ML23277A271
| ML23277A271 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 10/03/2023 |
| From: | Virkar H NRC/OIG/AIGA |
| To: | Herrera K Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board, NRC/EDO |
| References | |
| DNFSB-22-A-03 | |
| Download: ML23277A271 (1) | |
Text
MEMORANDUM DATE: October 3, 2023 TO: Katherine Herrera Acting Executive Director of Operations FROM: Hruta Virkar, CPA /RA/
Assistant Inspector General for Audits
SUBJECT:
STATUS OF RECOMMENDATIONS: AUDIT OF THE DEFENSE NUCLEAR FACILITIES SAFETY BOARDS PROCESS FOR PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTING OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES (DNFSB-22-A-03)
REFERENCE:
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, DEFENSE NUCLEAR FACILITIES SAFETY BOARD (DNFSB),
CORRESPONDENCE DATED AUGUST 30, 2023 Attached is the Office of the Inspector Generals (OIG) analysis and status of recommendations as discussed in the agencys response dated August 30, 2023. Based on this response, recommendations 1 through 3 are now closed.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call me at 301.415.1982 or Mike Blair, Team Leader, at 301.415.8399.
Attachment:
As stated cc: J. Biggins, GM T. Dwyer, ATD T. Tadlock, OEDO NRC Headquarters l 11555 Rockville Pike l Rockville, Maryland 20852 l 301.415.5930 nrcoig.oversight.gov
Audit Report AUDIT OF THE DEFENSE NUCLEAR FACILITIES SAFETY BOARDS PROCESS FOR PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTING OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES Status of Recommendations (DNFSB-22-A-03)
Recommendation 1: As an agency overall, and the respective Board members themselves, continue to identify, implement, and directly participate in process improvements that will provide clearer direction and priorities from the Board during the early phases of the work planning process, such as incorporating strategic direction from the Board into the planning memo.
Agency Response Dated August 30, 2023: During the past two work planning cycles, OTD management has discussed strategic areas of oversight with the Board members and incorporated their feedback into the planning memo. OTD management also uses the Boards strategic plan, which has significant input from the Board, in developing annual work plans. OTD is using these methods to ensure Board input is included in the early phases of the work planning process.
OIG Analysis: The OIG reviewed the annual work plans for fiscal years 2023 and 2024. The work plans indicate that the staff activities should support the Boards strategic plan and identify the reviews staff should consider proposing for those respective fiscal years. This recommendation is closed.
Status: Closed.
2
Audit Report AUDIT OF THE DEFENSE NUCLEAR FACILITIES SAFETY BOARDS PROCESS FOR PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTING OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES Status of Recommendations (DNFSB-22-A-03)
Recommendation 2: Develop and implement a strategy for maintaining routine awareness of future subject matter areas that may become understaffed.
Agency Response Dated August 30, 2023: Annually, DNFSB completes a staffing plan that includes evaluation of subject matter areas that may be understaffed including a detailed analysis of resident inspector staffing. DNFSB has completed hiring actions for high priority subject matter areas and resident inspectors and will continue to evaluate staffing needs at least annually. DNFSB is also drafting a Human Capital Plan that will further institutionalize actions to address this recommendation.
OIG Analysis: The OIG reviewed the DNFSBs staffing plan and verified that the staffing plan identifies the agencys staffing needs and evaluates the subject matter areas that may be understaffed. The staffing plan also describes the agencys progress in completing hiring actions. This recommendation is closed.
Status: Closed.
3
Audit Report AUDIT OF THE DEFENSE NUCLEAR FACILITIES SAFETY BOARDS PROCESS FOR PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTING OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES Status of Recommendations (DNFSB-22-A-03)
Recommendation 3: Strengthen expertise in subject matter expert areas that lack depth through knowledge management and training.
Agency Response Dated August 30, 2023: OTD has updated its internal procedure for training and provided training to all OTD staff on the revised training procedure on 2/28/2023. All DNFSB staff members have developed Individual Development Plans, and OTDs IDPs include training to increase the depth of knowledge in nuclear oversight areas. For criticality safety, which has been an understaffed area for years, multiple staff members have taken additional training classes and attended workshops to improve knowledge, skills, and abilities.
OIG Analysis: The OIG reviewed the DNFSBs revised guidance for training staff, which addresses the initial and continued training requirements for the various subject matter areas in the Office of the Technical Director. The OIG also reviewed the DNFSBs revised guidance for establishing individual development plans for all DFNSB employees. This recommendation is closed.
Status: Closed.
4