DOE O 544.1 Chg 1 (AdminChg), Priorities and Allocations Program
Functional areas: Business and Support Services, Commercial and Industrial Activities, Procurement
The Order establishes responsibilities for administration of the DOE and NNSA priorities and allocations program for industrial products, materials, and services and requirements for maintaining a system for procurement of industrial products, materials, and services programs that promote the national defense and programs that are determined by DOE to maximize domestic energy supplies. Supersedes DOE O 544.1.
Version history and related documents
Superseded by
A newer version replaces this document.
- DOE O 544.1APriorities and Allocations Program (Jan 29, 2024)
Supersedes
Earlier documents this one replaced.
- DOE O 544.1Priorities and Allocations Program (Nov 07, 2017)
Document text
Text extracted from the attached file. Refer to the original document for the authoritative version.
Section 1
AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: INITIATED BY
www.directives.doe.gov Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability
U.S. Department of Energy ORDER
Washington, D.C.
Approved: 10-12-04
Chg 1 (Admin Chg): 11-7-17
SUBJECT: PRIORITIES AND ALLOCATIONS PROGRAM
1. OBJECTIVES.
a. To establish responsibilities for the administration of the Department of Energy
(DOE) and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) priorities and
allocations program for industrial products, materials, and services.
b. To maintain for both current and emergency conditions a priorities and allocations
system for the procurement of industrial products, materials, and services
necessary for the timely completion of DOE atomic energy construction,
operations, and research and development programs that promote the national
defense and programs that are determined by DOE to maximize domestic energy
supplies.
2. CANCELLATION. DOE O 544.1, Priorities and Allocations Program, dated 10-12-04.
Cancellation of a directive does not, by itself, modify or otherwise affect any contractual
obligation to comply with such a directive. Canceled directives that are incorporated by
reference in a contract remain in effect until the contract is modified to delete the
reference to the requirements in the canceled directive.
3. APPLICABILITY.
a. Primary DOE Organizations, Including National Nuclear Security Administration
(NNSA) Organizations. Except for the exclusions in paragraph 3c, this Order
applies to all Primary DOE Organizations (see Attachment 1 for a complete list of
Primary DOE Organizations). This Order automatically applies to Primary DOE
Organizations created after it is issued.
The NNSA Administrator will ensure that NNSA employees and contractors
comply with their respective responsibilities under this Order.
b. Contractors. Not applicable. Although the requirements of this directive pertain
only to Federal employees, the provisions of the Priorities and Allocations
Program are applicable to contractors through the appropriate Federal Acquisition
Regulation (FAR) and Department of Energy Acquisition Regulation clauses
when incorporated into a contract, which appear in the References section of this
directive.
c. Exclusions. This Order is not applicable to the Bonneville Power Administration.
DOE O 544.1
This directive was reviewed and certified as current and necessary by Susan J. Grant, Director,
Office of Management, Budget and Evaluation/Chief Financial Officer, 10-12-04.
http://www.directives.doe.gov/
2 DOE O 544.1
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4. REQUIREMENTS. Primary DOE Organizations and field elements must submit and
coordinate through heads of contracting activities (HCAs) or their delegates applications
for special priorities assistance in the procurement of industrial products, materials, and
services related to DOE atomic energy construction, operations, and research and
development programs and programs that are determined by DOE to maximize domestic
energy supplies.
a. HCAs coordinate through the Defense DPAS coordination office and DPAS
Approving Official to ensure that project priorities are assessed and set by officials
with appropriate delegated authorities as defined in the responsibilities paragraphs.
b. HCAs appoint, in writing, primary and an alternate priorities and allocations
program representatives as set forth in the responsibilities paragraphs.
NOTE: Specific Delegation Orders are cited in paragraph 6 of this Order.
5. RESPONSIBILITIES.
Section 2
a. Under Secretary for Nuclear Security and Administrator for National Nuclear
Security Administration, per DOE Delegation Order No. 00-003.00, are delegated
by the Secretary of Energy the following responsibilities.
(1) Ensure that staff and contractors under their jurisdiction are advised of the
responsibilities defined in this Order and in DOE Delegation Order
No. 00-003.00.
(2) Ensure that related procedures are followed and that training required to
implement priorities and allocation program procedures is conducted.
(3) Appraise contractor Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS)
operations to ensure adherence to regulations (Title 15 Code of Federal
Regulations, Chapter VII, Part 700), and to ensure that authorized
programs are completed on schedule.
(4) Assign eligible ratings set forth in DOE Delegation Order No. 00-003.00.
b. Director of Procurement and Assistance Management.
(1) Develops and maintains policies, standards, contract articles, and
procedures.
(2) Provides Headquarters direction, coordination, and administration of the
DOE-wide DPAS.
(3) Modifies responsibilities designated to heads of contracting activities, or
their delegates to implement policies and procedures issued by the
Department of Commerce.
DOE O 544.1 3
10-12-04
(4) Maintains the master list of DOE programs eligible for the DX program
rating and notifies heads of contracting activities or their delegates of the
eligible programs.
(5) Reviews and coordinates with responsible organizations and program
offices the applications received from heads of contracting activities or
their delegates for special priorities assistance to construct or alter
privately owned facilities.
(6) Consult with the General Counsel and the Assistant Secretary for
Policy and International Affairs to determine whether to use the authority
defined in section 101(c) of the Defense Production Act of 1950,
50 U.S.C. App. 207(c)(1994)], as amended, to maximize domestic energy
supplies.
(7) Notifies heads of contracting activities or their delegates of approval of
applications mentioned in paragraph 5c(4).
(8) Provides special priorities assistance on rated orders when requested by
field elements.
(9) Requests Department of Commerce to provide special priorities assistance
on rated orders when regular DPAS procedures have proved ineffective.
(10) Conducts onsite reviews of field element implementation of the priorities
and allocations program.
(11) Maintains liaison with Department of Commerce as the principal point of
contact for DPAS policies, procedures, and regulations.
c. Director, NNSA Office of Procurement and Assistance Management.
(1) Develops and maintains policies, standards, contract articles, and
procedure, and provides Headquarters NNSA direction, coordination, and
administration of NNSA-wide DPAS.
(2) Refers matters that are DOE-exclusive to the appropriate authority in the
Contract Administration Division, Office of Contract Management.
(3) Maintains the master list of NNSA programs designated as eligible for the
DX program rating.
(4) Notifies the heads of NNSA departments of eligible programs.
(5) Reviews and coordinates with NNSA General Counsel, DOE General
Counsel, Assistant Secretary for Policy and International Affairs for
special priorities assistance as required.
4 DOE O 544.1
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(6) Notifies heads of field offices when eligible priority rating applications are
approved.
(7) Provides special priorities assistance on rated orders when requested by
field elements.
Section 3
(8) Requests Department of Energy/Department of Commerce to provide
special priorities assistance on rated orders in cases where regular DPAS
procedures have proved ineffective.
(9) Reviews and coordinates with responsible organizations applications
received for special priorities assistance to construct or alter privately
owned facilities.
(10) Conducts onsite evaluation of field element priorities and allocations
programs.
(11) Addresses field element problems.
(12) Maintains liaison with Department of Commerce and DOE concerning
policies, procedures, and regulations of the DPAS.
(13) Assigns to contractors and subcontractors the right to place rated contracts
and orders for maintenance, repair, and operating supplies.
(14) Ensures that contractors and subcontractors adhere to limitations of
authority that may be applicable.
d. Heads of Contracting Activities.
(1) Ensure that members of their staffs and contractors under their jurisdiction
are advised of the provisions of this Order.
(2) Ensure that related procedures are followed and that required training is
conducted.
(3) Appraise their contractors’ operations under the DPAS regulation and
procedures to ensure adherence to the priorities and allocations system
throughout the industrial chain to ensure that authorized programs are
completed on schedule.
(4) Place rated contracts and orders in accordance with 15 CFR Part 700 and
applicable guidance. Heads of Contracting Activity, or their delegates, may
use, or authorize their contractors or subcontractors to use, the DO rating
on DOE atomic energy construction, operations, (including maintenance,
repair, and operating supplies), and research and development program
contracts and orders for all products, materials, and services except for
those items or services stated in DPAS regulation at 15 CFR 700.18,
“Limitations on placing rated orders,” or as stated in DOE guidance.
DOE O 544.1 5
10-12-04
(5) Authorize contractors and subcontractors to place rated contracts and
orders in accordance with 15 CFR 700 and applicable guidance.
(6) Assign to contractors and subcontractors the right to place rated contracts
and orders for maintenance, repair, and operating supplies.
(7) Authorize the placing of rated contracts and orders for delivery of
construction and production equipment in accordance with this order and
applicable guidance.
(8) Ensure that contractors and subcontractors adhere to limitations of
authority that may be applicable.
(9) Forward to the DPAS Coordination Office with appropriate
recommendations, applications for special priorities assistance.
(10) Authorize contractors and subcontractors to place rated contracts and
orders when advised by the DPAS approving official that requests for
special priorities assistance that have been approved.
(11) Apply or assign to others the authority to apply the DX program rating
when notified of the eligibility of a program by the DPAS Approving
Official.
(12) Apply or assign to others the authority to apply the DX rating, other than
the DX program rating only when specifically authorized by the DPAS
approving official.
(13) Appoint and document in writing a primary and an alternate priorities and
allocations program representative.
(14) Ensure that appropriate Federal Acquisition Regulation and DOE
Acquisition Regulation contract clauses are inserted into solicitations and
contracts that are or will be rated under DPAS.
e. Priorities and Allocations Program Representatives.
Section 4
(1) Provide priorities and allocations advice and guidance for their
organization.
(2) Coordinate and conduct program activities for their organizations.
(3) Serve as principal priorities and allocations contact points for their
organizations.
(4) Represent their organization at Department meetings on priorities and
allocations issues.
6 DOE O 544.1
10-12-04
(5) Act as liaison with Headquarters, other DOE or NNSA organizations, and
DOE or NNSA contractors in priorities and allocations matters affecting
their organization.
6. REFERENCES. DOE Secretarial Delegation Orders are available online at
http://www.directives.doe.gov/delegations/index.html.
a. Defense Production Act of 1950, dated 9-8-50, as amended, 50 U.S.C. Appendix
2061 et seq., Title I, which authorizes the President to require the priority
performance of contracts or orders, and to direct the allocation of materials and
facilities, under certain circumstances. Under section 101(a), the President may
require the performance on a priority basis of contracts or orders, and to allocate
materials, services and facilities, as he deems necessary or appropriate to
promote the national defense. Section 101(c) authorizes the President to require
priority performance of contracts or orders relating to materials, services, or
facilities in order to maximize domestic energy supplies if he makes certain
findings.
b. Defense Priorities and Allocations System Delegation 2, “Delegation of Authority
to the Secretary of Energy,” amended 08-06-02 , which authorizes the Secretary of
Energy to: (1) place rated contracts and orders for the procurement of products,
materials, and services required for atomic energy construction, operations, and
research and development programs subject to conditions stated in the delegation;
and (2) make the findings required by section 101(c) of the Defense Production
Act of 1950, as amended, that specific supplies of materials and equipment are
critical and essential to programs that are determined by DOE to maximize
domestic energy supplies.
c. Executive Order 12919, “National Defense Industrial Resources Preparedness,”
dated 6-3-94, which delegates to the Secretary of Energy the President’s authority
under section 101(a) of the Defense Production Act of 1950 (DPA), as amended,
with respect to all forms of energy. EO 12919 delegates to the Secretary of
Commerce the DPA section 101(a) authority with respect to materials, services
and facilities not covered by the President’s delegations to other department
heads; directs the Secretary of Commerce to administer a “Defense Priorities
and Allocation System” (DPAS) to implement the Commerce Department’s
authority; and directs the Secretary of Commerce to redelegate to other
department heads authority for the priority rating of contracts and orders for all
materials, services and facilities needed in support of certain approved programs.
Finally, EO 12919 delegates the authority under section 101(c) of the Act to the
Secretary of Commerce, with the proviso that the Secretary of Commerce
redelegate to the Secretary of Energy the authority to make the finding that
materials, facilities, or services are critical and essential to maximizing domestic
energy supplies. The Secretary of Commerce retains the authority to determine
that the use of the section 101(c) authority in a particular case is necessary.
d. 15 CFR 700, “The Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) Regulation”
and Delegation 2, as revised (63 FR 31918) dated 6-11-98, which contain the
Section 5
http://www.directives.doe.gov/delegations/index.html
DOE O 544.1 7
10-12-04
official text for the DPAS regulations to support authorized national defense
programs and programs determined by DOE to maximize domestic energy
supplies. The Department of Commerce delegates rating authority to the Secretary
of Energy under the Delegation 2.
e. 10 CFR 216, “Materials Allocation and Priority Performance Under Contracts or
Orders to Maximize Domestic Energy Supplies,” dated 2-6-78, which contains the
rules, regulations, and procedures for implementing the DOE priorities and
allocations program for supplies of materials and equipment necessary to
maximize domestic energy supplies.
f. 48 CFR Chapter 9, Department of Energy Acquisition Regulation (DEAR),
Subpart 11.600 and contract clauses DEAR 952.211-70, DEAR 952.211-71, or
DEAR 970.5244-1(p), which explain the use of and describe clauses for DOE
participation in the industrial priorities and allocations program for atomic energy
programs and programs that maximize domestic energy supplies.
g. Federal Acquisition Regulation, Subpart 11.6, and contract clauses
FAR 52.211-14 or FAR 52.211-15, which implement the DPAS regulation in
prescribing policies and procedures relating to the use of the DPAS in solicitations
and contracts.
h. DOE Delegation Order No. 00-003.00 to the Under Secretary for Nuclear
Security/Administrator for National Nuclear Security Administration pursuant to
section 642 of the DOE Organization Act (Public Law 95-91, 42 U.S.C. 7252) and
by the National Nuclear Security Administration Act (Public Law 106-65, 50
U.S.C. 2401-2484). This delegation order delegates authority for Security
Activities, Defense Activities, Naval Reactors Activities, Nuclear
Nonproliferation Activities, as well as internal Human Resources Administration,
Procurement, and Financial Activities. Additionally, this delegation delegates
rating authority to make a determination whether to use the authority contained in
section 101(a) of the Defense Production Act of 1950, 50 U.S.C. App 2071
(a)(1994), priority contracting authority to expedite procurement actions to
promote National Defense after consultation with DOE General Counsel and the
Assistant Secretary for Policy and International Affairs.
i. DOE Delegation Order No. 00-003.01, which delegates to the Director, Office of
Procurement and Assistance and Management, NNSA pursuant to section 3212 of
the National Nuclear Security Administration Act priority contracting authority to
expedite procurement actions to promote National Defense after consultation with
DOE General Counsel and the Assistant Secretary for Policy and International
Affairs.
j. DOE Delegation Order No. 00-002.00A, which delegates to the Under Secretary
for Energy, Science and Environment pursuant to section 642 of the DOE
Organization Act (P.L. 95-91, 42 U.S.C. 7252) authority to determine whether to
use the authority contained in Section 101(c) of the Defense Production Act of
8 DOE O 544.1
10-12-04
1950, U.S.C. App 2071 (a)(1194), as amended, to maximize domestic energy
supplies (after consultation with DOE General Counsel and the Assistant
Secretary for Policy and International Affairs).
k. DOE Delegation Order No. 00-002.07 pursuant to section 202(b) of the DOE
Organization Act (Public Law 95-91, 42 U.S.C. 7132(b)] and Secretarial
Delegation Order No. 00-002.00A, which delegate to the Director, Office of
Procurement authority to determine whether to use the authority contained in
Section 101(c) of the Defense Production Act of 1950, U.S.C. App 2071
(a)(1194), as amended, to maximize domestic energy supplies after consultation
with DOE General Counsel and the Assistant Secretary for Policy and
International Affairs.
Section 6
l. DOE Delegation Order No. 00-022.00, which delegates to the Director, Office of
Procurement and Assistance Management pursuant to section 642 of the DOE
Organization Act (P.L. 95-91, 42 U.S.C. 7252) authority to make a determination
whether to use the authority contained in Section 101(c) of the Defense Production
Act of 1950, U.S.C. App 2071 (a)(1194), as amended, to maximize domestic
energy supplies (after consultation with DOE General Counsel and the Assistant
Secretary for Policy and International Affairs).
m. Department of Energy Acquisition Guide, Chapter 11, “Describing Agency
Needs,” Section (1), “DOE Priorities and Allocations Program Guidance.”
7. DEFINITIONS. In addition to the definitions contained in the DPAS regulation
(15 CFR Part 700) and 10 CFR Part 216, the following terms are defined for use in this
order.
a. Authorized Program Identifications.
(1) E1—Atomic energy construction and alteration for the account of DOE.
(2) E2—DOE atomic energy operations, including maintenance, repair, and
operating supplies.
(3) E3—Expansion of privately owned facilities exclusively or primarily for
DOE atomic-energy program purposes.
(4) F1—Energy exploration, production, refining, and transportation.
(5) F2—Conservation of energy supplies.
(6) F3—Construction, repair and maintenance of energy facilities.
b. Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS). Commerce Department
regulation and set of procedures that operate to direct the flow of material and
products to national defense programs and programs that maximize domestic
DOE O 544.1 9
10-12-04
energy supplies, provide for preferential treatment by industry of contracts and
orders placed in support of the programs, and maintain an administrative means of
promptly mobilizing the total economic resources of the Nation in the event of a
national emergency.
c. Delegate Agency. A Government agency having delegated authority from the
Department of Commerce to place priority ratings on contracts or orders needed to
support approved programs. DOE is a delegate agency.
d. DO. The rating symbol assigned to all authorized programs that are not DX
programs.
e. DX. The rating symbol assigned only to authorized programs of the highest
national priority.
f. Eligible Contracts and Orders. Those contracts and orders for products, materials,
and services that may be rated in accordance with the rules and exclusions stated
in the Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) regulation and in the
DPAS Delegation 2. Limitations on placing rated orders and a list of items under
the jurisdiction of the Department of Commerce that are excluded from the rating
provisions of the DPAS regulation are stated at Section 700.18 of “DPAS Defense
Priorities and Allocations System” (15 CFR 700).
g. Fifty Thousand Dollar ($50,000) Exemption. A person is not required to place a
priority rating on an order for less than $50,000, or one half of the Federal
Acquisition (FAR) Simplified Acquisition Threshold, whichever amount is larger,
provided that delivery can be obtained in a timely fashion without the use of the
priority rating. (See 15 CFR 700.17, “Use of rated orders.”)
h. Maintenance, Repair, and Operating Supplies. Supplies that are required for
maintaining, repairing, and operating a facility, including minor alterations
necessary to maintain or repair but not to increase the capacity of the facility.
Section 7
i. National Defense. Programs for military and atomic energy production or
construction, military assistance to any foreign nation, stockpiling, space, and
directly related activity.
j. Person. Any individual, corporation, partnership, association, or any other
organized group of persons, including any agency of the United States
Government or any other government.
k. Rated Order or Contract. A prime contract, a subcontract or a purchase order for
services, products, or materials that may be rated in accordance with the DPAS
regulation.
10 DOE O 544.1
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l. Rating. A prefix, either DO or DX, followed by an authorized program
identification symbol (e.g., DO-E1, DX-E2).
m. Rating Authority. The authority delegated to DOE in the Defense Priorities and
Allocations System (DPAS) Delegation 2, to place or authorize others to place
rated contracts and orders in support of DOE Emergency Management Agency.
n. DPAS Coordination Office.
(1) The Contract Administration Division for elements under the Department
of Energy, or
(2) The Office of Procurement and Assistance Management for elements
under the National Nuclear Security Administration.
o. DPAS Approving Official.
(1) the Director, Office of Procurement and Assistance Management for
elements under the Department of Energy, or
(2) the Director, Office of Procurement and Assistance Management for
elements under the National Nuclear Security Administration.
8. CONTACT. Office of Infrastructure Security and Energy Restoration, Office of
Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, 202-586-3362 .
BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF ENERGY:
KYLE E. McSLARROW
Deputy Secretary
DOE O 544.1 Attachment 1
10-12-04 Page 1 (and Page 2)
PRIMARY DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ORGANIZATIONS
TO WHICH DOE O 544.1 IS APPLICABLE
Office of the Secretary
National Nuclear Security Administration
Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management
Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs
Office of Counterintelligence
Office of Energy Assurance
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Office of Environment, Safety and Health
Office of Environmental Management
Office of Fossil Energy
Office of Intelligence
Office of Management, Budget and Evaluation/Chief Financial Officer
Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology
Office of Science
Office of Security and Safety Performance Assurance
Office of Security
Southeastern Power Administration
Southwestern Power Administration
Western Area Power Administration
PRIMARY DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ORGANIZATIONS
TO WHICH O 544.1 IS NOT APPLICABLE
Chief Information Officer
Departmental Representative to the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board
Energy Information Administration
Office of Economic Impact and Diversity
Office of Electric Transmission and Distribution
Office of General Counsel
Office of Hearings and Appeals
Office of Independent Oversight and Performance Assurance
Office of the Inspector General
Office of Legacy Management
Office of Policy and International Affairs
Office of Public Affairs
Secretary of Energy Advisory Board
Bonneville Power Administration
1. OBJECTIVES
2. CANCELLATION
3. APPLICABILITY
a. Primary DOE Organizations, Including National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Organizations
b. Contractors
c. Exclusions
4. REQUIREMENTS
5. RESPONSIBILITIES
a. Under Secretary for Nuclear Security and Administrator for National Nuclear Security Administration
b. Director of Procurement and Assistance Management
c. Director, NNSA Office of Procurement and Assistance Management
d. Heads of Contracting Activities
e. Priorities and Allocations Program Representatives
6. REFERENCES
7. DEFINITIONS
a. Authorized Program Identifications
b. Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS)
c. Delegate Agency
d. DO
e. DX
f. Eligible Contracts and Orders
g. Fifty Thousand Dollar ($50,000) Exemption
h. Maintenance, Repair, and Operating Supplies
i. National Defense
j. Person
k. Rated Order or Contract
l. Rating
m. Rating Authority
n. DPAS Coordination Office
o. DPAS Approving Official
8. CONTACT
ATTACHMENT 1. PRIMARY DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ORGANIZATIONSTO WHICH DOE O 544.1 IS APPLICABLE
PRIMARY DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ORGANIZATIONSTO WHICH O 544.1 IS NOT APPLICABLE