Infrastructure Elements

DOE-STD-7501-99

INFRASTRUCTURE ELEMENTS

Overview

4.1

The DOE Corporate Lessons Learned Process is illustrated in Appendix B. It is composed of a

number of DOE and contractor local lessons learned programs supported by and coordinated

through the Lessons Learned Lead Office. The operating concept begins at the local levels where

individuals observe adverse outcomes, potential good work practices or applicable information

gathered from external sources. These are contributed to the local lessons learned program that

supports further review and analysis to verify that a lesson has been learned that has further local

applicability. The contributors should be acknowledged for identifying the potential lesson. If a local

lesson learned is developed, it is distributed to appropriate individuals through local practices.

Actions are then taken at the local level for inclusion into management systems and work practices.

The next step is to determine if the lesson has potential DOE-wide implications. If broader DOE

applicability is determined, then the local lesson learned is distributed to a select list of recipients

through a subscription list server. At the various DOE local levels, determinations of local

applicability will be made in accordance with local lessons learned processes. At the Headquarters

level, the Lessons Learned Lead Office is available to assist the contributing organization to

formulate a lessons learned appropriate for posting on the publicly accessible DOE Corporate

Lessons Learned database. The Corporate database is accessible through an information portal

which links all the local programs as well as providing links with external lessons learned

information sources. Each local DOE and contractor organization should identify an infrastructure

for supporting this operation.

4.2

Resources

The objective of the DOE Corporate Lessons Learned Programs is to provide a means of

communicating experiences which can potentially reduce risk, improve efficiency, and enhance the

cost effectiveness of DOE processes and operations. If additional funding is required (i.e.,

establishment of a new program), each DOE and contractor organization is responsible for

planning its funding needs and requesting appropriate resources through their annual budget

process.