The Department of Energy is putting the brakes on most contract solicitations, reports and personnel moves, Acting Secretary of Energy Ingrid Kolb said this week.
In a Monday memo, viewed by Exchange Monitor, Kolb said most contract procurements of $100,000 or more were to be put on hold as were most loan guarantees, hirings, promotions and transfers, along with new reports , announcements and Congressional correspondence.
“As we navigate through this new transition period” for a new DOE administration, “it is imperative to ensure a deliberative approach,” on big actions by the department, Kolb said.
Routine, inexpensive contracts such as building maintenance, can proceed, Kolb said. The time-out is in place until further notice and buys time during the transition to the Donald Trump administration. Incoming officials at DOE will be doing a review of major agency actions, Kolb said.
Kolb’s memo was dated Monday, the same day of Trump’s inauguration as President. Trump promptly issued dozens of executive orders, including a federal hiring freeze. Kolb is a longtime federal manager serving as acting secretary. Trump nominee Chris Wright had a confirmation hearing last week before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
The committee advanced the Wright nomination 15-to-five on Thursday.
The Jan. 20 memo said a review was needed to ensure major actions were consistent with the current administration’s policy and priorities, including budget considerations. The action applies to all branches of DOE, including the national laboratories and the National Nuclear Security Administration, Kolb said.
No Federal Register notices are to be published by DOE without approval of the acting secretary or other top management, according to the memo. National Environmental Policy Act work will continue
