The Energy Policy Act of 2005 includes provisions to address long-term energy challenges. Key goals of the act include diversifying the nation¿s energy supply by promoting alternative and renewable sources of energy. A Section of the Act gives the Sec. of Energy the ability to use ¿other transactions authority,¿ which allows an agency to enter into agreements ¿other than¿ standard contracts, grants, and coop. agreements; these would not be subject to the Fed. Acq. Reg. or other fed. laws governing contracts. This report addresses: the steps DoE has taken to implement other transactions authority, including the safeguards established; and the extent to which using this authority has enabled DoE to attract non-traditional government contractors.