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Quality Systems Assessment Report

Final Report for the assessment of the quality system supporting the environmental data activities conducted and funded by the Great Lakes National Program Office (GLNPO). The assessment was conducted on July 24-27, 2006, in Chicago Illinois. The attached report summarizes the results from this assessment and proposed corrective actions by the GLNPO.

Summary of Notable Results

The finding listed here may be of particular importance to the management of the GLNPO Quality System. Details about this finding and other assessment results can be found in Section 3 of this report.

Findings

• Several inconsistencies were noted in implementation of the GLNPO Quality
  Management Plan (QMP).
  • Branch approval of quality plans in not occurring
  • Incomplete implementation of the Agency's Information Quality Guidelines
  • Lack of compliance with Agency's peer review reporting and tracking
    requirements
  • Lack of procedures for version control of disseminated information on the
    GLNPO Web sites
• GLNPO has not fully implemented QA procedures for approving and documenting QA
  requirements for procuring work via contract.
  • Lack of required organization Quality Assurance Review Form for documenting QA requirements
  • Lack of required contractor quality planning documents

Noteworthy Observations and Practices

• The GLNPO has implemented several noteworthy quality management processes for
  assuring and documenting the quality of its environmental data operations. QA is
  managed at the project level and the graded approach is applied. Tools implemented by
  the QA Manager for tracking QA requirements ensure planning for the appropriate
  quality of QA prior to data collection and use. Deficiencies are tracked and resolved with
  management input.
• The GLNPO Quality System practices are supported by management and staff.
  Management is routinely briefed on progress of the program and is actively involved in
  issues that enhance and improve implementation of the GLNPO Quality System.
• QA training is continuous and valued by all. QA Staff, Lake Team Leads, Project
  Officers and Managers were very knowledgeable about EPA's Quality System, and their
  roles and responsibilities for implementing GLNPO Quality Management Plan.
• Across GLNPO, assessment of the quality of existing data and documentation of the
  quality of existing data for intended use is a standard practice. This is commendable as
  the Agency is still attempting to define requirements for usability of existing data.
• There are excellent examples of innovative approaches to managing environmental data
  and information at the GLNPO. Major programs, including grants have incorporated QA
  requirements throughout the lifecycle of projects.
• The Great Lakes Legacy Act Program has developed very comprehensive approaches for
  quality management that entail "cradle-to-grave" QA requirements. These approaches
  adopt the best practices for sediment remediation and are endorsed by all stakeholders.
• GLNPO has implemented several electronic databases and Web-based tools that facilitate
  data management and information sharing.
• Centralization of project files and QA records provide easy access to complete
  information for decision-making. Management controls and oversight of the filing
  system appears to be efficient and effective for GLNPO programs.

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