DOE Research, Technology, and Economic Security (RTES) Framework for Financial Assistance and Loan Activities

Issued on November 26, 2024. DOE's RTES office issued a 'framework to minimize, mitigate, and manage risks while maintaining an open, collaborative, and world-leading scientific enterprise.' The process includes three phases during which RTES will coordinate with program offices. This includes ensuring solicitations include appropriate language on RTES requirements, including assessment of technology risk level; and RTES 'due diligence' reviews before selection for award; and changes that occur during the life of a project that may trigger RTES review. Risk reviews use information disclosed to the agency as well as public and classified sources. Risk factors include ties to malign foreign talent recruitment programs, 'certain foreign funding sources', 'certain concerning behaviors associated with patenting', and ties to foreign entities or foreign collaborators on specified [certain U.S. restricted] lists 'or with specified characteristics.'