Federal Reports

We determined a TVA contractor providing nuclear security services was incurring a high level of overtime due to work schedules and headcount limitations. The headcount limitations had resulted in TVA paying $1.84 million in extra labor costs during 2004 and 2005. We estimated if the trend continued TVA would pay an extra $3.5 million over the planned three-year remaining term of the contract. TVA management stated they had reviewed the contractor's staffing levels and determined additional full-time positions were needed to man the security posts. Also management stated they had taken action regarding the contractor's security manning requirements and shift scheduling that will reduce overtime to acceptable levels. Summary Only

At the request of TVA Occupational Health and Workers' Compensation, we performed a limited scope review to assess whether policies, procedures, and key control activities ensure compliance with TVA's Prescription Safety Eyewear Program requirements. In summary, we determined TVA's policies and procedures adequately address the eligibility requirements and process to be followed in order to obtain prescription safety eyewear. However:Policies and procedures regarding prescription safety eyewear (1) do not address the retention of supporting documentation for purchases of prescription safety eyewear and (2) are not being complied with by all the Safety Eyewear Coordinators. Policies and procedures could be strengthened to clearly identify the time frame constraints for obtaining replacement eyewear. Current identifiers used for employees are not unique to a single employee. TVA management agreed with our findings and recommendations and has taken or plans to take corrective action.

To obtain further information, please contact the OIG Office of Counsel at OIGCounsel@oig.treas.gov, (202) 927-0650, or by mail at Office of Treasury Inspector General, 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington DC 20220.

We compared Gallatin Fossil Plant (GAF) coal receipts using TVA and terminal shipment weights to identify whether any significant variances exist. Our review covered December 1, 2005, to May 3, 2006. We determined (1) coal receipt information input into FuelWorx (FWX) and the Daily Coal Report (DCR) were generally accurate and (2) significant variances exist between vendor/terminal invoiced weights and TVA delivered weights. Specifically:All but 1 of the 64 tested coal shipments were input into FWX and the DCR accurately. The net effect of all terminal versus TVA weight variances shows that TVA received approximately 31,000 tons more coal than reported on the terminal shipping notices. We also noted that when TVA weights are unavailable, terminal weights are input as TVA weights. Two additional issues cited by GAF personnel were that (1) the responsible individual is not always informed when TVA weights are unavailable and (2) not all scale personnel receive formalized training.TVA management agreed with our findings and recommendations and has taken or plans to take corrective action.