1996 - DNFSB - The DOE Technical Personnel Problem

This report, issued by the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (DNFSB) in March 1996, provides an assessment of the DOE technical personnel problem. The Board has consistently identified the lack of sufficient, technically qualified personnel as the most critical problem affecting the safety of DOE defense nuclear facilities. The report was authored by John Crawford (NR-HQ 1952-1963).

Key Findings and Evidence

• Lack of Qualified Personnel: There remains a serious, persistent deficiency in the number of technically qualified DOE personnel at both Headquarters and in field organizations.

• Ineffective Corrective Efforts: Despite numerous Board recommendations and internal DOE studies, progress in correcting these deficiencies has been slow and insufficient.

• Reliance on Contractors: The DOE has traditionally relied heavily on contractors and laboratories for technical guidance, frequently failing to act as a "demanding customer" capable of overseeing its own safety responsibilities.

• Hiring Failures: DOE management has failed to leverage hiring opportunities to "substantially" raise technical expertise, often hiring minimally qualified candidates rather than outstanding ones.

• Radiation Protection Example: The radiation protection program serves as a clear example of inadequate technical expertise, with many sites lacking certified health physics professionals.

Underlying Causes and Impediments

• Managerial Attitudes: Many DOE managers do not regard strong technical education and experience as essential, and some attempt to abdicate safety responsibilities to contractors.

• Lack of Definition: A major impediment is the failure to clearly delineate safety responsibilities between Headquarters and field organizations, a situation that has persisted for years.

• Organizational Structure: The placement of internal nuclear safety oversight under the Assistant Secretary for Environment, Safety and Health—rather than having it report directly to the Secretary—has hampered its effectiveness.

The report suggests that to improve the situation, the DOE must:

• Establish a clear policy for providing technical direction to contractors.

• Perform "benchmarking" studies of other federal agencies that successfully maintain high technical competence, such as the Naval Reactors (NR) program.

• Elevate the recruitment and retention of technical personnel to a high-priority, Secretary-level concern.

Appendix C of the report titled Naval Reactors (NR): A Potential Model for Improved Personnel Management in the Department of Energy (DOE)" was written by Steven L. Krahn (NR-HQ 1979-1983). It provides an excellent overview of NR's technical personnel management.