Research Security Training Requirement

More information on the Research Security Training Requirement can be found in DOE's Financial Assistance Letter (FAL) on this topic: (FAL 2025-02) Financial Assistance Letter Research Security Training Requirements for all R&D Financial Assistance Awards | Department of Energy.

Please note that DOE’s research security training application requirement is different and distinct from the forthcoming Research Security Program requirements described in the OSTP-RSP-Guidelines-Memo.pdf (whitehouse.gov).

• The research security training requirement applies to each covered individual listed on the application for a research and development award. See 42 USC 19234.
• The forthcoming Research Security Program requirements will apply to research institutions receiving Federal science and engineering support in excess of 50 million dollars per year. See NSPM-33, NSPM-33 Implementation Guidance, and OSTP Memo on Research Security Program Guidelines. DOE is working with interagency partners to harmonize the RSP requirements across federal funding agencies to the extent practicable.

FAQs for Applicants: Research Security Training Requirement

Question: How do applicants know when the requirement becomes mandatory? To what deadline does the May 1, 2025 date refer?

Answer: The requirement is mandatory for any NOFO application due date after May 1, 2025.

Question: Does the training certification requirement apply to DOE/NNSA national lab employees and/or people who have “joint appointments” at a university and a DOE/NNSA national lab?

Answer: Yes. Training for covered individuals (including financial assistance and DOE/NNSA national lab covered individuals) is in 42 USC 19234, and certification is required.  While DOE Order 486.1A is being updated to include the training requirement, lab employees who are listed as covered individuals on an application to a NOFO are required to submit the current and pending support form as well as the training certification.

Question: Does the training certification requirement apply to people who are employees of other federal agencies?

Answer: The training requirement for federal employees is in NSPM-33 (Sec. 4(f); certification not expressly required). If a federal employee is a covered individual on an application to a NOFO, they should follow their home agency training requirements.  

Question: What verification is needed to ensure the content of an independently developed training program satisfies the Section 10634(b) requirements?

Answer: The organizational certification provided by the recipient confirms compliance with Section 10634(b) requirements. As stated in the NOFO provision and award term on this topic, DOE applicants who receive an award must maintain sufficient records of their compliance and records must be made available to DOE upon request.