DOE IS SECOND LARGEST CONTRACTING AGENCY WHILE GAO HAS DESIGNATED DOE CONTRACT MANAGEMENT “HIGH RISK”

WASHINGTON, SEPT. 11, 2012 – “The Department of Energy (DOE) is responsible for many of our nation’s most critical national security missions, including managing the nuclear weapons labs and production sites, and the environmental remediation of hazardous nuclear facilities and materials,” said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL), Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.  “In this hearing, we will review DOE’s efforts to maintain the highest safety and security standards, as well as its record in managing its contractors, management the General Accounting Office (GAO) designated ‘high risk.’”

This hearting will be held on Wednesday, September 12, 2012, at 10:00 AM in 2124 RHOB.  The title of the hearing is “DOE’s Nuclear Weapon Complex: Challenges to Safety, Security, and Taxpayer Stewardship.”

Witnesses:  Daniel B. Poneman, Deputy Secretary, DOE (accompanied by Thomas P. D’Agostino, Under Secretary for Nuclear Security and Administrator, National Nuclear Security Administration, and Glenn S. Podonsky, Chief Health, Safety and Security Officer); Gregory H. Friedman, Inspector General, DOE; and Mark E. Gaffigan, Managing Director, Natural Resources and Environment Team, GAO.