Nuclear Explosive Safety Study

DOE-STD-1185-2004

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

FUNCTIONAL AREA QUALIFICATION STANDARD

PURPOSE

DOE M 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 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 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 (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 Nuclear Explosive Safety Study Functional Area Qualification Standard establishes common

functional area competency requirements for Department of Energy personnel who provide

assistance, direction, guidance, oversight, or evaluation of contractor technical activities that could

impact the safe operation of DOE's defense nuclear facilities. The technical Functional Area

Qualification Standard has been developed as a tool to assist DOE Program and Field office sin

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 ensures that 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.