For release: December 23, 1999

Contacts:
Brian J. Quirke, DOE News Media Contact, (630) 252-2423
Steve Karsjen, Ames Laboratory Public Affairs, (515) 294-5643

Iowa State University and U.S. Department of Energy sign Ames Laboratory contract

Ames, Iowa -- The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Iowa State University (ISU) have reached agreement on a new, five-year contract to manage and operate the Ames Laboratory.

The contract was signed by Dr. Robert San Martin, manager of DOE's Chicago Operations Office, and Dr. Martin Jischke, president of Iowa State University.

"Iowa State University and the staff of Ames Laboratory should be proud of their scientific achievements and excellent operations," said Deputy Secretary of Energy T.J. Glauthier. "We look forward to continuing our work with Ames to address the nation's many science and technology challenges. Only by demanding the high standards of performance achieved at Ames can we be assured of delivering the benefits of science and technology to the American people," Glauthier said.

"We are extremely pleased with the new DOE contract for the continuing operation of the Ames Laboratory," said Jischke. "This contract is a re-affirmation of the federal government's commitment to the research and technology transfer efforts of the Ames Laboratory and their importance to the future of the nation."

The five-year contract runs from January 1, 2000 through December 31, 2004. The contract continues the tradition established in 1947 of ISU operating the Ames Laboratory.

Fiscal year 1999 funding was approximately $27 million. That funding was used to support a workforce of approximately 472 staff, which includes over 270 scientists and engineers

Laboratory scientists conduct research in various areas of national concern, including energy resources, high-performance computing, environmental technology development, and the synthesis and study of new materials.

Ames has produced many new inventions and technologies of potential commercial interest. R&D Magazine annually recognizes the 100 top new technology inventions of the year. Since Ames won its first R&D 100 award in 1984, the laboratory has claimed the prestigious award for 13 of its developments and inventions.

Ames Laboratory is located on the Iowa State University campus in Ames, Iowa.

A key incentive under the current contract required annual performance reviews. DOE recently rated Ames' science and technology performance as "Outstanding," the highest rating that can be received. Operational performance over this same period was rated "Excellent."

The DOE Chicago Operations Office, Ames Group, under the direction of Group Manager Jim Buchar, manages administration of the contract with Iowa State University for operation of the Laboratory

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