Director's Message

Welcome to the Office of Independent Oversight

Bradley A. Peterson, Director

As a key element reporting to the Department's Chief Health, Safety and Security Officer, the Office Independent Oversight (HS-60) provides accurate and comprehensive information and analysis regarding the effectiveness, vulnerabilities, and trends of DOE security; cyber security; emergency management; environment, safety, and health programs, and other critical subjects of interest to Departmental senior staff, Congressional committees, and stakeholders in support of DOE's strategic and general goals.

As a corporate resource, our office performs facility, site-specific, and Department-wide performance-based assessments to verify that the Department's safeguards and security interests are protected, that the Department can effectively respond to emergencies, and that Departmental employees, the public, and the environment are protected from hazardous operations and materials. Independent Oversight assessments are designed to complement line management's responsibility for security and safety program oversight and self-assessments.

Independent Oversight subordinate offices include the Office of Security Evaluations (HS-61), the Office of Cyber Security Evaluations (HS-62), the Office of Emergency Management Oversight (HS-63), and the Office of Environment, Safety and Health Evaluations (HS-64). Protocols and process guides for the conduct of Independent Oversight appraisal activities are available using the Guidance Document links listed on the menu to the left of this page. Recent unclassified reports resulting from oversight activities can also be located through the Reports link available on the same menu.

Independent Oversight conducts its oversight role for DOE and the National Nuclear Security Administration security and safety programs using proven and long established processes. A primary focus of our inspection teams is to promote open and productive communications with managers and staff of inspected facilities, responsible Headquarters offices, and other constituencies in order to have a positive influence on the Department's security and safety operations and programs. Even after assessment activities are completed, we consider Independent Oversight to be a resource that line managers may utilize if they desire to better understand issues or provide suggestions on how to resolve deficiencies.

I encourage you to visit other pages on our web site and look forward to receiving any comments or suggestions you may have concerning DOE's Independent Oversight Program.