DOE O 142.3B Attachment 2 – Federal Employees and Contractors
1-15-2021 Page 2-3
23. Property Protection Area. A type of security area having defined boundaries and access
controls for the protection of Departmental property.
24. Research. Systematic investigation, including research, development, testing, and
evaluation designed to develop, expand or contribute to general knowledge.
25. Science and Technology Risk Matrix (S&T Risk Matrix). Critical emerging research and
technologies that require protection which do not otherwise have control mechanisms
(i.e. classified information, International Traffic in Arms Regulations, export controls).
The S&T Risk Matrix is intended to highlight areas of emerging and potential concern
associated with economic and/or intellectual competitiveness and not to overlap or
supersede existing controls associated with national security or commerce restrictions.
26. Sensitive Country List. A list of countries to which particular consideration is given for
policy reasons during the DOE internal review and approval process for access by foreign
nationals. Countries may appear on the list for national security, nuclear nonproliferation,
or terrorism support reasons.
27. Sensitive Country National. A foreign national who was born in, is a citizen of, or is
employed by a government, employer, institution or organization of a sensitive country.
28. Sensitive Subjects. Unclassified subjects and topics identified in existing Federal
regulations governing export control as well as those identified by the Department as
unique to its work, which involve information, activities, and/or technologies that are
relevant to national and economic security. This includes items identified in the research
areas determined to be restricted in the current S&T Risk Matrix and items identified as
Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Specified.
29. Site. A geographical area where one or more facilities are located, or DOE-controlled
land area including DOE-owned facilities (e.g., the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the
Nevada National Security Site, the Hanford Site, Idaho National laboratory, the Pantex
Plant).
30. Specialized Enhanced Vetting. Vetting required to support S&T Risk Matrix exemption
approval determination to be conducted by the Office of Intelligence and
Counterintelligence based on the individual’s background. The S&T Risk Matrix
exemption request, including the completed supplemental questionnaire, is utilized to
perform an enhanced background check with Intelligence Community partners.
31. State Sponsors of Terrorism. Countries that have been identified by the Department of
State as sponsors of groups and/or activities which support terrorism or terrorist activities
and are on the list of state sponsors of terrorism.
32. Subject Matter Expert. An individual who is knowledgeable about the professional
standards, requirements, and practices used within the discipline he/she represents (i.e.,
security, export control, technology transfer, counterintelligence, or intelligence).