DOE-STD-1150-2013, Quality Assurance Functional Area Qualification Standard
Functional areas: Technical Qualification Program
The Quality Assurance (QA) Functional Area Qualification Standard (FAQS) establishes common functional area competency requirements for all DOE QA personnel who provide assistance, direction, guidance, oversight, or evaluation of contractor technical activities that could impact the safe operation of DOE’s defense nuclear facilities.
Supersedes:
Version history and related documents
Superseded by
A newer version replaces this document.
Supersedes
Earlier documents this one replaced.
Document text
Text extracted from the attached file. Refer to the original document for the authoritative version.
Section 1
NOT MEASUREMENT
SENSITIVE
DOE–STD–1150–2013
December 2013
DOE STANDARD
QUALITY ASSURANCE
FUNCTIONAL AREA QUALIFICATION
STANDARD
DOE Defense Nuclear Facilities Technical Personnel
U.S. Department of Energy AREA TRNG
Washington, D.C. 20585
DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
DOE-STD-1150-2013
This document is available on the
Department of Energy
Technical Standards Program
Website at
http://www.hss.energy.gov/nuclearsafety/ns/techstds/
ii
http://www.hss.energy.gov/nuclearsafety/ns/techstds/
DOE-STD-1150-2013
INTENTIONALLY BLANK
iv
DOE-STD-1150-2013
TABLE OF CONTENTS
APPROVAL.....................................................................................................................iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS .................................................................................................. v
ACKNOWLEDGMENT ...................................................................................................vii
PURPOSE....................................................................................................................... 1
APPLICABILITY .............................................................................................................. 1
IMPLEMENTATION ........................................................................................................ 1
EVALUATION REQUIREMENTS.................................................................................... 2
INITIAL QUALIFICATION AND TRAINING..................................................................... 4
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES................................................................................. 4
BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE.............................................................................. 5
REQUIRED TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES .................................................................. 6
APPENDIX A................................................................................................................. 19
APPENDIX B................................................................................................................. 21
CONCLUDING MATERIAL ........................................................................................... 23
v
DOE-STD-1150-2013
INTENTIONALLY BLANK
vi
DOE-STD-1150-2013
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Office of Health, Safety and Security, Office of Quality Assurance is the sponsor for the
Quality Assurance (QA) Functional Area Qualification Standard (FAQS). The sponsor is
responsible for coordinating the development and/or review of the FAQS by subject matter experts
to ensure the technical content of the standard is accurate and adequate for Department-wide
application for those involved in the QA program. The sponsor, in coordination with the Federal
Technical Capability Panel, is also responsible for ensuring the FAQS is maintained current.
The following subject matter experts participated in the development and/or review of this
qualification standard:
Colette Broussard DOE-HSS
Debbie Rosano DOE-HSS
Sonya Barnette DOE-HSS
Duli Agarwal DOE-HSS
John Adachi DOE-SC-CH
Krishna Vadlamani DOE-RL
Steven Chalk DOE-RL
Sam Johnson DOE-NNSA
Thanhtan VanOber DOE-NNSA
Anita Leivo DOE-NA-00-LA
Nathan Morley DOE-NA-SH-50
Robert Blyth DOE-ID
Samuel Vega DOE-ORP
Darrell Huff DOE-NE
Larry Adkinson DOE-SR
vii
DOE-STD-1150-2013
INTENTIONALLY BLANK
viii
DOE-STD-1150-2013
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Section 2
FUNCTIONAL AREA QUALIFICATION STANDARD
QUALITY ASSURANCE
PURPOSE
The primary purpose of the Technical Qualification Program (TQP) is to ensure employees have
the requisite technical competency to support the mission of the Department. The TQP forms
the basis for the development and assignment of DOE personnel responsible for ensuring the
safe operation of defense nuclear facilities. The technical qualification standards are not
intended to replace the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) qualifications standards or
other departmental personnel standards, rules, plans, or processes. However, the technical
qualification standards should form the primary basis for developing vacancy announcements,
qualification requirements, crediting plans, interview questions, and other criteria associated
with the recruitment, selection, and internal placement of technical personnel.
APPLICABILITY
The Quality Assurance (QA) Functional Area Qualification Standard (FAQS) establishes
common functional area competency requirements for all DOE QA personnel who provide
assistance, direction, guidance, oversight, or evaluation of contractor technical activities that
could impact the safe operation of DOE’s defense nuclear facilities. This technical FAQS has
been developed as a tool to assist DOE program and field offices in the development and
implementation of the TQP in their organization. For ease of transportability of qualifications
between DOE elements, program and field offices must use this technical FAQS without
modification. Satisfactory and documented attainment of the competency requirements
contained in this technical FAQS ensures personnel possess the minimum requisite
competence to fulfill functional area duties and responsibilities common to the DOE complex.
Additionally, needed office/site/facility-specific qualification standards, handled separately,
supplement this technical FAQS and establish unique operational competency requirements at
the headquarters or field element, site, or facility level.
It should be noted that the competencies of management and leadership, general technical
knowledge, regulations, administrative capability, and assessment and oversight are embodied
in the competencies in this standard. All these factors have a bearing on safety. Although the
focus of this standard is technical competence, competencies such as good communication,
recognized credibility, ability to listen and process information, and the ability to guide an effort
to get it right the first time are recognized as important aspects of safety.
IMPLEMENTATION
This FAQS identifies the minimum technical competency requirements for DOE personnel.
Although there are other competency requirements associated with these positions, this FAQS
identifies the specific, common technical competencies required throughout all defense nuclear
facilities for QA personnel.
1
DOE-STD-1150-2013
The term “must” denotes a mandatory requirement, “should” denotes a recommended practice
that is not required, and “may” denotes an option in this standard.
The competencies identify various levels of knowledge; or they require the individual to
demonstrate the ability to perform a task or activity. These levels are defined as follows:
Familiarity level is basic knowledge of or exposure to the subject or process
adequate to discuss the subject or process with individuals of greater knowledge.
Section 3
Working level is knowledge required to monitor and assess operations/activities,
to apply standards of acceptable performance, and to recognize the need to seek
and obtain appropriate expert advice (e.g., technical, legal, safety) or consult
appropriate reference materials required to ensure the safety of DOE activities.
Demonstrate the ability is the actual performance of a task or activity in
accordance with policy, procedures, guidelines, and/or accepted industry or DOE
practices.
Headquarters and field elements must establish a program and process to ensure DOE
personnel possess the competencies required by their position, including the competencies
identified in this technical FAQS. Documentation of the completion of the requirements in this
standard must be included in the employees’ training and qualification records. Satisfactory
attainment of competency requirements contained in this technical FAQS may be documented
using the example QA FAQS qualification card from the Federal Technical Capability Program
Directives and Standards page, http://www.hss.energy.gov/deprep/ftcp/directives/directives.asp.
Equivalencies should be used sparingly and with the utmost rigor and scrutiny to maintain the
spirit and intent of the TQP. Equivalencies may be granted for individual competencies based
on objective evidence of previous education, training, certification, or experience. Objective
evidence includes a combination of transcripts, certifications, and in some cases, a knowledge
sampling obtained through written and/or oral examinations. Equivalencies must be granted in
accordance with the TQP plan of the site/office/headquarters organization qualifying the
individual. Supporting knowledge and/or skill statements should, and mandatory performance
activities must, be considered before granting an equivalency for a competency.
Training must be provided to employees in the TQP who do not meet competencies contained
in this technical FAQS. Training may include, but is not limited to, formal classroom and
computer- based courses, self-study, mentoring, on-the-job training, and special assignments.
Departmental training must be based on appropriate supporting knowledge and/or skill
statements similar to those listed for each competency requirement. Headquarters and field
elements should use the supporting knowledge and/or skill statements as a basis for evaluating
the content of any training.
EVALUATION REQUIREMENTS
Attainment of competencies listed in this technical FAQS must be documented in accordance
with the TQP plan or policy of the site/office/headquarters organization qualifying the individual
and the requirements in DOE Order (O) 360.1C, Federal Employee Training, and DOE O 426.1,
Chg 1, Federal Technical Capability.
The qualifying official or immediate supervisor should ensure the candidate meets the
background and experience requirements of this FAQS. If the immediate supervisor is not
2
http://www.hss.energy.gov/deprep/ftcp/directives/directives.asp
DOE-STD-1150-2013
qualified in this functional area, the supervisor should consult with a qualified individual prior to
using one or a combination of the following individual competency evaluation methods:
Satisfactory completion of a written examination
Satisfactory completion of an oral examination
Satisfactory accomplishment of an observed task or activity directly related to a
competency
Documented evaluation of equivalencies (such as applicable experience in the field)
without a written examination
Section 4
Field element managers/headquarters program managers must qualify candidates as
possessing the basic technical knowledge, technical discipline competency, and position-
specific knowledge, skills, and abilities required for their positions.
Final qualification of candidates must be performed using one or a combination of the following
methods:
Satisfactory completion of a comprehensive written examination with a minimum
passing grade of 80 percent.
Satisfactory completion of an oral examination by a qualified Senior Technical Safety
Manager (STSM) or a qualification board of technically qualified personnel that
includes at least one qualified STSM.
Satisfactory completion of a walkthrough of a facility with a qualifying official for the
purpose of verifying a candidate’s knowledge and practical skills of selected key
elements.
Guidance for oral interviews and written exams is contained in DOE-HDBK-1205-97, Guide to
Good Practices for the Design, Development, and Implementation of Examinations, and DOE-
HDBK-1080-97, Guide to Good Practices for Oral Examinations.
For oral examinations and walkthroughs, qualifying officials or board members should ask
critical questions intended to integrate identified learning objectives during qualification. Field
element managers/headquarters program managers or designees must develop formal
guidance for oral examinations and walkthroughs that includes:
Standards for qualification.
Use of technical advisors by a board.
Questioning procedures or protocol.
Pass/fail criteria.
Board deliberations and voting authorization procedures.
Documentation process.
3
DOE-STD-1150-2013
INITIAL QUALIFICATION AND TRAINING
Qualification of QA personnel must be conducted in accordance with the requirements of DOE
O 426.1, Chg 1. DOE O 414.1D, Quality Assurance requires personnel responsible for QA
oversight of defense nuclear facilities to be qualified to this FAQ.
DOE personnel must participate in continuing education and training as necessary to improve
performance and proficiency and ensure they stay up-to-date on changing technology and new
requirements. This may include courses and/or training provided by:
DOE
Other government agencies
Outside vendors
Educational institutions
Beyond formal classroom or computer-based courses, continuing training may include:
Self-study
Attendance at symposia, seminars, exhibitions
Special assignments
On-the-job experience
A description of suggested learning activities and the requirements for the continuing education
and training program for this FAQS are included in Appendix A.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The following are typical duties and responsibilities expected of DOE personnel assigned to the
QA functional area:
a. Serve as or support the senior manager responsible for developing and ensuring
implementation of the organization’s QA Program (QAP) consistent with DOE O
414.1D, 10 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 830, “Nuclear Safety
Management,” and other customer requirements.
b. Review, monitor and evaluate the organization’s and the contractor’s QAP, plans,
and processes to verify compliance with applicable regulations, standards, and
DOE Orders.
c. Lead/perform implementation assessments of DOE and contractor QAPs and
processes to verify adequacy, effectiveness, and compliance with applicable
regulations, standards, and DOE Orders. Advise management regarding QA and
participate in the evaluation of QA-related award fee and performance based
incentives, when requested.
Section 5
d. Write and review procedures; investigate technical problems; develop QA project
and program plans; review project procurement strategies and documents, test
plans, test reports, software; and interface with projects to develop processes,
etc.
4
DOE-STD-1150-2013
e. Obtain and track information concerning QA issues throughout the organization’s
area of responsibility (e.g., the site) and provide advice and recommendations for
corrective and improvement actions to the applicable line management.
f. Support the senior management regarding QA enforcement (i.e., Price-Anderson
Amendments Act) activities involving contractors and accident/event
investigations.
g. Serve as a subject matter expert and/or technical point-of-contact for QA
activities, including reviewing products and activities to ensure QA requirements
have been effectively implemented.
h. Interface with DOE Headquarters and Field elements, regulators, and
stakeholders to ensure the organization’s effective application of DOE QA rules,
directives, standards, and national/international consensus standards (e.g., NQA-
1, ISO 9001, etc.).
i. Serve as a QA representative on Integrated Project Teams (IPT).
Position-specific duties and responsibilities for QA personnel are contained in office/site/facility-
specific qualification standards and/or position descriptions.
BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE
The OPM Qualification Standards Operating Manual establishes minimum education, training,
experience, or other relevant requirements applicable to a particular occupational series/grade
level, as well as alternatives to meeting specified requirements.
The preferred education and experience for QA personnel are:
1. Education
Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, science, or a related discipline; or
meet the alternative requirements specified for engineers or scientists in the
OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook. Bachelor degrees in other disciplines
are also appropriate based on the duties to be performed and considering the
experience gained in performing related QA activities.
2. Experience
Industrial, military, Federal, state, or other directly related background that has
provided specialized experience in QA. Specialized experience can be
demonstrated through possession of the competencies outlined in this standard.
In addition to the above stated education and experience, a national Lead Auditor Certification
(e.g., NQA-1, ISO 9001, and ASQ), Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), or Certified Manager of
Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQOE) may serve as the basis for equivalency of
competencies in portions of this standard.
5
DOE-STD-1150-2013
REQUIRED TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES
The competencies contained in this standard are distinct from competencies contained in the
General Technical Base (GTB) Qualification Standard. All QA personnel must satisfy the
competency requirements of the GTB Qualification Standard prior to or in parallel with the
competency requirements contained in this standard. Each competency requirement defines the
level of expected knowledge and/or skill an individual must possess to meet the intent of this
standard. Each competency requirement is further described by supporting knowledge and/or
skill statements that describe the intent of the competency statement. In selected competencies,
expected knowledge and/or skills have been designated as “mandatory performance activities.”
In these competencies, the actions are not optional.
Section 6
Note: When regulations, DOE directives, or other industry standards are referenced in this
FAQS, the most recent revision should be used. It is recognized that some QA personnel may
oversee facilities that utilize predecessor documents to those identified. In those cases, such
documents should be included in local qualification standards.
QA PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
1. QA personnel must have a working level of knowledge of DOE QA policy,
programs, processes, and regulatory requirements contained in:
DOE O 414.1D, Quality Assurance
10 CFR 830, “Nuclear Safety Management”
10 CFR 820, “Procedural Rules for DOE Nuclear Activities”
Supporting Knowledge and/or Skills
a. Be able to identify the source of DOE enforceable nuclear safety requirements
enforced as Nuclear Safety Rules and discuss the purpose and scope of the
Price-Anderson Amendments Act and its applicability to the DOE’s QA activities.
b. Discuss the purpose, interrelationships, and importance of DOE P 450.4A,
Integrated Safety Management Policy, DOE O 414.1D, and 10 CFR 830, Subpart
A, “Quality Assurance Requirements.”
c. Discuss the DOE and contractor requirements and responsibilities for
development, review, approval, and implementation of QAPs.
d. Discuss the processes for obtaining an exemption to DOE O 414.1D and
10 CFR 830, Subpart A, “Quality Assurance Requirements.”
e. Discuss the requirements of DOE O 414.1D and 10 CFR 830, Subpart A,
“Quality Assurance Requirements” and discuss the similarities and differences
between the two documents.
f. Referring to DOE Guide (G) 414.1-2B Admin Chg 1, Quality Assurance Program
Guide, discuss the implementation of an effective Quality Assurance Program
(QAP).
6
DOE-STD-1150-2013
g. Referring to DOE G 414.1-2B Admin Chg 1, discuss the shared attributes of
quality and safety management systems and the methods for integrating the
implementation of the DOE Safety Management System and QAP.
h. Discuss the purpose, benefits, and restrictions of the graded approach in the
implementation of DOE QA requirements.
2. QA personnel must have a working level knowledge of the QAP requirements
identified in their organization and the contractor’s QA documents.
Supporting Knowledge and/or Skills
a. Describe the purpose and elements of your organization’s QAP and discuss its
effectiveness.
b. Discuss line management’s responsibilities for the QAP.
c. Describe the graded approach for application of quality requirements.
3. QA personnel must have a working level knowledge of the application of
appropriate regulations and national/international consensus standards to
support DOE QAP implementation of work being performed within your
organization.
Supporting Knowledge and/or Skills
a. Discuss the applicability of external QA regulations to the organization's activities
(e.g., NRC, EPA, DOT, etc.)
b. Describe the general relationship and applicability of the latest version of each of
the following documents to DOE QA requirements, as applicable:
American Society for Quality ASQ-E4, Specifications and Guidelines for
Quality Systems for Environmental Data Collection and Environmental
Technology Programs;
ASME NQA-1, Quality Assurance Requirements for Nuclear Facility
Applications;
ASQ Q9001, Quality Management Systems - Requirements;
ISO 14001, Environmental Management System;
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Technical Standards/Guides; and
Section 7
Intergovernmental Data QA Project Plans – Evaluating, Assessing, and
Documenting Environmental Data Collection and Use Programs.
c. Describe the purpose for DOE and contractor organizations adopting consensus
standards to implement DOE QA requirements. Explain the need for addressing
any requirement in the adopted consensus standards necessary to meet DOE
QA requirements.
4. QA personnel must have a familiarity level knowledge between the DOE QA
requirements and DOE Regulations, Orders, Guides, and Standards as applicable
7
DOE-STD-1150-2013
to DOE contracts, programs, and projects that affect QA within their organization.
For example:
NAP-24, Weapon Quality Policy
10 CFR 835, “Occupational Radiation Protection”
10 CFR 708, “DOE Contractor Employee Protection Program”
10 CFR 970, ”Department of Energy Acquisition Regulations (DEAR), DOE
Management and Operating Contracts”
10 CFR. 851, “Worker Safety and Health Program”
DOE O 430.1B, Chg 2, Real Property and Asset Management
DOE O 413.3B, Program and Project Management for the Acquisition of Capital
Assets
DOE O 200.1A, Information Technology Management
DOE O 251.1C, Departmental Directives Program
DOE O 360.1C, Federal Employee Training
DOE O 425.1D, Verification of Readiness to Startup or Restart Nuclear Facilities
DOE O 422.1, Conduct of Operations
DOE O 426.2, Personnel Selection, Training, Qualification, and Certification
Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities
DOE O 433.1B, Maintenance Management Program For DOE Nuclear Facilities
DOE O 435.1, Chg 1, Radioactive Waste Management
DOE O 451.1B, Chg 3, National Environmental Policy Act Compliance Program
DOE O 460.2A, Departmental Materials Transportation and Packaging Management
DOE O 470.4B, Safeguards and Security Program
DOE O 151.1C, Comprehensive Emergency Management
DOE O 442.1A, Department of Energy Employee Concerns Program
DOE O 225.1B, Accident Investigations
DOE O 226.1B, Implementation of Department of Energy Oversight Policy
DOE O 232.2, Occurrence Reporting and Processing of Operations Information
DOE/RW/0333P, Quality Assurance Requirements and Description
U.S. Department of Energy, Carlsbad Field Office, Quality Assurance Program
Document, DOE/CBFO-94-1012 Revision 11
DOE Guide 413.3-2, Quality Assurance Guide for Project Management
DOE Guide 430.1-2, Implementation Guide for Surveillance and Maintenance During
Facility Transition and Disposition
DOE Guide 430.1-3, Deactivation Implementation Guide
DOE Guide 430.1-4, Decommissioning Implementation Guide
DOE Guide 433.1-1A, Nuclear Facility Maintenance Management Program Guide for
Use with DOE O 433.1B
DOE-STD-1073-2003, Parts I & II, Guide for Operational Configuration Management
Program
8
DOE-STD-1150-2013
DOE-STD-1083-2009, Processing Exemptions to Nuclear Safety Rules and Approval
of Alternative Methods for Documented Safety Analyses
DOE-STD-7501-99, The DOE Corporate Lessons Learned Programs
DOE STD-1172-2011, Safety Software Quality Assurance Functional Area
Qualification Standard
DOE STD-1182-2004, Civil/Structural Engineering Functional Area Qualification
Standard
Supporting Knowledge and/or Skills
a. Discuss the applicability, purpose, scope and impact of the above DOE
Regulations, Orders, Guides, and Standards as they relate to the ten criteria in
DOE O 414.1D.
Section 8
b. Discuss the authorities, roles, and responsibilities of QA personnel with regard
the DOE Regulations, Orders, Guides, and Standards that may be applicable to
the candidates’ contracts, programs, and projects.
5. QA personnel must have a working level knowledge of channels to maintain
communication with Headquarters, field elements, and the public.
Supporting Knowledge and/or Skills
a. Identify the various internal and external groups with whom QA personnel must
interface in the performance of their duties.
b. Describe DOE’s organization and discuss DOE’s procedures for communicating
between organizational elements.
c. Describe the activities of the DOE Federal Quality Council.
6. Describe DOE’s procedures and policies for communicating with regulatory
agencies and other stakeholders. QA personnel must demonstrate the ability to
effectively communicate (both orally and in writing).
Mandatory Performance Activities
a. Demonstrate written communication skills, as applicable, in the development of:
Assessment reports
Technical reports
Technical papers
QAP
Work process documents (e.g., procedures)
b. Demonstrate effective and appropriate communications skills during interactions
with contractors.
Supporting Knowledge and/or Skills
9
DOE-STD-1150-2013
c. Describe effective and appropriate interface with Defense Nuclear Facilities
Safety Board (DNFSB) per DOE M 140.1-1B, Interface with the Defense Nuclear
Facilities Safety Board.
d. Discuss effective and appropriate interaction with citizen advisory boards (CABs),
political entities, and other stakeholders.
7. QA personnel must have a working level knowledge of control of documents and
records.
Supporting Knowledge and/or Skills
a. Describe the role of documents for prescribing processes, specifying
requirements, and establishing a design.
b. Define and explain the control of documents and records, including disposal and
destruction.
c. Describe implementation techniques and/or procedures for the development and
control of documents and records.
d. Discuss requirements for preparation, maintenance, review, approval, issuance,
use, and revision of documents used to prescribe processes, specify
requirements or establish a design.
e. Discuss methods of record storage and retrieval requirements. Discuss the
definitions of “temporary records,” “lifetime records,” and “permanent records.”
Identify the sources of requirements and describe how different types of records
are maintained.
f. Discuss the management requirements contained in DOE O 243.1B, Records
Management Program; 10 CFR 830.6, “Recordkeeping,” and 10 CFR 820.11,
“Information Requirements.”
GENERAL TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
8. QA personnel must have a familiarity level knowledge of the processes for
performing work to established technical standards, administrative controls, and
other hazard controls to meet regulatory or DOE requirements
Supporting Knowledge and/or Skills
a. Describe the methods used to identify work to be performed and the associated
hazards (e.g., DOE O 440.1B, Worker Protection Program for DOE (including the
National Nuclear Security Administration) Federal Employees, 10 CFR. 851,
“Worker Safety and Health Program”).
b. Describe the methods for approving work process controls, such as procedures
or instructions.
c. Discuss the use of approved work process controls to conduct work, including
stop work authority.
10
DOE-STD-1150-2013
Section 9
d. Discuss nuclear facility safety requirements including: Documented Safety
Analyses (DSAs); hazard analysis; development of and reasons for Technical
Safety Requirements (TSRs); design of engineered safety features; and other
QA-related aspects of 10 CFR 830, Subpart B and DOE nuclear safety standards
(such as DOE-STD-3009-94, Preparation Guide for U.S. Department of Energy
Nonreactor Nuclear Facility Documented Safety Analyses).
9. QA personnel must have a familiarity level knowledge of the processes for
identification, marking, and control of items. Reference DOE G 414.1-2B, Quality
Assurance Program Guide, and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
standard, IAEA-TECDOC-1169, Managing Suspect and Counterfeit Items in the
Nuclear Industry for guidance on Suspect and Counterfeit Items.
Supporting Knowledge and/or Skills
a. Discuss methods of identifying and controlling items that have been procured
and accepted.
b. Discuss methods for the control of items during handling, storage, and shipping.
c. Discuss methods and equipment used to identify counterfeit handling equipment,
piping system components, electronic equipment and digital safety software.
d. Describe methods for assuring that items remain properly identified throughout
their life cycle.
10. QA personnel must have a familiarity level knowledge of maintenance
management practices. Reference DOE O 433.1B, Maintenance Management
Program for DOE Nuclear Facilities, DOE G 433.1-1A, Nuclear Facility Maintenance
Management Program Guide for Use with DOE O 433.1B.
Supporting Knowledge and/or Skills
a. Identify the key elements of a Nuclear Maintenance Management Program for
which QA involvement is essential.
b. Define the program required for maintenance and the reliable performance of
structures, systems, and components (SSCs) that are part of the safety basis
required at hazard category 1, 2, and 3 DOE nuclear facilities.
c. Be able to explain each of the following maintenance-related terms.
Corrective
Planned
Preventive
Reliability-centered
Predictive
Surveillance and Testing
d. Describe the elements of an effective work control program and the
documentation used to control maintenance.
11
https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives/0433.EGuide-1-1a
https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives/0433.EGuide-1-1a
DOE-STD-1150-2013
e. Discuss the relationship between maintenance, Conduct of Operations, QA, and
Configuration Management.
f. Discuss the storage and maintenance requirements for parts, materials, and
equipment.
g. Describe the difference between temporary and permanent repairs/work and the
requirements and controls to prevent inadvertent modifications.
11. QA personnel must have a familiarity level knowledge of the processes for design
and engineering practices.
Supporting Knowledge and/or Skills
a. Discuss the expectations for incorporating safety in the design process for new or
major modifications to DOE Hazard Category 1, 2, and 3 facilities by
demonstrating knowledge of DOE-STD-1189-2008, Integration of Safety into the
Design.
b. Discuss different methods of design analysis and design changes, and state how
they are documented and controlled.
c. Identify the methods of design verification and describe their relative advantages
and disadvantages.
d. Discuss the controls, including verification and validation, for computer software
used to originate design solutions and design verification.
Section 10
12. QA personnel must have a familiarity level knowledge of software quality
assurance, especially safety software quality assurance (SSQA).
Supporting Knowledge and/or Skills
a. Discuss the software QA and safety software QA (SSQA) objectives,
applicability, requirements, and responsibilities prescribed in DOE O 414.1D.
Note: There is a functional area qualification standard for SSQA, i.e., Standard 1172.
13. QA personnel must have a familiarity level knowledge of the procurement
processes.
Supporting Knowledge and/or Skills
a. Discuss the relationship between the organization with technical authority over
the procurement (engineering) and the procurement organization that negotiates
and executes the purchase; organizations responsible for QA programmatic
implementation; and, the organization performing receipt inspection.
b. Discuss the importance of clearly specifying the contents (especially technical
and quality requirements) of procurement documents and the effective flow down
of this information to suppliers.
12
DOE-STD-1150-2013
c. Discuss the purpose and methods of supplier qualification during a typical
procurement process, including the process approach used to evaluate the
supplier.
d. Discuss the purpose and methods of supplier performance monitoring.
e. Discuss the methods for assuring that suppliers continue to provide acceptable
items and services.
f. Discuss the purpose and importance of acceptance inspection(s) during a typical
procurement process.
g. Discuss the purpose and importance of supplier documentation and controls.
h. Discuss the purpose and methods of commercial grade item dedication process
for items important to safety.
i. Discuss methods for control of nonconforming items to prevent use until
disposition is determined.
14. QA personnel must have a working level knowledge of suspect/counterfeit items
requirements.
Supporting Knowledge and/or Skills
a. Discuss the suspect and counterfeit item controls and reporting requirements
contained in DOE O 414.1D.
b. Discuss the suspect/counterfeit item notification and reporting requirements in
DOE O 232.2, Occurrence Reporting and Processing of Operations Information.
15. QA personnel must have a familiarity level knowledge of testing and inspection
techniques and methods.
Supporting Knowledge and/or Skills
a. Describe the use of dimensional measurement devices (e.g., proper instruments
used for degree of accuracy required, temperature, cleanliness, and calibration
effects on instruments, as well as work pieces).
b. Discuss the basic operating principles of the following:
Nondestructive examination (NDE) methods:
visual
radiography
magnetic particle
liquid penetrant
ultrasonic
spectral analysis
hardness tests and
eddy current
13
DOE-STD-1150-2013
Destructive examination methods
tensile tests
compression tests
fatigue tests
bend tests and
metallurgical sectioning
c. Discuss methods for control of nonconforming items to prevent use until
disposition is determined.
d. Discuss the advantages, disadvantages, and inherent limitations of destructive
and nondestructive examination methods.
e. Describe testing and inspection methods commonly used in the following areas:
Electrical
Mechanical
Chemical
Soil and concrete
Welding/fabrication and
Computer software
16. QA personnel must have a familiarity level knowledge of inspection and test
planning methodology.
Section 11
Supporting Knowledge and/or Skills
a. Discuss the criteria/logic used to determine critical characteristics that need to be
verified through inspection (i.e., operational and design requirements) and
testing.
b. Describe the merits of inspection at source, receipt, in process, and final stages.
c. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of inspection by item attributes
versus inspection of process variables.
17. QA personnel must have a familiarity level knowledge of metrology and
calibration systems.
Supporting Knowledge and/or Skills
a. Discuss the purpose and application of calibration systems with respect to:
Process/product quality
Accuracy
Precision
b. Discuss the requirements for calibration programs contained in the latest version
of the following:
10 CFR 830, Subpart A, “Quality Assurance”
DOE O 414.1D requirements applicable to Work Processes and Inspection
and Testing, regarding Control of measurement and test equipment
14
DOE-STD-1150-2013
ASME NQA-1, Quality Assurance Requirements for Nuclear Facility
Applications, Basic Requirement 12 (with appropriate guidance), regarding
control of measurement and test equipment.
c. Discuss the components of an effective calibration recall system.
d. Discuss the importance of calibration traceability.
e. Discuss methods for determining a proper calibration interval.
18. QA personnel must have a familiarity level knowledge of statistical process
control and sampling procedures for work processes, inspection/testing, and
quality improvement.
Supporting Knowledge and/or Skills
a. Discuss the following statistical terms and their inter-relationships:
Mean
Median
Mode
Variance
Mean variance
Standard deviation
b. Discuss in general, the following probability sampling methods:
Simple random sampling
Stratified sampling
Cluster sampling
Systematic selection sampling
c. Discuss the terms “confidence interval” and “confidence limit.”
d. Discuss control charts and their relationship to statistical process controls.
ASSESSMENT, OVERSIGHT AND IMPROVEMENT
19. QA personnel must demonstrate the ability and skill to properly apply and
implement assessment principles and techniques. Reference DOE G 414.1-1B,
Management and Independent Assessments Guide and DOE O 226.1B,
Implementation of Department of Energy Oversight Policy.
Supporting Knowledge and/or Skills
a. Describe the assessment requirements applicable to DOE and contractor
organizations.
b. Explain the essential elements of assessments, the relationship and differences
between management and independent assessments, and the role of QA
personnel relative to the two assessment types.
15
DOE-STD-1150-2013
c. Describe how the results of management assessments are used by management
to improve their management processes
d. Describe how the results of independent assessments are used by the
management assessment process.
e. Describe the fundamental differences between performance and compliance
based assessments.
f. Describe the contents of a typical assessment report.
g. Discuss the conduct of formal meetings between DOE management and senior
contractor management to discuss results of quality assurance assessments.
h. Discuss the ethical responsibilities of QA personnel when conducting
assessments.
Section 12
20. QA personnel must have a working level knowledge of quality improvement
principles, processes and methods including: problem analysis techniques used
to identify problems/potential improvements; analysis tools to determine potential
causes of problems; and systems to identify track and complete corrective
action(s) or improvement opportunities. Reference G 414.1-1B, G 450.4-1C and G
414.1-2B Admin Chg 1.
Supporting Knowledge and/or Skills
a. Discuss problem analysis techniques used to identify quality problems (includes
clearly defined variations from requirements).
b. Discuss methods to ensure effectiveness of resolution to quality problems.
c. Describe tools in analysis and prioritization of quality problems used to identify
immediate, short-term and long term corrective as well as preventive measures.
d. Discuss the attributes of an effective corrective action tracking system.
e. Discuss quality improvement strategies including feedback, monitoring, method
of measuring effectiveness, and programmatic adjustments.
f. Describe the application of effective problem analysis principles and techniques
commonly used by DOE including the following:
Root cause analysis
Causal factor analysis
Change analysis
Barrier analysis
Management Oversight Risk Tree (MORT) analysis
Project Evaluation Tree (PET)
g. Describe the application of root cause analysis processes in the establishment of
corrective actions and improvement opportunities.
Event and causal factor charting
Root cause coding
16
DOE-STD-1150-2013
Generation of recommendation(s)
h. Discuss the importance of conducting Extent of Condition Reviews and Extent of
Cause Reviews.
i. Describe various data gathering techniques and the use of trending and history
when analyzing problems.
j. Using event report information, discuss problem analysis techniques used to
identify problems and how they could have been avoided.
21. QA personnel must have a working level knowledge to trend performance.
Supporting Knowledge and/or Skills
a. Discuss the key process methodology used in the trending analysis of operations
information.
b. Using an actual list of performance measures, explain what type of assessments
should be performed and in what areas.
c. Given a set of assessment report data for a specified period, discuss potential
quality trends or compliance problems.
22. QA personnel must have a working level knowledge of how to conduct
independent assessments of the contractor’s approved QAP implementation in
accordance with all applicable QA requirements and standards. Reference G
414.1-1B and G 414.1-2B Admin Chg 1.
Supporting Knowledge and/or Skills
a. Discuss the means for determining the adequacy and effectiveness of a work
activity being assessed.
b. Discuss some criteria that may be used by line management to determine the
significance of issues or observations.
c. Describe possible assessment alternatives when actual work activities cannot be
observed.
d. Discuss conventional assessment team member qualification requirements.
e. Describe the benefits of monitoring or surveillance of contractor activities.
f. Discuss how QA criteria are evaluated in a readiness review.
g. Discuss “performance-based” assessment method of a QA program.
23. QA personnel must have a working level knowledge of how to oversee the
effective implementation of appropriate QA criteria. Reference DOE G 414.1B.
Section 13
Supporting Knowledge and/or Skills
17
DOE-STD-1150-2013
a. Describe the goals, objectives, and methods used to conduct effective oversight
of QA activities contained in 10 CFR 830, Subpart A, “Quality Assurance,” and
DOE G 414.1-2B Admin Chg. 1.
b. Explain how the following elements of the QAP benefit the organization’s
effectiveness:
Management assessment
Quality improvement
Actual performance to schedule
Performance of Corrective action
c. Discuss the reporting techniques for communicating evaluation results to DOE
and contractor management.
18
DOE-STD-1150-2013
APPENDIX A
CONTINUING EDUCATION, TRAINING AND PROFICIENCY PROGRAM
This standard does not require requalification.
Headquarters or field element managers must ensure the following:
1. Establish expectations related to the performance of duties and responsibilities in this
FAQS, considering regulatory and/or contractual requirements as appropriate.
2. Identify specific continuing training requirements in the site/office/position specific
qualification standard(s) or procedures.
3. Approve all established continuing training requirements related to defense nuclear
facility safety oversight as determined for their office or site.
QA personnel must complete continuing technical education and/or training covering topics
directly related to the QA FAQS as determined by the appropriate headquarters or field element
managers as follows:
1. Address changes to DOE directives, guides, standards, policies, and rules since the last
qualification was completed.
2. Perform practical factor exercises as appropriate, especially those that are mandatory
and others as required by the associated FAQS.
3. Attend seminars, symposia, or technical meetings related to QA as resources are
available.
Note: Continuing technical education and/or training may include courses/training provided by
the DOE, other government agencies, outside vendors, or local educational institutions.
Continuing training topics should also address identified weaknesses in the knowledge or skills
of the individual personnel, and current technical issues related to the associated FAQS. Where
continuing education is mandatory for maintaining professional registration (e.g., Professional
Engineer) or professional certification (e.g., Certified Health Physicist), this will normally be
sufficient, and only needs to be augmented by DOE directives reviews and any site-specific
requirements (e.g., new/revised DSAs).
19
DOE-STD-1150-2013
INTENTIONALLY BLANK
20
DOE-STD-1150-2013
APPENDIX B
TYPICAL SUPPLIER DOCUMENTATION
PREAWARD AND SUPPLIER FABRICATION
Quality Assurance Program Submittal and
Pre-award Survey
Supplier Quality Program Evaluation
Certified Quality Program
Quality System for Materials Specifying Testing Per ASME
Supplier Use of Calibrated Equipment
Fabrication/Inspection/Test Plan
Supplier Use of Software Controlled Instruments and Equipment Containing
Embedded Software (Firmware)
Supplier Use of Commercial off the Shelf Software
Source Inspection
Certified Electrical Inspector (Non-NEC-IAEI)
Supplier Use of Spreadsheet Calculations Using Commercial off the Shelf Software
First Article Inspection-Source
Nonconformance Documentation and Reporting
Certified Weld Inspector (CWI)
Welding Procedures and Qualifications
Nondestructive Examination Process
MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION
Identification of Items with Part number/Model number
Identification of Items with Catalog Cut
Identification of Items
Identification and Traceability of Items
Identification of Age Control Items
Section 14
TESTING AND TEST DATA
Liquid Penetrant Material Certification
Certified Material Test Report
Inspection and Test Report
Flame Test Report
Calibration Report
Certification of Calibration
Repair and Calibration Services
Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) Listed or Labeled
Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) Listed or Labeled components in a system
21
DOE-STD-1150-2013
INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
First Article Inspection/Test-Receiving
Supplier Furnished Items
Control of Graded Fasteners
Procurement of Potentially Suspect or Counterfeit Items
Certificate of Conformance
Certificate of Conformance for Commercial Grade Surveyed Procurements
Recommended Spare Parts Listing
Certificate of Conformance for Respiratory Protection Equipment
Commercial Grade Dedication of Items/Services
MATERIAL HANDLING
Packaging/Shipping Procedures
Direct Drop Shipment
Note: Obtained from one of the DOE-RL contractor’s acquisition and verification quality
assurance practices.
22
DOE-STD-1150-2013
CONCLUDING MATERIAL
Review Activity: Preparing Activity:
EM DOE HS-33
NNSA
NE Project Number:
SC P1150-2002REV
Field and Operations Offices:
Carlsbad Field Office
Chicago Operations Office
Idaho Operations Office
Oak Ridge Operations Office
Office of River Protection
Richland Operations Office
Savannah River Operations Office
NNSA Field Offices:
Kansas City Field Office
Livermore Field Office
Los Alamos Field Office
Nevada Field Office
Savannah River Field Office
Sandia Field Office
NNSA Production Office
Site Offices:
Argonne Site Office
Brookhaven Site Office
Fermi Site Office
Princeton Area Office
23
MX-M503N_20131202_162419
DOE-STD-1150 QA-2013--12-2-13