Department of Energy Experienced Worker Program Act

The Department of Energy Experienced Worker Program Act creates a new initiative allowing the Department of Energy (DOE) to fund nonprofit organizations that recruit workers aged 55 or older (who are not currently employed by DOE) to provide technical, professional, and administrative support for DOE missions. Nonprofits would receive grants or multiyear agreements to connect these older workers with DOE needs, using existing frameworks from the Older Americans Act. The bill includes strict safeguards to prevent displacement of current DOE employees, avoid using the program for laid-off positions, maintain existing service contracts, and prohibit converting program participants into DOE employees. This directly affects DOE’s operational support structure, nonprofit organizations eligible under the Older Americans Act, and older workers seeking part-time or project-based opportunities.