Sandians are lending their expertise to other government agencies in support of critical missions via Offsite Extended Duty Assignments.

The program allows Sandians to continue their essential work supporting the nation’s security by embedding with host agencies such as the DOE, NNSA, DOD and other entities.

Several types of Offsite Extended Duty Assignments support Sandia’s mission and benefit partner agencies. For example, under the Intergovernmental Personnel Act mobility program, an employee does not perform Sandia’s work but is assigned as a technical adviser to work on behalf of the government agency. A Strategic Partnership Project assignment allows an employee to engage in Sandia project work at an external host agency. Most assignments start with one year and are often renewed for two to three years.

Influencers beyond the fence

Most assignments involve moving temporarily to a domestic or international location, while some may be performed remotely. Employees are offered two relocation options to choose from. Extended Travel Duty, the most common option, requires them to keep their permanent residence while on assignment, and they receive a per diem allowance to offset the cost of residing and working at the temporary location. The Temporary Change of Station option provides relocation of the employee’s household to the temporary work location. Sometimes, the assignment process can be long and arduous, but the benefits are worthwhile to those participating.

“I was very eager to get going,” said Erik Spoerke, who just began a remote Intergovernmental Personnel Act assignment from New Mexico to Washington, D.C., at the DOE Office of Electricity. “Having patience as you anticipate moving is good training for once you get to your assignment, and I think learning how to work through the process is worth it.”

The assignments team, Alicia Cloer and Monica Price, steadfastly guide assignees through the process, from applying to relocating to transitioning back to Sandia. To ensure a smooth and transparent experience, they partner with human resources and Sandia’s relocation provider to give assignees a detailed briefing about the assignment and relocation processes, including the steps, timeline and potential challenges.

“The most successful assignees are the ones who are very intentional about why they’re doing it, what they want to get out of it, and go into it with an adventurous attitude,” Alicia said.

Currently, Sandia has 57 workforce members on assignment. Of those, 54 assignees are located throughout the United States, with three in western Europe.

Assignments can range from working with the Department of Homeland Security to determine the impact emerging technologies have on the federal government’s ability to protect its cybersecurity infrastructure, to being a technical adviser to the U.S. Congress and supporting the research and analysis conducted at the headquarters of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in Washington, D.C. These assignments are not only diverse but also have a significant impact on national security and the advancement of critical technologies.

Being in the room where it happens

Because assignees support other programs off-site, it is easy to overlook how influential their work is to national security.

“This is the United States electric grid,” said Erik, who is working to realize the benefits of long-duration energy storage. “It is the most complex and largest machine ever built. What is going on right now is an electrical energy revolution. And the United States grid is going to change more in the next 10 years than it has in the last century.”

Michael Minner lives in Virginia and is especially proud of his work developing zero-trust guidance with the Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency under Executive Order 14028.

“It has had a widespread impact on how agencies are improving their cybersecurity posture at large,” Michael said.

Currently working at the Pentagon, Scott Frederick is an Intergovernmental Personnel Act assignee with the Office of Nuclear Matters.

“It’s the place where all things defense are happening,” Scott said. “It’s interesting to see the politics, what makes the priority list and how the executives at the three- to four-star level handle themselves in meetings, negotiate and deal with conflict. It’s like having a front-row seat to the big show.”

Connection with intention

Several assignees maintain their connection to Sandia while on assignment by attending department meetings, lunch and learn sessions and external professional and social events.

“I miss my team and all the very cool, excellent work they do,” said Kyle Clavier, who teleworks from Florida to the Accident Analysis Branch under the Office of Research, Division of Systems Analysis for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. “My Sandia manager has been great about creating opportunities for me to stay connected to my team and regularly checks in on how I’m doing personally and professionally.”

Mentoring incoming assignees is a common thread among veteran participants. Scott explained that gaining more real-world experience beyond Sandia’s fence and sharing that outside perspective with others is excellent leverage.

“Preparation for the role is important,” he said.

In addition to strengthening Sandia’s relationships with partner agencies, those within the off-site assignment program highlight its significant impact on their professional growth, allowing them to experience fulfilling career achievements.

“Nuclear safety is a small, tight-knit field,” Kyle said. “Many of the personal and professional relationships I cultivated during my assignment will greatly benefit my career and personal life.”

“For me,” Michael said, “it’s more about the incredible people that I get to work and team with. So, I’m grateful for the opportunity.”

Learn more about Sandia’s policy as a Federally Funded Research and Development Center that facilitates the Offsite Extended Duty Assignments on Sandia’s policy website.