Does The Dept. Of Energy Need To Make Its Research More Public Sector Friendly? (H.R. 1158)
Do you support or oppose this bill?
What is H.R. 1158?
(Updated August 1, 2017)
This bill would mandate that the Secretary of Energy (DOE) create a report assessing the DOE’s current ability to transfer new energy technologies to the private sector — essentially commercializing research from federal laboratories.
This report would also offer recommendations for changes and delivered to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The bill also expresses the sense of Congress that National Laboratories and federally funded research centers inform small businesses of the opportunities and resources that exist.
Within 180 days of this bill’s enactment, the Secretary would prepare a report assessing the DOE’s ability to authorize, host, and oversee privately funded fusion and non-light water reactor prototypes at DOE-owned sites. These potential nuclear reactors would produce up to 20 megawatts of thermal output. The Secretary’s report would include a safety review, ideas for a potential site, the effectiveness of current DOE contracts for commercializing technology, and estimates of costs associated with the proposed project.
The DOE would be directed to carry out a Agreements for Commercializing Technology pilot program. This would offer eligible National Laboratory contractors increased authority to negotiate contract terms around:
- intellectual property rights,
- payment structures,
- performance guarantees,
- and multiparty collaborations with the laboratory director.
Argument in favor
Strengthens the relationship between federal science research and private sector commercialization, helping businesses bring new innovations into broader use.
Argument opposed
Federal research shouldn't be a trade show. This bill also decentralizes lab contracts and favors firms with established political connections.
Impact
Research coming out of federal labs, private sector businesses interested in commercialization agreements with the DoE, national laboratories, their employees, and directors, relevant congressional committees, the Government Accountability Office, the DoE, and the Secretary of Energy.
Cost of H.R. 1158
A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.
Additional Info
In-Depth:
National Laboratory directors would submit a summary to the Secretary of Energy describing the relevant project, cost estimates, and a project timeline — in addition to certifying that their project is not in direct competition with the private sector and negates any conflict of interest. They would be granted signature authority by the Secretary for all agreements costing less than $1,000,000.
Within three years of this bill’s enactment, the Government Accountability Office would have to report on the projects and partnerships and their affects on national priorities and taxpayer-funded research. This report would also cover fiscal savings, expanding National Laboratory capabilities, or an increase in general efficiency.
Of Note:
A previous version of this bill was introduced and passed by voice vote in the House of Representatives in July 2014, but it never advanced beyond the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources in the Senate.
Media:
Sponsoring Rep. Randy Hultgren (R-IL) Press Release (Previous version)
House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology Press Release
American Security Project (In Favor)
Kane County Chronicle (Previous version)
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