10 U.S.C. § 4128 — Laboratory Quality Enhancement Program

(a) Program. (1) Through the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, the Secretary must run a program establishing the panels in subsection (b) and directing them to (A) review and recommend changes concerning (i) existing policies and practices affecting laboratories to improve mission effectiveness; (ii) laboratory initiatives; and (iii) new interpretations of existing law that would improve a laboratory director's ability to manage and carry out the mission; (B) support current and future initiatives; and (C) assess or analyze data about the effectiveness of laboratory authorities and other issues the Secretary chooses. (2) The program is called the “Laboratory Quality Enhancement Program.” (b) Panels. They cover (1) personnel, workforce development, and talent management; (2) facilities, equipment, and infrastructure; (3) research strategy, technology transfer, and industry and university partnerships; and (4) governance and oversight. (c) Composition. (1) Panels (1)–(3) may include subject-matter and technical-management experts from (A) Army^*, Navy, and Air Force laboratories and research centers; (B) appropriate Defense Agencies; (C) the Office of the Under Secretary; and (D) other entities the Secretary chooses. (2) The governance panel must include at least one member from each science and technology reinvention laboratory and other members the Secretary chooses. (d) Governance. (1) Each panel's members select its chair. (2) With the Under Secretary, each panel sends the Defense Science and Technology Executive Committee information or findings on matters needing decision or approval, as the panel considers appropriate. (e) Legal interpretations. (1) Under the Secretary's guidance, the Under Secretary must issue regulations about the meaning, scope, implementation, and applicability of statutory provisions concerning a laboratory. (2) As practicable, the Under Secretary must emphasize maximum operating flexibility for laboratory directors to carry out missions. (3) As practicable, the Under Secretary must consult and coordinate with military-department Secretaries and relevant agencies or entities about proposed regulatory revisions. (4) The Under Secretary must seek recommendations from the governance panel. (f) Definition. “Science and technology reinvention laboratory” means a Defense laboratory designated under section 4121.