The Department of Energy is putting the breaks 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, hiring, 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.
