KCCI.com, IA 12-04-06 ISU Will Continue To Manage Energy Department's Labs University Has Managed Labs Since 1940s DES MOINES, Iowa -- Iowa State University will continue its management of the Department of Energy's Ames Laboratory. On Monday, the energy department awarded a five-year, $150 million contract to ISU. Management of all energy department's labs was open to bids after concerns over security at a lab in New Mexico. Iowa State has been the sole manager and operator of the Ames Lab since the 1940s. Researchers at the lab work to find solutions to energy-related problems. Copyright 2006 by KCCI.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.