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TVA’s Evaluation of New Technologies

Report Information

Date Issued
Report Number
2021-17261
Report Type
Inspection / Evaluation
Description
Due to risks associated with adopting unproven or immature technologies, the Office of the Inspector General conducted an evaluation to assess the Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA) methods for evaluating new technologies. We determined TVA has not established consistent methods for evaluating new technologies. Specifically, we found TVA has not (1) adopted a formal method for evaluating technology readiness or (2) managed technology readiness throughout projects. We also determined TVA has taken limited steps to address previously identified programmatic weaknesses related to Standard Programs and Processes and records management.
Joint Report
Yes
Participating OIG
Tennessee Valley Authority OIG
Agency Wide
Yes (agency-wide)
Questioned Costs
$0
Funds for Better Use
$0

Recommendations

We recommend the Vice President, Innovation and Research, and Vice President, New Nuclear Program, adopt a technology readiness assessment framework to provide common terminology and establish well-defined measures and methods to monitor technology development.

We recommend the Vice President, Innovation and Research, and Vice President, New Nuclear Program, in coordination with applicable organizations, establish a method for evaluating technology risk and readiness throughout projects involving new technologies.

We recommend the Vice President, Innovation and Research, and Vice President, New Nuclear Program, develop standard programs and processes to identify roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities for research and development activities.

We recommend the Vice President, Innovation and Research, and Vice President, New Nuclear Program, determine what constitutes an official research and development record and store such records in TVA’s content management system.