Checked 2026-10-04 · process documented. Program evidence is separate from legal authority, available funds and transaction approval.
DFARS documents a laboratory student-service contracting process expressly tied to section 4143; it is not the same as a scholarship or federal internship appointment.
Student technical-support contracts at defense R&D laboratories
Who this route serves
Enrolled students at eligible U.S. institutions, often employed through a nonprofit
Administering office / routing lead
Laboratory requiring office and authorized contracting office
Direct implementation
DFARS 237.7300 and 237.7302 expressly cite section 4143; the rule distinguishes nonprofit-employer contracts from direct student contracts.
Normally contract with a nonprofit employing the student; direct contracting is allowed when in the government interest. Include the specified payment/termination clauses.
Direct student agreements are nonpersonal-service contracts despite named payment clauses. Current DoD deviations and local implementation must be checked.
published guidance: Laboratory contracting guidance, not a universal student application form.
Research scope and sources checked
Searched4143 and predecessor laboratory-student terminology; read the complete relevantDFARS subpart. Did not label SMART, Pathways or unrelated internships as uses of4143.
Current DoD Part37 deviation applicability and a laboratory-specific intake require confirmation.
A dated source check is not continuing monitoring. Recheck the linked official notice before preparing a submission. Browse program research →
What this role does not control
A routing lead does not establish funds, an individual delegation or approval of the proposed action.
Specified workers-compensation and tort-claims employee status only; not general federal employee status.
Not an unrestricted personal-services contract exception for all professionals.
Legal basisSources linkedLegal sources and instrument limits are recorded.
RequirementsGates recordedRead the requirements for this instrument; applicability depends on the proposed action.
Public fundingRules recordedExpressly subject to appropriations for this purpose. Office budget figures are separate institutional context, not an allocation to this instrument.
Assigned rolesRoles recordedPublic sources describe institutional authority. The instrument identifies approval and execution roles; a specific signature remains transaction-dependent.
EngagementProcess sourcedDFARS documents a laboratory student-service contracting process expressly tied to section 4143; it is not the same as a scholarship or federal internship appointment. Program check: 2026-10-04; see each route for intake status.