Directives Help

All DOE directives are available through this site. While it may seem overwhelming, given the number of documents, we have provided a number of ways in which you may get to the information you need.

Browse by Directive Status (Current, Archive, Draft)

In the Directives tab drop down menu select a collection anywhere on the site.

Search

The search box is in the upper right corner anywhere on the site. Use quotation marks and the AND and OR operators to make your search more restrictive. Use advanced search when you have specific criteria.

Advanced Search

In the Advanced Search window:

Select a Document Status collection (current, archive or draft).

You can choose more than one.Select Document Type to be searched.

You can choose one or more specific document types or delegations.

The following are optional but will help to refine your search

Enter text of interest (use AND/OR to combine multiple words)
Enter document title
Enter all or part of a document number (e.g., entering 251 would return documents in that series)
Select an office of primary interest to find all documents produced by that organization
List dates to limit your search to a specific time period.

You can narrow or expand your search based on the criteria you select from the options available.

Sort Fields

You can dynamically sort the directives list by clicking on the header above any column.

Alphabetical Listing

Select the All Directives link on the Directives tab drop down menu or on the Directives page. Scroll down and choose a document title from the list provided.

E-mail Notifications

You can subscribe to email notifications of updates to the collection, and you have the option to subscribe to notifications about any new document or one or more subsets of new documents. Follow the steps below to set up your automatic email subscription.

Step 1 - Determine which notifications you wish to receive: On the Updates page, under E-Mail Notifications, select one or more notifications to receive. For example, if you want to be notified when any new directive is added, select "New Documents." You can limit notifications to documents from a specific source, select "New Documents by Office of Primary Interest."

Step 2 - Enter your email address: When prompted enter your email address. Click Finish.
Step 3 - Confirm your subscription: Once you have subscribed, you will receive confirmation email. Click on the link in the email to confirm or modify your subscription.
Step 4 - Subscription confirmed: Click the link in the confirmation email and a notice will appear in your web browser confirming your successful subscription.

RSS News Feeds

We use RSS (Really Simple Syndication) technology to make the most recent updates available. RSS is an easy way to keep up with news and information that is important to you with direct delivery without filling your inbox with email messages. You can use the built-in RSS readers in Microsoft Internet Explorer and Microsoft Outlook to read your subscribed feeds.

The easiest way to subscribe to a feed in the library is to click the RSS Feed link under every list of documents, and follow the instructions. The link looks like this: RSS_small

Need help?

If you can't find what you're looking for, please contact us. We are always open to suggestions on making the portal better and easier to use. If you have ideas, please let us know.

ask Frequently Asked Questions

What are directives?

Directives are the primary means to establish, communicate, and institutionalize policies, requirements, responsibilities, and procedures for Departmental elements and contractors.

Why do we need directives?

Directives facilitate the achievement of the Department of Energy’s strategic and operational goals and help ensure safe, secure, efficient, cost-effective operations and compliance with applicable legal requirements.

What are the different types of directives?

Policies establish high level expectations in the conduct of the Department’s mission impacting two or more Departmental elements.
Orders establish management objectives and requirements and assign responsibilities for DOE Federal employees consistent with policy and regulations. Requirements must be unique to DOE and must avoid duplicating information from other directives or any existing legal source.
Notices have the same effect as Orders but are issued in response to Departmental matters requiring prompt action to establish short-term management objectives.
Manuals supplement other directives, laws, and regulations, or other requirements by providing more instructions or details on how the provisions of these directives or laws must be carried out throughout DOE.
Guides provide acceptable, but not mandatory, means for complying with requirements of an Order or rule.

When is a directive in effect?

A directive is in effect after it has been approved by a person with signatory authority and published.

When is directive updated?

Directives must keep pace with statutes, regulations and organizational change and are periodically reviewed to ensure that they remain current and relevant. Significant changes in statute or regulation may trigger directives review or revision.

Who owns a particular directive?

Offices of Primary Interest (OPIs) have been assigned for each individual directive. The OPI is the office under which lies the majority of interest or subject matter expertise.

Who should read directives?

Everybody should read and understand directives because they increase agency efficiency, and protect you from harm and liability.

How do I know if a directive applies to me?

Your supervisor should be able to tell you if a particular directive applies to you.

How are new directives developed?

The OPI conducts an analysis and obtains approval for developing a draft directive document. The draft is reviewed by various offices and routed for formal approval. The directive is then implemented when published.

How do I know if I am using the most current version of a directive?

The most current version of a directive is available on the Directives Portal listing for Current Directives. Archived directives are available for a historical perspective and are clearly marked as such. Be sure to check directives that you may have printed or saved to your computer to ensure that the version you have saved remains current.

If I need clarification on a directive, who should I contact?

Your supervisor should be able to assist you. You can also use the Contact Form or send an email to the Directives mailbox at dmteam@hq.doe.gov.

What should I do if I want to comment on a directive?

Your comments and input are welcome. There is an electronic mailbox dedicated to comments on policies and procedures. Either use the Contact Form or send an email directly to our mailbox at: dmteam@hq.doe.gov.

If I have idea for a new directive or for changes or revisions to existing directives, who should I tell?

Each Field Office and Assistant Director’s office has an assigned Directives Point of Contact (DPC). You can tell your DPC. If the idea has merit, your idea can be elevated for potential implementation.

What is the Directives Review Board (DRB), what is its role in the Departmental Directives Program, and who are its members?

DOE O 251.1C, Departmental Directives Program, established the DRB to ensure that directives are consistent with Departmental standards and to add value to the Department's business processes and operations. Members are: the Director, Office of Management (Chair), who represents the interests of MA and organizations not represented on the DRB; representatives of the Offices of the Under Secretaries of Energy, Science and the National Nuclear Security Administration; the Office of General Counsel; and the Office of Health, Safety and Security.

What is a Justification Memorandum (JM)?

A JM is a formal request for development, revision, cancellation or certification of a directive submitted to the DRB by the Office of Primary Interest (OPI). Each JM addresses purpose, justification and impact of the directive. The OPI submits the JM to the Office of Information Resources (MA-90) and the DRB Liaison schedules it for discussion at an upcoming DRB meeting where it is expected that the OPI will present justification. The DRB reaches consensus on the proposed action.

What is the expected cycle time for developing a directive?

The directives process includes preparing the JM, developing the directive, review and comment, and concurrence and final approval by the DRB and the Deputy Secretary. Standard processing time is 165 days as shown in the table below. Note that directive development stops when the directive is sent to the DRB for final submission to the Deputy Secretary for approval. Extension to standard processing time must be approved by the DRB.

Standard Schedule for Directives Development

Action	Responsible Party	# Calendar Days
1. Draft Development	Writer	60
2. Process/Post	MA-90	5
3. Review/Comment Phase	Interested Parties	45
4. Comment Resolution	Writer	30
5. Process/Post	MA-90	5
6. Concurrence Phase	Writer	15
7. Preparation of Final Draft	Writer	5
Total Processing Time 165

How does an organization obtain an exemption from a directive requirements?

If available, specific exemption requirements are listed in the directive along with a procedure for requesting exemption. See DOE O 251.1C, Appendix E.

What is the difference between an equivalency and an exemption?

An equivalency is an approved alternative to how a requirement is met (applicable when the “how” is specified). An exemption is release from one or more requirements in a directive.

Who should I contact when I have comments/questions on an approved directive?

Contact the writer via the Feedback mechanism. On the new portal, select Directives -> Current and choose the series. Open the directive of interest and choose the Feedback option under Related Content.

Certain directives have expired. Are they still in effect?

Yes, with the exception of Notices, which expire one year after the approval date. Expiration dates, which are no longer in use, were at one time reminders for issuing organizations to review their directives.

If my directive is 4 or more years old and still current and relevant, how do I get it certified?

In the Writers’ Tools link on the new portal, you will find a template for a Certification Letter that includes instructions. Complete the process defined in the template, and submit a hard copy to the Office of Information Resources in room 1G-033. MA-90 will send your Certification Letter to the DRB for consideration.

I've been asked to review a document in RevCom. What is my next step?

Access RevCom at https://www.directives.doe.gov/login.jsp

Hint: You may want to bookmark this page or add it to your favorites in your browser.

Choose SME or Reviewer as your RevCom Role.
Log in to RevCom using your email address for the username. You do not need a password. If prompted, select your organization/offic/group from the pulldown menu available after you log in. All of your comments will be sent to the Directives Point of Contact (DPC) for this organization.
Click on a document title in the "Open for Comment" section to begin adding your comments.

Use the Review Documents Guide for step-by-step instructions.

Guide Summary: Documents in RevCom are broken up into sections, then into paragraphs or subsections. Each subsection has an "Add Comment" button at the bottom.

Click on "Add Comment" below any section and a text editing box will appear. You can:

o type comments as text or

o use the "Copy Text" feature to copy the sub paragraph into the text editing box to make editorial changes to the text.

Save each comment by choosing "Save Comment."
Click on the "Submit" button in the top left portion of your RevCom screen to enter your submission. Follow the instructions on your RevCom screen.

Guide Summary: Documents in RevCom are broken up into sections, then into paragraphs or subsections. Each subsection has an "Add Comment" button at the bottom.

Click on "Add Comment" below any section and a text editing box will appear. You can:
- type comments as text or
- use the "Copy Text" feature to copy the sub paragraph into the text editing box to make editorial changes to the text.
Save each comment by choosing "Save Comment."
Click on the "Submit" button in the top left portion of your RevCom screen to enter your submission. Follow the instructions on your RevCom screen.

Can the public submit comments?

This feature is not yet activated.

Can I see other organization's comments?

Yes. Once any organization's Directives Point of Contact (DPC) has submitted the organization's official comments package, those comments can be seen by all RevCom users via the "All Comments" quick report and other custom reports.

Is there a process for dealing with unresolved comments?

Yes. When the DRB does not reach a consensus or the OPI cannot resolve a nonconcurrence, the Impasse Process is activated. The process is defined in the Writers' Tools for the types of directives. You can also contact your DPC or your OPI for assistance.

I often have no comments or find the document I've been asked to review is not applicable to my organization. What should I do?

For your participation to be on record, we recommend that

SMEs/Reviewers
- Click the "Submit" button in the top left of your RevCom screen.
- Choose the "No Comment" option.
DPCs
- Go directly to the document in RevCom and select the following:
  - Submit Comments
  - "No Comments"
  - Confirm your selection

How do I get a user ID and password to access RevCom?

If you are a subject matter expert (SME) or reviewer, you log in to RevCom using your email address. Only DPCs and Delegates require user IDs and passwords. If you are a DPC, use the Contact Form to request a username and password. If you are a delegate, the DPC who assigned you to that role will have your user ID and password.

How do I assign other reviewers in my organization to review a document in RevCom?

DPCs can assign reviewers from their lists of SMEs and delegates.

To create a list of potential reviewers

Login to RevCom
Choose Accounts>Create Users from your RevCom Menu
Choose the reviewer role you are creating (Reviewer or SME or a delegate)
Enter a reviewers complete email address (Check your work)
Click on "Save and New"
Or, for delegates, choose Accounts > Create Users > Delegate, enter requested information and assign a user ID and password
Start over again to add additional reviewers

To assign reviewers from the list you have created

Choose Document>List Mine from your RevCom Menu
Choose the document you would like to assign to a reviewer
Choose Version>Assign User from your RevCom menu
Select all of the reviewers you wish to assign from your list
Click on "Assign Users" at the bottom right of your screen
Click "Notify" in the "Currently Assigned" column

o Enter any specific instructions to your reviewers in the provided text box

o Click on "Notify" at the bottom of the screen to send the notification

Your reviewers will receive an automatic notification with their specific due dates inviting them to participate in the review process. SMEs/Reviewers cannot officially assign other users via RevCom. They can:

Contact their local DPC to request another reviewer's assignment
Direct other reviewers to this FAQ page

How can I change my RevCom password?

Users do not have the ability to make changes to or reset their own passwords, but our Technical Support staff will be happy to make any changes for you. All passwords must comply with DOE Standard Password Requirements. Contact support@doxcelerate.com or call 505-663-1302.

I need an alternate or backup to serve as coordinator for me at times when I am unavailable. Should I assign a delegate?

Delegates assist DPCs in user assignment and comment coordination. Normally, the work of the Delegate should be reviewed by the DPC prior to submitting the final comments package; however, RevCom provides the capability to automatically submit the Delegate's work when the comments are due. To activate this feature, contact support@doxcelerate.com or call 505-663-1302.

I need a report with all of the comments from my organization for my supervisor to approve prior to my final submission. Where do I find that?

Once a DPC has selected a set of comments for inclusion in the organization's comment package, a "My Organization Comments" quick report can be printed. This is the ideal report for supervisor approval.

Login to RevCom
Click on the title of the document
From the RevCom menu, choose Reports>Quick>My Organization Comments

Where can I get training on RevCom?

You can find online instructions, user guides, short videos, and other training resources under the Help Menu in RevCom.

If you would like one-on-one training, please contact RevCom Technical Support at 505-663-1302, or use the Contact Form to send an email request.

Can contractors submit comments?

Yes, DOE contractors may submit comments via RevCom through their Directives Points of Contact. (See DPC listing).

If a directive does not apply to my organization, do we have to submit comments?

No. However, you should register your participation in RevCom by clicking on the "Submit" button in the top left portion of your RevCom screen then choose the "No Comments" option.

How do I get an extension on my due date?

A due date extension is granted only for special or rare circumstances. SMEs/reviewers should contact their local DPCs for extensions; DPCs should contact the Directives management team using the Contact Form or call RevCom Technical Support at 505-663-1302.

Explain the difference between an "Activity" and a "Document" and explain how they relate to review and response, concurrence and other phases.

The "document" is the draft directive that is being reviewed. RevCom breaks up the workflow for a document into different activities or phases; for example, Review and Comment, Comment Response, Concurrence, etc. The "activity" (phase) name follows the document title after the last comma. (Doc ID, Doc Title, Activity Name) Each activity or phase has its own reporting options, but all activities within the same workflow (document) share reference materials. This is important to know if you are working on a concurrence, for example, and want to see the comments and responses from the "Review and Comment" phase. In this case you need to actually find the "Review and Comment" activity in the document list on your primary RevCom screen (usually under "Review Completed"). In the Reports menu, choose Custom and in the form that follows make the following selections.

1. Both

2. Top Organizations (or the top level organization in your org chain for all accepted comments within your org only)

3. None

4. No

5. Yes

6. All Paragraphs (or preference)

7. No (or preference)

Use the Contact Form or call RevCom Technical Support at 505-663-1302, if you need assistance.

How do I find/Print a comment response report?

In the Document List, select the document in its "Review and Comment" activity (usually under "Review Completed"). In the Reports Menu, select Custom and in the form that follows, select the following options and print the report: