The laboratory ensures that LDRD program goals and objectives are aligned with DOE Order 413.2C, Chg. 1, and that the LDRD portfolio is managed with integrity and transparency. All LDRD projects go through a rigorous proposal review and selection process, and ongoing projects applying for renewal are contingent on a progress report review. These steps ensure that LDRD investments are continually aligned with INL’s vision, mission, and S&T initiatives, and are technically sound, innovative, cutting-edge RD&D projects that comply with the LDRD Order. New project proposals and ongoing project progress reports are subject to multiple levels of review (by management, technical reviewers, and a strategic review committee).
Lab leadership establishes review committees for each focus area and for seed proposals. These committees review new project proposals and ongoing project progress reports and make funding recommendations. Committees are staffed by senior and midcareer researchers and technical managers who are subject matter experts without any conflict of interest with the proposed projects. The deputy lab director for S&T reviews the committees’ recommendations with the associate laboratory directors and makes final funding decisions on the LDRD portfolio. DOE’s Idaho Operations Office concurs on each proposed and continuing project prior to project authorization.
