[DOE LETTERHEAD]

 

National Nuclear Security Administration

 

April 28, 2003

 

The Honorable John T. Conway

Chairman

Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board

625 Indiana Avenue, N.W.

Suite 700

Washington, D.C. 20004

 

Dear Mr. Chairman:

 

In your letter of March 25, 2003, to the Administrator, you expressed concern about certain Software Quality Assurance (SQA) deficiencies at the Pantex site.  We understand and concur with your position.  You further requested that within 30 days of your letter, the National Nuclear Security Administration provide you a report addressing the actions being taken to improve the SQA for the Integrated Electronic Procedures and the actions being taken to improve software quality for the Move-Right system, including independent verification and validation efforts.

 

This is a complex issue and recent problems have been encountered related to the Move-Right process.  The contractor and site office require additional time to ensure your concerns are adequately addressed.  We will provide you a response by May 27, 2003.

 

If you have any questions, please contact me or have your staff contact Jeff Underwood at (301) 903-8303 or Steve Erhart at (806) 477-6150.

 

Sincerely,

 

Everet H. Beckner

Deputy Administrator

for Defense Programs

 

cc:

J. McConnell, DNFSB

W. Andrews, DNFSB

M. Whitaker, S-3.1

D. Glenn, PXSO