In connection with any utilization of the Department of Energy national laboratories and sites under this section, the Secretary may permit the director of any such national laboratory or site to enter into cooperative research and development agreements or to negotiate licensing agreements with any person, any agency or instrumentality, of the United States, any unit of State or local government, and any other entity under the authority granted by section
3710a of title
15. Technology may be transferred to a non-Federal party to such an agreement consistent with the provisions of sections
3710 and
3710a of title
15.