DOE is required by policy to determine that the work for a federal partner is compatible with DOE missions, will not adversely impact current DOE programs, will not place a detrimental future burden on DOE resources, and is not in direct competition with the U.S. domestic private sector. DOE will submit a formal technical proposal to the federal customer, which will include the DOE administrative requirements. The funding document references the technical proposal, establishes the work performance period, and must be consistent with DOE administrative requirements. Upon receipt of the federal customer's funding document, the proposed work is reviewed to ensure it is compatible with the technical proposal, consistent with the appropriate legal authority, and can be executed in the requested time frame. DOE then assigns the technical task to PNNL, commits the funds, and authorizes the laboratory to start work.
Discussions are informal.
Planning documents, capability statements, and related material are of a preliminary nature. No commitments are made on either side. After a formal request is received from a customer, PNNL prepares work statements, budget estimates, resource requirements and WFO Agreement. Project Review and Approval. DOE, PNNL, and the requesting customer review and approve work statements, budget estimates, WFO Agreement and related documents, thereby ensuring that the needs of all parties are met.