Federal Reports

This review included identifying (1) performance trends based on Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) reports, (2) major contributing factors affecting performance trends, and (3) patterns of behavior that impact culture. Our review found Nuclear Power Group's (NPG) performance with respect to the INPO index, an industry standard in trending nuclear performance, safety, and reliability, declined through 2007 and then improved through 2010. We found outages, both planned and forced, were a major contributor to changes in performance. The majority of the unplanned outages appeared to be the result of equipment reliability issues. Factors contributing to performance improvement included a gap-based business plan and other new initiatives within the organization, including a focus on equipment reliability. As part of this project, we reviewed the following elements of NPG culture: (1) alignment, (2) progress, (3) standards, (4) accountability, and (5) attitude. We found management had taken actions that enhanced culture through alignment and progress. However, in the areas of standards, accountability, and attitude, we noted that while management had taken some corrective actions, culture could be further enhanced by addressing certain issues. We made recommendations, accordingly, to management.

ED OIG Semiannual Report 62 Final 508

The OIG audited the handling and processing of personally identifiable information (PII) provided to Cartus Corporation, a contractor for TVA. Our audit evaluated the (1) processes used to safeguard data transmitted from TVA to Cartus (2) handling, processing, and security of the data at Cartus, and (3) compliance with security-related contract terms. Generally, we found TVA controls for transmission of data to Cartus and its security controls for TVA data stored on its systems were effective in protecting the data. However, we identified control improvements that, if implemented, would strengthen Cartus' controls over data protection. Summary Only