The Office of Computational and Technology Research (OCTR) provides a focal point in the Office of Energy Research (ER) of the Department of Energy for long-term computational and technology research. It manages research in forefront and diverse applied mathematical sciences, high performance computing, communications, and information infrastructure which spans the spectrum of activities from strategic, longer-term, fundamental research to technology research, development, and demonstration. It links ER's science programs and laboratories to national economic competitiveness by conducting long-term, high-risk industry relevant research and development projects in critical technology areas. The Office provides the technical, analytical, and management direction for development, implementation, and evaluation of long-term research programs which include major involvement in activities such as High Performance Computing and Communications (HPCC), the National Information Infrastructure (NII), the American Textiles Consortium (AMTEX), the Advanced Computation Technology Initiative (ACTI), and the Environmental Technology Partnerships (ETP). The Office leads and manages the Technical Information Management Program for the Department of Energy which provides direction and coordination for management and dissemination of scientific and technical information resulting from the Department's research and development programs as well as environmental programs. A key current initiative of this Office is the DOE2000 program.
This Office also explores advanced energy concepts not currently included within departmental energy technology organizational components and manages the DOE-wide Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) programs. The staff works closely with other ER offices, other departmental programs, and other agencies. It performs outreach activities directed to ER stakeholders and current and potential partners in its assigned areas of responsibility.
The Office of Computational and Technology Research is composed of three Divisions: