It is DoD policy that:

(a) Basic research is essential to the Department of Defense's ability to carry out its missions because it is:

(1) A source of new knowledge and understanding that supports DoD acquisition and leads to superior technological capabilities for the military; and

(2) An integral part of the education and training of scientists and engineers critical to meeting future needs of the Nation's defense workforce.

(b) The Department of Defense shall:

(1) Conduct a vigorous program of high quality basic research in the DoD Component laboratories; and

(2) Support high quality basic research done by institutions of higher education, other nonprofit research institutions, laboratories of other Federal agencies, and industrial research laboratories.

(c) The DoD Components' conduct and support of basic research shall be consistent with the principles stated in Appendix A to this part.