technical qualification program (tqp) accreditation

TQP Accreditation Program September 13, 20061

Technical Qualification Program (TQP) Accreditation

ISMS Champions MeetingAurora, CO

September 13, 2006

Mike Schoener, Dave Chaney


Technical Qualification Program (TQP)

• The TQP applies to DOE technical employees whose duties and responsibilities require them to provide assistance, guidance, direction, oversight or evaluation of contract activities that could impact the safe operation of a defense nuclear facility.

• Key positions

– Facility Representatives (FR)

– Safety System Oversight (SSO)

– Senior Technical Safety Managers (STSM)

– Nuclear Safety Specialist


Elements of a TQP

• Demonstration of competence

• Competency levels

• Plans and procedures

• Qualification tailored to work activity

• Credit for existing qualification programs

• Transportability

• Measurable


TQP Accreditation Process

Major Elements:

• Development and implementation of a Technical Qualification Program by the requesting organization in accordance with DOE M 426.1

• A comprehensive evaluation by the requesting organization of their Technical Qualification Program (self-evaluation)

• Evaluation of the requesting organizations Technical Qualification Program by an on-site accreditation review team

• A recommendation by the independent TQP Accreditation Board.

• Continuous implementation and maintenance of accredited Technical Qualification Program.


Simplified TQP Accreditation Process Flowchart

TQP implemented in accordance with

DOE M 426.1

TQP AccreditationBoard

TQP AccreditationOn-Site Review

Self-Evaluation


Self-Evaluation

• Candid, comprehensive, stand-alone document that describes the requesting organization’s Technical Qualification Program

• Contains a written description of how each objective and criteria is met including strengths, areas for improvement (AFIs) and noteworthy information.

• Contains background information such as mission and organization description.

• Includes supporting documents such as procedures, examples qualification records, reports, etc.


Essential Elements of Self-Evaluation

• Senior managers oversee the self-evaluation process

• Line managers and their staffs actively participate in the self-evaluation process.

• Self-evaluations recognize strengths of the program as well as problems that need to be corrected.

• Alternative perspectives from other organizations or individuals are actively solicited.

• Significant problems are documented and investigated for root or contributing causes, and actions are taken to correct and prevent recurrence.


TQP Accreditation Review Team

• Four to Six members depending on the size of the organization being reviewed

• Review Team Leader

– Approved by FTCP Chair

– STSM

– Senior, experienced DOE Manager (Agent suggested)

• Review Team Members

– Selected by Review Team Leader

– Includes peers and CDNS/CNS staff representative

– Receive Training on TQP Accreditation Process


Accreditation Review Team Activities

• Evaluate the status TQP implementation against the objectives and criteria by:– Observing TQP activities

– Interviewing staff and management personnel

– Reviewing qualifications of personnel

– Examining TQP materials

• Results are discussed with staff and management personnel at the site on a daily basis during the review.

• Final report is developed and provided to the TQP Accreditation Board


TQP Accreditation Board

• Seven members experienced in Technical Qualification Programs

– One executive from NNSA

– One executive from EH

– One executive from ESE

– One field/site office manager

– One outside expert familiar with nuclear training and qualification programs

– One executive from OA

– Either the CDNS or CNS (depending on the program)

• A pool of Board members approved by their PSOs will be established


TQP Accreditation Board Recommendation to Deputy Secretary

• Award initial accreditation – or defer initial accreditation pending completion of corrective actions and additional Board review

• Renew accreditation

• Place accredited Technical Qualification Programs on probation - A Technical Qualification Program placed on probation retains accredited status.

• Withdraw accreditation


Maintaining Accreditation

• Organizations must maintain effective programs

• Programs can be brought back to the Accreditation Board for cause

• TQP Accreditation is valid for four years– Organization submits self-evaluation report

– Evaluation by on-site accreditation review team (graded approach)

– TQP Board reviews self-evaluation report and review team report and makes a recommendation regarding renewal


TQP Accreditation Support Office

• The Office of Facility Safety (EH-2), formerly served as the TQP Accreditation Support Office. This function has now been assumed by the Office of Health, Safety and Security (HSS).

• HSS is responsible for the overall management and coordination of the TQP Accreditation process:– The National Training Center (NTC), a part of HSS, will coordinate

the Federal Technical Capabilities Program (FTCP), the Technical Qualification Program (TQP), Nuclear Executive Leadership Training (NELT) and Human Performance Improvement (HPI) training activities at the corporate level for the Department.


TQP Accreditation Objective 1

TQP-1 Demonstration of Competence. The program clearly identifies and documents the process used to demonstrate employee technical competence.

– At a minimum, personnel providing management direction or oversight that could impact the safe operation of a defense nuclear facility have been identified as TQP participants.

– IDPs, training plans, technical qualification records, or other related documents are updated to reflect the activities required for each individual to satisfy competencies.

– A formal evaluation process is in place to objectively measure the technical competency of employees. The rigor of the evaluation process is commensurate with the responsibilities of the position.



TQP-2 Competency Levels. Competency requirements are clearly defined and consistent with applicable industry standards for similar occupations. – Competency requirements include clearly defined knowledge, skill, and

ability elements. – Recognized experts help establish competency requirements. – Related professional accreditation requirements are considered in the

program as applicable. – Competency requirements are identified in the areas listed below. (Note:

this does not imply that three separate documents are required.)• Basic Technical Knowledge. • Technical Discipline Competency. • Position Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.



TQP-3 Plans, and Procedures. Plans and/or procedures are developed and implemented to govern administration of the program. – Senior management is committed to the TQP. – Written procedures that adequately define the processes and requirements

to implement the TQP are in place. – Roles and responsibilities for implementing the TQP are clearly defined

and understood by all involved. – The procedures that govern implementation of the TQP are understood

by all involved and are being implemented as written. – A training and qualification records system is established for each

employee in the TQP.



TQP-4, Qualification Tailored to Work Activities. The program identifies unique Department- and position-specific work activities and specifies the knowledge and skills necessary to accomplish that work. – An analysis has been performed to identify the related knowledge, skill,

and ability elements to accomplish the duties and responsibilities for each TQP functional area or position.

– The program includes job-specific requirements related to the rules, regulations, codes, standards, and guides necessary to carry out the mission of the office. The program supports the mission needs of the office.



TQP-5 Credit for Existing Technical Qualification Programs. The program is structured to allow credit, where appropriate, for other TQP accomplishments. – Credit (equivalency) is granted for previous training, education,

experience, and completion of related qualification/accreditation programs, where applicable.

– Equivalency is granted based upon a review and verification of objective evidence, such as transcripts, course certificates, test scores, or on-the-job experience. Equivalencies are formally validated, approved, and documented.



TQP-6 Transportability. Competency requirements identified as applying throughout the Department are transferable. – The program includes all competencies that have been identified as

applying throughout the Department.

– Formal documentation of the completion of Department-wide competencies is maintained in a manner that allows for easy transferability.

– The TQP is integrated with personnel-related activities, such as position descriptions, vacancy announcements, recruiting, and performance appraisals.



TQP-7, Measurable. The program contains sufficient rigor to demonstrate compliance to the principles. – The technical competency of personnel who have completed the

requirements of the TQP is adequate and appropriate.

– The program allows for continuous feedback and periodic evaluation to ensure that it meets the needs of the Department and the missions of the office.

– The TQP provides for continuing training.


TQP Accreditation Pilot

• Conducted for the Y-12 Site Office from February to July 2006

• Y-12 Site Office already had a mature TQP and had performed the self assessment required by the FTCP Manual

• The on-site accreditation review team validated TQP strengths and areas for improvement identified in their self-assessment, finding some additional areas for improvement


TQP Accreditation Pilot

• None of the TQP areas for improvement were judged as preventing the TQP from performing the intended functions

• YSO has implemented a corrective action plan to address identified areas for improvement

• CDNS’ recent biennial review of YSO/Y-12 used the results of the YSO accreditation pilot review of Federal Technical Capability

• Recommendation for accreditation was submitted to the Deputy Secretary


TQP Accreditation Path Forward

• Revise FTCP Corrective Action Plan to make accreditation of defense nuclear facilities TQPs “optional” rather than required– Based on the Deputy Secretary’s approval of the

recommendations made to him for revision of the Recommendation 2004-1 Implementation Plan

• Revise TQP Accreditation Schedule

• Continue with Accreditation for those organizations that volunteer to participate, with further consideration of Accreditation recognition.

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