THE PROBLEMS, PITFALLS, AND IMPACT OF A RISK ANALYSIS A CONTRACTOR'S VIEWPOINT

It is the policy of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to conduct its operations, including training, in a safe and environmentally sound manner. Protection of the environment, employees and the public are responsibilities of paramount concern to the DOE and its contractors. To this end, DOE has implemented DOE Order 5480.16, Firearms Safety, which requires that contractors and DOE elements conduct formal appraisals and audits of their firearms operations that includes a review of procedures, responsibilities and duty assignments of personnel within the firearms safety program. These appraisals may create problems for the contractors which are not covered by their contract with the DOE—such as Level Of Effort (LOE) hours and cost considerations, documentation or report requirements and approval of subcontracting efforts. Pitfalls to avoid during the appraisal include, but are not limited to, scheduling of available resources, thoroughness of subcontracting statements of work and deliverable schedules. This process impacts mission performance in a positive manner through improved procedures, training of personnel, program quality assurance and documentation and safety awareness.