Through the Modernizing DOE Operating Directives Initiative (formerly known as Project Velocity), DOE is modernizing how it operates its National Laboratories, plants, and sites so that scientists, engineers, and technicians can spend more time on the core mission objectives, including science and production that serve national and energy security and less on duplicative, burdensome processes. With input from lab leadership and subject matter experts, DOE thoughtfully reviewed and updated a set of operating directives to increase efficiency without compromising safety and security.
Phase I of this initiative focused on the revision or cancellation of approximately 58 DOE directives. Of those, 34 are included in Berkeley Lab’s M&O contract. This initial set of directives have been released as of August 13, 2026, and can be found at https://www.energy.gov/management/directives-guidance-and-delegations.
It’s important to remember that modernization does not mean weakening DOE’s commitment to standards-based management or integrated safety/security management; it means applying requirements in a smarter, more effective way.
In coming weeks and months, we will be working to align Lab policies, procedures, and training materials to the revised or cancelled orders. This process will be managed by the Institutional Contractor Assurance Office (ICAO).
Find out more at http://mod-initiative.lbl.gov/
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions to MOD-initiative@lbl.gov.
