Governing Procedures

DOESTD107393

2.1.4.2 Governing Procedures

Configuration management governing procedures should be developed after the CM program plan has

been reviewed by DOE and should support the action plan. Governing procedures should be

developed for each CM program element and adjunct program and should address each program

element function and its relationships. The CM program plan should identify the CM governing

procedures that will be developed.

The CM governing procedures provide the framework for integrating the implementation of the CM

program elements and functions. They should indicate how the CM functions are carried out in the

various implementing procedures, and thus, how those functions conform with the CM program plan.

The governing procedures describe how and when the CM program element is invoked and generally

how its functions are executed with reference to the detailed implementing procedures. Once the CM

governing procedures are in place, the CM program should be able to accomplish its objectives and

functions by adhering to these procedures and maintaining and updating them as needed.

The primary goal of the governing procedures is to provide overall coordination and integration of the

various implementing procedures and implementing organizations. As an example, a governing

procedure on document control would reference, describe, and show interfaces among the

implementing procedures for matters such as the drawing change process, the field change notice, the

design change notice, record retention, document distribution, the identification of key words, and

document tracking. Similarly, the change control governing procedure would identify implementing

procedures for approved change mechanisms and for such activities as the conduct of technical

reviews and the approval, implementation, and documentation of changes.

The CM governing procedures may also provide information useful for ensuring consistency in

implementation, such as the following: statements of purpose and applicability, definitions, top-level CM

program requirements (consistent with the CM program plan), key organizational interfaces, top-level

roles and responsibilities, key programmatic interfaces, and functional flowcharts showing relationships

among implementing procedures and among organizations.

The governing procedure for the program management element should ensure that the overall CM

program is complete, coordinated, and integrated. It should identify the implementing procedures for

the program element functions and invoke the other CM program governing procedures. It could also

address the overall program model and functions, program scope, program interfaces, and

organizational interfaces and responsibilities. Much of this information will have been established by

the CM directives and plans; the overall governing procedure provides the top-level procedure for

ongoing implementation of the fully-established CM program.

Governing procedures are, in effect, an umbrella document for the implementation process. They can

be graphical in nature and take the form of functional flowcharts. Governing procedures in the form of

functional flowcharts are also helpful in identifying gaps in procedural links and conflicts between

specific implementing procedures. They can also identify decision points and places where quality or

management reviews are appropriate. These procedures can also be helpful for configuration

management orientation and training.

Figure 23 shows the development of the governing procedures in relation to the development of CM

policy, plans, and implementing procedures. The governing procedures provide the link between the

CM action plan and the implementing procedures.

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