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Printer FriendlyRelease date: January 6, 1998
Contact: Mike Talbot (509) 376-5632,
michael_l_talbot@rl.gov
DOE Gives Pacific Northwest National Laboratory "EXCELLENT" for Fiscal Year 1997
The U.S. Department of Energy's Richland Operations Office has awarded Battelle an overall performance rating of "Excellent" for their Fiscal Year 1997 operation of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.Richland Operations Office Manager John Wagoner noted in his letter transmitting the performance rating to the Laboratory that "DOE continues to be very pleased with the Laboratory's performance and believes Battelle has positioned the Laboratory well for continued success in the future.
Battelle's ongoing efforts in effectively managing overhead cost, improving the safety of the work force and the public, institutionalizing the Integrated Assessment Program, and assisting the community through programs to support the growth of technology-based businesses should result in sound advancements in both science and technology programs and Laboratory operations for years to come."
This was the second year that the Laboratory's performance evaluation centered on six Critical Outcomes developed in partnership between Battelle and DOE.
The overall performance score for FY 1997 was a 4.3 on a 1.0 to 5.0 rating scale, slighly below the minimum score of 4.5 required for an Outstanding rating. The Laboratory's performance in the six Critical Outcomes includes the following highlights:
- The Laboratory successfully started up the $230 million Environmental
Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL) on schedule and within budget
despite a delay due to the discovery of Native American remains
on the original site. PNNL also established significant new research
programs to fully utilize the DOE national user facility, which
will develop the advanced science and technology necessary to
clean up environmental problems at government and industrial sites
across the country in an economically viable manner.
- The Laboratory demonstrated thirteen new environmental technologies
and successfully deployed fourteen environmental technologies,
an increase over FY 1996.
- The Laboratory continued with a strong performance in the area
of scientific excellence. External peer reviews continue to recognize
the high scientific quality, productivity and mission relevance
of the research programs. External reviews of the Battelle peer
review process indicated that the Battelle process should be utilized
as a model for other Laboratories.
- The Laboratory's completion of an organizational and system-related
infrastructure to support the Environment, Safety & Health/Operations
Critical Outcome was notable. The Operational Improvement Program
laid a firm foundation for continued success as Integrated Safety
Management becomes a reality.
- The Laboratory's performance within the Leadership Critical
Outcome emphasizes the work completed by Battelle in gathering
valuable insights into staff and management needs and continuing
to aggressively manage costs to provide the most effective and
efficient programs possible. The institution of the Integrated
Assessment Program (IAP), now in it's second year, is beginning
to show results as indicated by a higher than expected average
satisfaction rating from DOE customers.
- The Laboratory's performance in Economic Development was outstanding. The Laboratory was instrumental in the creation of ten new technology- based businesses in the Tri-Cities during FY 1997. This program has demonstrated fine leadership and success in reaching out to the community, creating opportunities for new businesses, new jobs, and increased capital investments in the community.
Under terms of Battelle Memorial Institute's contract they will receive a fixed-fee of $9.3 million for fiscal year 1997.
PNNL is one of DOE's nine national multiprogram laboratories and conducts basic and applied research to solve problems in environmental, energy, health, and national security arenas. The Laboratory has been operating since 1965.
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