MISSION
To provide the Department of Energy, including the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), with aviation policies, guidance, and program management oversight that ensure the delivery of effective, efficient, and safe aviation services required to support accomplishment of all the DOE mission.

FUNCTIONS
Provides recommendations to the Secretary of Energy and the NNSA Administrator regarding the safety, efficiency, effectiveness and management of aircraft used by the DOE, and NNSA.  The Director of the Office is the designated DOE  Senior Aviation Management Official (SAMO), who chairs the DOE Aviation Board of Directors.

Provides for the final approval for the acquisition and disposal of Departmental aviation assets.

Approves the selections of the types of aviation assets or services required to carry out the respective aviation missions for DOE Headquarters and Field elements that are not part of the NNSA, based on OMB Circular A-11 Exhibit 300 and A-76 studies and in collaboration with DOE program offices and field elements.  The OAM Director reviews and makes recommendations for or against aviation asset and service selections submitted by NNSA elements to the NNSA Administrator.  If a difference of opinion develops between the Director, OAM, and the Administrator, NNSA regarding selections of the types of aviation assets or services required, they will take the issue to the Secretary or Deputy Secretary for resolution or direction.

Develops and implements policies, systems, practices, and procedures to maintain the highest standards of aviation operations, safety, health, and airworthiness. Serves as the focal point for gathering and disseminating DOE aviation use and cost data, reports, customer feedback, and accident prevention information.

Approving authority for any deviations from or waivers to or from the requirements of DOE Order 440.2B, Aviation Management and Safety for non-NNSA elements of DOE and makes recommendations regarding any deviations or waivers, requested by NNSA elements, to the NNSA Administrator.

Conducts aviation safety and management independent oversight of DOE aviation programs, including those of those of NNSA.

Establishes aviation technical, management, safety and financial agreements, as required, with DOE, NNSA, PMAs, program offices, and field organizations to provide technical support, and assistance to the field to assure reliable and safe operations of fleet and chartered aircraft.

In collaboration with the Office of Health, Safety and Security, supports and/or conducts aircraft accident investigations for the Department providing the necessary technical, managerial and safety assistance. May also be selected as an Aircraft Accident Investigation Board (AIB) chairman, board member or team member.

Approves and reviews Aviation Implementation Plans (AIP) that specify field element local management and safety requirements for the use of aircraft.

Conducts or facilitates aviation compliance and safety audits of aviation service providers to the Department. Serves as a central clearinghouse for charter and contract aviation services by maintaining a list of  DOE approved charter and contract aviation providers.

Provides external interface and liaison on aviation-related issues with the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Transportation Safety Board, the Office of Management and Budget, the General Services Administration, and other Federal agencies and industry. Serves as the DOE office of primary responsibility for addressing aviation issues with other government agencies.

The Director, OAM serves as the DOE representative to the Interagency Committee on Aviation Policy.

Develops and recommends DOE's position on proposed legislation and related Federal regulations regarding aviation and works with Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs to affect legislation.