2016 US Code
Title 42 - The Public Health and Welfare
Chapter 84 - Department of Energy
Subchapter VI - Administrative Provisions
Part C - General Administrative Provisions
Sec. 7261c - Technology partnerships ombudsman

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Citation 42 U.S.C. § 7261c (2016)
Section Name §7261c. Technology partnerships ombudsman
Section Text (a) Appointment of ombudsman

The Secretary of Energy shall direct the director of each national laboratory of the Department of Energy, and may direct the director of each facility under the jurisdiction of the Department of Energy, to appoint a technology partnership ombudsman to hear and help resolve complaints from outside organizations regarding the policies and actions of each such laboratory or facility with respect to technology partnerships (including cooperative research and development agreements), patents, and technology licensing.

(b) Qualifications

An ombudsman appointed under subsection (a) of this section shall be a senior official of the national laboratory or facility who is not involved in day-to-day technology partnerships, patents, or technology licensing, or, if appointed from outside the laboratory or facility, function as such a senior official.

(c) Duties

Each ombudsman appointed under subsection (a) of this section shall—

(1) serve as the focal point for assisting the public and industry in resolving complaints and disputes with the national laboratory or facility regarding technology partnerships, patents, and technology licensing;

(2) promote the use of collaborative alternative dispute resolution techniques such as mediation to facilitate the speedy and low-cost resolution of complaints and disputes, when appropriate; and

(3) report quarterly on the number and nature of complaints and disputes raised, along with the ombudsman's assessment of their resolution, consistent with the protection of confidential and sensitive information, to—

(A) the Secretary;

(B) the Administrator for Nuclear Security;

(C) the Director of the Office of Dispute Resolution of the Department of Energy; and

(D) the employees of the Department responsible for the administration of the contract for the operation of each national laboratory or facility that is a subject of the report, for consideration in the administration and review of that contract.

Source Credit

(Pub. L. 106–404, §11, Nov. 1, 2000, 114 Stat. 1749.)

Editorial Notes CODIFICATION

Section was enacted as part of the Technology Transfer Commercialization Act of 2000, and not as part of the Department of Energy Organization Act which comprises this chapter.

Publication Title United States Code, 2012 Edition, Supplement 4, Title 42 - THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE
Category Bills and Statutes
Collection United States Code
SuDoc Class Number Y 1.2/5:
Contained Within Title 42 - THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE
CHAPTER 84 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
SUBCHAPTER VI - ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
Part C - General Administrative Provisions
Sec. 7261c - Technology partnerships ombudsman
Contains section 7261c
Date 2016
Laws In Effect As Of Date January 6, 2017
Positive Law No
Disposition standard
Statutes at Large Reference 114 Stat. 1749
Public Law References Public Law 106-404
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