Use of Job Shoppers at Fast Flux Test Facility

Concern was expressed over the use of independent onsite technical service personnel (job shoppers) by the Westinghouse Hanford Company for the Department of Energy's Fast Flux Test Facility at Richland, Washington. Specific allegations were that: individuals already employed by the Westinghouse Hanford Company are contracting with Westinghouse Hanford as independent onsite technical personnel or job shoppers, job shoppers hired by Westinghouse Hanford are creating their own job security by evaluating at their own discretion whether design engineering and installation are in compliance with criteria, and job shoppers receive inadequate supervision from Westinghouse Hanford managers. Job shoppers usually supply a highly specialized skill and use their expertise to determine if systems meet design criteria. Their recommendations are reviewed and approved by at least two levels of laboratory supervision and may require review and approval by the Department. Both the Department and the laboratory have specific procedures and controls for managing changes that job shoppers recommend. The Department's Audit Office issued a report which was critical of the laboratory's inconsistent timekeeping procedures and lack of a standard policy on hours of work for job shoppers. The audit report also found that the laboratory did not have adequate policies, procedures, practices, and internal controls to determine that it is in the Government's best interest to procure job shopper services, select individuals on a competitive or best qualified basis, and determine a reasonable rate.