MOU Between DOT, DOE, and NIST

The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is to detail the responsibilities of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) (together, "the Participating Agencies") in a program of research, development, demonstration, and standardization to ensure the integrity of pipeline facilities. This MOU identifies program elements, as well as specific areas of agency expertise, and establishes a framework for coordination and collaboration by the Participating Agencies. Section 12 of the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 ("the Act"), Public Law 107-355, requires the Participating Agencies to carry out a program of research, development, demonstration, and standardization to ensure the integrity of pipeline facilities. Furthermore, the Act requires the Participating Agencies to enter into an MOU detailing their respective responsibilities, and to periodically report to Congress on program plans and implementation status. The United States is critically dependent on natural gas and petroleum liquids transported through pipelines. The pipeline infrastructure that currently transports these energy resources is facing age-related impacts on system integrity. While new pipelines are being constructed, pipeline operators typically plan on continued operation of the vast majority of existing pipeline mileage. Ensuring the long-term integrity and security of these existing pipelines through the application of improved technology is essential. The Participating Agencies recognize the need to work together to identify pipeline facility research priorities, discern the most promising research proposals, avoid duplication of research and development efforts, assure coordination and collaboration, advance technological solutions, and involve outside stakeholders. Consistent with the Act, and in recognition that pipeline integrity is a shared responsibility, the Participating Agencies entered into this MOU. Download this Memorandum of Understanding in pdf format here.