methods that will be used to make the facilities accessible;
(3) Specify the schedule for taking the steps necessary to achieve compliance with this section and, if the time period of the transition plan is longer than one year, identify steps that will be taken during each year of the transition period; and
(4) Indicate the official responsible for implementation of the plan.
Each building or part of a building that is constructed or altered by, on behalf of, or for the use of the agency shall be designed, constructed, or altered so as to be readily accessible to and usable by handicapped persons. The definitions, requirements, and standards of the Architectural Barriers Act (42 U.S.C. 4151-4157), as established in 41 CFR 101-19.600 to 101-19.607, apply to buildings covered by this section.
(a) The agency shall take appropriate steps to ensure effective communication with applicants, participants, personnel of other Federal entities, and members of the public.
(1) The agency shall furnish appropriate auxiliary aids where necessary to afford a handicapped person an equal opportunity to participate in, and enjoy the benefits of, a program or activity conducted by the agency.
(i) In determining what type of auxiliary aid is necessary, the agency shall give primary consideration to the requests of the handicapped person.
(ii) The agency need not provide individually prescribed devices, readers for personal use or study, or other devices of a personal nature.
(2) Where the agency communicates with applicants and beneficiaries by telephone, telecommunication devices for deaf persons (TDD's) or equally effective telecommunication systems shall be used.
(b) The agency shall ensure that interested persons, including persons with impaired vision or hearing, can obtain information as to the existence and location of accessible services, activities, and facilities.
(c) The agency shall provide signage at a primary entrance to each of its inaccessible facilities, directing users to a location at which they can obtain information about accessible facilities. The international symbol for accessibility shall be used at each primary entrance of an accessible facility.
(d) This section does not require the agency to take any action that it can demonstrate would result in a fundamental alteration in the nature of a program or activity or in undue financial and administrative burdens. In those circumstances where agency personnel believe that the proposed action would fundamentally alter the program or activity or would result in undue financial and administrative burdens, the agency has the burden of proving that compliance with § 1041.160 would result in such alteration or burdens. The decision that compliance would result in such alteration or burdens must be made by the agency head or his or her designee after considering all agency resources available for use in the funding and operation of the conducted program or activity, and must be accompanied by a written statement of the reasons for reaching that conclusion. If an action required to comply with this section would result in such an alteration or such burdens, the agency shall take any other action that would not result in such an alteration or such burdens but would nevertheless ensure that, to the maximum extent possible, handicapped persons receive the benefits and services of the program or activity.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, this section applies to all allegations of discrimination on the basis of handicap in programs or activities conducted by the agency.
(b) The agency shall process complaints alleging violations of section 504 with respect to employment according to the procedures established by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 29 CFR part 1613 pursuant to section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 791).
(c) The Manager of Federally Assisted Programs shall be responsible for coordinating implementing of this section. Complaints may be sent to Director of Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of Energy, Room 4B-112, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585, (202) 586-2218.
(d) The agency shall accept and investigate all complete complaints for which it has jurisdiction. All complete complaints must be filed within 180 days of the alleged act of discrimination. The agency may extend this time period for good cause.
(e) If the agency receives a complaint over which it does not have jurisdiction, it shall promptly notify the complainant and shall make reasonable efforts to refer the complaint to the appropriate government entity.
(f) The agency shall notify the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board upon receipt of any complaint alleging that a building or facility that is subject to the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4151-4157), or section 502 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 792), is not readily accessible to and usable by handicapped persons.
(g) Within 180 days of the receipt of a complete complaint for which it has jurisdiction, the agency shall notify the complainant of the results of the investigation in a letter containing—
(1) Findings of fact and conclusions of law;
(2) A description of a remedy for each violation found;
(3) A notice of the right to appeal.
(h) Appeals of the findings of fact and conclusions of law or remedies must be filed by the complainant within 90 days of receipt from the agency of the letter required by § 1041.170(g). The agency may extend this time for good cause.
(i) Timely appeals shall be accepted and processed by the head of the agency.
(j) The head of the agency shall notify the complainant of the results of the appeal within 60 days of the receipt
(k) The time limits cited in paragraphs (g) and (j) of this section may be extended with the permission of the Assistant Attorney General.
(l) The agency may delegate its authority for conducting complaint investigations to other Federal agencies, except that the authority for making the final determination may not be delegated to another agency.
20 U.S.C. 1681, 1682, 1683, 1685, 1686, 1687, 1688; 42 U.S.C. 7101
The purpose of these Title IX regulations is to effectuate Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as
As used in these Title IX regulations, the term:
(1) A grant or loan of Federal financial assistance, including funds made available for:
(i) The acquisition, construction, renovation, restoration, or repair of a building or facility or any portion thereof; and
(ii) Scholarships, loans, grants, wages, or other funds extended to any entity for payment to or on behalf of students admitted to that entity, or extended directly to such students for payment to that entity.
(2) A grant of Federal real or personal property or any interest therein, including surplus property, and the proceeds of the sale or transfer of such property, if the Federal share of the fair market value of the property is not, upon such sale or transfer, properly accounted for to the Federal Government.
(3) Provision of the services of Federal personnel.
(4) Sale or lease of Federal property or any interest therein at nominal consideration, or at consideration reduced for the purpose of assisting the recipient or in recognition of public interest to be served thereby, or permission to use Federal property or any interest therein without consideration.
(5) Any other contract, agreement, or arrangement that has as one of its purposes the provision of assistance to any education program or activity, except a contract of insurance or guaranty.
(1) Offers academic study beyond the bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree, whether or not leading to a certificate of any higher degree in the liberal arts and sciences;
(2) Awards any degree in a professional field beyond the first professional degree (regardless of whether the first professional degree in such field is awarded by an institution of undergraduate higher education or professional education); or
(3) Awards no degree and offers no further academic study, but operates ordinarily for the purpose of facilitating research by persons who have received the highest graduate degree in any field of study.
(1) An institution offering at least two but less than four years of college-level study beyond the high school level, leading to a diploma or an associate degree, or wholly or principally creditable toward a baccalaureate degree; or
(2) An institution offering academic study leading to a baccalaureate degree; or
(3) An agency or body that certifies credentials or offers degrees, but that may or may not offer academic study.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) Evaluate, in terms of the requirements of these Title IX regulations, its current policies and practices and the effects thereof concerning admission of students, treatment of students, and employment of both academic and non-
(2) Modify any of these policies and practices that do not or may not meet the requirements of these Title IX regulations; and
(3) Take appropriate remedial steps to eliminate the effects of any discrimination that resulted or may have resulted from adherence to these policies and practices.
(d)
(a)
(b)
(2) In the case of Federal financial assistance extended to provide personal property, such assurance shall obligate the recipient for the period during which it retains ownership or possession of the property.
(3) In all other cases such assurance shall obligate the recipient for the period during which Federal financial assistance is extended.
(c)
(2) The designated agency official will specify the extent to which such assurances will be required of the applicant's or recipient's subgrantees, contractors, subcontractors, transferees, or successors in interest.
If a recipient sells or otherwise transfers property financed in whole or in part with Federal financial assistance to a transferee that operates any education program or activity, and the Federal share of the fair market value of the property is not upon such sale or transfer properly accounted for to the Federal Government, both the transferor and the transferee shall be deemed to be recipients, subject to the provisions of §§ 1042.205 through 1042.235(a).
(a)
(b)
(c)
The obligation to comply with these Title IX regulations is not obviated or alleviated because employment opportunities in any occupation or profession are or may be more limited for members of one sex than for members of the other sex.
(a)
(b)
(a)
(2) Each recipient shall make the initial notification required by paragraph (a)(1) of this section within 90 days of February 20, 2001 or of the date these Title IX regulations first apply to such recipient, whichever comes later, which notification shall include publication in:
(i) Newspapers and magazines operated by such recipient or by student, alumnae, or alumni groups for or in connection with such recipient; and
(ii) Memoranda or other written communications distributed to every student and employee of such recipient.
(b)
(2) A recipient shall not use or distribute a publication of the type described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section that suggests, by text or illustration, that such recipient treats applicants, students, or employees differently on the basis of sex except as such treatment is permitted by these Title IX regulations.
(c)
Except as provided in §§ 1042.205 through 1042.235(a), these Title IX regulations apply to every recipient and to each education program or activity operated by such recipient that receives Federal financial assistance.
(a)
(b)
These Title IX regulations do not apply to an educational institution whose primary purpose is the training of individuals for a military service of the United States or for the merchant marine.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a) Admissions to educational institutions prior to June 24, 1973, are not covered by these Title IX regulations.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(a)
(1) Admitted students of only one sex as regular students as of June 23, 1972; or
(2) Admitted students of only one sex as regular students as of June 23, 1965, but thereafter admitted, as regular students, students of the sex not admitted prior to June 23, 1965.
(b)
(a)
(b)
(1) State the name, address, and Federal Interagency Committee on Education Code of the educational institution submitting such plan, the administratively separate units to which the plan is applicable, and the name, address, and telephone number of the person to whom questions concerning the plan may be addressed. The person who submits the plan shall be the chief administrator or president of the institution, or another individual legally authorized to bind the institution to all actions set forth in the plan.
(2) State whether the educational institution or administratively separate unit admits students of both sexes as regular students and, if so, when it began to do so.
(3) Identify and describe with respect to the educational institution or administratively separate unit any obstacles to admitting students without discrimination on the basis of sex.
(4) Describe in detail the steps necessary to eliminate as soon as practicable each obstacle so identified and indicate the schedule for taking these steps and the individual directly responsible for their implementation.
(5) Include estimates of the number of students, by sex, expected to apply for, be admitted to, and enter each class during the period covered by the plan.
(c)
(d)
(a) This section, which applies to all provisions of these Title IX regulations, addresses statutory amendments to Title IX.
(b) These Title IX regulations shall not apply to or preclude:
(1) Any program or activity of the American Legion undertaken in connection with the organization or operation of any Boys State conference, Boys Nation conference, Girls State conference, or Girls Nation conference;
(2) Any program or activity of a secondary school or educational institution specifically for:
(i) The promotion of any Boys State conference, Boys Nation conference, Girls State conference, or Girls Nation conference; or
(ii) The selection of students to attend any such conference;
(3) Father-son or mother-daughter activities at an educational institution or in an education program or activity, but if such activities are provided for students of one sex, opportunities for reasonably comparable activities shall be provided to students of the other sex;
(4) Any scholarship or other financial assistance awarded by an institution of higher education to an individual because such individual has received such award in a single-sex pageant based upon a combination of factors related to the individual's personal appearance, poise, and talent. The pageant, however, must comply with other nondiscrimination provisions of Federal law.
(c)
(1) All of the operations of any entity described in paragraphs (c)(1)(i) through (iv) of this section, any part of which is extended Federal financial assistance:
(i)(A) A department, agency, special purpose district, or other instrumentality of a State or of a local government; or
(B) The entity of such State or local government that distributes such assistance and each such department or agency (and each other State or local government entity) to which the assistance is extended, in the case of assistance to a State or local government;
(ii)(A) A college, university, or other post-secondary institution, or a public system of higher education; or
(B) A local educational agency (as defined in section 8801 of title 20), system of vocational education, or other school system;
(iii)(A) An entire corporation, partnership, or other private organization, or an entire sole proprietorship—
(
(
(B) The entire plant or other comparable, geographically separate facility to which Federal financial assistance is extended, in the case of any other corporation, partnership, private organization, or sole proprietorship; or
(iv) Any other entity that is established by two or more of the entities described in paragraphs (c)(1)(i), (ii), or (iii) of this section.
(2)(i)
(ii) For example, all of the operations of a college, university, or other post-secondary institution, including but not limited to traditional educational operations, faculty and student housing, campus shuttle bus service, campus restaurants, the bookstore, and other commercial activities are part of a “program or activity” subject to these Title IX regulations if the college, university, or other institution receives Federal financial assistance.
(d)(1) Nothing in these Title IX regulations shall be construed to require or prohibit any person, or public or private entity, to provide or pay for any
(2) Nothing in this section shall be construed to permit a penalty to be imposed on any person or individual because such person or individual is seeking or has received any benefit or service related to a legal abortion. Accordingly, subject to paragraph (d)(1) of this section, no person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any academic, extracurricular, research, occupational training, employment, or other educational program or activity operated by a recipient that receives Federal financial assistance because such individual has sought or received, or is seeking, a legal abortion, or any benefit or service related to a legal abortion.
(a)
(b)
(i) Give preference to one person over another on the basis of sex, by ranking applicants separately on such basis, or otherwise;
(ii) Apply numerical limitations upon the number or proportion of persons of either sex who may be admitted; or
(iii) Otherwise treat one individual differently from another on the basis of sex.
(2) A recipient shall not administer or operate any test or other criterion for admission that has a disproportionately adverse effect on persons on the basis of sex unless the use of such test or criterion is shown to predict validly success in the education program or activity in question and alternative tests or criteria that do not have such a disproportionately adverse effect are shown to be unavailable.
(c)
(1) Shall not apply any rule concerning the actual or potential parental, family, or marital status of a student or applicant that treats persons differently on the basis of sex;
(2) Shall not discriminate against or exclude any person on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, or recovery therefrom, or establish or follow any rule or practice that so discriminates or excludes;
(3) Subject to § 1042.235(d), shall treat disabilities related to pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, or recovery therefrom in the same manner and under the same policies as any other temporary disability or physical condition; and
(4) Shall not make pre-admission inquiry as to the marital status of an applicant for admission, including whether such applicant is “Miss” or “Mrs.” A recipient may make pre-admission inquiry as to the sex of an applicant for admission, but only if such inquiry is made equally of such applicants of both sexes and if the results of such inquiry are not used in connection with discrimination prohibited by these Title IX regulations.
A recipient to which §§ 1042.300 through 1042.310 apply shall not give preference to applicants for admission, on the basis of attendance at any educational institution or other school or entity that admits as students only or predominantly members of one sex, if the giving of such preference has the effect of discriminating on the basis of sex in violation of §§ 1042.300 through 1042.310.
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(1) Treat one person differently from another in determining whether such person satisfies any requirement or condition for the provision of such aid, benefit, or service;
(2) Provide different aid, benefits, or services or provide aid, benefits, or services in a different manner;
(3) Deny any person any such aid, benefit, or service;
(4) Subject any person to separate or different rules of behavior, sanctions, or other treatment;
(5) Apply any rule concerning the domicile or residence of a student or applicant, including eligibility for in-state fees and tuition;
(6) Aid or perpetuate discrimination against any person by providing significant assistance to any agency, organization, or person that discriminates on the basis of sex in providing any aid, benefit, or service to students or employees;
(7) Otherwise limit any person in the enjoyment of any right, privilege, advantage, or opportunity.
(c)
(d)
(2) Such recipient:
(i) Shall develop and implement a procedure designed to assure itself that the operator or sponsor of such other education program or activity takes no action affecting any applicant, student, or employee of such recipient that these Title IX regulations would prohibit such recipient from taking; and
(ii) Shall not facilitate, require, permit, or consider such participation if such action occurs.
(a)
(b)
(2) Housing provided by a recipient to students of one sex, when compared to that provided to students of the other sex, shall be as a whole:
(i) Proportionate in quantity to the number of students of that sex applying for such housing; and
(ii) Comparable in quality and cost to the student.
(c)
(2)(i) A recipient which, through solicitation, listing, approval of housing, or otherwise, assists any agency, organization, or person in making housing available to any of its students, shall take such reasonable action as may be necessary to assure itself that such housing as is provided to students of one sex, when compared to that provided to students of the other sex, is as a whole:
(A) Proportionate in quantity; and
(B) Comparable in quality and cost to the student.
(ii) A recipient may render such assistance to any agency, organization, or person that provides all or part of such housing to students of only one sex.
A recipient may provide separate toilet, locker room, and shower facilities on the basis of sex, but such facilities provided for students of one sex shall be comparable to such facilities provided for students of the other sex.
(a) A recipient shall not provide any course or otherwise carry out any of its education program or activity separately on the basis of sex, or require or refuse participation therein by any of its students on such basis, including health, physical education, industrial, business, vocational, technical, home economics, music, and adult education courses.
(b)(1) With respect to classes and activities in physical education at the elementary school level, the recipient shall comply fully with this section as expeditiously as possible but in no event later than one year from February 20, 2001. With respect to physical education classes and activities at the secondary and post-secondary levels, the recipient shall comply fully with this section as expeditiously as possible but in no event later than three years from February 20, 2001.
(2) This section does not prohibit grouping of students in physical education classes and activities by ability as assessed by objective standards of individual performance developed and applied without regard to sex.
(3) This section does not prohibit separation of students by sex within physical education classes or activities during participation in wrestling, boxing, rugby, ice hockey, football, basketball, and other sports the purpose or major activity of which involves bodily contact.
(4) Where use of a single standard of measuring skill or progress in a physical education class has an adverse effect on members of one sex, the recipient shall use appropriate standards that do not have such effect.
(5) Portions of classes in elementary and secondary schools, or portions of education programs or activities, that
(6) Recipients may make requirements based on vocal range or quality that may result in a chorus or choruses of one or predominantly one sex.
A recipient that is a local educational agency shall not, on the basis of sex, exclude any person from admission to:
(a) Any institution of vocational education operated by such recipient; or
(b) Any other school or educational unit operated by such recipient, unless such recipient otherwise makes available to such person, pursuant to the same policies and criteria of admission, courses, services, and facilities comparable to each course, service, and facility offered in or through such schools.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(1) On the basis of sex, provide different amounts or types of such assistance, limit eligibility for such assistance that is of any particular type or source, apply different criteria, or otherwise discriminate;
(2) Through solicitation, listing, approval, provision of facilities, or other services, assist any foundation, trust, agency, organization, or person that provides assistance to any of such recipient's students in a manner that discriminates on the basis of sex; or
(3) Apply any rule or assist in application of any rule concerning eligibility for such assistance that treats persons of one sex differently from persons of the other sex with regard to marital or parental status.
(b)
(2) To ensure nondiscriminatory awards of assistance as required in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, recipients shall develop and use procedures under which:
(i) Students are selected for award of financial assistance on the basis of nondiscriminatory criteria and not on
(ii) An appropriate sex-restricted scholarship, fellowship, or other form of financial assistance is allocated to each student selected under paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section; and
(iii) No student is denied the award for which he or she was selected under paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section because of the absence of a scholarship, fellowship, or other form of financial assistance designated for a member of that student's sex.
(c)
(2) A recipient may provide separate athletic scholarships or grants-in-aid for members of each sex as part of separate athletic teams for members of each sex to the extent consistent with this paragraph (c) and § 1042.450.
(a)
(1) Shall assure itself that such employment is made available without discrimination on the basis of sex; and
(2) Shall not render such services to any agency, organization, or person that discriminates on the basis of sex in its employment practices.
(b)
Subject to § 1042.235(d), in providing a medical, hospital, accident, or life insurance benefit, service, policy, or plan to any of its students, a recipient shall not discriminate on the basis of sex, or provide such benefit, service, policy, or plan in a manner that would violate §§ 1042.500 through 1042.550 if it were provided to employees of the recipient. This section shall not prohibit a recipient from providing any benefit or service that may be used by a different proportion of students of one sex than of the other, including family planning services. However, any recipient that provides full coverage health service shall provide gynecological care.
(a)
(b)
(2) A recipient may require such a student to obtain the certification of a physician that the student is physically and emotionally able to continue participation as long as such a certification is required of all students for other physical or emotional conditions requiring the attention of a physician.
(3) A recipient that operates a portion of its education program or activity separately for pregnant students, admittance to which is completely voluntary on the part of the student as provided in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, shall ensure that the separate portion is comparable to that offered to non-pregnant students.
(4) Subject to § 1042.235(d), a recipient shall treat pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy and recovery therefrom in the same manner and under the same policies as any other temporary disability with respect to any medical or hospital benefit, service, plan, or policy that such recipient administers, operates, offers, or participates in with respect to students admitted to the recipient's educational program or activity.
(5) In the case of a recipient that does not maintain a leave policy for its students, or in the case of a student who does not otherwise qualify for leave under such a policy, a recipient shall treat pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, and recovery therefrom as a justification for a leave of absence for as long a period of time as is deemed medically necessary by the student's physician, at the conclusion of which the student shall be reinstated to the status that she held when the leave began.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(i) Whether the selection of sports and levels of competition effectively accommodate the interests and abilities of members of both sexes;
(ii) The provision of equipment and supplies;
(iii) Scheduling of games and practice time;
(iv) Travel and per diem allowance;
(v) Opportunity to receive coaching and academic tutoring;
(vi) Assignment and compensation of coaches and tutors;
(vii) Provision of locker rooms, practice, and competitive facilities;
(viii) Provision of medical and training facilities and services;
(ix) Provision of housing and dining facilities and services;
(x) Publicity.
(2) For purposes of paragraph (c)(1) of this section, unequal aggregate expenditures for members of each sex or unequal expenditures for male and female teams if a recipient operates or sponsors separate teams will not constitute noncompliance with this section, but the designated agency official may consider the failure to provide necessary funds for teams for one sex in assessing equality of opportunity for members of each sex.
(d)
Nothing in these Title IX regulations shall be interpreted as requiring or prohibiting or abridging in any way the use of particular textbooks or curricular materials.
(a)
(2) A recipient shall make all employment decisions in any education program or activity operated by such recipient in a nondiscriminatory manner and shall not limit, segregate, or classify applicants or employees in any way that could adversely affect any applicant's or employee's employment opportunities or status because of sex.
(3) A recipient shall not enter into any contractual or other relationship which directly or indirectly has the effect of subjecting employees or students to discrimination prohibited by §§ 1042.500 through 1042.550, including relationships with employment and referral agencies, with labor unions, and with organizations providing or administering fringe benefits to employees of the recipient.
(4) A recipient shall not grant preferences to applicants for employment on the basis of attendance at any educational institution or entity that admits as students only or predominantly members of one sex, if the giving of such preferences has the effect of discriminating on the basis of sex in violation of these Title IX regulations.
(b)
(1) Recruitment, advertising, and the process of application for employment;
(2) Hiring, upgrading, promotion, consideration for and award of tenure, demotion, transfer, layoff, termination, application of nepotism policies, right of return from layoff, and rehiring;
(3) Rates of pay or any other form of compensation, and changes in compensation;
(4) Job assignments, classifications, and structure, including position descriptions, lines of progression, and seniority lists;
(5) The terms of any collective bargaining agreement;
(6) Granting and return from leaves of absence, leave for pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, leave for persons of either sex to care for children or dependents, or any other leave;
(7) Fringe benefits available by virtue of employment, whether or not administered by the recipient;
(8) Selection and financial support for training, including apprenticeship, professional meetings, conferences, and other related activities, selection for tuition assistance, selection for sabbaticals and leaves of absence to pursue training;
(9) Employer-sponsored activities, including social or recreational programs; and
(10) Any other term, condition, or privilege of employment.
A recipient shall not administer or operate any test or other criterion for any employment opportunity that has a disproportionately adverse effect on persons on the basis of sex unless:
(a) Use of such test or other criterion is shown to predict validly successful performance in the position in question; and
(b) Alternative tests or criteria for such purpose, which do not have such disproportionately adverse effect, are shown to be unavailable.
(a)
(b)
A recipient shall not make or enforce any policy or practice that, on the basis of sex:
(a) Makes distinctions in rates of pay or other compensation;
(b) Results in the payment of wages to employees of one sex at a rate less than that paid to employees of the opposite sex for equal work on jobs the performance of which requires equal skill, effort, and responsibility, and that are performed under similar working conditions.
A recipient shall not:
(a) Classify a job as being for males or for females;
(b) Maintain or establish separate lines of progression, seniority lists, career ladders, or tenure systems based on sex; or
(c) Maintain or establish separate lines of progression, seniority systems, career ladders, or tenure systems for similar jobs, position descriptions, or job requirements that classify persons on the basis of sex, unless sex is a bona fide occupational qualification for the positions in question as set forth in § 1042.550.
(a)
(b)
(1) Discriminate on the basis of sex with regard to making fringe benefits available to employees or make fringe benefits available to spouses, families, or dependents of employees differently upon the basis of the employee's sex;
(2) Administer, operate, offer, or participate in a fringe benefit plan that does not provide for equal periodic benefits for members of each sex and for equal contributions to the plan by such recipient for members of each sex; or
(3) Administer, operate, offer, or participate in a pension or retirement plan that establishes different optional or compulsory retirement ages based on sex or that otherwise discriminates in benefits on the basis of sex.
(a)
(1) Concerning the potential marital, parental, or family status of an employee or applicant for employment that treats persons differently on the basis of sex; or
(2) Which is based upon whether an employee or applicant for employment is the head of household or principal wage earner in such employee's or applicant's family unit.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a)
(b)
A recipient shall not in any advertising related to employment indicate preference, limitation, specification, or discrimination based on sex unless sex is a bona fide occupational qualification for the particular job in question.
(a)
(b)
A recipient may take action otherwise prohibited by §§ 1042.500 through 1042.550 provided it is shown that sex is a bona fide occupational qualification for that action, such that consideration of sex with regard to such action is essential to successful operation of the employment function concerned. A recipient shall not take action pursuant to this section that is based upon alleged comparative employment characteristics or stereotyped characterizations of one or the other sex, or upon preference based on sex of the recipient, employees, students, or other persons, but nothing contained in this section shall prevent a recipient from considering an employee's sex in relation to employment in a locker room or toilet facility used only by members of one sex.
The financial assistance programs to which this part applies are listed in Appendix A to 10 CFR part 1040.
The investigative, compliance, and enforcement procedural provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d) are hereby adopted and applied to these Title IX regulations. These procedures may be found at 10 CFR part 1040, subparts G and H.
42 U.S.C. 7101 et seq., 7239, and 50 U.S.C. 2401
(a)
(b)
The requirements apply to you if you are:
(a) An employee of DOE, including the National Nuclear Security Administration, or one of its contractors;
(b) Engaged in DOE defense activities; and
(c) Wish to make a protected disclosure as described in § 1044.04 of this part.
The following definitions apply to this subpart:
(1) Information classified as Restricted Data or Formerly Restricted Data under the Atomic Energy Act; or
(2) Information that has been determined pursuant to Executive Order 12958 or prior Executive Orders to require protection against unauthorized disclosure and is marked to indicate its classification status when in document form (also referred to as “National Security Information” in 10 CFR Part 1045 or “defense information” in the Atomic Energy Act).
(1) The production, testing, sampling, maintenance, repair, modification, assembly, disassembly, utilization, transportation, or retirement of nuclear weapons or components of nuclear weapons;
(2) The production, utilization, or transportation of nuclear material for military applications; or
(3) The safeguarding of activities, equipment, or facilities which support the production of nuclear weapons or nuclear material for nuclear weapons.
A protected disclosure is:
(a) A disclosure of classified or unclassified controlled nuclear information that you reasonably believe provides direct and specific evidence of—
(1) A violation of law or Federal regulation;
(2) Gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, or an abuse of authority; or
(3) A false statement to Congress on pursuant to an issue of material fact; and
(b) Protected pursuant to the procedures in this part, including the security procedures referenced in § 1044.11; and
(c) Revealed only to a person or organization described in § 1044.06.
If a DOE or DOE contractor employee follows the procedures of this part when making a disclosure of classified or unclassified controlled nuclear information, then the employer (DOE or DOE contractor as applicable) may not discharge, demote, or otherwise discriminate against the employee as a reprisal for making the disclosure.
The following persons or organizations may receive a protected disclosure:
(a) A member of a committee of Congress having primary responsibility for oversight of the department, agency, or element of the Government to which the disclosed information relates;
(b) An employee of Congress who is a staff member of such a committee and has an appropriate security access authorization for the information being disclosed;
(c) The Inspector General of the Department of Energy;
(d) The Federal Bureau of Investigation; or
(e) Any other element of the Government designated by the Secretary of Energy as authorized to receive the information being disclosed.
You must contact the Department of Energy Inspector General for help in determining whether a particular person is authorized to receive the classified or unclassified controlled nuclear information you wish to disclose. The Inspector General will contact the Office of Safeguards and Security as necessary to determine the security access authorization of the person to receive the protected disclosure.
Yes, you must submit each document with a classification or control marking and any unmarked document generated in a classified or controlled subject area to the Inspector General. The Inspector General forwards each document to the Office of Nuclear and National Security Information for a determination as to whether the information in the document is properly classified, controlled, or may be released to the public.
You must describe in detail to the Inspector General what information you wish to disclose. The Inspector General may require that the information to be disclosed be put in writing in order to ensure the Inspector General obtains and provides accurate advice. The Inspector General will consult with the Office of Nuclear and National Security Information who will provide you with advice, through the Inspector General, as to whether the information is classified or controlled and any steps needed to protect the information.
Yes, both the Inspector General and the Office of Nuclear and National Security Information must protect, consistent with legal requirements, your identity and any information about your disclosure.
To protect classified information and unclassified controlled nuclear information you plan to disclose, you must:
(a) Only disclose the information to personnel who possess the appropriate clearance and need-to-know for the information disclosed as required in 10 CFR part 710, after verifying any special authorizations or accesses, such as Sensitive Compartmented Information,
(b) Use only equipment (such as computers or typewriters) that is approved for classified processing for the generation of classified documents;
(c) Mark documents as required by 10 CFR part 1045 (classified information), 10 CFR Part 1017 (unclassified controlled nuclear information), or as required by the Office of Nuclear and National Security Information.
(d) Use only approved copiers to reproduce documents;
(e) Store classified documents in facilities approved by the U.S. Government for the storage of classified material;
(f) Use only approved destruction devices to destroy classified documents;
(g) Use only appropriate secure means, such as secure facsimile or secure telephone, to provide classified information orally or electronically when transmitting or communicating that information (e.g. the applicable classified mailing address); and
(h) Follow any additional specific instructions from the Office of Safeguards and Security on how to protect the information.
If you believe you have been discriminated against as a reprisal for making a protected disclosure, you may submit a complaint to the Director of the Office of Hearings and Appeals, U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585-0107, or you may send your complaint to the Director, Office of Hearings and Appeals, by facsimile to FAX number (202) 426-1415. In your complaint, you should give your reasons for believing that you have been discriminated against as a reprisal for making a protected disclosure, and include any information you think is relevant to your complaint. The Office of Hearings and Appeals will conduct an investigation of your complaint unless the Director determines your complaint is frivolous. The Director will notify you in writing if your complaint is found to be frivolous. If an investigation is conducted, the Director will submit a report of the investigation to you, to the employer named in your complaint, and to the Secretary of Energy, or the Secretary's designee. The Secretary, or the Secretary's designee, will take appropriate action, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 7239(k), to abate any discriminatory actions taken as reprisal for making a protected disclosure.
42 U.S.C. 2011; E.O. 12958, 60 FR 19825, 3 CFR, 1995 Comp., p. 333.
This subpart establishes responsibilities associated with this part, describes the Openness Advisory Panel, defines key terms, describes sanctions related to violation of the policies and procedures in this part, and describes how to submit suggestions or complaints concerning the Restricted Data classification and declassification program, and how to request procedural exceptions.
This subpart applies to—
(a) Any person with authorized access to RD or FRD;
(b) Any agency with access to RD or FRD; and
(c) Any person who might generate information determined to be RD or FRD.
As used in this part:
(1) The occurrence of a specific date or event as determined by the classifier; or
(2) The expiration of a maximum time frame for duration of classification established under Executive Order 12958.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(ii) For RD and FRD, Confidential is applied to information, the unauthorized disclosure of which could reasonably be expected to cause undue risk to the common defense and security that the appropriate official is able to identify or describe.
(1) Information classified as RD or FRD under the Atomic Energy Act; or
(2) Information determined to require protection against unauthorized disclosure under Executive Order (E.O.) 12958 or prior Executive Orders (also identified as National Security Information or NSI).
(1) Any individual, contractor, corporation, partnership, firm, association, trust, estate, public or private institution, group, Government agency, any State, or any political subdivision thereof, or any political entity within a State; and
(2) Any legal successor, representative, agent, or agency of the foregoing.
(1) Design, manufacture, or utilization of atomic weapons;
(2) Production of special nuclear material; or
(3) Use of special nuclear material in the production of energy.
(a) The DOE Director of Declassification shall:
(1) Manage the Government-wide system for the classification and declassification of RD and FRD in accordance with the Atomic Energy Act;
(2) In coordination with the DoD, develop regulations to implement the RD and FRD classification system;
(3) Determine whether nuclear-related information is RD;
(4) Oversee agency implementation of the RD and FRD classification system to ensure compliance with this part;
(5) Review agency implementing policies and conduct on-site reviews of each agency's program established under this part;
(6) Prepare and distribute classification guides concerning RD and FRD and review such guides developed by any agency;
(7) Consider and take action on complaints and suggestions from any person with respect to administration of this program; and
(8) Periodically meet with interested members of the public to solicit input for the classification and declassification program.
(b) The DOE Director of Security Affairs shall:
(1) Declassify RD which may be published without undue risk to the common defense and security;
(2) Jointly with the DoD, determine which information in the RD category relating primarily to the miliary utilization of nuclear weapons may be declassified or placed into the FRD category; and
(3) Jointly with the DoD, declassify FRD which may be published without undue risk to the common defense and security.
(c) The DoD jointly with the DOE shall:
(1) Determine which information in the RD category relating primarily to the military utilization of nuclear weapons may be declassified or placed into the FRD category;
(2) Ensure that classification guides for FRD and RD relating primarily to the military utilization of nuclear weapons are prepared; and
(3) Declassify FRD and RD relating primarily to the military utilization of nuclear weapons which may be published without undue risk to the common defense and security.
(d) The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) shall:
(1) Jointly with the DOE, develop classification guides for programs over which both agencies have cognizance; and
(2) Ensure the review and proper classification of RD by RD classifiers under this part, which is generated by the NRC or by its licensed or regulated facilities and activities.
(e) Heads of Agencies with access to RD and FRD shall:
(1) Ensure that RD and FRD are classified in such a manner as to assure the common defense and security in accordance with the policies established in this part;
(2) Designate an RD management official to direct and administer the RD classification program within the agency; and
(3) Promulgate implementing directives.
(f) Agency RD management officials shall:
(1) Jointly with the DOE, develop classification guides for programs over which both agencies have cognizance;
(2) Ensure that agency and contractor personnel who generate RD and FRD documents have access to any classification guides needed;
(3) Ensure that persons with access to RD and FRD are trained on the authorities required to classify and declassify RD and FRD information and documents and on handling procedures and that RD classifiers are trained on the procedures for classifying, declassifying, marking and handling RD and FRD information and documents; and
(4) Cooperate and provide information as necessary to the DOE Director of Declassification to fulfill responsibilities under this part.
(a) Knowing, willful, or negligent action contrary to the requirements of this part which results in the misclassification of information may result in appropriate sanctions. Such sanctions may range from administrative sanctions to civil or criminal penalties, depending on the nature and severity of the action as determined by appropriate authority, in accordance with applicable laws.
(b) Other violations of the policies and procedures contained in this part may be grounds for administrative sanctions as determined by appropriate authority.
The DOE shall maintain an Openness Advisory Panel, in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, to provide the Secretary with independent advice and recommendations on Departmental openness initiatives, including classification and declassification issues that affect the public.
(a) Any person who has suggestions or complaints regarding the Department's classification and declassification policies and procedures may direct them in writing to the Openness Coordinator, Department of Energy, Office of Declassification, 19901 Germantown Road, Germantown, Maryland 20874-1290.
(b) Such letters should include a description of the issue or problem, the suggestion or complaint, all applicable background information, and an address for the response.
(c) DOE will make every effort to respond within 60 days.
(d) Under no circumstances shall persons be subject to retribution for making a suggestion or complaint regarding the Department's classification and declassification policies or programs.
(a) Exemptions to the procedural provisions of this part may be granted by the DOE Director of Declassification.
(b) A request for an exemption shall be made in writing to the DOE Director of Declassification and shall provide all relevant facts, justification, and a proposed alternate procedure.
(a) Heads of agencies shall ensure that RD management officials and those RD classifiers whose duties involve the classification or declassification of significant numbers of RD or FRD documents shall have their personnel performance evaluated with respect to classification activities.
(b) Procedures for the evaluation under paragraph (a) of this section may be the same as those in place for NSI related classification activities as required by Executive Order 12958.
(a) This subpart implements sections 141 and 142 (42 U.S.C. 2161 and 2162) of the Atomic Energy Act, which provide for Government-wide policies and procedures concerning the classification and declassification of RD and FRD information.
(b) This subpart establishes procedures for classification prohibitions for RD and FRD, describes authorities and procedures for identifying RD and FRD information, and specifies the policies and criteria DOE shall use in determining if nuclear-related information is RD or FRD.
This subpart applies to—
(a) Any person with authorized access to RD or FRD;
(b) Any agency with access to RD or FRD; and
(c) Any person who might generate information determined to be RD or FRD.
(a) The DOE Director of Declassification may determine whether nuclear-related information is RD.
(b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, the DOE Director of Security Affairs may declassify RD information.
(c) The DOE Director of Security Affairs, jointly with the DoD, may determine which information in the RD category relating primarily to the military utilization of nuclear weapons may be declassified or placed into the FRD category.
(d) The DOE Director of Security Affairs jointly with the DoD may declassify FRD information.
In no case shall information be classified RD or FRD in order to:
(a) Conceal violations of law, inefficiency, or administrative error;
(b) Prevent embarrassment to a person, organization, or Agency;
(c) Restrain competition;
(d) Prevent or delay the release of information that does not require protection for national security or nonproliferation reasons;
(e) Unduly restrict dissemination by assigning an improper classification level; or
(f) Prevent or delay the release of information bearing solely on the physical environment or public or worker health and safety.
(a)
(i) Determine whether the information is already classified RD under current classification guidance; or
(ii) If it is not already classified, determine if the information concerns the design, manufacture, or utilization of nuclear weapons; the production of special nuclear material; or the use of special nuclear material in the production of energy; and
(A) Apply the criteria in § 1045.16 and § 1045.17 as the basis for determining the appropriate classification; and
(B) Provide notification of the decision by revising applicable classification guides, if appropriate.
(2)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a) The DOE Directors of Declassification and Security Affairs shall consider the presumptions listed in paragraphs (d) and (e) of this section before applying the criteria in § 1045.16.
(b) Not all areas of nuclear-related information are covered by the presumptions.
(c) In general, existing information listed in paragraphs (d) and (e) of this section has the classification status indicated. Inclusion of specific existing information in one of the presumption categories does not mean that new information in a category is or is not classified, but only that arguments to differ from the presumed classification status of the information should use the appropriate presumption as a starting point.
(d) The DOE Directors of Declassification and Security Affairs shall presume that information in the following areas is unclassified unless application of the criteria in § 1045.16 indicates otherwise:
(1) Basic science: mathematics, chemistry, theoretical and experimental physics, engineering, materials science, biology and medicine;
(2) Magnetic confinement fusion technology;
(3) Civilian power reactors, including nuclear fuel cycle information but excluding technologies for uranium enrichment;
(4) Source materials (defined as uranium and thorium and ores containing them);
(5) Fact of use of safety features (e.g., insensitive high explosives, fire resistant pits) to lower the risks and reduce the consequences of nuclear weapon accidents;
(6) Generic weapons effects;
(7) Physical and chemical properties of uranium and plutonium, most of their alloys and compounds, under standard temperature and pressure conditions;
(8) Nuclear fuel reprocessing technology and reactor products not revealing classified production rates or inventories;
(9) The fact, time, location, and yield range (e.g., less than 20 kilotons or 20-150 kilotons) of U.S. nuclear tests;
(10) General descriptions of nuclear material production processes and theory of operation;
(11) DOE special nuclear material aggregate inventories and production rates not revealing size or details concerning the nuclear weapons stockpile;
(12) Types of waste products resulting from all DOE weapon and material production operations;
(13) Any information solely relating to the public and worker health and safety or to environmental quality; and
(14) The simple association or simple presence of any material (i.e., element, compound, isotope, alloy, etc.) at a specified DOE site.
(e) The DOE Directors of Declassification and Security Affairs shall presume that information in the following areas is classified unless the application of the criteria in § 1045.16 indicates otherwise:
(1) Detailed designs, specifications, and functional descriptions of nuclear explosives, whether in the active stockpile or retired;
(2) Material properties under conditions achieved in nuclear explosions that are principally useful only for design and analysis of nuclear weapons;
(3) Vulnerabilities of U.S. nuclear weapons to sabotage, countermeasures, or unauthorized use;
(4) Nuclear weapons logistics and operational performance information (e.g., specific weapon deployments, yields, capabilities), related to military utilization of those weapons required by the DoD;
(5) Details of the critical steps or components in nuclear material production processes; and
(6) Features of military nuclear reactors, especially naval nuclear propulsion reactors, that are not common to or required for civilian power reactors.
(a) The DOE Director of Declassification shall classify information as RD and the DOE Director of Security Affairs shall maintain the classification of RD (and FRD in coordination with the DoD) only if undue risk of damage to the common defense and security from its unauthorized disclosure can be identified and described.
(b) The DOE Director of Declassification shall not classify information and the DOE Director of Security Affairs shall declassify information if there is significant doubt about the need to classify the information.
(c) The DOE Directors of Declassification and Security Affairs shall consider the presumptions in § 1045.15 (d) and (e) before applying the criteria in paragraph (d) of this section.
(d) In determining whether information should be classified or declassified, the DOE Directors of Declassification and Security Affairs shall consider the following:
(1) Whether the information is so widely known or readily apparent to knowledgeable observers that its classification would cast doubt on the credibility of the classification system;
(2) Whether publication of the information would assist in the development of countermeasures or otherwise jeopardize any U.S. weapon or weapon system;
(3) Whether the information would hinder U.S. nonproliferation efforts by significantly assisting potential adversaries to develop or improve a nuclear weapon capability, produce nuclear weapons materials, or make other military use of nuclear energy;
(4) Whether publication of the information would have a detrimental effect on U.S. foreign relations;
(5) Whether publication of the information would benefit the public welfare, taking into account the importance of the information to public discussion and education and potential contribution to economic growth; and, 6) Whether publication of the information would benefit the operation of any Government program by reducing operating costs or improving public acceptance.
(a)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(b)
(a) The DOE Director of Declassification may evaluate newly generated specific information in a previously declassified subject area using the criteria in section 1045.16 and classify it as RD, if warranted.
(b) The DOE Director of Declassification shall not classify the information in such cases if it is widely disseminated in the public domain.
(a) Whenever a classification or declassification determination concerning RD or FRD information is made, the DOE Directors of Declassification and Security Affairs shall be able to justify the determination. For FRD and RD primarily related to military utilization, the DOE Directors of Declassification and Security Affairs shall coordinate the determination and justification with the DoD. If the determination involves a departure from the presumptions in § 1045.15, the justification shall include a rationale for the departure. Often the justification itself will contain RD or FRD information. In such a case, the DOE Directors of Declassification and Security Affairs shall ensure that a separate justification can be prepared which is publicly releasable. The publicly releasable justification shall be made available to any interested person upon request to the DOE Director of Declassification.
(b) The DOE Director of Declassification shall prepare a report on an annual basis on the implementation of this part. This report shall be available to any interested person upon request to the DOE Director of Declassification. Requests may be submitted to the Department of Energy, Director of Declassification, 19901 Germantown Road, Germantown, Maryland 20874-1290.
The DOE Director of Security Affairs shall consider proposals from the public or agencies or contractors for declassification of RD and FRD information on an ongoing basis. Declassification proposals for RD and FRD information shall be forwarded to the Department of Energy, Director of Security Affairs, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585. Any proposed action shall include a description of the information concerned and may include a reason for the request. DOE and DoD shall coordinate with one another concerning declassification proposals for FRD information.
(a) DOE may classify RD which is privately generated by persons not pursuant to Government contracts, in accordance with the Atomic Energy Act.
(b) In order for information privately generated by persons to be classified as RD, the Secretary or Deputy Secretary shall make the determination personally and in writing. This authority shall not be delegated.
(c) DOE shall publish a
(a) Authorized holders of RD and FRD shall not confirm or expand upon the classification status or technical accuracy of classified information in the public domain.
(b) Unauthorized disclosure of classified information does not automatically result in the declassification of that information.
(c) If the disclosure of classified information is sufficiently authoritative or credible, the DOE Director of Security Affairs shall examine the possibility of declassification.
This subpart specifies Government-wide classification program implementation requirements for agencies with access to RD and FRD, describes authorities and procedures for RD and FRD document classification and declassification, provides for periodic or systematic review of RD and FRD documents, and describes procedures for the mandatory review of RD and FRD documents. This subpart applies to all RD and FRD documents, regardless of whether they also contain National Security Information (NSI), or other controlled information such as “For Official Use Only” information or “Unclassified Controlled Nuclear Information.”
This subpart applies to—
(a) Any person with authorized access to RD or FRD;
(b) Any agency with access to RD or FRD; and
(c) Any person generating a document containing RD or FRD.
(a)
(2) Only individuals designated as RD classifiers may classify RD and FRD documents, except within the DoD. Within the DoD, any individual with access to RD and FRD who has been trained may classify RD and FRD documents.
(3) RD classifiers shall classify only documents in subject areas in which they have programmatic expertise.
(4) RD classifiers may upgrade or downgrade the classification level of RD or FRD documents in accordance with joint DOE-Agency classification guides or Agency guides coordinated with the DOE. When it is not practical to use classification guides, source documents may be used as an alternative.
(b)
(2) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(3) of this section, only designated individuals in the DOE or appropriate individuals in DoD may declassify documents marked as FRD in accordance with joint DoD-DOE classification guides or DoD guides coordinated with the DOE.
(3) The DOE and DoD may delegate these authorities to other agencies and to contractors. Contractors without the delegated authority shall send any document marked as RD or FRD that needs to be considered for declassification to the appropriate agency office.
(a) Each agency with access to RD or FRD shall appoint an official to be responsible for the implementation of this part and shall advise the DOE Director of Declassification of such appointment.
(b) This official shall ensure the proper implementation of this part within his or her agency and shall serve as the primary point of contact for coordination with the DOE Director of Declassification on RD and FRD classification and declassification issues.
(c) Within the DoD, an RD management official shall be appointed in each DoD agency.
(a) Except within the DoD, RD management officials shall ensure that persons who derivatively classify RD or FRD documents are designated by position or by name as RD classifiers.
(b) All contractor organizations with access to RD and FRD, including DoD contractors, shall designate RD classifiers.
(a) RD management officials shall ensure that persons with access to RD and FRD information are trained on the authorities required to classify and declassify RD and FRD information and documents and on handling procedures. RD management officials shall ensure that RD classifiers are trained on the procedures for classifying, declassifying, marking and handling RD and FRD information and documents.
(b) The DOE Director of Declassification shall develop training materials related to implementation of this part and shall provide these materials to RD management officials and any other appropriate persons.
(c) The DOE Director of Declassification shall review any RD-related training material submitted by agency and contractor representatives to ensure consistency with current policy.
(a) The DOE and each agency with access to RD and FRD shall consult periodically to assure appropriate implementation of this part. Such consultations may result in DOE conducting an on-site review within the agency if DOE and the RD management official determine that such a review would be mutually beneficial or that it is necessary to remedy a problem.
(b) To address issues concerning implementation of this part, the DOE Director of Declassification shall establish a standing group of all RD management officials to meet periodically.
(a) The classification and declassification determinations made by the DOE Directors of Declassification and Security Affairs under the classification criteria in § 1045.16 shall be promulgated in classification guides.
(b) DOE shall jointly develop classification guides with the DoD, NRC, NASA, and other agencies as required for programs for which DOE and these agencies share responsibility.
(c) Agencies shall coordinate with the DOE Director of Declassification whenever they develop or revise classification guides with RD or FRD information topics.
(d) Originators of classification guides with RD or FRD topics shall review such guides at least every five years and make revisions as necessary.
(e) RD classifiers shall use classification guides as the primary basis for classifying and declassifying documents containing RD and FRD.
(f) Each RD management official shall ensure that all RD classifiers have access to all pertinent nuclear classification guides.
(a) Documents containing RD and FRD remain classified until a positive action by an authorized person is taken to declassify them.
(b) In accordance with the Atomic Energy Act, no date or event for automatic declassification ever applies to RD and FRD documents, even if such documents also contain NSI.
(c) E.O. 12958 acknowledges that RD and FRD are exempt from all provisions of the E.O., including automatic declassification.
(a) Any authorized holder of an RD or FRD document who, in good faith, believes that the RD or FRD document has an improper classification status is encouraged and expected to challenge the classification with the RD Classifier who classified the document.
(b) Agencies shall establish procedures under which authorized holders of RD and FRD documents are encouraged and expected to challenge any classification status they believe is improper. These procedures shall assure that:
(1) Under no circumstances are persons subject to retribution for bringing forth a classification challenge.
(2) The individual who initially receives the challenge provides a response within 90 days to the person bringing forth the challenge.
(3) A decision concerning a challenge involving RD or FRD may be appealed to the DOE Director of Declassification. In the case of FRD and RD related primarily to the military utilization of nuclear weapons, the DOE Director of Declassification shall coordinate with the DoD. If the justification for classification does not satisfy the person making the challenge, a further appeal may be made to the DOE Director of Security Affairs.
(c) Classification challenges concerning documents containing RD and FRD information are not subject to review by the Interagency Security Classification Appeals Panel, unless those documents also contain NSI which is the basis for the challenge. In such cases, the RD and FRD portions of the document shall be deleted and then the NSI and unclassified portions shall be provided to the Interagency Security Classification Appeals Panel for review.
(a) RD classifiers shall ensure that each RD and FRD document is clearly marked to convey to the holder that it contains RD or FRD information, the level of classification assigned, and the additional markings in paragraphs (b)(3) and (4) of this section.
(b)
(1) If the document contains RD:
This document contains RESTRICTED DATA as defined in the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. Unauthorized disclosure subject to administrative and criminal sanctions.
(2) If the document contains FRD but does not contain RD:
Unauthorized disclosure subject to administrative and criminal sanctions. Handle as RESTRICTED DATA in foreign dissemination. Section 144b, Atomic Energy Act of 1954.
(3) An RD or FRD document shall be marked to identify the classification guide or source document, by title and date, used to classify the document:
Derived from:
(4) An RD or FRD document shall be marked with the identity of the RD classifier, unless the classifier is the same as the document originator or signer.
RD Classifier:
(c)
(d)
Declassified on:
Authorizing Individual:
Authority:
(a) In order to maximize the amount of information available to the public and to simplify document handling procedures, document originators should segregate RD or FRD into an addendum whenever practical. When RD or FRD is segregated into an addendum,
(b) When segregation of RD or FRD into an addendum is not practical, document originators are encouraged to prepare separate unclassified versions of documents with significant public interest.
(c) When documents contain environmental, safety or health information and a separate unclassified version cannot be prepared, document originators are encouraged to provide a publicly releasable rationale for the classification of the documents.
(a)
(2) In response to a mandatory review or Freedom of Information Act request, DOE or DoD may refuse to confirm or deny the existence or nonexistence of the requested information whenever the fact of its existence or nonexistence is itself classified as RD or FRD.
(b)
(2) Agencies shall forward documents containing FRD to the DOE or to the DoD for review, depending on which is the originating agency.
(3) The DOE and DoD shall coordinate the review of RD and FRD documents as appropriate.
(4) The review and appeal process is that described in subpart D of this part except for the appeal authority. DOE and DoD shall not forward RD and FRD documents to the the Interagency Security Classification Appeals Panel (ISCAP) for appeal review unless those documents also contain NSI. In such cases, the DOE or DoD shall delete the RD and FRD portions prior to forwarding the NSI and unclassified portions to the ISCAP for review.
(5)
(ii) If declassification of the information appears appropriate, the DOE Director of Declassification shall initiate a formal declassification action and so advise the requester.
(c)
(2) The denying official for documents containing FRD is either the DOE Director of Declassification or an appropriate DoD official.
(d)
(2) The appeal authority for FRD documents is either the DOE Director of Security Affairs, or an appropriate DoD official.
(e) The denying official and appeal authority for Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information is the Director, Office of Naval Reactors.
(f) RD and FRD information contained in documents shall be withheld from public disclosure under exemption 3 of the FOIA (5 U.S.C. 522 (b)(3)) because such information is exempt under the statutory jurisdiction of the Atomic Energy Act.
(a) The Secretary shall ensure that RD documents, and the DoD shall ensure that FRD documents, are periodically and systematically reviewed for declassification. The focus of the review shall be based on the degree of public and researcher interest and likelihood of declassification upon review.
(b) Agencies with RD or FRD document holdings shall cooperate with the DOE Director of Declassification (and with the DoD for FRD) to ensure the systematic review of RD and FRD documents.
(c) Review of documents in particular areas of public interest shall be considered if sufficient interest is demonstrated. Proposals for systematic document reviews of given collections
Any person with authorized access to RD or FRD who generates a document intended for public release in an RD or FRD subject area shall ensure that it is reviewed for classification by the appropriate DOE organization (for RD) or the appropriate DOE or DoD organization (for FRD) prior to its release.
(a) Individuals reviewing NSI records of permanent historical value under the automatic or systematic review provisions of E.O. 12958 may come upon documents that they suspect may contain RD or FRD, but which are not so marked. Such documents are not subject to automatic declassification.
(b) Such documents shall be reviewed by an RD Classifier as soon as possible to determine their classification status. Assistance may be requested from the DOE Director of Declassification.
(a) If two pieces of unclassified information reveal classified information when associated, then RD classifiers may classify the document.
(b) RD classifiers may classify a document because a number of pieces of unclassified information considered together contain some added value such as completeness or comprehensiveness of the information which warrants classification.
This subpart describes the procedures to be used by the public in questioning or appealing DOE decisions regarding the classification of NSI under E.O. 12958 and 32 CFR part 2001.
This subpart applies to any person with authorized access to DOE NSI or who desires access to DOE documents containing NSI.
All DOE information classified as NSI is subject to review for declassification by the DOE if:
(a) The request for a review describes the document containing the information with sufficient specificity to enable the agency to locate it with a reasonable amount of effort;
(b) The information is not exempted from search and review under the Central Intelligence Agency Information Act;
(c) The information has not been reviewed for declassification within the past 2 years; and
(d) The request is sent to the Department of Energy, Director of Declassification, 19901 Germantown Road, Germantown, Maryland 20874-1290.
(a) If the Department has reviewed the information within the past 2 years, the request may not be processed. If the information is the subject of pending litigation, the processing of the request may be delayed pending completion of the litigation. The Department shall inform the requester of this fact and of the requester's appeal rights.
(b) When the Director of Declassification has denied a request for review of NSI, the requester may, within 30 calendar days of its receipt, appeal the determination to the Director of Security Affairs.
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
Sec. 2201, Pub. L. 83-703, 68 Stat. 919 (42 U.S.C. 2011
The purpose of this part is to set forth Department of Energy, hereinafter “DOE,” security policies and procedures regarding the physical protection of security interests.
This part applies to DOE contractor employees at Government-owned facilities, whether or not privately operated.
For the purposes of this part:
As used in this part, words in the singular also include the plural and words in the masculine also include the feminine and vice versa, as the use may require.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section DOE contractors shall not employ as protective force personnel any individual who fails to meet the applicable medical and physical fitness qualification standards as set forth in appendix A, to this subpart, “Medical and Physical Fitness Qualification Standards.”
(b)(1) Incumbent security police officers shall meet the applicable physical fitness qualification standards.
(2) Current waivers to the medical qualification standards remain in effect and future waivers are permitted.
(c) Each security police officer shall meet the applicable medical and physical fitness qualification standards every twelve months after the initial qualification. Each security officer shall meet the applicable medical standards every two (2) years after the initial qualification.
(a) Each incumbent security police officer, who has not met the applicable physical fitness qualification standard, shall participate in a DOE approved physical fitness training program. Once an incumbent security police officer has begun a physical fitness training
(b) An incumbent security police officer who fails to qualify within thirty (30) days of completing a physical fitness training program shall participate in an additional training program. Upon completion of the additional physical fitness training program the security police officer has thirty (30) days to meet the applicable physical fitness qualification standard. No additional training or time extension to meet the standards is permitted except for unusual circumstances as set forth in appendix A to this subpart, paragraph G(2).
(c) A security police officer who fails to requalify within thirty (30) days after his or her yearly anniversary date of the initial qualification shall participate in a physical fitness training program. Security police officers have a maximum of six (6) months from the anniversary date to requalify.
(d) After his or her initial qualification, each incumbent security police officer shall participate in a DOE-approved physical fitness training program on a continuing basis. This training is for the purpose of ensuring that security police officers maintain the requisite physical fitness for effective job performance and to enable the individual security police officer to pass the applicable annual physical fitness requalification test without suffering any undue physical injury.
Each individual shall have a medical examination within thirty (30) days preceding participation in a physical fitness training program and the physical fitness qualification standards test, and a determination and written certification by a designated physician that there are no foreseeable medical risks as disclosed by the medical examination to the individual's participation in a physical fitness training program and the physical fitness qualification standards test.
Protective force personnel shall possess current access authorization for the highest level of classified matter to which they potentially have access. Security police officer personnel who have access to Category I or II quantities of special nuclear material (SNM) will be “Q” cleared. The specific level of access authorization for each duty assignment shall be designated by the site security organization and approved by the Head of the Field Element. Security police officers shall possess a minimum of an “L” or DOE Secret access authorization. Security police officers possessing less than “Q” access authorization shall not be assigned to offensive positions or duties where fully automatic firearms are required.
(a) DOE contractors shall only employ as protective force personnel individuals who successfully meet the requirements of a formal training program established in accordance with appendix B, “Training and Qualification for Security Skills and Knowledge,” to this subpart. The DOE contractor shall maintain individual training records until 1 year after the termination of the individual as a member of the protective force, unless a longer retention period is specified by other requirements.
(b) DOE contractors shall employ as security police officers, including Special Response Team members, only individuals who are fully qualified and meet the firearms qualification standards set forth in appendix B to this subpart.
DOE contractors shall employ as protective force personnel only individuals who have successfully completed all applicable training and qualification standards set forth in this subpart including appendices A and B. The DOE contractor shall maintain records of certification for each individual until 1
A.
B.
(1) The standards in this appendix are the minimum necessary to determine the medical and physical capability of protective force personnel to perform all normal and emergency duties effectively and safely.
(2) Security police officer applicants shall meet the applicable medical and physical fitness standards in this appendix prior to assignment to security police officer duties.
(3) Incumbent security police officers shall meet the applicable physical fitness standards in this appendix within one year of the effective date of theses standards and once every twelve months thereafter or shall be relieved of security police officer duties subject to the provisions in paragraph G of this appendix.
(4) Incumbent security police officers shall meet the applicable medical standards prior to assignment to security police officer duties and annually thereafter, subject to the provisions of paragraph G of this appendix.
(5) Security officers shall meet the applicable standards in this appendix prior to assignment to security officer duties and biennially thereafter, subject to the provisions of paragraph J of this appendix.
(6) The determination of whether or not the examinee meets the medical standards in this appendix shall be made by a designated physician.
(7) The determination of whether or not the examinee meets the physical fitness standards in this appendix shall be made by a designated management supervisory official in coordination with a designated physician.
(8) When a designated physician determines that special medical evaluations and practical performance tests are necessary in order for an examinee to demonstrate the examinee's abilities to perform all normal and emergency duties, a determination of the adequacy of performance shall be made by a designated physician.
(9) For those facilities where it is necessary to determine the medical qualification of security police officers or security police officer applicants to perform special assignment security police officer duties which might require exposure to unusually high levels of stress or physical exertion, field office managers may develop more stringent medical qualification requirements or additional medical or physical tests as necessary for such determinations. All such additional qualification requirements shall be forwarded, with justification, for the approval of the Director of Safeguards and Security, Headquarters, prior to application and if approved, shall be implemented in the same manner that these qualification standards have been implemented.
(10) The provisions of DOE 5480.1A, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, SAFETY, AND HEALTH PROTECTION PROGRAM FOR DOE OPERATIONS, of 8-13-81, Chapter VIII, Part 4 (including any updates) apply for return to work after recovery from a temporarily disqualifying medical or surgical condition.
C.
(1)
(a) The medical information and data on each employee or applicant shall be maintained as confidential, privileged medical information and shall not be released by a designated physician without the written consent and release of the employee or applicant, except as permitted or required by law.
(b) When an individual has been examined by a designated physician, all available history and test results should be retained by the responsible DOE or DOE contractor medical department, in accordance with DOE 5480.1A, Chapter VIII, Part 4, whether or not the individual completes the examination, and whether or not potentially disqualifying defects are recorded.
(2)
(a) It is the specific responsibility of protective force employees to report immediately to their supervisor any known or suspected change in their health which might impair their capacity for duty or the safe and effective performance of assigned job duties.
(b) Supervisory personnel have the responsibility to make a timely report to a designated physician on any behavioral and health changes and deterioration in work performance that is observed in protective force personnel under their jurisdiction. Examples of areas that may indicate medical and emotional problems include: incidents of ineptness, poor judgment, lack of physical or
(3)
(a) When the use of corrective devices, such as eyeglasses and hearing aids, is required to enable an examinee to meet successfully medical qualification requirements, a determination shall be made by a designated line supervisory authority that the use of all such devices is compatible with all emergency and protective equipment that the examinee may be required to wear or use while performing his or her assigned job duties.
(b) It is incumbent upon cognizant field office management to exercise all reasonable and practicable effort to accommodate required emergency and protective equipment to the use of corrective devices, including the provision of equally effective alternate equipment if such is available.
(c) If eyeglasses are used, they shall be of the safety glass type.
D.
(1)
(a) Mental alertness and reliable judgment;
(b) Acuity of senses and ability of expression sufficient to allow accurate communication by written, spoken, audible, visible, or other signals; and,
(c) Motor power, range of motion, neuro-muscular coordination and dexterity.
(2)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(1)
(a) Uncorrected acuity of no less than 20/200 in the better eye.
(b) Corrected acuity of at least 20/30 in the better eye and 20/40 in the other eye.
(c) If uncorrected distant vision in the better eye is not at least 20/40, security police officers shall carry an extra pair of corrective lenses.
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(f)
(1)
(2)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
Endocrine/nutritional/metabolic status adequate to meet the stresses and demands of assigned normal and emergency job duties. Ability to accommodate to changing work and meal schedules without potential or actual incapacity.
(k)
(l)
(m)
(n)
(o)
(1)
(2)
(3)
E.
(1)
(2)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) Any endocrine, nutritional, or metabolic condition that would not allow the examinee adequately to meet the stresses and demands of assigned normal or emergency job duties.
(2) Inability to accommodate to changing work schedules or to a delay in meals without potential or actual incapacity.
(3) Inability to tolerate prolonged use of wearing of protective garments such as respirator masks, air masks, or bullet resistant garments.
(4) Diabetes mellitus requiring the use of insulin. Uncontrolled diabetes, ketoacidosis, or diabetic coma within the previous 2 years.
(5) Obesity of such degree that it would interfere with the safe and effective performance of normal and emergency job duties.
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(1) History of epilepsy or other convulsive disorder.
(2) History of any disturbance of consciousness or neurological disease or any other presently existing condition that may interfere with the safe and effective performance of assigned job duties.
(h)
(i)
(1) Any psychological or mental condition which could cause impaired alertness, judgment, or motor ability. A history of clinically significant emotional or behavioral problems shall require thorough clinical evaluation which may include, but not necessarily be limited to, psychological testing and psychiatric evaluation.
(2) Attempted suicide or an expressed threat of suicide.
(3) A condition in which a person's intake of alcohol is sufficient to damage his or her physical health, job performance, personal functioning, or when alcohol has become a prerequisite to his or her daily functioning.
(4) A condition in which a person is addicted to or dependent on drugs as evidenced by habitual use or a clear sense of need for the drug.
(5) The use of prescribed or otherwise legally obtainable medication taken in such a dosage that a temporary delay in taking such medication might result in unacceptable incapacity. Examples of such medications are certain dosages or requirements for steroids, anticoagulants, antiarrhythmics, sedatives, and tranquilizers.
F.
All persons authorized to carry firearms must meet a minimum standard of physical fitness. There are two categories for such persons: Offensive Combative and Defensive Combative. Persons not authorized to carry firearms are exempt from these physical fitness standards.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(a) Each individual who participates in a physical fitness training program to prepare to meet the physical fitness standards set forth in this appendix shall first be certified by a designated physician that he or she is medically fit to participate in the program. This certification shall be obtained not more than 30 days prior to each individual entering the physical fitness training program.
(b) Before any individual takes the physical fitness standards test he or she shall first be certified by a designated physician that he or she is medically fit to take the physical fitness qualification test. This certification shall be obtained not more than 30 days before taking the physical fitness qualification test.
(c) Individuals who require less than 30 days training prior to actual testing to meet the physical fitness standards need only obtain a single medical certification.
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
G.
(1) Waivers of elements of the medical standards of this appendix may be granted for certain otherwise disqualifying medical or physical deficiencies by the cognizant field office management provided that:
(a) The DOE field organization authority, in consultation with a designated physician, determines that a certain medical or physical defect may be considered for waiver without compromising the intent of these medical standards to assure that all security police officers are capable of safely and effectively performing all normal and emergency duties.
(b) The individual demonstrates by medical examination and/or practical test, as determined necessary by a designated physician, the ability to perform effectively and safely all routine and emergency duties.
(c) A statement of demonstrated ability must be prepared by a designated physician and must clearly (1) identify the individual, (2) state the nature and degree of the specific medical or physical defect, and (3) record the satisfactory medical evaluation and/or performance of the practical test required by a designated physician.
(d) Waivers shall be reviewed, revalidated, and reissued at intervals not to exceed one (1) year.
(e) Individuals who have been adversely affected by application of the standards may appeal the denial of waiver to the cognizant DOE safeguards and security field office for review within 60 days after the adverse action. Further evidence may be offered relating solely to the medical or physical fitness of the individual involved. Such individual may select a representative of his or her own choice to assist and/or appear in the individual's behalf in any appeal. After findings and a determination have been made at the field office level, such individual has a right to petition the Director of Safeguards and Security, DOE Headquarters, within 30 days of the field office's determination for a final determination based upon his or her review of the record of the case.
(2) There will be no waivers granted from the physical fitness standards set forth in paragraph F of this appendix. However, time extensions not to exceed 6 months may be granted on a case-by-case basis for those individuals who, because of a temporary medical or physical condition as certified by a designated physician, are unable to satisfy the physical fitness standards within the required time period without suffering undue physical harm.
(H)
(1)
(a) Mental alertness and reliable judgment.
(b) Acuity of senses and ability of expression sufficient to allow accurate communication by written, spoken, audible, visible, or other signals.
(c) Motor power, range of motion, neuro-muscular coordination, and dexterity.
(2)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
I.
(1)
(2)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1)
(2)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(1) History of epilepsy or other convulsive disorder.
(2) History of any disturbance of consciousness or neurological disease or any other presently existing condition that may interfere with the safe and effective performance of assigned job duties.
(g)
(1) Any psychological or mental condition which could cause impaired alertness, judgment, or motor ability. A history of clinically significant emotional or behavioral problems shall require thorough clinical evaluation which may include, but not necessarily be limited to, psychological testing and psychiatric evaluation.
(2) Attempted suicide or an expressed threat of suicide.
(3) A condition in which a person's intake of alcohol is sufficient to damage his or her physical health, job performance, personal functioning, or when alcohol has become a prerequisite to his or her daily functioning.
(4) A condition in which a person is addicted to or dependent on drugs as evidenced by habitual use or a clear sense of need for the drug.
(5) The use of prescribed or otherwise legally obtainable medication taken in such a dosage that a temporary delay in taking such medication might result in unacceptable incapacity. For example, certain dosages or requirements for steroids, anticoagulants, antiarryhythmics, sedatives, tranquilizers, etc.
J.
Waivers of elements of the medical standards of this appendix may be granted for certain otherwise disqualifying medical or physical deficiencies by the cognizant field office management provided that:
(1) The DOE field organization authority, in consultation with a designated physician, determines that a certain medical or physical defect may be considered for waiver without compromising the intent of these medical standards to assure that all security officers are capable of safely and effectively performing all normal and emergency duties.
(2) The individual demonstrates by medical examination and/or practical test, as determined necessary by a designated physician, the ability to perform effectively and safely all routing and emergency duties.
(3) A statement of demonstrated ability must be prepared by a designated physician and must clearly (1) identify the individual, (2) state the nature and degree of the specific medical or physical defect, and (3) record the satisfactory medical evaluation and/or performance of the practical test required by a designated physician.
(4) Waivers shall be reviewed, revalidated, and reissued at intervals not to exceed two (2) years.
(5) Individuals who have been adversely affected by application of these medical standards may appeal the denial of waiver to the cognizant DOE safeguards and security field office for review within 60 days after the adverse action. Further evidence may be offered relating solely to the medical or physical fitness of the individual involved. Such individual may select a representative of his or her own choice to assist and appear in the
A.
B.
(1) DOE contractors responsible for protective force personnel will establish formal qualification requirements to ensure the competencies needed by protective force members to perform the tasks required to fulfill their assigned responsibilities. The qualification requirements will be supported by a formal training program which develops and maintains, in an effective and efficient manner, the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform assigned tasks. The qualification and training programs will be based upon criteria established by the Central Training Academy (CTA) and approved by the Director, Office of Safeguards and Security, in coordination with program offices. The formal qualification and training program shall:
(a) Be based on a valid and complete set of job tasks, with identified levels of skills and knowledge needed to perform the tasks;
(b) Be aimed at achieving a well-defined, minimum level of competency required to perform each task acceptably;
(c) Employ standardized lesson plans with clear performance objectives as a basis for instruction;
(d) Include valid performance-based testing to determine and certify job readiness (i.e. qualification);
(e) Be documented so that individual and overall training status is easily accessible. Individual training records shall be retained until 1 year after termination of the employee as a member of the protective force, unless a longer retention period is specified by other requirements.
(2) DOE contractors responsible for training protective force personnel shall prepare and review annually a task analysis detailing all of the required actions for a specific job assignment. The task analysis shall be used to prepare a job description and as a basic input document for local training requirements and be approved by the Head of the Field Element.
(3)
(a)
1. Orientation/standards of conduct;
2. Security education/operations and material control and accountability;
3. Safety training;
4. Legal requirements and responsibilities;
5. Weaponless self-defense;
6. Intermediate force weapons;
7. Communications;
8. Vehicle operations; and
9. Post and patrol operations.
(b)
(c)
1. Procedures for conducting physical checks of repositories containing classified matter;
2. Operation of all vehicles as required by duty assignment;
3. Site and facility policies and procedures governing the security officer's role in site protection;
4. Federal and state-granted authority applicable to assigned activities and relative responsibilities between the protective force and other law enforcement agencies;
5. Post or patrol operations including:
(4)
(a)
(b)
(c)
1. Knowledge and proficiency in the use and care of all weapons as required by duty assignment;
2. Operation of all vehicles as required by duty assignment;
3. Operation of all communication equipment as required by duty assignment;
4. Knowledge of and the ability to apply site and facility policies and procedures governing the security police officer's role in site protection;
5. Knowledge of Federal and state-granted authorities applicable to assigned activities and the relative responsibilities between the protective force and local law enforcement agencies in both normal and emergency operations.
6. Knowledge of and the ability to apply DOE policy on the use of deadly force and limited arrest authority as set forth in 10 CFR part 1047;
7. Proficiency in post and patrol operations including:
(5)
(a)
(b)
(c)
1. Operate as a member of a mobile disciplined response team to engage and defeat adversaries as defined by the approved threat guidance for the facility.
2. Provide and operate special weapons and other equipment which may be necessary to protect a particular facility or to effectively engage an adversary with advanced capabilities.
3. Operate from special tactical vehicles which may be necessary for the protection of a particular facility.
(6)
(7)
(a)
(b)
1. Knowledge of the duties and qualifications of all supervised personnel;
2. Familiarity with the basic operating functions of facilities for which the supervisor has protection responsibilities;
3. Assurance that subordinates and their equipment are ready for duty at the start of each duty shift and the inspection of each duty post at least twice per shift, personally or by other means;
4. Assurance that all duty logs and reports have been properly completed, distributed, and acted upon.
(8)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(9)
(a) No persons shall be authorized to carry a firearm as a security police officer until the responsible Head of the Field Organization is assured that the individual who is to be armed is qualified in accordance with firearms standards.
(b) As a minimum, each security police officer shall meet the applicable firearms qualification standards every 6 months. The local DOE Operations Office shall permit the qualification to be accomplished any time prior to the actual 6 month requalification date. The actual qualification date will serve to establish a new requalification date for firearms qualification.
(c) The DOE expects that protective force personnel will maintain firearms proficiency on a continuing basis. Therefore, in the case of a headquarters or field audit, or other situation directed by the Head of the Field Element, a security police officer may be required to demonstrate the ability to meet qualification standards. Failure to meet the performance standard will be treated as if the individual failed the first attempt during routine semiannual qualification. In this event the requirements of paragraphs (h), (i) and (j) of part 9 of appendix B subpart B will be followed.
(d) Each security police officer shall qualify with all weapons required by duty assignment. Each security police officer shall be required to qualify with each firearm as indicated in the DOE requirements of the DOE qualification courses.
(e) Each security police officer shall qualify with the same type of firearm and ammunition equivalent in trajectory and recoil as used while on duty. This ammunition shall be listed on the DOE approved ammunition list.
(f) Each security police officer shall be given a basic principles of firearms safety presentation prior to any range activity. This does not require that a firearms safety presentation be given for each course of fire, but does require that prior to the start of range training or qualification for a given period (e.g., initial qualification, semiannual (every 6 months) qualification, training or range practice) each security police officer shall be given a range safety presentation.
(g) Only courses of fire approved by the Office of Safeguards and Security (SA-10) as standardized DOE qualification courses, shall be used for firearms qualification.
(h) Security police officers shall be allowed two initial attempts to qualify semiannually. A Range Master or other person in charge of the range will state to security police officer(s) on the firing line that “THIS IS A QUALIFYING RUN.” Once this statement is made by the Range Master or person in charge, “this qualifying run” will constitute a qualification attempt. Each security police officer will be provided two qualifying attempts. The security police officer shall qualify during one of these attempts.
(i) Failure to qualify shall result in suspension of a security police officer's authority under section 161.k. of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, to carry firearms and to make arrests. The security police officer will then enter a standardized, remedial firearms training program developed by the Central Training Academy and approved by DOE. The remedial firearms training program will be a combination of basic weapon manipulation skills, firearms safety, and an additional segment of time tailored to provide the security police officer with the necessary individual training to afford a reasonable opportunity to meet the firearms qualification standards.
(j) Any security police officer who, upon completion of the remedial training course, fails to qualify after two subsequent, additional attempts shall lose the security police officer status and his authority to carry firearms and to make arrests under section 161.k. of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954.
(k) Any security police officer who requires remedial training on three (3) consecutive semiannual qualification periods, with the same firearm, shall lose security police officer status.
(l) An appropriate DOE record shall be maintained for each security police officer who qualifies or who attempts to qualify. Records will be retained until 1 year after separation of a protective force officer from security police officer duties, unless a longer retention period is specified by other requirements. A supervisor or the training officer will be designated in writing as the individual authorized to certify the validity of the scores.
Sec. 2201, Pub. L. 83-703, 68 Stat. 919 (42 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.); Department of Energy Organization Act, Pub. L. 95-91, 91 Stat. 565 (42 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.).
The purpose of this part is to set forth Department of Energy (hereinafter “DOE”) policy and procedures on the exercise of arrest authority and use of force by protective force personnel.
This part applies to DOE and DOE contractor protective force personnel armed pursuant to section 161.k. of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) to protect nuclear weapons, special nuclear material, clasified matter, nuclear facilities, and related property.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(a) Under the Act, the authority of a DOE protective force officer to arrest without warrant is limited to the performance of official duties and should be exercised only in the enforcement of:
(1) The following laws only if property of the United States which is in the custody of the DOE or its contractors is involved:
(i)
(B) Building or property within special maritime and territorial jurisdiction—18 U.S.C. 1363—(only applicable to “special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of United States” as defined by 18 U.S.C. 7).
(C) Civil disorder—18 U.S.C. 231.
(D) Communication lines, stations or systems—18 U.S.C. 1362.
(E) Concealment, removal or mutilation generally—18 U.S.C. 2071.
(F) Conspiracy—18 U.S.C. 371—(violation of this section is a felony if the offense which is the object of the conspiracy is a felony).
(G) Destruction of motor vehicles or motor vehicle facilities—18 U.S.C. 33.
(H) Explosives—18 U.S.C. 844(f).
(I) Government property or contracts—18 U.S.C. 1361—(violation of section is a felony if property damage exceeds $100).
(J) Military, naval or official passes—18 U.S.C. 499—(pertains to forging or altering official passes).
(K) Personal property of the United States—18 U.S.C. 2112.
(L) Public money, property, or records—18 U.S.C. 641—(violation of section is a felony if the property value exceeds $100).
(M) Sabotage—18 U.S.C. 2151, 2153-2156.
(N) Violation under Physical Security Convention—18 U.S.C. 831.
(ii)
(B) Explosives—18 U.S.C. 844(g).
(C) Government property or contracts—18 U.S.C. 1361—(violation of section is a misdemeanor if the property damage does not exceed $100).
(D) Official badges, identification cards, other insignia—18 U.S.C. 701—(pertains to the manufacture, sale, and possession of official insignia).
(E) Public money, property or records—18 U.S.C. 641—(violation of section is a misdemeanor if the property value does not exceed $100).
(2) The following criminal provisions of the Atomic Energy Act:
(i)
(B) Section 223. Violation of Sections Generally. 42 U.S.C. 2273.
(C) Section 224. Communication of Restricted Data—42 U.S.C. 2274.
(D) Section 225. Receipt of Restricted Data—42 U.S.C. 2275.
(E) Section 226. Tampering with Restricted Data—42 U.S.C. 2276.
(ii)
(B) Section 229. Trespass Upon Commission (DOE) Installations—42 U.S.C. 2278.
(C) Section 230. Photographing, etc., of Commission (DOE) Installations—42 U.S.C. 2278.b.
(b)
(1)
(2)
(c)
(d)
(1) The protective force officer can make a citizen's arrest for the criminal offense under the law of the state,
(2) The protective force officer is an authorized state peace officer or otherwise deputized by the particular state to make arrests for state criminal offenses, or
(3) The protective force officer has been deputized by the U.S. Marshals Service or other federal law enforcement agency to make arrests for the criminal offense.
(e) In those locations which are within the “special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States,” as defined in 18 U.S.C. 7, the Assimilative Crimes Act (18 U.S.C. 13) adopts the law of the state for any crime under state law not specifically prohibited by Federal statute and provides for federal enforcement of that state law. The local DOE Office of Chief Counsel, in coordination with contractor legal counsel, as appropriate, shall provide guidance in this matter.
(a) In making an arrest, the protective force officer should announce his or her authority (e.g., “Security Officer”) and that the person is under arrest prior to taking the person into custody. If the circumstances are such
(b) The protective force officer at the time and place of arrest may search any arrested person for weapons and criminal evidence and the area into which the arrested person might reach for a weapon or to destroy evidence. Guidance on the proper conduct and limitations in scope of search and seizure of evidence shall be obtained from the local DOE Office of Chief Counsel, in coordination with contractor legal counsel, as appropriate.
(c) After the arrest is effected, the arrested person shall be advised of his or her constitutional right against self-incrimination (Miranda warnings). If the circumstances are such that making such advisement is dangerous to the officer or others, this requirement may be postponed until the immediate danger has passed.
(d) Custody of the person arrested should be transferred to other federal law enforcement personnel (i.e., U.S. Marshals or FBI agents) or to LLEA personnel, as appropriate, as soon as practicable. The arrested person should not be questioned or required to sign written statements unless:
(1) Questioning is necessary for security or safety reasons (e.g., questioning to locate a bomb), or
(2) Questioning is authorized by other federal law enforcement personnel or LLEA officers responsible for investigating the crime.
(a) When a protective force officer has the right to make an arrest as discussed above, the protective force officer may use only that physical force which is reasonable and necessary to apprehend and arrest the offender; to prevent the escape of the offender; or to defend himself or herself or a third person from what the protective force officer believes to be the use or threat of imminent use of physical force by the offender. It should be noted that verbal abuse alone by the offender cannot be the basis under any circumstances for use of physical force by a protective force officer.
(b) Protective force officers shall consult the local DOE Office of Chief Counsel and contractor legal counsel, as appropriate, for additional guidance on use of physical force in making arrests.
(a) Deadly force means that force which a reasonable person would consider likely to cause death or serious bodily harm. Its use may be justified only under conditions of extreme necessity, when all lesser means have failed or cannot reasonably be employed. A protective force officer is authorized to use deadly force only when one or more of the following circumstances exists:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(b)
(1) A warning, e.g. an order to halt, shall be given, if feasible, before a shot is fired.
(2) Warning shots shall not be fired.
Sec. 662, Pub. L. No. 100-531, 102 Stat. 2652 (42 U.S.C. 7270b); section 6, Pub. L. No. 100-185, 101 Stat. 1280 (18 U.S.C. 3571(b)(5).
The regulations in this part are issued for the protection and security of: (a) The Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), its storage or related facilities, and real property subject to the jurisdiction or administration, or in the custody of DOE under part B, title I of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act,
The regulations in this part apply to entry into or upon all SPR storage or related facilities, and real property subject to DOE jurisdiction or administration, or in its custody under part B, title I of the EPCA, which have been posted with a notice of the prohibitions and penalties contained in this part.
Unauthorized entry into or upon an SPR facility or real property subject to this part, without authorization, is prohibited.
Unauthorized carrying, transporting, introducing or causing to be introduced into or upon an SPR facility or real property subject to this part, of a dangerous weapon, explosive or other dangerous material likely to produce substantial injury or damage to persons or property, is prohibited.
Willful unauthorized entry, or willful unauthorized introduction of weapons or dangerous materials into or upon real property subject to this part, constitutes a violation of these regulations. Violation of these regulations is a misdemeanor, and a person convicted of violating these regulations is subject to the maximum fine permitted by law, imprisonment for not more than one year, or both.
Notices stating the pertinent prohibitions of §§ 1048.3 and 1048.4 and the penalties of § 1048.5 will be conspicuously posted at all entrances of each facility or parcel of real property subject to the regulations in this part, and at such intervals along the perimeters thereof as will provide reasonable assurance of notice to persons about to enter.
Nothing in this part shall be construed to affect the applicability of the provisions of State law or of any other Federal law.
42 U.S.C. 7101
The purpose of these guidelines is to set forth internal Department of Energy (DOE) security policies and procedures regarding the exercise of arrest authority and the use of force by DOE employees and DOE contractor and subcontractor employees while discharging their official duties pursuant to section 661 of the Department of Energy Organization Act.
These guidelines apply to the exercise of arrest authority and the use of force, as authorized by section 661 of the Department of Energy Organization Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 7101
(a) The SPR and its storage or related facilities; and
(b) Persons upon the SPR or its storage or related facilities.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(a) Under the Act, the authority of a DOE Protective Force Officer to arrest without warrant is to be exercised only in the performance of official duties of protecting the SPR and persons within or upon the SPR.
(b) A Protective Force Officer is authorized to make an arrest for a felony committed in violation of laws of the United States, or for a misdemeanor committed in violation of laws of the United States if the offense is committed in the officer's presence.
(c) A Protective Force Officer also is authorized to make an arrest for a felony committed in violation of laws of the United States if the Officer has reasonably grounds to believe that the felony has been committed, or that the suspect is committing the felony, and is in the immediate area of the felony or is fleeing the immediate area of the felony. “Reasonable grounds to believe” means that the facts and circumstances within the knowledge of
(a) In making an arrest, and before taking a person into custody, the Protective Force Officer should:
(1) Announce the Protective Force Officer's authority (
(2) State that the suspect is under arrest; and
(3) Inform the suspect of the crime for which the suspect is being arrested. If the circumstances are such that making these announcements would be useless or dangerous to the Officer or to another person, the Protective Force Officer may dispense with these announcements.
(b) At the time and place of arrest, the Protective Force Officer may search the person arrested for weapons and criminal evidence, and may search the area into which the person arrested might reach to obtain a weapon to destroy evidence.
(c) After the arrest is effected, the person arrested shall be advised of his constitutional right against self-incrimination (“
(d) As soon as practicable after the arrest is effected, custody of the person arrested should be transferred to other Federal law enforcement personnel (
(e) Ordinarily, the person arrested shall not be questioned or required to sign written statements unless such questioning is:
(1) Necessary to establish the identity of the person arrested and the purpose for which such person is within or upon the SPR;
(2) Necessary to avert an immediate threat to security or safety (
(3) Authorized by other Federal law enforcement personnel or local law enforcement personnel responsible for investigating the alleged crime.
(a) When a Protective Force Officer is authorized to make an arrest as provided in the Act, the Protective Force Officer may use only that degree of non-deadly force that is reasonable and necessary to apprehend and arrest the suspect in order to prevent escape or to defend the Protective Force Officer or other persons from what the Officer reasonably believes to be the use or threat of imminent use of non-deadly force by the suspect. Verbal abuse by the suspect, in itself, is not a basis for the use of non-deadly force by a Protective Force Officer under any circumstances.
(b) Protective Force Officers should consult the local DOE Office of Chief Counsel and contractor legal counsel for additional guidance on the use of non-deadly force in the exercise of arrest authority, as appropriate.
(a) The use of deadly force is authorized only under exigent circumstances where the Protective Force Officer reasonably believes that such force is necessary to:
(1) Protect himself from an imminent threat of death or from serious bodily harm;
(2) Protect any person or persons in or upon the SPR from an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm.
(b) If circumstances require the use of a firearm by a Protective Force Officer, the Officer shall give a verbal warning (
(a) Protective Force Officers shall successfully complete training required by applicable Department of Energy orders prior to receiving authorization to carry firearms. The Department of Energy Office of Safeguards and Security shall approve the course.
(b) Prior to initial assignment to duty, Protective Force Officers shall successfully complete a basic qualification training course which equips them with at least the minimum level of competence to perform tasks associated with their responsibilities. The basic course shall include the following subject areas:
(1) Legal authority, including use of deadly force and exercise of limited arrest authority;
(2) Security operations, including policies and procedures;
(3) Security tactics, including tactics for Protective Force Officers acting alone or as a group;
(4) Use of firearms, including firearms safety and proficiency with all types of weapons expected to be used;
(5) Use of non-deadly weapons, weapon-less self-defense, and physical conditioning;
(6) Use of vehicles, including vehicle safety in routine and emergency situations;
(7) Safety, first aid, and elementary firefighting procedures;
(8) Operating in such a manner as to preserve SPR sites and facilities;
(9) Communications, including methods and procedures.
(c) After completing training, and receiving the appropriate security clearance, Protective Force Officers shall be authorized to carry firearms and exercise limited arrest authority. Protective Force Officers shall receive an identification card, which must be carried whenever on duty and whenever armed.
(d) On an annual basis, each Protective Force Officer must successfully complete training sufficient to maintain at least the minimum level of competency required for the successful performance of all assigned tasks identified for Protective Force Officers.
(e) Protective Force Officers shall be qualified in the use of firearms by demonstrating proficiency in the use of firearms on a semiannual basis prior to receiving authorization to carry firearms. Protective Force Officers shall demonstrate proficiency in the use of all types of weapons expected to be used while on duty under both day and night conditions. In demonstrating firearms proficiency, Protective Force Officers shall use firearms of the same type and barrel length as firearms used by Protective Force Officers while on duty, and the same type of ammunition as that used by Protective Force Officers on duty. Before a Protective Force Officer is qualified in the use of firearms, the Officer shall complete a review of the basic principles of firearms safety.
(f) Protective Force Officers shall be allowed two attempts to qualify in the use of firearms. Protective Force Officers shall qualify in the use of firearms within six months of failing to qualify. If an Officer fails to qualify, the Officer shall complete a remedial firearms training program. A Protective Force Officer who fails to qualify in the use of firearms after completion of a remedial program, and after two further attempts to qualify shall not be authorized to carry firearms or to exercise limited arrest authority.
(a) Protective Force Officers shall receive firearms of a type suitable to adequately protect persons and property within or upon the SPR. Firearms and ammunition shall be secured, inventoried, and maintained in accordance with applicable Department of Energy orders, when not in use.
(b) The authority of a Protective Force Officer to carry firearms and to exercise limited arrest authority shall be suspended if the Officer participates in an incident involving the use of firearms. In such circumstances, the Officer shall be assigned to other duties, pending completion of an investigation.
(c) Incidents involving the discharge of firearms shall be reported to the Department of Energy Headquarters
These guidelines are set forth solely for the purpose of internal Department of Energy guidance. These guidelines do not, and are not intended to, and may not be relied upon to, create any substantive or procedural rights enforceable at law by any party in any matter, civil or criminal. These guidelines do not place any limitations on otherwise lawful activities of Protective Force Officers or the Department of Energy.
The Constitution of the United States, Article I, Section 9; 5 U.S.C. 7342; 22 U.S.C. 2694; 42 U.S.C. 7254 and 7262; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.
These regulations implement the provisions of the Foreign Gifts and Decorations Act (5 U.S.C. 7342), which establishes policies and procedures pertaining to the acceptance, use, and disposition of gifts or decorations from foreign governments. If an employee of Department of Energy (DOE) meets the requirements of these regulations, he or she is deemed to be in compliance with the DOE Conduct of Employees regulations, 10 CFR part 1010.
These regulations apply to all DOE employees, including special Government employees, and civilian and military personnel of other Government agencies regularly detailed to DOE, and to spouses and dependents of such personnel. These regulations apply to all employees of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to the extent the Commission by rule makes these regulations applicable to FERC employees. These regulations do not apply to gifts and bequests accepted by the Department as authorized by section 652 of the Department of Energy Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7262), except as set forth in § 1050.202(d) of this part. These regulations do not apply to assistance from a foreign government for participation by DOE employees in foreign cultural exchange programs pursuant to the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act (22 U.S.C. 2458a).
(a)
(1) An employee of DOE or FERC as defined by 5 U.S.C. 2105 (employees of DOE contractors are specifically excluded);
(2) A special Government employee as defined in 18 U.S.C. 202(a), and an expert or consultant who is under contract to the DOE pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 3109, including, in the case of an organization performing services under such section, any individual involved in the performance of such services;
(3) A member of a Uniformed Service or an employee of another Government agency assigned or detailed to the DOE or FERC;
(4) The spouse of an individual described in paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this section (unless such individual and his or her spouse are legally separated) or a dependent (within the meaning ot section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954) of such an individual, other than a spouse or dependent who is an employee under paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3).
(b)
(1) Any unit of foreign governmental authority, including any foreign national, State, local, or municipal government;
(2) Any international or multinational organization whose membership is composed of any unit of foreign government described in paragraph (b)(1); and
(3) Any agent or representative of any such unit or such organization, while acting as such.
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(a) The Director of Administration shall:
(1) Assure that all employees are given access to or a copy of the Act and these regulations;
(2) Maintain liaison with the Department of State and prepare Departmental reports to the Department of State consistent with the Act and these regulations;
(3) Provide advice and assistance on implementation of the act and these regulations, in coordination with the Assistant Secretary for International Affairs (IA) and the appropriate General Counsel;
(4) Collect and maintain for public inspection all employee statements submitted pursuant to these regulations;
(5) Arrange for independent appraisal of the value of gifts or decorations, upon the request of the General Services Administration or the Inspector General (or other appropriate DOE official); and
(6) Accept and maintain custody and make all determinations regarding the use and disposition of all gifts and decorations accepted by employees on behalf of the United States, in coordination with IA, the appropriate General Counsel, and, for gifts to the Secretary, Deputy Secretary or Under Secretary, the appropriate official in the Office of the Secretary.
(b) The Assistant Secretary for International Affairs (IA) shall assist the Directorate of Administration, where appropriate, in making determinations concerning the effects of the proposed acceptance, use, or disposition of a foreign gift or decoration on the foreign relations of the United States.
(c) The appropriate General Counsel shall assist the Directorate of Administration in matters relating to the interpretation and application of the Act, and these and any related regulations, and shall provide counseling and interpretation regarding the Act, and
(d) The Inspector General shall investigate suspected violations of these regulations pursuant to § 1050.303 below.
(a) The Constitution of the United States, Article I, section 9, clause 8, provides that “* * * no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under * * * [the United States], shall, without the consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any * * * foreign State.” In the Foreign Gifts and Decorations Act the Congress consented to the acceptance by Federal employees of gifts and decorations with certain constraints and under certain procedures. Acceptance of any gift or decoration not consistent with this Act, the Department of Energy Organization Act, or the regulations in this part is prohibited.
(b) No employee shall request or otherwise encourage the tender of a gift or decoration from a foreign government. No employee shall accept a gift or decoration from a foreign government except as provided in §§ 1050.202 or 1050.203 of this part and in accordance with the additional procedures set forth in §§ 1050.204 and 1050.301 of this part.
(a) An employee may accept and retain gifts from foreign governments where the gift is tendered or received as a souvenir or mark of courtesy, and is of minimal value. Initial responsibility for determining the value of a gift lies with the employee.
(b) Subject to the prior approval requirements described in § 1050.204(a) of this part, an employee may accept gifts of more than minimal value, tendered as a souvenir or mark of courtesy, where it appears that refusal of the gift would likely cause offense or embarrassment or otherwise adversely affect the foreign relations of the United States. Otherwise, an employee, when offered a gift of more than minimal value from a foreign government, other than a gift designated in paragraph (c) of this section, should advise the donor that acceptance of such gifts by the employee is contrary to the policy of the United States. If a gift described in this paragraph is accepted by an employee and not immediately returned thereby, it shall be deemed to have been accepted on behalf of the United States. Upon acceptance it becomes the property of the United States. Within 60 days after acceptance by the employee, the gift shall be deposited with the Directorate of Administration for disposal or official Departmental use as determined by the Directorate of Administration, in accordance with § 1050.302 of this part, and an appropriate statement shall be filed by the employee in accordance with § 1050.301(a) of this part.
(c) Subject to the prior approval requirements described in § 1050.204(a) of this part, an employee may accept and retain gifts of more than minimal value:
(1) Where the gift is in the nature of an educational scholarship.
(2) Where the gift is in the form of medical treatment.
(d) An employee may accept gifts (whether or not of minimal value) of travel or expenses for travel (such as transportation, food, lodging, or entertainment) taking place entirely outside of the United States where the provision of such travel or expenses is in accordance with diplomatic custom or treaty and where the Head of the employee's Office grants prior written approval. A spouse or dependent may accept gifts of travel or travel expenses when accompanying the employee, provided this is done with the prior written approval of the Head of the employee's Office. The Head of the employee's Office shall consult with the appropriate General Counsel in connection with granting approval under this paragraph. Travel or expenses for travel may not be accepted merely for the personal benefit, pleasure, enjoyment,
(e) Pursuant to section 652 of the DOE Organization Act, an employee may accept gifts from the International Atomic Energy Agency or other energy-related international organizations (e.g., the Nuclear Energy Agency and the International Energy Agency) covering transportation expenses to or from a foreign country in connection with scientific or technical assistance projects of such agencies for which the Department of Energy has lead U.S. Government agency responsibility. Such gifts may be accepted only with the prior written approval of the Head of the employee's Office, who is hereby delegated authority to accept such gifts in accordance with section 652.
(a) An employee may accept, retain and wear a decoration tendered by a foreign government in recognition of active field service in time of combat operations or awarded for other outstanding or unusually meritorious performance.
(b) Acceptance of a decoration in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section shall be reviewed and approved by the Directorate of Administration in accordance with § 1050.204 of this part. Otherwise, it will be deemed to have been accepted on behalf of the United States, shall become the property of the United States, and shall be deposited, within 60 days of acceptance, with the Directorate of Administration for disposal or official Departmental use as determined by the Directorate of Administration in accordance with § 1050.302 of this part.
(a) If an employee is advised that a gift of more than minimal value as described in § 1050.202 (b) or (c) is to be tendered to him or her, the employee shall, if time permits, request the written advice of the Directorate of Administration regarding the appropriateness of accepting or refusing the gift. A request for approval shall be submitted to the Directorate of Administration in writing, stating the nature of the gift and the reasons for which it is being tendered. The Directorate of Administration shall consult with Assistant Secretary for International Affairs and the appropriate General Counsel in connection with advising the employee. If such advice cannot be obtained and refusal of the gift would likely cause offense or embarrassment or otherwise adversely effect the foreign relations of the United States, the gift may be accepted, but the Directorate of Administration shall be informed as soon as possible. In either event, the employee shall proceed as provided in §§ 1050.202 and 1050.301 of this part.
(b) Where an employee is notified of the intent of a foreign government to award him a decoration for outstanding or unusually meritorious service, approval required under § 1050.203 should be obtained prior to acceptance of the award. A request for approval shall be submitted to the Directorate of Administration in writing, stating the nature of the decoration and the reasons for which it is being awarded. The Directorate of Administration shall consult with the Assistant Secretary for International Affairs and the appropriate General Counsel. If time does not permit the employee to obtain approval for the award of the decoration before its receipt, the employee may accept it, but shall seek such approval immediately thereafter.
(a) Within 60 days of accepting a gift of more than minimal value, other than gifts of travel or travel expenses, which are covered in paragraph (b) of this section, an employee shall, in addition to depositing a tangible gift (e.g. wearing apparel, liquor, etc.) with the Directorate of Administration in accordance with § 1050.202 of this part, file
(b) Within 30 days after accepting travel or travel expenses in accordance with § 1050.202 of this part, an employee shall file with the Directorate of Administration a statement concerning the travel containing the information identified on the sample form set forth in appendix II. Such a statement need not be filed, however, if the travel is in accordance with specific travel arrangements made by the Department in cooperation with the foreign government.
(c) The Directorate of Administration shall:
(1) Maintain the statements filed pursuant to these regulations and make them available for public inspection and copying during regular business hours; and
(2) Not later than January 31 of each year compile and transmit to the Department of State for publication by the Department of State in the
(a) The Directorate of Administration shall accept and maintain custody of all tangible gifts and decorations accepted by employees on behalf of the United States pending their final disposition.
(b) Whenever possible, the gift or decoration shall be returned to the original donor. The Directorate of Administration shall examine the circumstances surrounding its donation, and, in consultation with the Assistant Secretary for International Affairs, assess whether any adverse effect upon the United States foreign relations might result from return of the gift or decoration to the donor. The appropriate officials of the Department of State shall be consulted if the question of an adverse effect arises.
(c) The Directorate of Administration may determine that the gift or decoration may be retained for the official use of the Department, if it can be properly displayed in an area at Headquarters or at a field facility accessible to employees or members of the public or if it is otherwise usable in carrying out the mission of the Department. The Assistant Secretary for International Affairs shall be consulted to determine whether failure to accept the gift or decoration for the official use of the Department will have an adverse effect on the foreign relations of the United States. In no case shall a gift or decoration be accepted for the official use of the Department when the enjoyment and beneficial use of the gift will accrue primarily to the benefit of the donee or any other individual employee. Gifts or decorations that are retained for the official use of the Department shall be handled in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (d) of this section when their official use is ended.
(d) If a gift or decoration is not retained for official use of the Department, or if its official use has ended, the Directorate of Administration shall, within 30 days after its deposit or after its official use has ended—
(1) Report the gift or decoration to the General Services Administration (GSA) for transfer, donation, or other disposal in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 and the Federal Property Management Regulations at 41 CFR part 101-49, or
(2) If the gift or decoration is in cash, currency, or monies (except those with possible historic or numismatic value), or is a noncash monetary gift such as a check, money order, bonds, shares of stock, or other negotiable instrument, forward it to the Finance and Accounting Office for deposit with the Department of the Treasury.
(e) The Directorate of Administration shall retain custody of gifts and decorations not returned to the donor or retained for the official use of the
(a) An employee who violates the provisions of the Act or these regulations may be subject to disciplinary action or civil penalty action as set forth in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section.
(b) Suspected violations of the Act or these regulations shall be reported promptly to the appropriate General Counsel and the Inspector General.
(c) The Inspector General will be responsible for taking the following actions:
(1) If the results of an investigation by the Inspector General do not provide any support for a determination that a violation of the Act or these regulations has occurred, then no further action shall be taken.
(2) If it is determined that the employee knowingly and through actions within his own control has done any of the following, the matter shall be referred to the Attorney General for appropriate action:
(i) Solicited or accepted a gift from a foreign government in a manner inconsistent with the provisions of the Act and these regulations;
(ii) As the approved recipient of travel expenses failed to follow the procedures set forth in the Act and these regulations; or
(iii) Failed to deposit or report a gift as required by the Act and these regulations.
(3) If it is determined that the employee failed to deposit a tangible gift with the Directorate of Administration within 60 days, or to account properly for acceptance of travel expenses, or to comply with the requirements of these regulations relating to the disposal of gifts and decorations retained for official use, but that the criteria of knowledge and control specified in paragraph (c)(2) of this section for referral to the Attorney General have not been met, then the matter shall be referred by the Inspector General to appropriate Departmental officials for administrative action.
(d) As set forth in section 7342(h) of title 5, United States Code, the Attorney General may bring a civil action in any district court of the United States against any employee who knowingly solicits or accepts a gift from a foreign government not consented to by the Act, or who fails to deposit or report such gift as required by the Act. The court in which such action is brought may assess a civil penalty against such employee in any amount not to exceed the retail value of the gift improperly solicited or received plus $5,500.
No appropriated funds other than funds from the “Emergencies in the Diplomatic and Consular Service” account of the Department of State may be used to purchase any tangible gift of more than minimal value for any foreign individual unless such gift has been approved by the Congress.
Sec. 644, Pub. L. 95-91, 91 Stat. 599 (42 U.S.C. 7254).
(a) Payment may not be authorized or approved for transportation, lodging, subsistence, or other travel expenses from DOE funds to, or on behalf of, a person who is not a Government employee unless such payment is made—
(1) Pursuant to an invitation received by that person from the Department to confer with a DOE employee on matters essential to the advancement of DOE programs or objectives and (i) in the case of a person invited to confer at the post of duty of the conferring DOE employee, a designated official has approved and stated the reasons for the invitation in writing, or (ii) in the case of a person invited to confer at a place other than the post duty of the conferring DOE employee, a principal departmental official has approved and stated the reasons for the invitation in writing;
(2) Pursuant to an invitation for an interview to a prospective employee of the Department who is an applicant for
(3) In accordance with 28 U.S.C. 1821 or other applicable law, to a person who is subpoenaed by the Department to appear and testify or to appear and to produce documents at a designated place;
(4) To a person who serves as a travel attendant for a handicapped individual who is authorized to travel at DOE expense and who cannot travel alone because of the handicap; or
(5) Pursuant to a written determination of a principal departmental officer that it is in the interest of the Government to provide such payment, where the Counselor has determined in writing that the payment is authorized under 5 U.S.C. ch. 57 or other statutory authority.
(b) The authority of a designated official or a principal departmental officer, as the case may be, to provide approval of an invitation to travel under paragraph (a)(1) and of a principal departmental officer to determine that payment of travel expenses is in the interest of the Government under paragraph (a)(5) of this section may not be delegated.
(c) Within 30 days of providing written approval of an invitation under paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section, a designated official who is an Administrator of a power administration or the head of a Field Organization shall transmit a copy of the written approval to the principal departmental officer to whom the official or the official's organization reports.
(d) Payment of travel expenses may not be made pursuant to an invitation to travel under paragraphs (a)(1) or (a)(5) unless the written approval and statement of reasons required by paragraph (a)(1), or the written determinations required by paragraph (a)(5) of this section, are made before the travel to be authorized by the invitation takes place.
(e) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to prohibit payment for travel expenses that are reimbursable or allowable by the Department under the terms of a DOE contract or assistance award.
Notwithstanding any other provision in this part, a DOE employee may not authorize or approve, require another person to authorize or approve, or advocate the authorization or approval of, payment from DOE funds of travel expenses of a person who is not a Government employee and who is (a) the DOE employee's relative (except in the case of payment under § 1060.101(a)(4)), or (b) in the case of payment under § 1060.101(a)(1), a DOE contractor or a DOE assistance award recipient or the employee of a DOE contractor or a DOE assistance award recipient unless the travel expenses are incurred with respect to matters outside the scope of the contract or assistance award, as the case may be. (See also § 1060.101(e).)
Nothing in this part shall be interpreted as being applicable to authorization or approval of payment of travel expenses of Government employees, including DOE employees.
Payment of travel expenses under § 1060.101(a) (1) through (5) shall be subject to other Department rules relating to authorization of travel.
For purposes of this part—
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(1) An employee as defined by 5 U.S.C. 2105;
(2) A special Government employee as defined in 18 U.S.C. 202(a);
(3) A member of a Uniformed Service.
(e)
(f)
(g)
5 U.S.C. 552; Executive Order 12600, 3 CFR, 1987 Comp., p. 235; 42 U.S.C. 2286, 2286b(c).
This part contains the Board's regulations implementing the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552.
(1) Publicly available books, periodicals, or other publications that are owned or copyrighted by non-federal sources;
(2) Records solely in the possession and control of Board contractors;
(3) Personal records in the possession of Board personnel that have not been circulated, were not required by the Board to be created or retained, and may be retained or discarded at the author's sole discretion. In determining whether such records are agency records the Board shall consider whether, and to what extent, the records were used in agency business;
(4) Records of a personal nature that are not associated with any Board business; or
(5) Non-substantive information in the calendar or schedule books of the Chairman or Members, uncirculated except for typing or recording purposes.
In determining the meaning of any provision of this part, unless the context indicates otherwise: the singular includes the plural; the plural includes the singular; the present tense includes the future tense; and words of one gender include the other gender.
(a) A Public Reading Room will be maintained at the Board's headquarters and will be open between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, with the exception of legal holidays. Documents may be obtained in person or by written or telephonic request from the Public Reading Room by reasonably describing the records sought. The purpose of the Public Reading Room is to provide easy accessibility to a substantial portion of the Board's records. The Board considers that documents available through the Public Reading Room have been placed in the public domain.
(b) The public records of the Board that are available for inspection and copying upon request in the Public Reading Room include:
(1) The Board's rules and regulations;
(2) Statements of policy adopted by the Board.
(3) Board recommendations; the Secretary of Energy's response, any final decision, and implementation plans regarding Board recommendations; and interested person's comments, data, views, or arguments to the Board concerning its recommendations and the Secretary of Energy's response and final decision;
(4) Transcripts of public hearings and any Board correspondence related thereto;
(5) Recordings or transcripts of Board meetings that were closed under 10 CFR part 1704, where the Board subsequently determines under 10 CFR 1704.9 that the recordings or transcripts may be made publicly available;
(6) Board orders, decisions, notices, and other actions in a public hearing;
(7) Board correspondence, except that which is exempt from mandatory public disclosure under § 1703.104;
(8) Copies of the filings, certifications, pleadings, records, briefs, orders, judgments, decrees, and mandates in court proceedings to which the Board is a party and the correspondence with the courts or clerks of court;
(9) Those of the Board's Administrative Directives that affect members of the public;
(10) Index of the documents identified in this section, but not including drafts thereof; and
(11) Annual reports to Congress in which the Board's operations during a past fiscal year are described.
(12) Copies of records released pursuant to FOIA requests, along with an index to these records. The format will generally be the same as the format of the released records.
The following records are exempt from public disclosure:
(a)(1) Records specifically authorized under criteria established by an Executive Order to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or foreign policy, and
(2) Which are in fact properly classified pursuant to such Executive Order;
(b) Records related solely to the internal personnel rules and practices of an agency;
(c) Records specifically exempted from disclosure by statute, provided that such statute:
(1) Requires that the matters be withheld from the public in such a manner as to leave no discretion on the issue, or
(2) Establishes particular criteria for withholding or refers to particular types of matters to be withheld;
(d) Trade secrets and commercial or financial information obtained from a person and privileged or confidential;
(e) Interagency or intraagency memoranda or letters which would not be available by law to a party other than an agency in litigation with the Board;
(f) Personnel and medical files and similar files the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;
(g) Records of information compiled for law enforcement purposes, but only to the extent that the production of such law enforcement records or information:
(1) Could reasonably be expected to interfere with enforcement proceedings,
(2) Would deprive a person of a right to a fair trial or an impartial adjudication,
(3) Could reasonably be expected to constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy,
(4) Could reasonably be expected to disclose the identity of a confidential source, including a state, local, or foreign agency or authority or any private institution which furnished information on a confidential basis, and, in the case of a record or information compiled by a criminal law enforcement authority in the course of a criminal investigation, or by an agency conducting a lawful national security intelligence investigation, information furnished by a confidential source,
(5) Would disclose techniques and procedures for law enforcement investigations or prosecutions, or would disclose guidelines for law enforcement investigations or prosecutions if such
(6) Could reasonably be expected to endanger the life or physical safety of any individual;
(a) Upon the request of any person, the Board shall make available for public inspection and copying any reasonably described agency record in the possession and control of the Board, but not available through the Public Reading Room, subject to the provisions of this part. If a member of the public files a request with the Board under the FOIA for records that the Board determines are available through the Public Reading Room, the Board will treat the request under the simplified procedures of § 1703.103.
(b)(1) A person may request access to Board records that are not available through the Public Reading Room by using the following procedures:
(i) The request must be in writing and must describe the records requested to enable Board personnel to locate them with a reasonable amount of effort. Where possible, specific information regarding dates, titles, file designations, and other information which may help identify the records should be supplied by the requester, including the names and titles of any Board personnel who have been contacted regarding the request prior to the submission of the written request.
(ii) A request for all records falling within a reasonably specific and well-defined category shall be regarded as conforming to the statutory requirement that records be reasonably described. The request must enable the Board to identify and locate the records by a process that is not unreasonably burdensome or disruptive of Board operations.
(2) The request should be addressed to the Designated FOIA Officer and clearly marked “Freedom of Information Act Request.” The address for such requests is: Designated FOIA Officer, Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board, 625 Indiana Avenue, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC 20004. For purposes of calculating the time for response to the request under § 1703.108, the request shall not be deemed to have been received until it is in the possession of the Designated FOIA Officer or his designee.
(3) The request must include:
(i) A statement by the requester of a willingness to pay the fee applicable under § 1703.107(b), or to pay that fee not to exceed a specific amount, or
(ii) A request for waiver or reduction of fees.
(4) No request shall be deemed to have been received until the Board has:
(i) Received a statement of willingness to pay, as indicated in § 1703.105(b)(3)(i), or
(ii) Received and approved a request for waiver or reduction of fees. However, the FOIA request shall be deemed to have been received if the request for waiver or reduction of fees includes a statement of willingness to pay the fee anticipated to be incurred in processing the request under this section, or to pay that fee not to exceed a specific amount, should the request for fee waiver or reduction be denied.
(c) with respect to records in the files of the Board that have been obtained from other federal agencies:
(1) Where the record originated in another federal agency, the Designated FOIA Officer shall refer the request to that agency and so inform the requester, unless the originating agency agrees to direct release by the Board.
(2) Requests for Board records containing information received from another agency, or records prepared jointly by the Board and other agencies, shall be treated as requests for Board records. The Designated FOIA Officer shall, however, coordinate with the appropriate official of the other agency. The notice of determination to the requester, in the event part or all of the record is recommended for denial by the other agency, shall cite the other agency Denying Official as well as the Designated FOIA Officer if a denial by the Board is also involved.
(d) If a request does not reasonably describe the records sought, as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, the Board response shall specify the reasons why the request failed to meet those requirements and shall offer the
(e)(1)
(i) Circumstances in which the lack of expedited treatment could reasonably be expected to pose an imminent threat to the life or physical safety of an individual;
(ii) An urgency to inform the public about an actual or alleged Federal Government activity, if the request is made by a person primarily engaged in disseminating information; or
(iii) The records pertain to an immediate source of risk to the public health and safety or worker safety at a defense nuclear facility under the Board's jurisdiction.
(2) A requester seeking expedited processing should so indicate in the initial request, and should state all facts supporting the need to obtain the requested records rapidly. The requester must also state that these facts are true and correct to the best of the requester's knowledge and belief.
(3) When a request for expedited processing is received, the Board will respond within ten calendar days from the date of receipt of the request, stating whether or not the request has been granted. If the request for expedited processing is denied, any appeal of that decision will be acted upon expeditiously.
(a) The Board shall collect fees for record requests made under § 1703.105, as provided in § 1703.107(b), unless a requester submits a request in writing for a waiver or reduction of fees. The Designated FOIA Officer shall make a determination on a fee waiver or reduction request within five working days of the request coming into his possession. No determination shall be made that a fee waiver or reduction request should be denied, until the Designated FOIA Officer has consulted with the General Counsel's Office. If the determination is made that the written request for a waiver or reduction of fees does not meet the requirements of this section, the Designated FOIA Officer shall inform the requester that the request for waiver or reduction of fees is being denied and set forth his appeal rights under § 1703.109.
(b) A person requesting the board to waive or reduce search, review, or duplication fees shall:
(1) Describe the purpose for which the requester intends to use the requested information;
(2) Explain the extent to which the requester will extract and analyze the substantive content of the agency record;
(3) Describe the nature of the specific activity or research in which the agency records will be used and the specific qualifications the requester possesses to utilize information for the intended use in such a way that it will contribute to public understanding;
(4) Describe the likely impact of disclosure of the requested records on the public's understanding of the subject as compared to the level of understanding of the subject existing prior to disclosure;
(5) Describe the size and nature of the public to whose understanding a contribution will be made;
(6) Describe the intended means of dissemination to the general public;
(7) Indicate if public access to information will be provided free of charge or provided for an access or publication fee; and
(8) Describe any commercial or private interest the requester or any other party has in the agency records sought.
(c) The Board shall waive or reduce fees, without further specific information from the requester if, from information provided with the request for agency records made under § 1703.105, it can determine that disclosure of the information in the agency records is in the public interest because it is likely
(d) In making a determination regarding a request for a waiver or reduction of fees, the Board shall consider the following factors:
(1) Whether the subject of the requested agency records concerns the operations or activities of the Government;
(2) Whether disclosure of the information is likely to contribute significantly to public understanding of Government operations or activities;
(3) Whether, and the extent to which, the requester has a commercial interest that would be furthered by the disclosure of the requested agency records; and
(4) Whether the magnitude of the identified commercial interest of the requester is sufficiently large, in comparison with the public interest in disclosure, that disclosure is primarily in the commercial interest of the requester.
(a) Fees for records available through the Public Reading Room.
(1) With the exception of copies of transcripts of Board public hearings addressed in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, the fees charged shall be limited to costs of duplication of the requested records. The Board shall either duplicate the requested records or have them duplicated by a commercial contractor. If the Board duplicates the records, it shall not charge the requester for the associated labor costs. A schedule of fees for this duplication service shall be prescribed in accordance with paragraph (b)(6) of this section. A person may obtain a copy of the schedule of fees in person or by mail from the Public Reading Room. There shall be no charge for responses consisting of ten or fewer pages.
(2) Transcripts of Board public hearings are made by private contractors. Interested persons may obtain copies of public hearing transcripts from the contractor at prices set in the contract, or through the duplication service noted in paragraph (a) of this section, if the particular contract so permits. Copies of the contracts shall be available for public inspection in the Public Reading Room.
(3) Requests for certification of copies of official Board records must be accompanied by a fee of $5.00 per document. Inquiries and orders may be made to the Public Reading Room in person or by mail.
(b) Fees for records not available through the Public Reading Room (FOIA requests).
(1)
(2)
(ii) If documents are not sought for commercial use and the request is made by an educational or noncommercial scientific institution, whose purpose is scholarly or scientific research, or a representative of the news media, the Board's charges shall be limited to the direct costs of duplication as established in the schedule of fees referenced in paragraph (b)(6) of this section. There shall be no charge for the first 100 pages of duplication.
(iii) For a request not described in paragraphs (b)(2) (i) or (ii) of this section the Board shall charge the average hourly pay rate for Board employees, plus the average hourly projected benefits cost, for document search time, and the direct costs of duplication as established in the schedule of fees referenced in paragraph (b)(6) of this section. There shall be no charge for document review time and the first 100 pages of reproduction and the first two hours of search time will be furnished without charge.
(iv) [Reserved]
(v) The Board, or its designee, may establish minimum fees below which no charges will be collected, if it determines that the costs of routine collection and processing of the fees are likely to equal or exceed the amount of the fees. If total fees determined by the Board for a FOIA request would be less than the appropriate threshold, the Board shall not charge the requesters.
(vi) Payment of fees must be by check or money order made payable to the U.S. Treasury.
(vii) Requesters may not file multiple requests at the same time, each seeking portions of a document or documents, solely in order to avoid payment of fees. When the Board reasonably believes that a requester, or a group of requesters acting in concert, is attempting to break a request down into a series of requests for the purpose of evading assessment of fees, the Board may aggregate any such requests and charge the requester accordingly. The Board shall not, however, aggregate multiple requests on unrelated subjects from a requester.
(viii) Whenever the Board estimates that duplication or search costs are likely to exceed $25, it shall notify the requester of the estimated costs, unless the requester has indicated in advance his willingness to pay fees as high as those anticipated. Such a notice shall offer the requester an opportunity to confer with the Board personnel with the object of reformulating the request to meet the requester's needs at a lower cost.
(3)
(4)
(ii) If a requester has previously failed to pay a fee charged in a timely fashion, the Board shall require the requester to pay the full amount owed plus any applicable interest, and to make an advance payment of the full amount of the estimated fee before the Board will begin to process a new request or a pending request from that requester.
(iii) When the Board requires advance payment under this paragraph, the administrative time limits prescribed in § 1703.108(b) will begin only after the Board has received the fee payments.
(5)
(6)
(ii)
(a) Where a request complies with § 1703.105 as to specificity and statement of willingness to pay or request for fee waiver or reduction, the Designated FOIA Officer shall acknowledge receipt of the request and commence processing of the request. The Designated FOIA Officer shall prepare a written response:
(1) Granting the request,
(2) Denying the request,
(3) Granting or denying it in part,
(4) Stating that the request has been referred to another agency under § 1703.105, or
(5) Informing the requester that responsive records cannot be located or do not exist.
(b) Action pursuant to this section to provide access to requested records shall be taken within twenty working days. This time period may be extended up to ten additional working days, in unusual circumstances, by written notice to the requester. If the Board will be unable to satisfy the request in this additional period of time, the requester will be so notified and given the opportunity to—
(1) Limit the scope of the request so that it can be processed within the time limit, or
(2) Arrange with the Designated FOIA Officer an alternative time frame for processing the original request or a modified request.
(c) For purposes of this section and § 1703.109, the term
(1) The need to search for and collect the requested records from field facilities or other establishments that are separate from the Board's Washington, DC offices:
(2) The need to search for, collect and appropriately examine a voluminous amount of separate and distinct records which may be responsive to a single request; or
(3) The need for consultation, which shall be conducted with all practicable speed, with another agency pursuant to § 1703.105(d).
(d) If no determination has been made at the end of the ten day period, or the last extension thereof, the requester may deem his administrative remedies to have been exhausted, giving rise to a right of review in a district court of the United States as specified in 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(4). When no determination can be made within the applicable time limit, the Board will nevertheless continue to process the request. If the Board is unable to provide a response within the statutory period, the Designated FOIA Officer shall inform the requester of the reason for the delay; the date on which a determination may be expected to be
(e) Nothing in this part shall preclude the Designated FOIA Officer and a requester from agreeing to an extension of time for the initial determination on a request. Any such agreement shall be confirmed in writing and shall clearly specify the total time agreed upon.
(f) The procedure for appeal of denial of a request for Board records is set forth in § 1703.109.
(a)(1) A person whose request for access to records or request for fee waiver or reduction is denied in whole or in part may appeal that determination to the General Counsel within 30 days of the determination. Appeals filed pursuant to this section must be in writing, directed to the General Counsel at the address indicated in § 1703.105(b)(2) and clearly marked “Freedom of Information Act Appeal.” Such an appeal received by the Board not addressed and marked as indicated in this paragraph will be so addressed and marked by Board personnel as soon as it is properly identified and then will be forwarded to the General Counsel. Appeals taken pursuant to this paragraph will be considered to be received upon actual receipt by the General Counsel.
(2) The General Counsel shall make a determination with respect to any appeal within 20 working days after the receipt of such appeal. If, on appeal, the denial of the request for records or fee reduction is in whole or in part upheld, the General Counsel shall notify the person making such request of the provisions for judicial review of that determination.
(b) In unusual circumstances, as defined in § 1703.108(c), the time limits prescribed for deciding an appeal pursuant to this section may be extended by up to ten working days, by the General Counsel, who will send written notice to the requester setting forth the reasons for such extension and the expected determination date.
The Board may at any time be in possession of classified records and Unclassified Controlled Nuclear Information (UCNI) received from the Department of Energy or other federal agencies. The Board shall refer requests under § 1703.105 for such records or information to the Department of Energy or other originating agency without making an independent determination as to the releasability of such documents. The Board shall refer requests for classified records in a manner consistent with Executive Order 12356, “National Security Information,” 3 CFR, 1982 Comp., p. 166, or any superseding Executive Order. The Board shall refer requests for UCNI in a manner consistent with 42 U.S.C. 2168 and the Department of Energy's implementing regulations in 10 CFR part 1017 or any successor regulations.
(a)
(b)
(1) An application, accompanied by an affidavit, requesting privileged treatment for some or all of the information in a document, and stating the justification for nondisclosure of the information and addressing the factors set forth in paragraph (e) of this section;
(2) The original document, boldly indicating on the front page “Contains Privileged Information—Do Not Release” and identifying within the document the information for which the privileged treatment is sought;
(3) Three copies of the redacted document (
(4) The name, title, address, telephone number, and telecopy information of the person or persons to be contacted regarding the request for privileged treatment of documents submitted to the Board.
(c)
(2) The Designated FOIA Officer shall place the request for privileged treatment described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section and a copy of the redacted document described in paragraph (b)(3) of this section in a public file while the request for privileged treatment is pending.
(d)
(e)
(1) Whether the information has been held in confidence by its owner;
(2) Whether the information is of a type customarily held in confidence by its owner and whether there is a rational basis therefor;
(3) Whether the information was transmitted to and received by the Board in confidence;
(4) Whether the information is available in public sources; and
(5) Whether public disclosure of the information sought to be withheld is likely to cause substantial harm to the competitive position of the owner of the information, taking into account the value of the information to the owner; the amount of effort or money, if any, expended by the owner in developing the information; and the ease or difficulty with which the information could be properly acquired or duplicated by others.
(f)
(g)
In computing any period of time under this part, the day of the Board's action is not included. The last day of the period is included unless it is a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, in which case the period runs until the end of the next working day. Whenever a person has the right or is required to take some action within a prescribed period after notification by the Board and the notification is made by mail, five days shall be added to the prescribed period. Only two days shall be added when a notification is made by express mail.
5 U.S.C. 552b; 42 U.S.C. 2286, 2286b(c).
(a) This part implements the provisions of the Government in the Sunshine Act (5 U.S.C. 552b). These procedures apply to meetings, as defined herein, of the Members of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (Board). The Board may waive the provisions set forth in this part to the extent authorized by law.
(b) Requests for all documents other than the transcripts, recordings, and minutes described in § 1704.8 shall be governed by Board regulations pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552).
As used in this part:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(1) Notation voting or similar consideration of business for the purpose of recording of votes, whether by circulation of material to the Members individually in writing or by a polling of the Members individually by telephone.
(2) Action by three or more Members to:
(i) Open or to close a meeting or to release or to withhold information pursuant to § 1704.5;
(ii) Set an agenda for a proposed meeting(s);
(iii) Call a meeting on less than seven days' notice as permitted by § 1704.6(b); or
(iv) Change the subject matter or the determination to open or to close a publicly announced meeting under § 1704.7(b).
(3) A session attended by three or more Members for which the purpose is to have the Board's staff or expert consultants to the Board brief or otherwise provide information to the Board concerning any matters within the purview of the Board under its authorizing statute, provided that the Board does not engage in deliberations that determine or result in the joint conduct or disposition of official Board business on such matters.
(4) A session attended by three or more Members for which the purpose is to have the Department of Energy (including its contractors) or other persons or organizations brief or otherwise provide information to the Board concerning any matters within the purview of the Board under its authorizing statute, provided that the Board does not engage in deliberations that determine or result in the joint conduct or disposition of official Board business on such matters.
(5) A gathering of Members for the purpose of holding informal preliminary discussions or exchange of views which do not efectively predetermine official action.
(e)
(a) Any meetings of the Board, as defined in § 1704.2, shall be conducted in accordance with this part. Except as provided in § 1704.4, the Board's meetings, or portions thereof, shall be open to public observation.
(b) The General Counsel or his designee will attend and monitor briefings described in § 1704.2(d) (3)-(4) and informal preliminary discussions described in § 1704.2(d)(5) to assure that those gatherings do not proceed to the point of becoming deliberations and “meetings” within the meaning of the Sunshine Act.
(c) The General Counsel or his designee will inform the Board Members if developing discussions at a briefing or gathering should be deferred until a notice of an open or closed meeting can be published in the
Except in a case where the Board finds that the public interest requires otherwise, a meeting may be closed and information pertinent to such meeting otherwise required by § § 1704.5, 1704.6, and 1704.7 to be disclosed to the public may be withheld if the Board properly determines that such meeting or portion thereof or the disclosure of such information is likely to:
(a) Disclose matters that are:
(1) Specifically authorized under criteria established by an Executive Order to be kept secret in the interests of national defense or foreign policy; and
(2) In fact properly classified pursuant to such Executive order. In making the determination that this exemption applies, the Board shall rely upon the classification assigned to a document by the Department of Energy or other originating agency;
(b) Relate solely to the internal personnel rules and practices of the Board;
(c) Disclose matters specifically exempted from disclosure by statute (other than 5 U.S.C. 552):
(1) Requires that the matters be withheld from the public in such a manner as to leave no discretion on the issue; or
(2) Establishes particular criteria for withholding or refers to particular types of matters to be withheld;
(d) Disclose trade secrets and commercial or financial information obtained from a person and privileged or confidential;
(e) Involve accusing any person of a crime, or formally censuring any person;
(f) Disclose information of a personal nature where disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;
(g) Disclose investigatory records compiled for law enforcement purposes, or information which, if written, would be contained in such records, but only to the extent that the production of such records or information would;
(1) Interfere with enforcement proceedings;
(2) Deprive a person of a right to a fair trial or an impartial adjudication;
(3) Constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;
(4) Disclose the identity of a confidential source and, in the case of a record compiled by a criminal law enforcement authority in the course of a criminal investigation, or by an agency conducting a lawful national security intelligence investigation, confidential information furnished only by the confidential source;
(5) Disclose investigative techniques and procedures; or
(6) Endanger the life or physical safety of law enforcement personnel;
(h) Disclose information the premature disclosure of which would be likely to significantly frustrate implementation of a proposed action of the Board, except that this subsection shall not apply in any instance where the Board has already disclosed to the public the content or nature of its proposed action, or where the Board is required by law to make such disclosure on its own initiative prior to taking final action on such proposal;
(i) Specifically concern the Board's issuance of a subpoena, or the Board's participation in a civil action or proceeding, an action in a foreign court or
(j) Disclose other information for which the Government in the Sunshine Act provides an exemption to the open meeting requirements of that Act.
(a) A majority of all Members may vote to close a meeting or withhold information pertaining to that meeting. A separate vote shall be taken with respect to any action under § 1704.4. A majority of the Board may act by taking a single vote with respect to a series of meetings, a portion or portions of which are proposed to be closed to the public, or with respect to any information concerning such series of meetings, so long as each meeting in such series involves the same particular subject matters and is scheduled to be held no more than thirty days after the initial meeting in such series. Each Member's vote under this paragraph shall be recorded and proxies are not permitted.
(b) Any person whose interest may be directly affected if a portion of a meeting is open may request the Board to close that portion on any of the grounds referred to in § 1704.4 (e), (f), or (g). Requests, with reasons in support thereof, should be submitted to the General Counsel, Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board, 625 Indiana Avenue, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC 20004. On motion of any Member, the Board shall determine by recorded vote whether to grant the request.
(c) Within one working day of any vote taken pursuant to this section, the Board shall make available a written copy of such vote reflecting the vote of each Member on the question, and if a portion of a meeting is to be closed to the public a full written explanation of its action closing the meeting and a list of all persons expected to attend and their affiliation.
(d) For every closed meeting, the General Counsel of the Board shall publicly certify that, in his or her opinion, the meeting may be closed to the public and shall state each relevant exemption provision. If the General Counsel invokes the exemption for classified or sensitive unclassified information under § 1704.4(a), he shall rely upon the classification or designation assigned to the document containing such information by the Department of Energy or other originating agency. A copy of such certification, together with a statement setting forth the time and place of the meeting and the persons present, shall be retained by the Board as part of the transcript, recording, or minutes required by § 1704.8.
(a) For each meeting, the Board shall make public announcement, at least one week before the meeting, of the:
(1) Time of the meeting;
(2) Place of the meeting;
(3) Subject matter of the meeting;
(4) Whether the meeting is to be open or closed; and
(5) The name and business telephone number of the official designated by the Board to respond to requests for information about the meeting.
(b) The one week advance notice required by paragraph (a) of this section may be reduced only if:
(1) A majority of all Members determines by recorded vote that Board business requires that such meeting be scheduled in less than seven days; and
(2) The public announcement required by paragraph (a) of this section is made at the earliest practicable time.
(c) Immediately following each public announcement required by this section, or by § 1704.7, the Board shall submit a notice of public announcement for publication in the
(a) The time or place of a meeting may be changed following the public
(b) The subject matter of a meeting or the determination of the Board to open or to close a meeting, or a portion thereof, to the public may be changed following public announcement if:
(1) A majority of all Members determines by recorded vote that Board business so requires and that no earlier announcement of the change was possible; and
(2) The Board publicly announces such change and the vote of each Member thereon at the earliest practicable time.
(c) The deletion of any subject matter announced for a meeting is not a change requiring the approval of the Board under paragraph (b) of this section.
Along with the General Counsel's certification and presiding officer's statement referred to in § 1704.5(d), the Board shall maintain a complete transcript or electronic recording adequate to record fully the proceedings of each meeting, or a portion thereof, closed to the public. The Board may maintain a set of minutes in lieu of such transcript or recording for meetings closed pursuant to § 1704.4(i). Such minutes shall fully and clearly describe all matters discussed and shall provide a full and accurate summary of any actions taken, and the reasons therefor, including a description of each of the views expressed on any item and the record of any rollcall vote.
The Board shall make promptly available to the public in the Public Reading Room the transcript, electronic recording, or minutes of the discussion of any item on the agenda or of any testimony received at a closed meeting, except for such item, or items, of discussion or testimony as determined by the Board to contain matters which may be withheld under the exemptive provisions of § 1704.4. Copies of the nonexempt portions of the transcript or minutes, or transcription of such recordings disclosing the identity of each speaker, shall be furnished to any person at the actual cost of transcription or duplication. If at some later time the Board determines that there is no further justification for withholding a portion of a transcript, electronic recording, or minutes or other item of information from the public which has previously been withheld, such portion or information shall be made publicly available. The Board shall maintain a complete verbatim copy of the transcript, a complete copy of the minutes, or a complete electronic recording of each meeting, or a portion thereof, closed to the public for at least two years after such meeting, or until one year after the conclusion of any Board proceeding with respect to which the meeting, or a portion thereof, was held, whichever occurs later.
If any provision of this part or the application of such provision to any person or circumstances, is held invalid, the remainder of this part or the application of such provision to persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid, shall not be affected thereby.
5 U.S.C. 552a(f).
This part contains the Board's regulations implementing the Privacy Act of 1974, Public Law 93-579, 5 U.S.C. 552a.
The following terms used in these regulations are defined in the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. 552a(a):
(a)
(b)
(a)
(1) Full name, address, and telephone number of requester,
(2) Proof of identification, which should be a copy of one of the following: Valid driver's license, valid passport, or other current identification which contains both an address and picture of the requester,
(3) The system of records in which the desired information is contained, and
(4) At the requester's option, authorization for copying expenses (see § 1705.10 below).
(b)
(a)
(b)
(c)
When access to records has been denied by the Privacy Act Officer, the requester may file an appeal in writing. This appeal should be directed to The
(a)
(b)
(a) When amendment of records has been denied by the Privacy Act Officer, the requester may file an appeal in writing. This appeal should be directed to The Chairman, Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board, 625 Indiana Avenue, NW., Suite 700, Washington, DC 20004. The appeal letter must (1) specify the records subject to the appeal, and (2) state why the denial of amendment by the Privacy Act Officer is erroneous. The Chairman or his designee will respond to such appeals within thirty working days (subject to extension by the Chairman for good cause) after the appeal letter has been received in the Board's offices.
(b) The appeal determination, if adverse to the requester in any respect, will: (1) Explain the basis for denying amendment of the specified records, (2) inform the requester that he or she may file a concise statement setting forth reasons for disagreeing with the Chairman's determination, and (3) inform the requester of his or her right to pursue a judicial remedy under 5 U.S.C. 552a(g)(1)(A).
Records subject to the Privacy Act that are requested by any person other than the individual to whom they pertain will not be made available except in the following circumstances:
(a) Their release is required under the Freedom of Information Act in accordance with the Board's FOIA regulations, 10 CFR part 1703;
(b) Prior consent for disclosure is obtained in writing from the individual to whom the records pertain; or
(c) Release is authorized by 5 U.S.C. 552a(b) (1) or (3) through (11).
A fee will not be charged for search or review of requested records, or for correction of records. When a request is made for copies of records, a copying fee will be charged at the same rate established for FOIA requests.
Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(k), the Board has determined that system of records DNFSB-3, “Drug Testing Program Records,” is partially exempt from 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(c)(3), (d), (e)(1), (e)(4)(G), (H), (I), and (f). The exemption pertains to portions of these records which would identify persons supplying information on drug abuse by Board employees or contractors.
42 U.S.C. 2286b(c).
(a)
(b)
In determining the meaning of any provision of this part, unless the context indicates otherwise, the singular includes the plural; the plural includes the singular; the present tense includes the future tense; and words of one gender include the other gender.
(a)
(b)
The head of the contracting activity for the Board shall be the General Manager.
(a)
(1) For any services where the award would result in the offeror evaluating products or services it has provided to the Board, is then providing to the Board, or is then offering to provide for the Board;
(2) For evaluation activities or research related to the Board's oversight of defense nuclear facilities, where the award would result in the offeror evaluating products or services it has provided, is then providing, or is then offering to provide to DOE or to contractors or subcontractors for defense nuclear facilities; or
(3) For any other services (the acquisition of which is otherwise covered by this part), where the Board has determined, pursuant to § 1706.7, that an actual or potential OCI exists and cannot be avoided, and the Board does not waive that OCI. Paragraphs (a) (1) and (2) of this section also apply when award would result in evaluation of products or services of another entity where the offeror has been, is, or would be substantially involved in the development of the product or performance of the service, or has other substantial involvement regarding the product or services.
(b)
(i) The expectation of receiving the subsequent contract is likely to diminish the contractor's capacity to give impartial assistance and advice, or otherwise result in a biased work product; or
(ii) An offeror on the subsequent contract would have an unfair competitive advantage by virtue of having performed the first contract.
(2) If a contractor under a Board contract prepares a complete or essentially complete statement of work or specifications in the performance of a contract, the contractor shall be ineligible to perform or participate in the initial contractual effort that is based on such statement of work or specifications. The contractor shall not incorporate its products or services in such statement of work or specifications.
(c)
(1) That the nature of work performed by such personnel for DOE does not pose actual or potential OCIs with respect to the particular work covered by the Board contract; or
(2) That such engagement is in the Government's best interests and that a waiver should be granted pursuant to § 1706.8. In all cases involving National Laboratory personnel, notice of the circumstances of the contract, stating the
(d)
(e)
(1) Use such information for any private purpose until the information has been released or is otherwise made available to the public;
(2) Compete for work for the Board based on such information for a period of six months after either the contract has been completed or such information has been released or otherwise made available to the public, whichever occurs first, or submit an unsolicited proposal to the Government based on such information until one year after such information is released or otherwise made available to the public, unless a waiver permitting such action has been granted pursuant to § 1706.8; or
(3) Release the information without prior written approval of the contracting officer, unless such information has previously been released or otherwise made available to the public by the Board.
(a)
(1) Where the contracting officer has identified certain offerors who have passed an initial screening and has determined that it is appropriate to request the identified offerors to file the certificate in order to expedite the award process; or
(2) In the case of modifications for additional effort under Board contracts, except those issued under the “changes” clause. If a certificate has been previously submitted with regard to the contract being modified, only an updating of such statement shall be required for a contract modification.
(b)
(a)
(1) Disqualify the offeror;
(2) Include in the contract appropriate terms and conditions which avoid the conflict, in which case no waiver is required; or
(3) Make a finding that it is in the best interests of the Government to seek award of the contract under the waiver provisions of § 1706.8, and, where reasonably possible, include contract terms and conditions or take other measures which mitigate such conflicts.
(b)
(2) If a disclosure under this section indicates, or the Board otherwise learns, that actual or potential OCIs exist, the Board may afford the contractor an opportunity to provide all relevant facts bearing upon the problem. If at any time the Board determines that an actual or potential OCI exists, one of the following actions shall ultimately be taken:
(i) Terminate the contract, or, in the case of a task order contract, terminate the particular task;
(ii) Insist on appropriate contract terms and conditions which avoid the OCIs, in which case no waiver is required; or
(iii) Make a finding that it is in the best interests of the Government to permit the contractor to continue to perform the contract (or task) under the waiver provisions of § 1706.8, and, where reasonably possible, insist on appropriate contract terms and conditions or take other measures which mitigate the OCIs.
(c)
(2) Contractors performing task order contracts for the Board shall disclose to the contracting officer any new work for others they propose to undertake that may present an actual or potential OCI with regard to the performance of any work under the full scope of the Board contract. Such disclosure shall be made at least 15 days prior to the submission of a bid or proposal for the new work. The disclosure shall include the statement of work and any other information necessary to describe fully the proposed work and contemplated relationship.
(3) If the Board has issued a task order or a letter request for proposal under the contract with a contractor who has disclosed to the contracting officer that it proposes to undertake new work for persons other than the Board as described in § 1706.7(c)(2), for services in the same technical area and/or at the same defense nuclear facility that is the subject of the proposed new work (including overlap based upon generic work performed for others by the contractor), the Board shall inform the contractor that entering into a contract for the new work may result in termination by the Board of the task order contract, if the Board determines that such work would give rise to an OCI and the Board does not grant a waiver.
(d)
(1) The General Manager shall have the authority to approve, modify, or disapprove such recommendations regarding avoidance of an actual or potential OCI. If an offeror or contractor disagrees with the actions approved by the General Manager and requests review of the action, the Chairman shall make the decision on the actions to be taken by the Board.
(2) Any recommended action respecting the best interests of the Government and mitigation measures to be taken with respect to an actual or potential OCI must be approved by the Chairman in conjunction with the decision to grant a waiver pursuant to § 1706.8, and any recommended action to terminate a contract or a particular task on account of an actual or potential OCI must be approved by the Chairman.
(3) Decisions on OCIs by the General Manager or the Chairman shall be made with the advice of the Office of the General Counsel.
(a)
(b)
(i) The work to be performed under contract is vital to the Board program;
(ii) The work cannot be satisfactorily performed except by a contractor or offeror whose interests give rise to a question of OCI; and
(iii) Contractual and/or technical review and supervision methods can be employed by the Board to mitigate the conflict.
(2) The Chairman is also authorized to waive any OCI (and the corresponding provision of § 1706.5 where applicable), without regard to the foregoing factors, if the Chairman determines, notwithstanding the existence of the OCI, that it is in best interests of the Government to award or extend the particular contract, or not to terminate it, without compliance with § 1706.8(b)(1).
(c)
(d)
(e)
The examples in this section illustrate situations in which questions concerning OCIs may arise. The examples are not all inclusive, but are intended to provide offerors and contractors with guidance on how this subpart will be applied.
(a)
(2)
(b)
(2)
(c)
(2)
(d)
(2)
(e)
(2)
(f)
(2)
The refusal to provide the certificate, or upon request of the contracting officer the additional written statement, required by §§ 1706.6 and 1706.7 in connection with an award shall result in disqualification of the offeror for that award. The nondisclosure or misrepresentation of any relevant information may also result in the disqualification of the offeror for that award. If such nondisclosure or misrepresentation by an offeror or contractor is discovered or occurs after award, or in the event of breach of any of the restrictions contained in this part, the Board may terminate the contract for convenience or default, and the offeror or contractor may also be disqualified by the Board from consideration for subsequent Board contracts and be subject to such other remedial actions as provided by law or the contract.
As prescribed in or permitted by § 1706.6(a), insert the following provision in Board solicitations:
(a) An organizational or consultant conflict of interest means that because of other activities or relationships with other persons, a person is unable or potentially unable to render impartial assistance or advice to the Government, or the person's objectivity in performing the contract work is or might be otherwise impaired, or a person has an unfair competitive advantage.
(b) In order to comply with the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Letter 89-1, Conflict of Interest Policies Applicable to Consultants, the offeror shall provide the certificate described in paragraph (c) of this provision.
(c) The certificate must contain the following:
(1) Name of the agency and the number of the solicitation in question.
(2) The name, address, telephone number, and federal taxpayer identification number of the offeror.
(3) A description of the nature of the services rendered by or to be rendered on the instant contract.
(4) The name, address, and telephone number of the client or clients, a description of the services rendered to the previous client(s), and the name of a responsible officer
* If approved by the head of the contracting activity, this period may be increased up to 36 months.
(5) A statement that the person who signs the certificate has made inquiry and that, to the best of his or her knowledge and belief, no actual or potential conflict of interest or unfair competitive advantage exists with respect to the advisory or assistance services to be provided in connection with the instant contract, or that any actual or potential conflict of interest or unfair competitive advantage that does or may exist with respect to the contract in question has been communicated in writing to the contracting officer or his or her representative; and
(6) The signature, name, employer's name, address, and telephone number of the person who signed the certificate.
(d) Persons required to certify but who fail to do so may be determined to be nonresponsible. Misrepresentation of any fact may result in suspension or debarment, as well as penalties associated with false certifications or such other provisions provided for by law or regulation.
42 U.S.C. 2286b(c); 44 U.S.C. 3101-3107, 3301-3303a, 3308-3314.
(a) This part sets forth policies and procedures you must follow when you submit a demand or request to an employee of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (DNFSB) to produce official records and information, or provide testimony relating to official information, in connection with a legal proceeding. You must comply with these requirements when you request the release or disclosure of official records and information.
(b) The Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board intends these provisions to:
(1) Promote economy and efficiency in its programs and operations;
(2) Minimize the possibility of involving DNFSB in controversial issues not related to our functions;
(3) Maintain DNFSB's impartiality among private litigants where DNFSB is not a named party; and
(4) Protect sensitive, confidential information and the deliberative processes of DNFSB.
(c) In providing for these requirements, DNFSB does not waive the sovereign immunity of the United States.
(d) This part provides guidance for the internal operations of DNFSB. It does not create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, that a party may rely upon in any legal proceeding against the United States.
This part applies to demands and requests to employees for factual, opinion, or expert testimony relating to official information, or for production of official records or information, in legal proceedings whether or not the United States or the DNFSB is a named party. However, it does not apply to:
(a) Demands upon or requests for a DNFSB employee to testify as to facts or events that are unrelated to his or her official duties or that are unrelated to the functions of DNFSB;
(b) Demands upon or requests for a former DNFSB employee to testify as to matters in which the former employee was not directly or materially involved while at the DNFSB;
(c) Requests for the release of records under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552, or the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. 552a; and
(d) Congressional demands and requests for testimony or records.
(1) Any current or former officer or employee of DNFSB;
(2) Any contractor or contractor employee working on behalf of the DNFSB or who has performed services for DNFSB; and
(3) Any individual who is serving or has served in any advisory capacity to DNFSB, whether formal or informal.
(4) Provided, that this definition does not include persons who are no longer employed by DNFSB and who are retained or hired as expert witnesses or who agree to testify about general matters, matters available to the public, or matters with which they had no specific involvement or responsibility during their employment with DNFSB.
(1) All documents and materials which are DNFSB agency records under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552;
(2) All other documents and materials contained in DNFSB files; and
(3) All other information or materials acquired by a DNFSB employee in the performance of his or her official duties or because of his or her official status.
No employee may produce official records and information or provide any testimony relating to official information in response to a demand or request without the prior, written approval of the General Counsel.
The General Counsel, in his or her sole discretion, may grant an employee permission to testify on matters relating to official information, or produce official records and information, in response to a demand or request. Among the relevant factors that the General Counsel may consider in making this decision are whether:
(a) The purposes of this part are met;
(b) Allowing such testimony or production of records would be necessary to prevent a miscarriage of justice;
(c) DNFSB has an interest in the decision that may be rendered in the legal proceeding;
(d) Allowing such testimony or production of records would assist or hinder DNFSB in performing its statutory duties or use DNFSB resources where responding to the request will interfere with the ability of DNFSB employees to do their work;
(e) Allowing such testimony or production of records would be in the best interest of DNFSB or the United States;
(f) The records or testimony can be obtained from other sources;
(g) The demand or request is unduly burdensome or otherwise inappropriate under the applicable rules of discovery or the rules of procedure governing the case or matter in which the demand or request arose;
(h) Disclosure would violate a statute, executive order or regulation;
(i) Disclosure would reveal confidential, sensitive, or privileged information, trade secrets or similar, confidential commercial or financial information, or otherwise protected information, or would otherwise be inappropriate for release;
(j) Disclosure would impede or interfere with an ongoing law enforcement investigation or proceedings;
(k) Disclosure would compromise constitutional rights;
(l) Disclosure would result in DNFSB appearing to favor one litigant over another;
(m) Disclosure relates to documents that were produced by another agency;
(n) A substantial Government interest is implicated;
(o) The demand or request is within the authority of the party making it; and
(p) The demand or request is sufficiently specific to be answered.
You must comply with the following requirements whenever you issue demands or requests to a DNFSB employee for official records, information, or testimony.
(a) Your request must be in writing and must be submitted to the General Counsel. If you serve a subpoena on DNFSB or a DNFSB employee before submitting a written request and receiving a final determination, DNFSB will oppose the subpoena on grounds that your request was not submitted in accordance with this subpart.
(b) Your written request must contain the following information:
(1) The caption of the legal proceeding, docket number, and name and address of the court or other authority involved;
(2) A copy of the complaint or equivalent document setting forth the assertions in the case and any other pleading or document necessary to show relevance of the testimony, records, or information you seek from the DNFSB;
(3) A list of categories of records sought, a detailed description of how the information sought is relevant to the issues in the legal proceeding, and a specific description of the substance of the testimony or records sought;
(4) A statement as to how the need for the information outweighs the need to maintain any confidentiality of the information and outweighs the burden on DNFSB to produce the records or provide testimony;
(5) A statement indicating that the information sought is not available from another source, from other persons or entities, or from the testimony of someone other than a DNFSB employee, such as a retained expert;
(6) If testimony is requested, the intended use of the testimony, a general summary of the desired testimony, and a showing that no document could be provided and used in lieu of testimony;
(7) A description of all prior decisions, orders, or pending motions in the case that bear upon the relevance of the requested records or testimony;
(8) The name, address, and telephone number of counsel to each party in the case; and
(9) An estimate of the amount of time that the requester and other parties will require with each DNFSB employee for time spent by the employee to prepare for testimony, in travel, and for attendance in the legal proceeding.
(c) The Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board reserves the right to require additional information to complete your request where appropriate.
(d) Your request should be submitted at least 45 days before the date that records or testimony is required. Requests submitted in less than 45 days before records or testimony is required must be accompanied by a written explanation stating the reasons for the late request and the reasons for expedited processing.
(e) Failure to cooperate in good faith to enable the General Counsel to make an informed decision may serve as the basis for a determination not to comply with your request.
Subpoenas or requests for official records or information or testimony must be served on the General Counsel, Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board, 625 Indiana Avenue, NW., Suite 700, Washington, DC 20004-2901.
(a) After service of a demand or request to testify, the General Counsel will review the demand or request and, in accordance with the provisions of this subpart, determine whether, or under what conditions, to authorize the employee to testify on matters relating to official information and/or produce official records and information.
(b) The Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board will process requests in the order in which they are received. Absent exigent or unusual circumstances, DNFSB will respond within 45 days from the date that we receive it. The time for response will depend upon the scope of the request.
(c) The General Counsel may grant a waiver of any procedure described by this subpart where a waiver is considered necessary to promote a significant interest of the DNFSB or the United States or for other good cause.
The General Counsel makes the final determination on demands and requests to employees for production of official records and information or testimony. All final determinations are within the sole discretion of the General Counsel. The General Counsel will notify the requester and the court or other authority of the final determination, the reasons for the grant or denial of the demand or request, and any conditions that the General Counsel may impose on the release of records or information, or on the testimony of a DNFSB employee.
(a) The General Counsel may impose conditions or restrictions on the testimony of DNFSB employees including, for example, limiting the areas of testimony or requiring the requester and other parties to the legal proceeding to agree that the transcript of the testimony will be kept under seal or will only be used or made available in the particular legal proceeding for which testimony was requested. The General Counsel may also require a copy of the transcript of testimony at the requester's expense.
(b) The DNFSB may offer the employee's written declaration in lieu of testimony.
(c) If authorized to testify pursuant to this part, an employee may testify as to facts within his or her personal knowledge, but, unless specifically authorized to do so by the General Counsel, the employee shall not:
(1) Disclose classified, privileged, or otherwise protected information;
(2) Testify as an expert or opinion witness with regard to any matter arising out of the employee's official duties or the functions of DNFSB unless testimony is being given on behalf of the United States (see also 5 CFR 2635.805 for current employees).
(a) The General Counsel may impose conditions or restrictions on the release of official records and information, including the requirement that parties to the proceeding obtain a protective order or execute a confidentiality agreement to limit access and any further disclosure. The terms of
(b) If the General Counsel so determines, original DNFSB records may be presented for examination in response to a demand or request, but they are not to be presented as evidence or otherwise used in a manner by which they could lose their identity as official DNFSB records, nor are they to be marked or altered. In lieu of the original records, certified copies will be presented for evidentiary purposes (see 28 U.S.C. 1733).
If a response to a demand or request is required before the General Counsel can make the determination referred to in § 1707.201, the General Counsel, when necessary, will provide the court or other competent authority with a copy of this part, inform the court or other competent authority that the demand or request is being reviewed, and seek a stay of the demand or request pending a final determination.
If the court or other competent authority fails to stay the demand, the employee upon whom the demand is made, unless otherwise advised by the General Counsel, will appear at the stated time and place, produce a copy of this part, state that the employee has been advised by counsel not to provide the requested testimony or produce documents, and respectfully decline to comply with the demand, citing
(a) Generally. The General Counsel may condition the production of records or appearance for testimony upon advance payment of a reasonable estimate of the costs to DNFSB.
(b) Fees for records. Fees for producing records will include fees for searching, reviewing, and duplicating records, costs of attorney time spent in reviewing the demand or request, and expenses generated by materials and equipment used to search for, produce, and copy the responsive information. Costs for employee time will be calculated on the basis of the hourly pay of the employee (including all pay, allowance, and benefits). Fees for duplication will be the same as those charged by DNFSB in its Freedom of Information Act fee regulations at 10 CFR part 1703.
(c) Witness fees. Fees for attendance by a witness will include fees, expenses, and allowances prescribed by the court's rules. If no such fees are prescribed, witness fees will be determined based upon the rule of the Federal district court closest to the location where the witness will appear. Such fees will include cost of time spent by the witness to prepare for testimony, in travel, and for attendance in the legal proceeding.
(d) Payment of fees. You must pay witness fees for current DNFSB employees and any records certification fees by submitting to the General Counsel a check or money order for the appropriate amount made payable to the Treasury of the United States. In the case of testimony by former DNFSB employees, you must pay applicable fees directly to the former employee in accordance with 28 U.S.C. 1821 or other applicable statutes.
(e) Certification (authentication) of copies of records. The Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board may certify that records are true copies in order to facilitate their use as evidence. If you seek certification, you must request certified copies from DNFSB at least 45 days before the date they will be needed. The request should be sent to the General Counsel. You will be charged a
(f) Waiver or reduction of fees. The General Counsel, in his or her sole discretion, may, upon a showing of reasonable cause, waive or reduce any fees in connection with the testimony, production, or certification of records.
(g) De minimis fees. Fees will not be assessed if the total charge would be $10.00 or less.
(a) An employee who discloses official records or information or gives testimony relating to official information, except as expressly authorized by DNFSB or as ordered by a Federal court after DNFSB has had the opportunity to be heard, may face the penalties provided in 18 U.S.C. 641 and other applicable laws. Additionally, former DNFSB employees are subject to the restrictions and penalties of 18 U.S.C. 207 and 216.
(b) A current DNFSB employee who testifies or produces official records and information in violation of this part shall be subject to disciplinary action.
Sec. 227, Art. IV(i)(7), Art. VII(e), Pub. L. 99-240, 99 Stat. 1842, 1914, 1921-1922.
Pursuant to Articles IV.i.(1), (7), (15), and VII.e. of the Northeast Interstate Low-Level Radioactive Waste Compact (enacted by the “Omnibus Low-Level Radioactive Waste Compact Consent Act of 1985,” Public Law 99-240, 99 Stat. 1842, Title I) (the “Compact”), the Northeast Interstate Low-Level Radioactive Waste Commission (the “Commission”) establishes through this part the conditions that it deems necessary and appropriate to be met by a state requesting eligibility to become a party state to this Compact. The Commission shall apply these conditions to evaluate the petition of any state seeking to be eligible to become a party state pursuant to Article VII of the Compact.
The definitions contained in Article II of the Compact and Article I.B. of the Commission's By Laws shall apply throughout this part. For the purposes of this part, additional terms are defined as follows:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a) Any state seeking to become an eligible state under the Compact shall submit to the Chairman of the Commission six copies of a petition to become an eligible state. The petition shall discuss each of the conditions specified in § 1800.13 and shall:
(1) Affirm that the petitioning state fully satisfies each condition; or
(2) Explain why the petitioning state does not or cannot fully satisfy any particular condition.
(b) Upon receipt of a petition from any state seeking to become an eligible state under the Compact, the Commission shall publish a notice in accordance with Article I.F.1. of the By Laws and shall initiate an adjudicatory proceeding to act on the petition. Any person may submit written comments on a petition, and all such comments must be received by the Commission within 30 days of notice that a petition has been submitted.
(c) The Commission shall evaluate the petition against the conditions for declaration of an eligible state specified in § 1800.13. As part of the proceeding to evaluate a petition to become an eligible state, the Commission may, in its discretion, conduct a hearing pursuant to Article IV.i.(6) of the Compact and Article V.F.1. of the Commission's By-Laws. For good cause shown, the Commission may issue an order shortening the notice period for hearings provided in Article I.F.1. of the By Laws to a period of not less than ten days.
(d) After review of the petition and after any hearing, if held, the Commission shall issue an order accepting or rejecting the petition or accepting the petition with conditions. If the Commission accepts the petition without conditions, the petitioning state shall be declared an eligible state and shall become a new party state upon passage of the Compact by its state legislature,
(e) A state that submits a petition for declaration as an eligible state that is rejected by the Commission may submit a new petition at any time. The Commission will consider the new petition without reference to the prior petition but may use evidence obtained in any prior proceeding to evaluate the new petition.
(f) The Commission's consideration of a petition for declaration of an eligible state shall be governed by the Compact, the Commission's By Laws, and this part.
The Commission shall evaluate a petition to become an eligible party state on the basis of the following conditions and criteria:
(a) To be eligible for Compact membership, a state must agree that it will be the voluntary host state upon admission to the Compact and will continue to be the voluntary host state for a least that period of time until all currently licensed nuclear power stations within the region have been fully decommissioned and their licenses (including any licenses for storage of spent nuclear fuel under 10 CFR Part 72) have been terminated.
(b) To be eligible for Compact membership, a state must agree that, so long as the petitioning state remains within the Compact, it will be the sole host state.
(c) To be eligible for Compact membership, a state must warrant the availability of a regional disposal facility that will accommodate 800,000 cubic feet of waste from generators located within the borders of the existing party states.
(d) To be eligible for Compact membership, a state must agree to establish a uniform fee schedule for waste disposal at the regional disposal facility that shall apply to all generators within the region. That uniform fee schedule, including all surcharges (except new surcharges imposed pursuant to Article V.f.3. of the Compact), shall not exceed the average fees that generators within the existing party states paid for disposal at the Barnwell, South Carolina, facility at the end of calendar year 1999, adjusted annually based on an acceptable inflation index.
(e) To be eligible for Compact membership, a state must agree with the existing states that regional generators shall be permitted to process or dispose of waste at sites outside the Compact boundaries based solely on the judgment and discretion of each regional generator.
(f) To be eligible for Compact membership, a state must agree with the existing states that the Commission may authorize importation of waste from non-regional generators for the purpose of disposal only if the host state approves and such importation does not jeopardize the warranted availability of 800,000 cubic feet of disposal capacity for waste produced by generators within the existing party states. A new party state must agree that regional generators shall not pay higher fees than non-regional generators and that all books and records related to the establishment or collection of fees shall be available for Commission review.
(g) To be eligible for Compact membership, in addition to the express limitations on non-host state and Commission liability provided in the Compact, a state must agree to indemnify the Commission or the existing party states for any damages incurred solely because of the new state's membership in the Compact and for any damages associated with any injury to persons or property during the institutional
(h) To be eligible for Compact membership, a state must agree that any incentive payments made by the existing party states as an inducement for a state to join the Compact will be returned to the existing party states, with interest, on a pro rata basis if, for any reason, the regional disposal facility ceases to be available to generators in the existing party states for a period of more than six months (other than periods that have been expressly approved and authorized by the Commission) or is unavailable for disposal of 800,000 cubic feet of waste from generators within the borders of the existing states. In the event of such unavailability, the new party state must agree to return the incentive payments based on the following schedule:
(1) 75% of the incentive payment if the regional facility becomes unavailable prior to January 1, 2002;
(2) 50% of the incentive payment if the regional facility becomes unavailable on or after January 1, 2002, and prior to January 1, 2004;
(3) 30% of the incentive payment if the regional facility becomes unavailable on or after January 1, 2004, and prior to January 1, 2006;
(4) 20% of the incentive payment if the regional facility becomes unavailable on or after January 1, 2006, and prior to January 1, 2009;
(5) 10% of the incentive payment if the regional facility becomes unavailable on or after January 1, 2009, and prior to the time when all currently licensed nuclear power stations within the region have been fully decommissioned and their licenses (including any licenses for storage of spent nuclear fuel under 10 CFR Part 72) have been terminated.
(i) To be eligible for Compact membership, a state must agree with the existing states that once a new party state has been admitted to membership in the Compact pursuant to the rules in this part, declaration of any other state as an eligible party state will require the unanimous consent of all members of the Commission.
(a) Because of the importance of the conditions for declaration of an eligible state under the Compact, the rules in this part may only be modified, amended, or rescinded after a public hearing held pursuant to Article IV.i.(6) of the Compact and Article V.F.1. of the Commission's By Laws and by a unanimous vote of all members of the Commission.
(b) Any party state may enforce the rules in this part by bringing an action against or on behalf of the Commission in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia pursuant to Article IV.n. of the Compact.
(c) If, for any reason, any portion of the rules in this part shall be declared invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of the rules in this part shall remain in full force and effect.
A list of CFR titles, subtitles, chapters, subchapters and parts and an alphabetical list of agencies publishing in the CFR are included in the CFR Index and Finding Aids volume to the Code of Federal Regulations which is published separately and revised annually.
Material Approved for Incorporation by Reference
Table of CFR Titles and Chapters
Alphabetical List of Agencies Appearing in the CFR
List of CFR Sections Affected
The Director of the Federal Register has approved under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR Part 51 the incorporation by reference of the following publications. This list contains only those incorporations by reference effective as of the revision date of this volume. Incorporations by reference found within a regulation are effective upon the effective date of that regulation. For more information on incorporation by reference, see the preliminary pages of this volume.
All changes in this volume of the Code of Federal Regulations that were made by documents published in the
For the period before January 1, 2001, see the “List of CFR Sections Affected, 1973-1985 and 1986-2000”, published in eight separate volumes.