§18647 Science Laboratories Infrastructure Program

Summary

The Director must run a program to make Office of Science laboratories safer, more efficient, and ready for their missions. The program covers five kinds of projects: fixing or replacing lab space that no longer fits research needs; replacing facilities that cost too much to fix or run; upgrading utility systems; removing extra or unused buildings; and building new labs for advanced research that need controlled environments. The Director can use many funding and contracting tools the Secretary allows, including capital projects, minor construction, energy and utility contracts, alternative financing, and expense funding. Each year through fiscal year 2027, when the President’s budget is sent, the Secretary must give Congress a list of projects to be funded, with a short description and the funding plan, to the Senate Appropriations Committee, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, the House Appropriations Committee, and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Up to $550,000,000 is authorized each year for fiscal years 2023 through 2027 from Office of Science appropriations.