ML24121A137
| ML24121A137 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 04/30/2024 |
| From: | Virkar H NRC/OIG/AIGA |
| To: | Raymond Furstenau NRC/EDO |
| References | |
| OIG-23-A-03 | |
| Download: ML24121A137 (1) | |
Text
MEMORANDUM
DATE: April 30, 2024
TO: Raymond V. Furstenau Acting Executive Director for Operations
FROM: Hruta Virkar, CPA /RA/
Assistant Inspector General for Audits & Evaluations
SUBJECT:
STATUS OF RECOMMENDATIONS: AUDIT OF THE U.S.
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSIONS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT PROCESS (OIG A-03)
REFERENCE:
DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR MATERIALS, RESEARCH, STATE, TRIBAL, COMPLIANCE, ADMINISTRATION, AND HUMAN CAPITAL PROGRAMS MEMODANDUM DATED, FEBRUARY 29 , 2024
Attached is the Office of the Inspector Generals (OIG) analysis and status of recommendations as discussed in the agencys response dated February 29 , 2024.
Based on this response, and the OIGs analysis of the documents submitted on April 11, 2024, recommendations one through four remain open and resolved. Please provide an updated status of the open, resolved recommendation s by June 30, 2024.
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. Martin , Acting ADO T. Govan, Acting DADO J. Jolicoeur, OEDO OIG Liaison Resource EDO ACS Distribution
NRC Headquarters l 11555 Rockville Pike l Rockville, Maryland 20852 l 301.415.5930 nrcoig.oversight.gov Audit Report AUDIT OF THE U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSIONS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT PROCESS Status of Recommendations (OIG-23-A-03)
Recommendation 1: Develop and implement a systematic approach to record complete, accurate, and easily retrievable vacancy announcement data.
Agency Response Dated February 29, 2024: The Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO) has developed and implemented a systematic approach to record complete, accurate, and easily retrievable vacancy announcement data. OCHCO uses Monster Government Solutions as the official electronic repository for capturing data associated with filling external agency vacancies.
Additionally, OCHCO uses the Workforce Transformation and Tracking System (WTTS) to supplement the vacancy announcement process with applicant selection information.
The NRC recommends closure of this recommendation.
Agency Response Dated April 11, 2024: OCHCO developed standardized job aides to ensure all data is captured in WTTS and Monster to increase accuracy and consistency of HR Data.
OIG Analysis: The OIG reviewed the OIG Vacancy Process 4.11.24, HIRENRC Hiring Manager Resource Guide and the WTTS Job Aid submitted to the OIG on April 11, 2024. However, after a detailed review , the OIG concluded that these documents do not demonstrate that the NRC developed and implemented the recommended systematic approach.
Further, the WTTS Job Aid assigns responsibilities only to HR staff. Some of the data entry in WTTS is also performed by non-HR staff, and the guidance does not address these staff members. This recommendation remains open and resolved.
Status: Open: Resolved.
2 Audit Report AUDIT OF THE U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSIONS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT PROCESS Status of Recommendations (OIG-23-A-03)
Recommendation 2: Develop and implement WTTS training for all applicable managers and staff.
Agency Response Dated February 29, 2024: OCHCO has developed and implemented WTTS training for all applicable staff. The training was provided through a variety of methods including a written handbook (WTTS Job Aid) and tutorial sessions on how to navigate WTTS and perform actions including data entry and reporting functions. OCHCO supervisors are routinely reviewing WTTS reports to ensure compliance. The NRC recommends closure of this recommendation.
Agency Response Dated April 11, 2024: The training has primarily been on the job training up to this point. The WTTS Job Aid was being developed at the same time as staff learned the importance of each field and how it relates to the recruitment process. Currently, we are working with our HCAB counterparts to develop a report that will make it easier and more timely to spotlight missing data fields in current recruitments and to identify where further training/attention to data needs occur.
OIG Analysis: The OIG reviewed the OIG Vacancy Process 4.11.24, WTTS Job Aid, and HIRENRC Hiring Manager Resource Guide documents submitted to the OIG on April 11, 2024.
However, after a detailed review , the OIG determined that the information provided does not fully address this recommendation. The WTTS Job Aid is dedicated to HR staff and does not address the needs of all non -HR managers and staff who, due to their involvement in the hiring process, perform data entry in WTTS. The OIG will close this recommendation once it determines the sufficiency of the HCAB report regarding the missing data fields and can verify that formal training has occurred for all staff involved -
including non- HR staff. This recommendation remains open and resolved.
Status: Open: Resolved.
3 Audit Report AUDIT OF THE U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSIONS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT PROCESS Status of Recommendations (OIG-23-A-03)
Recommendation 3: Revise agency policy to include and clarify DHA requirements.
Agency Response Dated February 29, 2024: OCHCO revised agency policy (i.e., Management Directive 10.1, Recruitment, Appointments, and Merit Staffing) to include and clarify requirements associated with the NRCs application of Direct Hire Authority (DHA) and it was published for all employees on May 25, 2023:
https://usnrc.sharepoint.com/teams/NRC- Management-Directives/SitePages/MD-10.001.aspx. The NRC recommends closure of this recommendation.
Agency Response Dated April 11, 2024: The revisions to Management Directive 10.1, Recruitment, Appointments, and Merit Staffing related to Direct Hire authority make clear that the NRC mirrors the Title 5, U.S.C.
Direct hire authority implemented by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) using NRCs authority under Section 161d of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954.
There are a number of hiring authorities available to the competitive service and mirrored by OPM which are not discussed in great detail within MD 10.1, but which the NRC mirrors. The MDs objective is not to describe all details of the NRCs Direct Hire Authority, but to establish the NRC policy of mirroring the Direct Hire Authority as described by OPM.
OPM maintains guidance and a list of government-wide Direct Hire Authorities on its website. OCHCO has issued informative announcements when OPM expands the available Direct Hire Authorities, as such as the February 5 announcement of new Direct Hire authorities for advancing the use of Artificial Intelligence. Additional training and operational guidance specific to NRCs Direct Hire Authority is available to HR Specialists and managers but would not be included in the MD.
4 Audit Report AUDIT OF THE U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSIONS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT PROCESS Status of Recommendations (OIG-23-A-03)
Recommendation 3 (continued):
OIG Analysis: The OIG reviewed Management Directive 10.1, Recruitment, Appointments, and Merit Staffing ; OIG Vacancy Process 4.11.24; and the Direct Hire Authority Information Sheet For Managers, submitted to the OIG on April 11, 2024.
However, after a detailed review , the OIG determined that these documents do not address this recommendation.
Although the OIG recognizes that the NRC defined DHA in Management Directive 10.1, the MD does not define the hiring specifications as clearly as the merit staffing program.
Additionally, the DHA process is not detailed in any other NRC guidance. This recommendation remains open and resolved.
Status: Open: Resolved.
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Recommendation 4: Develop and provide recurring DHA training for all current and future NRC management and staff involved with the hiring process.
Agency Response Dated February 29, 2024: OCHCO provided hiring managers training during a KNOWvember knowledge management initiative held in 2023. Moving forward, regular training sessions will be provided through diverse forums to guarantee a broader and more consistent understanding of DHAs. The NRC recommends closure of this recommendation.
Agency Response Dated April 11, 2024: Please refer to the two attached documents: HIRENRC Hiring Manager Resource Guide and Guidance for Managers.
OIG Analysis: The OIG reviewed the HIRENRC Hiring Manager Resource Guide and Direct Hire Authority Information Sheet For Managers documents submitted to the OIG on April 11, 2024. However, after a detailed review , the OIG determined that these documents do not clearly address this recommendation. The attached documents do not present a DHA step-by-step hiring process designed to meet the purpose of the training. This recommendation remains open and resolved.
Status: Open: Resolved.
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