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U.S. Department of Energy				POLICY
	  Washington, D.C.  				DOE P 251.1A
						Approved: 8-16-06


SUBJECT:  DEPARTMENTAL DIRECTIVES PROGRAM POLICY

PURPOSE AND SCOPE

The Departmental Directives Program manages and coordinates the
development of directives that provide direction and guidance
regarding Department of Energy (DOE) activities commensurate with
the Department’s strategic plan, applicable laws, regulations,
and Executive orders.  Directives contain Departmental
requirements and essential information for all DOE employees and
(to the extent specified in their contracts) contractors, thus
ensuring safe, secure, cost-effective, efficient operations.
Directives include Policy Statements, Orders, Notices, Manuals,
and Guides and technical standards developed by the Office of
Environment, Safety and Health.

This Policy cancels and supersedes DOE P 251.1, Directives System
Policy, dated 3-19-96.

POLICY

The policy of the Department of Energy is to use a consistent and
effective management system for the development, communication,
implementation, and review of its directives. Specifically,
directives:

1.	Do not duplicate or conflict with existing requirements
	contained in applicable laws, regulations, and Executive orders.
	Directives may establish supplemental instructions, guidance and
	standards for implementing applicable laws, regulations and
	Executive orders.  In accordance with Public Law (P.L.) 104-113,
	National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995, and
	Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-119, Federal
	Participation in the Development and Use of Voluntary Standards,
	adoption of voluntary consensus standards in lieu of creating 
	DOE-unique standards is encouraged when appropriate and applicable.
	Nothing in this Policy shall be construed to interfere with the
	National Nuclear Security Administration Administrator’s
	authority under section 3212(d) of P.L. 106-65 to establish
	Administration-specific policies, unless disapproved by the
	Secretary.
	
2.	Are clearly justified as necessary in fulfilling the mission
	of the Department.  Directives are to be in accordance with the
	Department’s legal obligations with respect to mission
	accomplishment, protection of health and safety of its workers
	and the public, protection of the environment, and national
	security.

3.	Are certified for accuracy and continued relevance every 
	4 years.

4.	Are developed through a collaborative effort utilizing a
	formal structure to ensure that all stakeholders have input and
	that all significant comments are satisfactorily resolved.

5.	Reviewers’ comments are approved by the Secretarial Officer
	or senior level designee, reflecting the unified position of the
	organization.

6.	With unresolved comments will be addressed through the
	impasse process, as specified in DOE M 251.1-1B, Chapter V, to
	bring expedited resolution.  Resolution of unresolved issues
	rests with the Deputy Secretary.
	
RESPONSIBILITIES

The Directives Program Order (DOE O 251.1B) and Manual (DOE 
M 251.1-1B) are to be used to integrate the principles contained in
this Policy in the development of all documents intended to
convey requirements or guidance to other organizations.

The Departmental Directives Program is managed by the Office of
Management.

						 SAMUEL W. BODMAN
						 Secretary of Energy