QUALITY ASSURANCE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
When properly implemented, the principles and requirements form a management system to plan, perform, assess, and improve work. The requirements are performance oriented and offer implementation flexibility. The DOE quality management system moves beyond the traditional quality assurance requirements that had become narrowly focused on compliance, and inspections. The management system is designed to link with an organization's strategic plan to support mission achievement and the delivery of products and services that meet customer expectations. The Department’s commitment to environment, safety, and health also relies, upon work being conducted within an effective management system. DOE line managers and contracting officers must understand these two fundamental purposes for the Quality Assurance (QA) requirements and ensure the QA Order and QA Rule are specified in each major contract (including those contracts using the Work Smart Standards process to satisfy DOE Acquisition regulation 48 CFR 970.5223-1).
QA Policy and Directives
The Office of Quality Assurance is responsible for DOE's QA policy and requirements, and for providing assistance with QA implementation. Identifies DOE QA Policy, Regulation, Orders, Guides, and Standards.
Safety Software Quality Assurance
The Department has established rigorous and effective requirements for the application of QA programs to safety software for nuclear facilities.
Safety Software Quality Assurance - Central Registry
Promotes continuous improvement and the sharing of knowledge of safety software quality assurance among interested parties across the DOE complex.
Commercial Grade Dedication (CDG)
Commercial grade dedication efforts have become more important for the Department as it has become difficult to find competitive suppliers for safety systems and components that are qualified to ASME NQA-1.
Safety Software Communication Forum- SSCF
This SSCF provides a platform for recording and communicating information on safety-software applications used at various sites within the DOE complex. The SSCF is an access controlled (password protected) site for use by DOE and its contractors.
Suspect/Counterfeit Items/Defective Items (S/CI)
The S/CI requirements are found in DOE O 414.1D, Quality Assurance. A quality assurance program must establish, document and implement effective controls and processes that will:
- ensure items and services meet specified requirements;
- prevent entry of S/CIs into the DOE supply chain;
- ensure detection, control, reporting, and disposition of S/CIs.
High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filter Test Facility (FTF)
The Office of Quality Assurance has the responsibility to inspect and test all High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters prior to their installation in a nuclear facility. Applicable DOE Standards and information on FTF reports are maintained by the Office of Quality Assurance.
Quality Assurance Quality Council
The Office of Quality Assurance chairs the Department's Quality Council. The mission of the Quality Council is to promote improved communication, consistency, and collaboration to support effective quality assurance across the Department of Energy complex. For more information, contact Earl Hughes at earl.hughes@hq.doe.gov.