Review of Education Degrees for Contractors Assigned to the Watts Bar Nuclear Plant Unit 2 Construction Completion Project

Based on reports of government and contractor employees obtaining phony/counterfeit educational degrees, we conducted a review of Bechtel and subcontractor employees assigned to the Watts Bar Nuclear Plant Unit 2 Construction Completion Project (WBN U2 Project). Our objective was to validate, for selected personnel, the highest educational degree listed on the resume submitted for employment. Our review found no instances where an employee was hired based on a fraudulent degree. However, neither Bechtel nor the OIG was successful in verifying one employee's degree. Specifically, we recommended the Vice President, WBN U2 Project, in conjunction with the Bechtel Project Director, make certain that employees' educational degrees are verified if the degree is required for the position for which they are hired. Furthermore, a copy of a diploma supplied by an employee should not be considered adequate verification. TVA management agreed with our findings and recommendations and plans to take corrective action.