Defense Programs (DP) Policy for Quality Assurance Program (QAP) Review, Approval and Concurrence (NA)

·~ ~ ... - ua•.•~~~ ll!IV~"~~ __ , __ _ Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration Washington, DC 20585 April II, 2011 MEMORANDUM FOR DISTRIBUTION FROM: SUBJECT: DONALD L. COOK 4 A/ DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR (__;4-____, FOR DEFENSE PROGRAMS ~ Defense Programs (DP) Policy for Quality Assurance Program (QAP) Review, Approval and Concurrence The 10 CFR 830, Nuc_lear Safety Management- Subpart A, and Department ofEnergy (DOE) Order 414.1 C, Quality Assurance, require DOE organizations and their Management and Operating (M&O) contractors to prepare and submit a QAP for approval by a designated DOE approval authority. DOE/National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) QC-1, Weapon Quality Policy, requires the Deputy Administrator for Defense Programs to approve Site Office QAPs as well as concur with Site Office approval of contractor QAPs. NNSA Site Office Managers, in accordance with the NNSA Functions, Responsibilities and Authorities Manual, are already vested with the authority to approve M&O contractor QAPs and their associated implementation plans. Effective immediately, Site Office Managers are also delegated the authority to approve their Site Office QAPs and implementation plans. This delegation ofQAP approval authority applies to all contractors and Site Office QAPs (i.e., weapon, non-weapon and integrated) and their associated implementation plans. Federal and contractor QAPs approved by the Site Office do not need external concurrence. For clarity, in accordance with DOE Order 414.1c (qua1ity Assurance) and the NNSA Functions, Responsibilities and Authorities Manual (SD 411.1 ), the NNSA Service Center Director already has authority to approve NNSA Service Center QAPs and QAPs for organizations reporting to the Service Center. NNSA Site Office and contractor QAPs will continue to be subject to review during oversight activities such as audits, assessments, or surveys undertaken by appropriate NNSA offices in accordance with oversight and independent assessment requirements. Site Offices are encouraged, but not required, to solicit and incorporate feedback from external quality assurance subject matter experts during their QAP development and review processes. * Prinlod with 1Df Ink on recycled PllPOf COR-Y12-4/13/2011-80529 ._- ..! This policy modifies DOEINNSA QC·l, paragraphs 4.5a and 4.5b by eliminating the requirements for Site Office Managers to submit QAPs (either federal or contractor) to NA~IO for approval, review or concurrence. 2 This policy shall be incorporated in future revisions ofNNSA and NA·l 0 directives. The policy shall-remain in effect for one year from the date of issue or until rescinded by the issuing office (whichever is earlier). Site Offices shall forward this memorandum to their respective M&O contractor with required distribution to the contractor's quality assurance organization. Please direct any questions concerning this memorandum to Mr. Sam Johnson (NA-162) at (301) 903-7957 or Lt Col Craig Hansen (NA-121 .3) at (202) 586-8942. cc: D. Nichols, NA~2.1 F. Russo, NA-3.2 G. Kuhn, NA-10 R. Lewis, NA-10.2 DISTRIBUTION C. Deeney, NA-11 W. Goodrum, NA-12 P. Ciganer, NA-14 J. Harrell, NA~lS M. Thompson, NA-16 J. McConnell, NA-17 Manager, KCSO Manager, LSO Manager, LASO Director, NNSA SC Manager, NSO Manager, PXSO Manager, SSO Martager, SRSO Manager, YSO