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In the October 30, 1998 Issue:

GAO REPORTS DOE LACKS EFFECTIVE STRATEGY FOR IMPLEMENTING LAB REFORMS

The Department of Energy has been unable to demonstrate that it can effectively manage the reform of its national laboratory system, the General Accounting Office (GAO) says in a new report. Consequently, GAO recommends that Congress consider alternatives to the present relationship between DOE and the laboratories. In response to on-going congressional concerns about DOE’s progress in making systemic changes, GAO evaluators were asked to:

The GAO study, "Department of Energy: Uncertain Progress in Implementing National Laboratory Reforms," identified nearly 30 reports by a wide variety of advisory groups on various aspects of the national laboratories’ management and missions. GAO asserts that the more recent advisory groups have reported similar weaknesses the laboratories’ missions are unfocused; DOE micromanages the laboratories; and, the laboratories are not operating as an integrated system.

In assessing how DOE has responded to the recommendations, GAO determined that while DOE has made some progress, its actions are either still underway or have unclear outcomes. The agency’s responses "lack the objectives, performance measures and milestones needed to effectively track progress and account for results." The report further states, "DOE’s organizational weaknesses, which include unclear lines of authority, are a major reason why the Department has been unable to develop long-term solutions to the recurring problems reported by the advisory groups."

The report recommends that the Secretary of Energy develop a comprehensive strategy for meeting reform implementation objectives. The strategy should include objectives, milestones, performance measures, designated offices responsible for implementation actions, a tracking system to monitor progress, and regular progress reports on the status of implementation.

In its response to the draft version of the report, the Department of Energy argued that the GAO failed to take into account the full range of changes undertaken by the agency, including its commitment to achieving long-term, stronger management for the laboratory system.  It also noted the scientific excellence and productivity at the laboratories should not be overlooked.

The report concludes, however, that in the opinion of the GAO evaluators, establishing accountability for ensuring that reform takes place in a timely manner is a challenge for DOE. GAO advocates that it is time for Congress to consider alternatives such as placing the laboratories under the control of different agencies, or creating a separate structure to develop a consensus on the laboratories’ missions.

The full GAO study, "Department of Energy: Uncertain Progress in Implementing National Laboratory Reforms," (RCED-98-197) is available on the Internet at the following site: http://www.gao.gov/new.items/newtitle.htm

EPA ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF POLLUTION PREVENTION GRANTS

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that it will have $5 million available under the Pollution Prevention Incentives for States (PPIS) Grant Program in FY 1999. PPIS is targeted at state and tribal programs that address the reduction or elimination of pollution across all environmental media: air, land, and water.

The goal of the PPIS grant program is to assist businesses and industries in identifying better environmental strategies and solutions for complying with federal and state environmental regulations. PPIS grants are designed to effect the compatibility of businesses' environmental and economic decision-making, and improve competitiveness without increasing environmental impacts.

The majority of the PPIS grants fund state-based projects in the areas of technical assistance and training, education and outreach, regulatory integration, data collection and research, demonstration projects, and recognition programs. More than $50 million has been awarded to over 100 state and tribal organizations through EPA's PPIS since its inception in 1989.

Eligible applicants include the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, any territory or possession of the United States, any agency or instrumentality of a state including state universities, and all federally recognized Native American Tribes. State applicants are encouraged to establish partnerships with business and other environmental assistance providers to deliver pollution prevention assistance. Organizations receiving pollution prevention grant funds are required to match federal funds by at least 50 percent.

National funding decisions will be made by April 1999. The full solicitation is posted on the Internet at www.epa.gov/p2. Additional information, including specific deadlines for submitting proposals, is available from EPA Regional Pollution Prevention Coordinators.

The contact information for the regional coordinators is available from the solicitation document or by calling SSTI at 614/421-SSTI (7784).

CALIFORNIA MAY EXPAND RTA NETWORK

California is considering expanding its network of Regional Technology Alliances (RTA), which is a component of the Goldstrike Partnership. The Goldstrike Partnership, a program of the California Trade and Commerce Agency's Office of Strategic Technology (OST), supports the development, application, and commercialization of technology to create jobs, respond to industry changes, and foster competitiveness.

The program’s goal is to leverage existing regional, state, and federal resources to maximize assistance in the formation and growth of technology-based firms. The RTA model is an industry driven, non-profit private/public partnership. There are currently three RTAs, located in the San Francisco Bay area, Los Angeles, and San Diego. OST is looking to establish a statewide network of RTAs that develop and manage technology based industry-driven initiatives.

The RTA expansion process has two phases, a study phase and an implementation phase. To determine if the expansion is warranted, the California Trade and Commerce Agency is inviting entities to submit proposals to OST for matching grant funding. OST is particularly interested in proposals for the California Desert, Capitol, and Central Valley areas.

In the implementation phase all, some or none of the RTAs may be awarded. The number and timing of awards will be determined by the strength of the studies and availability of funds.

For additional information, contact Jeff Newman, Manager of the Goldstrike Partnership at 626/568-8629 or via e-mail at jnewman@commerce.ca.gov. A copy of the solicitation is posted at http://www.goldstrike.net

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