Berkeley Lab’s moved their policy content to a newly redesigned section on the Lab’s IT website. With this revamp, the team curated what’s most relevant, and structured it in a way that’s both thoughtful and practical making IT policy easier to find, understand, and apply. Whether you’re a researcher, administrator, or support staff, the new site helps you quickly find the information you need and understand why it matters.
What Is IT Policy, and Why Does It Matter?
IT Policy is more than a set of rules—it’s a framework that protects Berkeley Lab’s research and operations in an increasingly complex digital world. The IT Policy team serves as a safeguard, interpreting and implementing federal and institutional requirements so that people at the Lab don’t have to navigate these complexities alone. For example, if a federal initiative changes how data should be handled, improper data management could carry major consequences. IT Policy exists to ensure compliance while supporting the Lab’s mission.
The team manages policies, procedures, and guidance on cybersecurity and IT-related topics. They also liaise with the Department of Energy (DOE) and the University of California (UC) to advocate for policy approaches that make sense for the Lab’s scientific environment. This includes everything from Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) handling processes to guidance on AI tools usage.
What You’ll Find on the New Website
The redesigned site outlines the team’s key responsibilities and offers clear access to core services:
- Assurance: Details the Lab’s compliance with DOE cybersecurity orders as part of its Prime Contract.
- Authority to Operate: Explains the Lab’s continuous authorization model and the documentation that supports it.
- Institutional Services: Identifies critical IT services provided by the IT Division due to their unique risk and resource requirements.
- Policy: Shares Lab-wide policies shaped by federal and UC requirements, operational needs, or emerging risks.
- Privacy: Provides guidance on protecting personal data in compliance with DOE, UC, and California laws.
The goal of this new site is to help Berkeley Lab staff understand how IT policies apply to their work and how the Policy team supports the Lab’s broader mission. It’s a space designed to make policy less opaque and more usable—for everyone.
If you have questions or feedback, the IT Policy team invites you to reach out at itpolicy@lbl.gov.
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