PURPOSE

• The purpose of the Configuration Management Subgroup (CMSG) is to promote excellence in the Department of Energy (DOE) Configuration Management programs through information sharing and application of lessons learned within the DOE complex. 

• The CMSG is a working committee whose intent is to facilitate the objectives of the Energy Facility Contractors Group (EFCOG) as it relates to Configuration Management.  The CMSG subsumes the CAD/CAE Subgroup, and now includes its activities/issues of interest under the CM umbrella. 

• The Group’s scope will include the areas of Change Control, As-built and As-found processes, Document Control, Computer-Aided Design and Engineering (CAD/CAE), Drafting, Component Indices Information Management, Calculations, Assessment, and Library services.  Communication with other EFCOG groups will ensure that no parallel work occurs.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the CMSG are to:

• To provide a forum for exchange of ideas, needs, and wants among the DOE complex-wide employees.

• Promote, coordinate, and facilitate the active exchange of successful Configuration Management programs, practices, procedures, lessons learned, and other pertinent information of common interest to contractors and subcontractors.

• Promote training on Configuration Management by sharing of management and technical information among contractors through mechanisms such as workshops, task groups, and seminars.

• Develop strategic alliances that:

  • Increase awareness and involvement of senior contractor management.

  • Increase awareness and involvement of middle and line management.

  • Provide information bridges within the DOE.

• The CMSG will operate within the scope of EFCOG.

• The CMSG will facilitate interaction with outside agencies and organizations regarding application of Configuration Management methods in the DOE complex.

• The CMSG will facilitate the exchange of information through workshops, working groups, written materials, etc.

• The CMSG will not lobby, advocate independent positions, or try to change DOE policy.  However, configuration management activity may be discussed and suggestions for improvement made to the DOE.

• Activities will focus on any aspect of DOE functions and operations that are pertinent to the promotion of excellence and will include programmatic, management, operational and technical areas.  This will include areas such as environment, safety and health, quality assurance, administration, construction, operations, maintenance, and other areas determined by the Working Group Steering Committee.

• Both nuclear and non-nuclear activities and facilities are included throughout their entire life cycles.

• Membership in the CMSG is limited to Management and Operations (M&O) / Environmental Restoration Management Contract (ERMC) contractors who are current EFCOG members or associate members.

• The CMSG will maintain a balance in membership, to the degree possible, of M&O / ERMC representatives.  A review of representation will be conducted by the Steering Committee membership at least annually.

• A single contact for the CMSG will be identified for each participating M&O / ERMC contract to facilitate communication.

• Initially, the EFCOG Executive Directors may assign the Chairperson.  If elected from the group membership, the Chairperson position will require a majority vote by the active members.  The Chairperson’s term of office will be one year.  If for any reason the Chairperson is required to terminate prior to the designated time, the CMSG shall elect a new Chairperson.

• The Chairperson will select the steering Committee members with input from the sponsoring director and other Steering Committee members.  The intent of the selection of Steering Committee members is to achieve a broad representation across the entire DOE complex.

• The CMSG Chairperson will direct the overall actions of the Group.  Other roles will be elected by a majority vote as the need for them arises.The Steering Committee Chairperson is designated as the single point of contact for official EFCOG communication.  This is not intended to restrict other informal communications.

• Topic / Task subgroups will be endorsed as needed and will operate under the general guidance of the CMSG Steering Committee and within the EFCOG Charter and EFCOG Working Group Operating Manual.  Establishment of topic / task subgroups must be approved by the EFCOG Executive Council Directors.

• CMSG Steering Committee meetings will be held when needed, as determined by the CMSG Chairperson, or when requested by three Steering Committee members.  

DURATION AND COST/BENEFITS

• It is anticipated that the CMSG will continue as long as the cost/benefit and sufficient interest is shown to exist.

• At time of formation, it is anticipated that the cost of supporting this CMSG will be minimal.  Several prospective members have expressed a desire to keep the time-and-cost commitment to an absolute minimum.  As such, the benefit will likely far exceed the anticipated cost.  This statement is further supported by the fact that the formation process has already produced a site-by-site contact list and program survey; these had not existed previously and, by testimonial, have already proven to be of benefit to more than one member.

• Whether or not physical products such as these continue to be produced, it is likely that the net benefit may be difficult to quantify in terms of dollars saved.  Benefits may generally be qualitative, subjective, and anecdotal – however, every opportunity to show substantiated cost savings from CMSG efforts will be sought and covered in the annual report.

• Finally, another measurement tool for benefit is participation – the average number and diversity of participants in CMSG activities.  The more participants in the CMSG, the greater opportunity for sharing lessons learned, and the greater potential for cost savings.