Logistics and Support

Communicate logistical needs and requirements to the site well in advance of the review. For example:

Specify what documents need to be available to the team and that these documents need to be in a central location for easy access by the team during the review.

Specify that computers need to be up-to-date models. Printers and copying machines, with adequate supplies of paper, toner, etc., need to be dedicated to the team for the duration of the review.

Specify the word processing software needed (e.g., Word, PowerPoint).

Request administrative support personnel (typists with selected software experience if at all possible), as they are especially helpful when preparing the final pieces of documentation for the final report.

In cases where the review involves classified facilities/operations, schedule derivative classifiers to come to the work area and review the draft documentation at the end of the day during the last week of the review.

Request sufficient office space and computers to support, at a minimum, each functional area subgroup. Working in one large room is difficult since many discussions take place among site, review team, and field office groups.

Investigate whether laptops can be brought on-site. This is usually not an option when the review involves classified material. The site may require some form of property accountability pass. Establish clear formal and informal communications between the facility and the review team as early as possible. Define the "rules of the road." This will improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the ORR/RA. Explain the open, "filters off" nature of the daily team meetings, and state that other briefings can be held with management. While important, the number and the length of these meetings should be minimized to allow the members of the review team to do their job.

For further information or comments on the ORR web site, please contact James M. Heffner.