[DOE LETTERHEAD]

 

November 21, 2006

 

The Honorable A. J. Eggenberger

Chairman

Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board

625 Indiana Avenue, NW, Suite 700

Washington, DC 20004

 

Dear Mr. Chairman:

 

I am writing you with regard to language included in the Fiscal Year 2007 National Defense Authorization Act Conference Report that directs the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board to report jointly with the Department of Energy (DOE) to the congressional defense committees regarding our efforts to improve the timeliness of identification and resolution of technical differences in the development of design standards for DOE nuclear facilities.  This report is to include recommendations, if any, for legislation that would strengthen and improve technical oversight of the Department's nuclear design and operational activities.

 

The purpose of this letter is to inform you that DOE's point of contacts for the preparation of this joint report are Andrew Lawrence, Director, Office of Nuclear Safety and Environment and John Nichols, Acting Director, Office of Nuclear Safety and Environmental Policy.  Mr. Lawrence can be reached at andrew.lawrence@hq.doe.gov or (202) 586-6740.  Mr. Nichols can be reached at john.nichols@hq.doe.gov or (301) 903-1018.

 

The Department looks forward to working with the Board in the preparation of this report.

 

Sincerely,

 

Mark B. Whitaker, Jr.

Departmental Representative to the

Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board

Office of Health, Safety and Security