42 U.S.C. § 16358 — Strategic research portfolio analysis and coordination plan

(a) The Secretary^* must periodically review all Department science and technology activities in a framework considering scientific frontiers to which the Department can contribute, national needs tied to Department missions, and global energy dynamics. (b) As part of the review, the Secretary must develop a plan to improve coordination and collaboration across Department organizational boundaries. The plan must describe cross-cutting scientific and technical issues spanning programs or major offices; how applied technology programs coordinate and address them; how technical exchange, especially between the Office of Science and applied programs, could improve; how the Department’s agenda would combine curiosity-driven fundamental research, fundamental research relevant to applied programs, and use of curiosity-driven results in technology programs; critical reviews of ongoing programs with below-standard performance or cost overruns of 10% or more in one or more years; work better left to States, industry, nongovernmental organizations, higher-education institutions, or others; and detailed evaluations and proposals for innovation hubs, institutes, and research centers. The last must affirm that hubs, institutes, and centers advance the Department mission and prioritize research, development, and demonstration, and that those established or renewed in the Office of Science fit its mission under § 7139(c). (c) Every 4 years, the Secretary must send Congress the review results and the coordination plan.