Purpose - std117620040009

DOE-STD-1176-2004

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

FUNCTIONAL AREA QUALIFICATION STANDARD

Chemical Processing

PURPOSE

DOE Manual 426.1-1, Federal Technical Capability Manual, commits the Department to

continuously strive for technical excellence. The Technical Qualification Program, along with

the supporting technical Functional Area Qualification Standards, complements the personnel

processes that support the Department's drive for technical excellence. In support of this goal,

the competency requirements defined in the Technical Functional Area Qualification Standards

should be aligned with and integrated into the recruitment and staffing processes for technical

positions. The Technical Qualification Standards should form, the primary basis for developing

vacancy announcements, qualification requirements, crediting plans, interviewing questions,

and other criteria associated with the recruitment, selection, and internal placement of technical

personnel. Office of Personnel Management minimum qualifications standards will be greatly

enhanced by application of appropriate materials from the technical Functional Area

Qualification Standards.

The Technical Qualification Standards are not intended to replace the U.S. Office of Personnel

Management's (OPM) Qualifications Standards nor other Departmental personnel standards,

rules, plans, or processes. The primary purpose of the Technical Qualification Program is to

ensure that employees have the requisite technical competency to support the mission of the

Department. The Technical Qualification Program forms the basis for the development and

assignment of DOE personnel responsible for ensuring the safe operation of defense nuclear

facilities.

APPLICABILITY

The Chemical Processing Functional Area Qualification Standard establishes common

functional area competency requirements for Department of Energy chemical processing

personnel who provide assistance, direction, guidance, oversight, or evaluation of contractor

technical activities impacting the safe operation of defense nuclear facilities. The technical

Functional Area Qualification Standard has been developed as a tool to assist DOE Program

and Field offices in the development and implementation of the Technical Qualification Program

in their organization. For ease of transportability of qualifications between DOE elements,

Program and Field offices are expected to use this technical Functional Area Qualification

Standard without modification or additions. Needed additional office/site/facility specific

technical competencies should be handled separately. Satisfactory and documented attainment

of the competency requirements contained in this technical Functional Area Qualification

Standard, or similar Standards, ensures that chemical processing personnel possess the

requisite competence to fulfill their functional area duties and responsibilities. Office/Facility-

Specific Qualification Standards supplement this technical Functional Area Qualification

Standard and establish unique operational competency requirements at the Headquarters or

Field element, site, or facility level.