THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of Science and Technology Policy

For Immediate Release
September 25, 1995

FACT SHEET

FEDERAL LABORATORY REFORM

On May 5, 1994, President Clinton requested the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) to review the Federal Laboratories operated by the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The NSTC completed its report to the President May 15, 1995.

Based on that report, the President has concluded that the laboratory systems of the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration provide essential service to the Nation in fundamental science, national security, environmental protection, energy, aerospace, and technologies that contribute to industrial competitiveness.

It is imperative that the national investment in these resources be used in the most efficient and effective manner possible. On the basis of the Vice President’s National Performance Review, and of the National Science and Technology Council Interagency Federal Laboratory Review, much has been done in implementing reforms in management of the Nation’s three largest laboratory systems. To ensure the best management and return on Federal expenditures, the President has provided further guidance to the heads of Agencies for implementation of management reforms within the federal laboratory system.

General Guidelines and Principles

The United States will improve agency management and reduce unnecessary redundancy in the laboratory systems of the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, while maintaining the laboratories’ quality and ability to contribute to national needs.

In implementing reforms of the federal laboratory system, agencies will adhere to the following general guidelines and principles:

  1. Agencies will review and, as appropriate, rescind internal management instructions, regulations, and redundant oversight that impeded laboratory performance.
  2. Agencies will clarify and focus mission assignments for their laboratories, eliminating redundancy and restructuring the laboratory systems as appropriate and necessary.
  3. In their efforts to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness in their laboratory systems, agencies will fist seek to achieve all possible savings through streamlining and improving management. Then, as necessary, they will reduce or eliminate lower priority programs, in accordance with guidance from the Office of Management and Budget and the Office of Science and Technology Policy, based on priorities set by the National Science and Technology Council and, as appropriate, the National Security C ouncil.

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  4. Agencies will continue to explore opportunities to coordinate and integrate laboratory resources and facilities on an interagency and inter-service basis, eliminating unnecessary duplication and establishing joint management where appropriate.

Nuclear Weapons Responsibility

Subsequent to the NSTC Laboratory Review completed in May, 1995, the Departments of Energy and Defense, in coordination with the National Security Council conducted an examination of capabilities and functions necessary to conduct an effective science-based stockpile stewardship program. On basis of this review, the President has concluded that the continued vitality of all three DOE nuclear weapons laboratories is essential to the nation’s ability to fulfill the requirements of stockpile stewardship as we enter into a Comprehensive Test Ban regime.

In accordance with this conclusion, the Department of Energy is directed to maintain nuclear weapons responsibilities and capabilities adequate to support the science-based stockpile stewardship program required to ensure continues confidence in the safety and reliability of the nuclear weapons stockpile in the absence of nuclear testing. The Joint Report on the Stockpile Stewardship required by Presidential Directive and submitted annually to the NSC Interagency Working Group shall be developed consi stent with this requirement.