DOE Proposes Clearer Rules for Selling Materials Outside
Published Date: 2/18/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Department of Energy is updating how it sets prices for materials and services sold to people and organizations outside the government. This change clarifies rules, updates definitions, and adjusts special pricing to keep things fair and clear. If you want to share your thoughts, make sure to comment by April 20, 2026, because these updates could affect costs and how you buy from DOE.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.
Federal Administrative Charge Cut to 1%
If you pay DOE for reimbursable work, the Federal Administrative Charge is set at 1 percent of total direct and indirect costs beginning October 1, 2025. DOE estimates this reduction will lower aggregate costs for non-Federal entities by about $4 million per year based on 2022 volumes.
DOE Contractors Covered by Pricing Rule
If you are a DOE contractor providing materials, goods, or services under a DOE contract, this pricing regulation (10 CFR part 1009) applies to those sales. That means contractor-provided sales to organizations or people outside the Federal Government are governed by the rule.
User Facility Fees: Free vs. Full Cost
Access to DOE non‑NNSA user facilities for non‑proprietary research may be provided without charge when approved by laboratory management, while proprietary research is charged full cost recovery. Additionally, work at NNSA laboratories must be charged to realize full cost recovery.
Research Reactor Support and Commercial Cost‑Sharing
DOE will provide support and services to participating domestic research reactors at no charge when approved, but reactor operators must pay a share of full DOE support costs proportional to commercial use. The program authorizing this is section 31 of Public Law 83-703 (42 U.S.C. 2051).
How DOE Prices Materials From Stock
If DOE delivers materials from stock that can be replaced, it will charge replacement cost plus packaging and shipping; if the materials cannot be replaced, DOE will charge the fair value (which may consider market value or comparable assets).
No General Admission Fees at DOE Museums
DOE states that visitors to DOE museums and exhibits will not be charged admission fees unless there is specific statutory authority to charge them. This continues DOE's historical practice to promote science education.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13674 — Energy Conservation Program: Procedures, Interpretations, and Policies for Consideration of New or Revised Energy Conservation Standards and Test Procedures for Consumer Products and Certain Commercial/Industrial Equipment
The Department of Energy is updating how it sets and reviews energy-saving rules for products like appliances and industrial equipment. These changes include clearer steps, new definitions, and economic checks to make sure energy savings really matter. If you make or sell these products, or just care about saving energy, you can share your thoughts by August 6, 2026, and join a free webinar on July 15 to learn more.
2026-12475 — Application for Authorization To Transmit Electric Energy to a Foreign Country
The Department of Energy is making it easier and faster for companies to get permission to send electricity across U.S. borders. This new rule starts on July 22, 2026, and helps keep our electric supply safe while encouraging cross-border energy trade. If you’re involved in exporting electricity, get ready for a simpler application process with clear deadlines and fewer headaches.
2026-11057 — Rescinding Regulations for Loans for Minority Business Enterprises Seeking DOE Contracts and Assistance
The Department of Energy is delaying a rule that would stop loans for minority-owned businesses trying to get DOE contracts. This means minority businesses can keep applying for these loans a bit longer while the government reviews the rule carefully. The new delay pushes the rule’s start date to September 1, 2026, giving everyone more time to prepare and comment.
2026-10727 — Zero-Based Regulating
The Department of Energy is adding expiration dates to some of its rules to keep things fresh and efficient. If a rule isn’t renewed before its sunset date, it disappears—no more rule, no more hassle! This change starts July 13, 2026, and helps save time and money by cutting outdated regulations every five years or less.
2026-10729 — Zero-Based Regulating
The Department of Energy wants to add expiration dates to some of its rules to keep things fresh and efficient, following a new White House order. This means certain regulations will automatically end unless reviewed and renewed, helping save time and money. If you have thoughts, speak up by June 29, 2026, because your input could shape the future of energy rules!
2026-08201 — Energy Conservation Program: Exempt Power Supplies Under the EPS Service Parts Act of 2014
The Department of Energy is making it easier for companies by removing some reporting rules for certain power supplies used as service parts. This change mainly affects manufacturers and sellers of these exempt power supplies and starts on May 28, 2026. It cuts red tape without adding costs, helping businesses save time and focus on energy innovation.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-03088 — Amendment of Class D and Class E2 Airspace Over Wilmington, DE
The FAA wants to make the airspace around New Castle Airport in Wilmington, DE a bit bigger by adding a small extension to help pilots flying with instruments. This change affects pilots and air traffic controllers and aims to make flying safer and smoother. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until April 3, 2026, to speak up—no costs for the public, just clearer skies ahead!
Next: 2026-03199 — Accessibility Standards for Universal Changing Stations
The government is working on new rules to make universal changing stations easier to use for everyone, including people with disabilities. These rules will cover how the stations and their rooms should be private, clean, and accessible. Businesses and public places will need to follow these standards once finalized, and the public can share their thoughts by April 20, 2026.