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Audit of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s Recruiting and Retention Activities

Report Information

Date Issued
Report Number
OIG-NRC-25-A-03
Report Type
Audit
Joint Report
No
Agency Wide
Yes (agency-wide)
Questioned Costs
$0
Funds for Better Use
$0
View report on Oversight.gov

Recommendations

Develop data quality controls for the WTTS, create/update detailed guidance for implementing these controls, and train staff to perform these controls properly, especially with regard to the dates and information expected in key WTTS data fields.

Agency Response Dated January 17, 2025: Job aids are being updated and will include data quality controls. Training sessions are being conducted to equip staff with the necessary skills to perform these data controls effectively. Additional enhancements based on initial trial results will be incorporated as needed to maintain data integrity.<br />
OIG Analysis: The proposed actions meet the intent of the recommendation. The OIG will close the recommendation after verifying that data quality controls for the WTTS have been developed, implemented through guidance, and staff trained. This recommendation remains open and resolved.

Update the format of WTTS reports to ensure they clearly capture the information required for internal reviews and external reporting.

Agency Response Dated January 17, 2025: Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO)/Human Capital Analysis Branch (HCAB) has updated the WTTS report formats to ensure they effectively capture the necessary information for internal reviews and external reporting. Refinements are ongoing to enhance clarity and alignment with reporting requirements.<br />
OIG Analysis: The proposed actions meet the intent of the recommendation. The OIG will close the recommendation after verifying that WTTS report formats have been updated to capture the necessary information. This recommendation remains open and resolved.

Update guidance and ensure that all OCHCO staff take appropriate training regarding the hiring process. This training should include refresher training.

Agency Response Dated January 17, 2025: OCHCO/Associate Director for Human Resources Operations and Policy (ADHROP) is updating Human Resource (HR) Specialist training modules to comprehensively cover the hiring process. Refresher training will be included and will be conducted every 3-5 years, as appropriate.<br />
OIG Analysis: The proposed actions meet the intent of the recommendation. The OIG will close the recommendation after verifying that OCHCO staff training has been updated and a plan is in place to conduct the training on a recurring basis. This recommendation remains open and resolved.

Develop procedures and adjust the functions/tasks between the HR specialists and hiring managers to better balance the workload among the staff.

Agency Response Dated January 17, 2025: NRC initiated an evaluation of the Hiring Process in August 2024. The evaluation is being conducted by the internal hiring process assessment team and its contractor, AvantGarde. Updated procedures addressing the OIG recommendation will be developed based on the evaluation’s findings. <br />
OIG Analysis: The proposed actions meet the intent of the recommendation. The OIG will close the recommendation after verifying that procedures have been updated to better balance the workload between the HR specialists and hiring managers. This recommendation remains open and resolved.

Develop plans to expand the use of the NRC’s excepted service authority.

Agency Response Dated January 17, 2025: NRC initiated an evaluation of the Hiring Process in<br />
August 2024. The evaluation is being conducted by the internal hiring process assessment team and its contractor, AvantGarde. Updated procedures addressing the OIG recommendation will be developed based on the evaluation’s findings.<br />
OIG Analysis: The proposed actions meet the intent of the recommendation. The OIG will close the recommendation after verifying that the NRC develops plans to expand its excepted service authority. This recommendation remains open and resolved.