What is a "Topical Committee"?

DOE Technical Standards Program

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

file before the PDF was created. When PDF files are created, changes can occur to the font type,

font size, and document margins. In addition, a Microsoft Word file is needed to post the document

on RevCom for TSP for review and comment.

What is the difference between a Reaffirmation Notice, a Change Notice and a

Revision?

A Reaffirmation Notice indicates that no changes have been made to the technical standard since

its original issue. The cover will be updated to reflect the reaffirmation date. A Change Notice

indicates that changes have been made to the technical standard but do not exceed 25% of the

pages of the document. Change Notices are used to correct typographical, spelling, and numerical

errors as well as update the Preparing Activity and other minor details. A technical standard is

revised when the document requires a technical change to the text or when other types of needed

changes affect more than 25% of the pages of the document.

What is a "Topical Committee"?

Topical committees are groups of DOE and DOE contractor subject matter experts that are

recognized by the Technical Standards Program (TSP). These committees are usually organized by

specific technical areas that may have standards development, application or standardization

implications for DOE. A list of the current Topical Committees can be found on the TSP Home

Page.

How do I go about setting up a DOE Topical Committee?

You have a couple of options. Existing groups, e.g. TRADE Special Interest Groups, can

become topical committees by expanding their current charter to reflect the requirements in DOE-

TSPP-11 (DOE Technical Standards Program Topical Committees). TSPP-11 describes how

topical committees are organized and recognized under the Technical Standards Program (TSP). It

explains what the TSP expects from a DOE topical committee: preparation and review of technical

standards, interfacing with voluntary standards organizations, and reporting to the TSP. Alternately,

if a group within DOE identifies a need associated with a standards activity, they can form a topical

committee. The usual procedure has been for them to first identify a membership for the committee,

and then organize a workshop to explore the feasibility of forming the topical committee. If the

workshop determines the need for the committee, those attending it can begin the formation of the

committee themselves. The DOE Technical Standards Program Manager discussed expectations of

DOE Topical Committees in a March 9, 1998 memorandum. The memo is available on the TSP

Home Page.