This is the third in a series of public meetings to examine the Department of Energy's (DOE) implementation of Recommendation 2004-1, Oversight of Complex, High-Hazard Nuclear Operations. The Board is reviewing DOE's and the National Nuclear Security Administration's (NNSA) safety management and oversight of the contracts and contractors they rely upon to accomplish the mission assigned to DOE and NNSA under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, at defense nuclear facilities. We will focus on what impact DOE's and NNSA's new initiatives, including changes to DOE directives, contractor oversight, and governance, may have upon assuring adequate protection of the health and safety of the public and workers at DOE's and NNSA's defense nuclear facilities. We are conducting this series of public meetings to collect information needed to understand and address any health or safety concerns that may require Board action.

In the March 31, 2011 meeting the Board will explore in more depth federal safety management and oversight policies being developed and administered by DOE and NNSA for defense nuclear facilities. DOE and NNSA senior leaders will articulate their views on the role of line and independent oversight to safely accomplish their work at defense nuclear facilities. The Board will examine DOE's and NNSA's evolving approach to federal oversight and its relationship to contractor assurance systems as well as the effect of changes to DOE directives. The public hearing portion of this proceeding is authorized by 42.U.S.C. § 2286b.