WorkIng at Uncle Sam´s: Places of opportunity in the federal government

Most research and development for the United States government is conducted by contractors. However, within the science and technology portion of the federal R&D enterprise, there is a network of laboratories that direct and conduct programs related to specific missions. The Department of Energy uses a system of contractor-operated laboratories, including Lawrence Livermore, Los Alamos, Sandia, and Oak Ridge National Laboratories. The Department of Commerce operates the National Institute of Standards and Technology, whose program is carried out primarily by government scientists and engineers. Within the military services, the laboratories function under a mixed system of contracted and in-house activity. The Army operates the Army Research Laboratory, a large science and technology center in Maryland with a long history. of in-house programs. Additional development of devices or systems (labeled advanced and engineering development) is conducted through other development centers. The Navy operates the Naval Research Laboratory, founded by Thomas Edison in Washington, DC, and renowned for research results and technical innovation.