Construction/Modifications Best Practices

TVA's successful effort to restart Unit 1 at Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant (BFN) provides an opportunity to transfer knowledge to future generation projects to (1) improve project oversight, (2) improve project efficiency and effectiveness, (3) generate cost savings opportunities, and/or (4) reduce TVA's risk of fraud, waste, and abuse. OIG reviews of the BFN Unit 1 Restart project and TVA management's evaluations of the restart activities identified opportunities for improvement in future generation projects. Specifically: The OIG conducted reviews throughout the course of the project focusing on (1) payment of overheads and direct expenses, (2) craft time labor reporting, (3) equipment and tools controls, (4) inventory management and accounting, (5) the restart incentive program, and (6) contract compliance.TVA management identified areas they felt were "hard spots" during the project and developed key project control activities to avoid these issues in the future. Some "hard spots" identified related to (1) staffing and training, (2) self-assessments, (3) development of a comprehensive plan, (4) turnover, and (5) material and equipment availability.