Letter to DOE Re: January 18, 2017 Minor Change to DOE Order 142.3A, Unclassified Foreign Visitors and Assignments Program

The Council on Governmental Relations (COGR), a consortium representing leading research institutions, addressed a letter on February 1, 2017, to Dr. Adam Cohen, Deputy Undersecretary in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The letter expresses gratitude for recent amendments to DOE Order 142.3A, which pertains to the Unclassified Foreign Visitors and Assignments Program. Specifically, COGR commends the formal recognition in the revised order that foreign national access approval is not required for research funded by grants or other opportunities at higher education institutions when research results are intended for public dissemination. This policy adjustment is acknowledged as a significant and permanent measure that will alleviate administrative burdens previously faced by institutions needing prior DOE approval for each foreign national participant in relevant projects. The communication concludes with appreciation for Dr. Cohen’s support of the research community and an expression of interest in continued collaboration.