Performance Audit of the U.S. Geological Survey, Energy Resource Program Inorganic Geochemistry Laboratory
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Abstract
A performance audit of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Energy Resource Program (ERP) Inorganic Geochemistry Laboratory (IGL) was conducted between August, 2003 and October, 2005. The goals were to ensure that a high level of analytical performance was maintained and identify any areas that could be enhanced. The audit was subdivided into three phases. Phase 1 was a preliminary assessment of current performance based on recent performance on CANSPEX™ samples. IGL performance was also compared to laboratories world–wide with similar scope. Phase 2 consisted of the implementation of the recommended changes made in Phase 1. Phase 3 of the audit consisted of a reassessment effort to evaluate the effectiveness of the recommendations made in the Phase 1 and an on–site audit of the laboratory facilities. Phases 1 and 3 required summary reports that are included in Appendices A and B of this report. The audit found that the IGL was one of the top two laboratories compared for trace element analyses. Several recommendations to enhance performance on major and minor elemental parameters were made and implemented. Demonstrated performance improvements as a result of the recommended changes were documented. Several initiatives to sustain the performance improvements gained from the audit have been implemented.
Contents
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Purpose and Goals of the External Audit
- Organization of the Audit Tasks and Reports
- Approach
- Summary of Findings
- Phase 1: Preliminary Proficiency Assessment
- Phase 2: Reconciliation of Preliminary Audit Recommendations
- Phase 3: Reassessment of Performance and On–site Evaluation
- Measurable Benefits of the Performance Audit
- Future work
- Conclusions
- Acknowledgments
- References Cited
- Appendix A – Phase 1: Preliminary Evaluations of Quality System and Recommendations
- Appendix A.1: Preliminary Evaluation of Quality System; Initial Report
- Appendix A.2: Preliminary Evaluation of Quality System; Final Report
- Appendix B – Phase 3: Reassessment Analyses, and On–site Audit Final Report
- Appendix B.1: Evaluation of Reassessment Results from Chlorine Determinations
- Appendix B.2: Evaluation of Reassessment Results for Major Oxides
- Appendix B.3: On–Site Evaluation of USGS IGL
- Appendix B.4: References for Cited Standards and organizations