48 CFR §970.3501-2

The contractor may only accept work from a non-sponsor (as defined in FAR 35.017) in accordance with the requirements of the current DOE approved mechanisms for engaging with a non-sponsor (e.g., Strategic Partnership Projects, Cooperative Research and Development Agreements, and Agreements for Commercializing Technology). Only a Federal Contracting Officer can obligate the Government to place work on the contract and obligate the Government to reimburse the contractor under the contract.