In its Strategic Plan, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) defines its goal to “maintain a vibrant U.S. effort in science and engineering as a cornerstone of our economic prosperity with clear leadership in strategic areas.”   DOE’s first targeted outcome to deliver this goal is to "Complete construction of nuclear physics facilities by the end of the decade at Jefferson Laboratory and Michigan State University to test quantum chromodynamics, the theory of nuclear forces, and produce exotic nuclei of relevance in astrophysical processes."

DOE describes its 60-page Strategic Plan as a "comprehensive blueprint to guide the agency's core mission of ensuring America's security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions."