Energy Research: Opportunities Exist to Recover Federal Investment in Technology Development Projects
RCED-96-141
Published: Jun 26, 1996. Publicly Released: Jul 11, 1996.
Skip to Highlights
Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Department of Energy's (DOE) cost-sharing arrangements it has with the private sector to fund technology development programs, focusing on the: (1) extent to which DOE requires repayment of its investment in cost-shared technology development; and (2) advantages and disadvantages of repayment.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Energy | The Secretary of Energy should develop and implement a departmentwide policy for requiring repayment of the federal investment in successfully commercialized cost-shared technologies. The policy should provide criteria and flexibility for determining which programs and projects are appropriate for repayment. |
Closed – Implemented
DOE originally agreed with this recommendation and considered the merits of implementing a DOE-wide recoupment policy for the repayment of the federal investment in successfully commercialized cost-shared technologies developed under DOE programs. However, at this time, DOE feels that a number of contextual and policy circumstances have changed since the report was issued in 1996. Thus, the department has withdrawn its support. For the record, DOE noted that recoupments, with or without a formal DOE-wide policy, are authorized by Part 35, sec.35.003c of the Federal Acquisition Regulations. DOE is also continuing to explore a number of related R&D policy initiatives associated with technology commercialization.
|
Full Report
Office of Public Affairs
Topics
Alternative energy sourcesCost sharing (finance)Energy researchFeesJoint venturesLicense agreementsReimbursements to governmentResearch and development costsRoyalty paymentsTechnology transfer