Context for the FY16 Portfolio

The LDRD portfolio-management process at Livermore is structured to ensure alignment with DOE, NNSA, and Laboratory missions.

This process involves (1) a top-level strategic planning process to identify strategic science and technology areas for LDRD investment, (2) a call to the Laboratory scientific and technical community for innovative and relevant proposals within the DOE/NNSA mission areas, and (3) a scientific peer-review process to select the highest-quality LDRD portfolio from these proposals.

In 2009, the Laboratory director called for the development of a new scientific and technical investment strategy that sets institutional strategic goals and identifies science and technology needs in selected mission focus areas, in fundamental research, and in critical science, technology, and engineering capabilities. The strategy was developed by multidisciplinary teams under the guidance of the deputy director for science and technology. This document, Investment Strategy for Science, Technology, and Engineering, is revised periodically to respond to our evolving mission needs and sets the strategic context for the LDRD competition. Other context-defining documents include the U.S. Department of Energy Strategic Plan, 2014–2018 and The National Nuclear Security Administration Strategic Plan, May 2011; therefore, in FY16, as in years past, the Laboratory’s LDRD Program strongly supported specific DOE strategic themes:

  1. Energy and Environmental Security—to catalyze the timely, material, and efficient transformation of the nation’s energy system and secure U.S. leadership in clean energy technologies
  2. Nuclear Security—to enhance nuclear security through defense, nonproliferation, and environmental efforts
  3. Scientific Discovery and Innovation—to maintain a vibrant U.S. effort in science and engineering as a cornerstone of our economic prosperity with clear leadership in strategic areas





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