Operations Overview, page two
By adapting methods for measuring particle tracks in high-energy physics experiments, Lab researchers Carl Haber (left) and Vitaliy Fadeyev created a noncontact method for restoring damaged and fragile mechanical recordings. Archivists estimate that 40 percent of the millions of recordings in the world's major sound archives could benefit from restoration with the Berkeley Lab technology.
Scientific success in the future will be heavily dependent upon having modern facilities, and a 74-year-old laboratory faces additional challenges brought by aging and outdated buildings. Facilities management will get a boost through the implementation of the “Integrated Facilities Condition Management System” by the end of 2007. Once deployed, it will be the first of its kind in the DOE complex and will enable the integration of all relevant data so that intelligent and strategic investments in facilities can be made.
The system uses an engineered process to determine building conditions, deferred maintenance, replacement values, a condition index, renewal forecasts, prioritized deficiencies, and ongoing maintenance plans. A DOE Office of Science validation team, in reviewing the program late last year, pronounced it a “best practice” for integrating all the critical components of facilities assessment, planning and maintenance.
In most well-run businesses, institutional assurance and assessment are key factors to ensuring efficient and productive operations. At Berkeley Lab, a new assurance system has been established to develop, apply and track metrics of management functions, resulting in timely, accountable, and strong central control of performance. The new Office of Institutional Assurance — charged with ensuring that the Lab’s contract compliance, scientific excellence, best management practices, and continuous improvement are achieved — has its first Director. Veteran project manager Jim Krupnick, who is currently overseeing the construction of the Molecular Foundry, will direct the assurance function and serve as the Laboratory’s Project Management Officer. The Office of Institutional Assurance that Krupnick will manage, established as part of the new management contract with UC, includes two offices — contract assurance, headed by John Chernowski, and project management, a role that Krupnick will fulfill. This internal oversight will validate that performance targets are achieved. The objectives? A culture that will aim towards zero accidents and environmental incidents, and 100 percent customer satisfaction.
One of the tools that will be used is a “balanced scorecard,” which will track performance evaluation measures in areas such as customer service, budget control, process reliability, compliance with rules and laws, and employee satisfaction. In operation since 1999, the scorecard will be expanded to include lab leadership and science and technology.
In concert with DOE commitments to small business contracting, Berkeley Lab intends to meet and exceed the goal of 50 percent of all subcontracts being allocated to small businesses for scientific and operations work. A new Small Business Program Office has been established to significantly expand both outreach and inreach activities, especially targeted to disadvantaged, underrepresented and women-owned businesses.